Conference Reflections
Michele D. Ribeiro, EdD, ABPP, CGP, AGPA-F, APA-F
Dear Colleagues and Friends of Division 49:
As autumn settles in, it’s hard to believe that convention was just two months ago—it already feels like so much has happened since then. While I won’t dwell on the challenges of the moment, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the convention and participated in Division 49’s programming.
We had some truly outstanding presentations and posters this year. I was fortunate to attend several, including two especially memorable sessions:
- The Evolution of Group Psychotherapy to Liberation Ecosystems by Dr. Raquel Martin, featured on the main stage, and
- Using G-REP and EMDR Therapy/GTEP-Based Interventions in Groups and 1:1 Settings presented by Dr. Deborah Silveria and Michelle Gottlieb.
I’m working to organize both of these as CE webinars, so keep an eye out for our Educational Webinar Series, launching this November.
Another highlight for me was joining Dr. Maria Riva in visiting the poster sessions. It was a joy to engage with so many students and researchers and to witness the creativity and passion they bring to advancing the field of group psychotherapy.
I want to extend a special congratulations to our poster award winners:
1st Place: Tianxin Wang – Examining Group Members’ Interpersonal Style Discrepancies on Treatment Outcome in EBGT.
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- 2nd Place: Hyera Nam – Intragroup Dialogue in the Korean Context: A mixed Methods Study with isgender Participants
- 3rd Place: Julie A. Wojtaszek – Group Therapy: Benefits, Barriers, and Using Research to Make Groups More Attractive.
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- It was also deeply meaningful to reconnect with my mentees from the Division 49 Institute. Together with Kun Wang, Yifei Du, and Sarayu Iyengar, we presented on Nurturing Mentee Relationships in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Group Therapy Training. These conversations are so vital to the growth of our field and I was so honored to hear some of their journey into becoming a psychologist. Thank you all again for co-presenting.
Another heartfelt thank you goes to our Convention Program Chair, Dr. Kristin Miserocchi, who curated a fantastic program. The convention was a wonderful opportunity to reunite with longtime colleagues and welcome new members—especially during our social, where the energy and excitement were palpable.
We have a tremendously talented membership, and I’m excited for how we’ll continue to address the complex challenges facing our communities. Research into group dynamics and their individual and societal impacts remains critical in this work. As such, I want to recognize the powerful contributions of Division 48 (Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence), especially under the leadership of Dr. Roy Eidelson, whose efforts exemplify how to speak truth to power in the pursuit of justice. My hope is that we can partner with this division more in the coming years to see how we can create synergy on our shared goals toward peace and justice.
As I enter my tenth month as your President-Elect, I’m increasingly aware of how essential strong, equitable leadership is to the health of any group or organization. Thus, I’m honored to serve alongside our dedicated President, Dr. Joe Miles, whose thoughtful leadership continues to guide our division. I also want to thank David DeVito for keeping us grounded, organized, and moving forward. I’m grateful to both of you.
Division 49 Board Positions
The Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy (the American Psychological Association’s Division 49) seeks nominations for two positions on its Board of Directors.
If you’re interested in shaping the future of Division 49 and supporting our vibrant community, I encourage you to consider getting involved or nominating someone. It’s a great way to engage with our mission and help foster growth and learning in group psychology and group psychotherapy.
The positions are:
· Domain Representative of Education and Training
· Domain Representative of Early Career Professionals
Position descriptions, terms of office, and the nomination process are outlined below.
Division 49 provides a professional home for all psychologists interested in the study and application of group dynamics. The division promotes the development and advancement of the field of group psychology and the modality of group psychotherapy through research, teaching, education, and clinical practice.
Position Responsibilities
Domain Representative of Education and Training
Term of office: Three Years – January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
Duties: This Domain Representative advocates for and puts forth opinions that represent the values, priorities and perspectives of education, teaching, training and continuing education of group Psychologists who engage in health service practice. They work to enhance integration of science and practice in the education and training of group psychologists. This may include working with CCPTP and ACCTA. Each year this member works together and collaborates with the leadership of Group Specialty Council.
A full description of the duties and responsibilities of the Domain Representative of Education and Training is available upon request.
Domain Representative of Early Career Professionals
Term of office: Three Years – January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
Duties: This Domain Representative advocates for and puts forth opinions that represent the values, priorities and perspectives of early career professionals. They have been licensed for less than 10 years. They chair the ECP committee and collaborate with the Student Representatives.
Nomination Materials
To nominate yourself as a candidate, please submit the following:
1. A brief summary of your interest in the position, the skills you bring, and any vision or ideas about the impact you would hope to make.
2. Biography of no more than 250 words
3. Copy of your CV
4. Headshot to be used in the election
Nomination Deadline: October 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Submission: to David DeVito at david@amcsource.com
Election: Will take place from October 22 – 31, 2025
Questions: Please contact David DeVito, Administrator Executive for Division 49 at david@amcsource.com
As always, thank you for being part of this community and for engaging in all the ways you do to make our communities, society and the world a better place.