NEW YORK, MARCH 5, 2026— The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) announced today the new Officers and members of the Board of Directors who will be installed at AGPA Connect March 2-7, 2026.

Leonardo Leiderman, PsyD, ABPP, FAACP, CGP, AGPA-F will be assuming the position of President of AGPA. Dr. Leiderman is a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology and Group Psychology and is the Director of Neurofeedback & Psychological Services, in Purchase, N.Y. He was the Director of Westchester County's first Bilingual/Bicultural Mental Health Treatment Program at St. Vincents Hospital & Medical Center for almost 20 years. He served on many Mental Health and Governmental Boards of Directors including the 18th Congressional District Hispanic Advisory and the Westchester County Hispanic Advisory Boards. He has lectured extensively nationally and internationally and has made guest appearances on both radio and television on topics related to mental health and trauma. He co-edited the book Advances in Group Therapy Trauma Treatment (2025) by Leiderman & Buchele, and is a prolific author of published peer reviewed articles, chapters, and columns. He received the Alonso Award for Excellence in Psychodynamic Group Theory and the Dr. Robert Klein Social Responsibility awards from the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health. He is the past- Editor of AGPA’s newsletter The Group Circle, and on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.

“AGPA is the professional home to thousands of group therapists who provide help to those in need,” said Lorraine Wodiska, PhD, ABPP-F, CGP, AGPA-F, AGPA President. “The organization is privileged to have the experience and strong leadership of Dr. Leiderman in place to guide us over the coming years.”

Other members of the organization who will be taking office will be as follows:

AGPA Officers

Deborah Sharp, LCSW, CGP, AGPA-F, President-Elect, 2026-2028

Jacquelin Darby, PsyD, CGP, Secretary, 2026-2028

Eri Suzuki Bentley, PhD, CGP, Treasurer, 2026-2028

About AGPA

The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) is the foremost professional association dedicated to the field of group psychotherapy, operating through a multi-organizational structure: AGPA, a professional and educational organization; the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health, a philanthropic arm; the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists, a standard setting and certifying body; and the Affiliate Societies Assembly representing 20 local and regional affiliate societies providing continuing education, consultation, and support for group therapists across the country. AGPA represents over 2,000 mental health professional members, including clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and psychiatrists, as well as mental health, family, school, and pastoral counselors, many of whom have been recognized as specialists through the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists. AGPA members are experienced licensed mental health professionals who lead psychotherapy groups and/or various non-clinical groups. Many members are organizational specialists who work within the corporate world, non-for-profit organizations, and other groups to help them improve their functioning and delivery of services.  

AGPA is committed to supporting the dignity and psychological safety of every individual without discrimination regarding race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sex, age, or disability. Central to our mission is a belief in the power of groups to treat mental illness, heal the scars from traumatic events, and enhance the well-being of adults and children in their families, schools, corporate settings, and communities. 

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