NEW YORK, March 8, 2023— The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists will be presenting the 2023 Harold S. Bernard Group Psychotherapy Training Award to the Toronto Institute of Group Studies (TIGS). The presentation will take place during AGPA Connect 2023 in New York City at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel on Wednesday, March 8, during the Inaugural Tri-Organizational Awards Ceremony, 7:00 – 8:30 PM.

This award was established in 2001 and is given annually to an individual or organization whose work in group training and/or education contributes to excellence in the practice of group psychotherapy. It was renamed through a legacy gift provided to the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health by Dr. Bernard for the purpose of endowing the award. Throughout his lifetime, training in group psychotherapy was near and dear to Dr. Bernard’s heart. His legacy bequest and this award insure that individuals and programs meeting a high standard of training quality be identified and honored for their contributions to the field in developing the next generation of clinicians who use group psychotherapy to help people.

TIGS is being recognized for trainings that are noted for their breadth and depth. Trainings range from four intensive weekends, to day-long events as well as no-cost consultation groups. Attendees have a chance to be exposed to various therapy models from the traditional psychodynamic approach to system-centered theory and interpersonal neurobiology. In addition to traditional training, TIGS also provides customized trainings specific to institutions as well as training in emerging areas of need, such as the trainings in leading online groups it started during the COVID pandemic. TIGS also recognizes the critical importance of social justice and integrates anti-racism and anti-oppression work into all of its trainings.

“TIGS is the leading institution for group training in Canada,” said Steve Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, AGPA-F, Certification Board Chair. “Their educational leadership and dedication to growing the field of group psychotherapy is a prime example of the meaning of this award.”

The past few years’ recipients of the award are as follows; the full list can be found here.

2022: Howard University Counseling Service

2021: Farooq Mohyuddin, MD, CGP, AGPA-F

2020: J. Scott Rutan, PhD, AGPA-DF

This award presentation is a highlight of AGPA Connect 2023 in New York City. Entitled "Group as a Catalyst for Reimagining and Embracing Our Future” this meeting attracts 1,000 group therapists, researchers and scientists from around the world. Group therapists of all disciplines gather to learn the most effective techniques in working with a variety of populations in groups, an increasingly utilized modality due to its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The theme reflects the meeting’s emphasis on the power of groups to effect change in meaningful ways on personal and societal levels. For more information, contact AGPA at (212) 297-2190 or visit www.agpa.org.

About the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists

The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists is a standard setting and certifying body. This multidisciplinary credentialing body has over 1,500 certified clinicians, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors and creative arts therapists who are recognized as group specialists through the Certified Group Psychotherapist credential.

About AGPA

The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) is the foremost professional association dedicated to the field of group psychotherapy, operating through a tri-partite structure: AGPA, a professional and educational organization; the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health, its philanthropic arm; and the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists, a standard setting and certifying body. AGPA represents 2,000 mental health professional members including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, as well as mental health, family, creative arts therapists and pastoral counselors, many of whom have been recognized as specialists through the Certified Group Psychotherapist credential. Its members are experienced mental health professionals who lead psychotherapy groups and various non-clinical groups. Many are organizational specialists who work with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, communities and other "natural" groups to help them improve their functioning. The association also has local and regional societies located across the country.

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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