Dear Colleagues:

The 2018 Annual Meeting of the AGPA will be held in Houston, Texas from Monday, February 26 through Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks at the Galleria. The theme is "The Healing Power of Groups in a Fragmented World."

The Huffington Post ranked Houston as one of the "coolest cities" in the US. Houston is known as the "dining out capital of the world" with diverse ethnic cuisine, some of the best TexMex and margaritas this side of the Rio Grande, Gulf Coast seafood, as well as some amazing modern chefs with contemporary restaurants. The cultural richness ranges from funky to avant garde with great museums, world class theatre, opera, symphony and dance. The robust live music scene includes blues, folk, rock and a scattering of jazz. The weather is pleasant in Houston in February and March and will provide a break from any winter blues and allow all to explore the unique architecture and stroll in the many parks and bayous.

Our most recent meeting provided an opportunity for us to reflect on the past contributions of AGPA and to build toward the future. One of the most beautiful things about AGPA is that it has provided wonderful connections for so many people over the years. If you are new to AGPA, don't miss this opportunity to make some connections for a lifetime. Our connections to one another are even more important in this fragmented world.

AGPA is a strong leader in teaching about group therapy throughout the year including our distance learning opportunities with the highlight being our Annual Meeting. From formal presentations and lectures to experiential learning and demonstration groups, attendees have rich opportunities to learn and grow. Diverse theoretical perspectives are presented. Recent research findings are discussed. Attendees come from diverse disciplines and backgrounds as we serve varied populations in a wide range of settings.

How does group therapy promote attachment?  What insights from group therapy might inform our response to the global challenges that we face? How do groups counter fragmentation? What are important future directions for group therapy research? How might neuroscience influence our ability to foster connection?  How do the creative arts enhance our interpersonal connections?

These topics and more can be addressed by submitting proposals for the Specific Institute Sections, Workshops, and Open Sessions that are relevant to the theme "The Healing Power of Groups in a Fragmented World." We welcome proposals from a research perspective related to a specific theoretical approach as well as those that focus on techniques and interventions geared to specific populations or models of therapy.

Additionally for those interested in leading Process Group Experience (PGE) sections at the Annual Meeting, the National Institute Instructor Designate section will be held in 2018, the application may be found under the Institute section of the online submission form. In order to lead a PGE section, you must complete this training.

Qualifications for the Instructor Designate Section:
1. Prior Process Group Experience sponsored by the Institute is required. The applicant must have attended three process groups, national or local affiliates with at least two groups being national.
2. Applicant should submit personal data including training, years and frequency of running groups, theoretical orientation and courses in group therapy (e.g., CGP course).
3. Applicant should submit two letters of recommendation from senior AGPA members or supervisors and/or trainers familiar with their work and with the Institute or its equivalent.

One way that we stay connected and learn together is through your participation and contribution to the Annual Meeting. We hope you will join us for this special meeting.

Submissions are due by May 5, 2017. The online submission form is located on our website at https://www.eiseverywhere.com/eSites/232784/Instructions. We look forward to receiving your proposals and to an exciting Meeting in 2018.

Sincerely,

Martha Gilmore, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA
Alexis D. Abernethy, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA
Co-Chairs, Annual Meeting Committee


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