Australian Association of Group Psychotherapists

The Australian Association of Group Psychotherapists Inc. (AAGP Inc). was founded in 1973 to promote the development, training in, and practice of psychoanalytic group psychotherapy in Australia. The Association is a member of the European Group Analytic Training Institutions Network (EGATIN) and an organizational affiliate of the International Association of Group Psychotherapists. It has close links with the Group Analytic Society, London.

Nationally there are 46 full members, with another 11 in training. Members have a postgraduate clinical qualification usually in psychiatry, psychology or social work. Training Programmes undertaken by the AAGP are provided in Victoria and Queensland.

Group psychotherapy, provided by AAGP members, is guided by psychoanalytic principles, and is an economic and effective form of treatment. Psychoanalysis is based on the theory that our present is shaped by our past. We are often unaware of how experiences can affect us and painful feelings can remain in the unconscious mind. These unacknowledged feelings from past events can influence our current mood and behaviour, and contribute to problems with self-esteem, personality, relationships and work. Common problem-solving often fails to provide relief.

The group provides a setting in which self-understanding, experiential learning and peer support can combine to bring about those internal changes necessary to improve self-acceptance, and personal and work relationships. This is accomplished through reflection, the interaction of individuals within the group, and with the facilitation of experienced group psychotherapists, trained within our framework.

For further information, and details of our Training Programmes please refer to our website: www.groupanalysis.net.au

PACFA Section Psychoanalysis/ Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Website link www.groupanalysis.net.au