Notice: This Program is No Longer Accepting New Referrals
As of September 2024, we have paused referrals to the Psychodynamic Group program due to the overwhelming referrals we have received. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
MDABC offers a group program in Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy, led by Dr. Robert Nathan. This program is transdiagnostic and can be helpful for patients coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and other mental health difficulties.
What is Psychodynamic Group Therapy?
Psychodynamic group psychotherapy is form of long-term therapy that takes place in a small group. Members contribute and relate spontaneously, sharing things of emotional significance and reacting to other members in an open and supportive environment. As in long-term individual therapy, the unstructured format allows for the group to respond dynamically to the most important emotional issues at any given time. The group format confers unique benefits including creating a sense of community, interpersonal learning, and altruism through helping others.
History and Development of Psychodynamic Group Therapy
Psychodynamic group psychotherapy is a well-established form of therapy that has been practiced since the early 20th century. Studies have shown that for many conditions the outcomes of psychodynamic group psychotherapy are as good or better than for individual psychodynamic psychotherapy.
How does MDABC’s Psychodynamic Group Therapy program work?
To be considered for this program, you must be referred to us by a psychiatrist (not a general practitioner). Before the group starts, you will meet with Dr. Nathan for 1 individual session to ensure Psychodynamic Group Therapy is a good fit, to review the structure of the program, and to answer any questions. The group is a long-term form of therapy that runs for 1.75 hours each week, via Zoom. The group will have 6-9 participants.
What happens in the psychodynamic group therapy group sessions?
Sessions have no predetermined agenda. Members will share with the group whatever is on their mind that they wish to discuss, typically something that has emotional importance for them. Other group members are free to respond spontaneously with their reactions and reflections, or to introduce new topics they wish to share with the group. In this way, the discussion evolves through the interactions of members throughout the session.
Is psychodynamic group therapy an appropriate treatment for me?
Psychodynamic group therapy can be an effective treatment for many psychiatric syndromes. The MDABC psychodynamic group therapy program is currently being offered across diagnoses for patients seeking to improve their interpersonal abilities and to develop a deeper understanding of how their own psychological tendencies may contribute to their life difficulties.