#52 Dr. Molyn Leszcz, President of APGA, on the Effectiveness of Evidence-Based Group Psychotherapy to Heal Mental Illness

Therapy Show

Dr. Molyn Leszcz is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Dr Leszcz served as Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Sinai Health System from 2006-2017 and as Vice Chair, Clinical for Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, from 2010-2017, his academic and clinical work has focused on improving integration in psychiatric care and broadening the application of psychotherapy within psychiatry. HIs research has focused on group psychotherapy for individuals with cancer, and genetic or familial predisposition to cancer; group psychotherapy for patients with schizophrenia; evidence-based approaches to group therapy and modified interpersonal group psychotherapy for patients with substance abuse; and the application of psychological interventions to improve health care workers' wellness. Dr. Leszcz co-authored with Irvin Yalom, Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, the 6th edition was recently released in 2020. He also co-authored the book in the Psychotherapy Essentials to Go series, Achieving Psychotherapy Effectiveness, was published in 2015. Dr. Leszcz was awarded the Anne Alonso Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychodynamic Group Therapy and also was awarded Distinguished Fellowship in the American Group Psychotherapy Association, has been the recipient of a number of teaching awards at the University of Toronto and is a Fellow of The Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association. Dr. Leszcz is the President of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and is a member of the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists as well as the Editorial Committee of the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.

Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several clients at the same time When facilitated with evidenced-based theory, Group Therapy can help individuals make profound and lasting changes in their lives. Group Therapy is often the main type of modality used in intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, inpatient psychiatric units and residential treatment centers, and is commonly integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes individual therapy and medication. Groups can be as small as three or four people; however, group therapy sessions typically involve around seven to twelve individuals. The precise manner in which the session is conducted depends largely on the goals of the group and the style of the therapist. Some therapists might encourage a more free-form style of dialogue, where each member participates as he or she sees fit. Other therapists instead have a specific plan for each session that might include having clients practice new skills with other members of the group.

Re-released from Therapy Show Podcast #10

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is not a substitute for getting help from a mental health professional.