Naming and Investigating Visible and Invisible Differences in Group

Hosted by: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. 

Facilitated by Tina Alexander, LCSW, & Aaron Bandy, NBCT, LCSW

In this dialogue, we will explore the decisions clinicians make about when, how, and whether or not to notice and name visible and invisible differences in group. As clinicians grow in their own identity development awareness they may notice that differences in group members become more apparent and take on new meaning and importance. We will process and discuss how or why we may choose to address visible and invisible differences in group member’s identities and how these choices impact the group's development.

Members arrive in our group with visible and invisible identities that inform how they interact and are perceived in the world and in your group. In this dialogue, we will explore and process together the decisions we have made to name or not name visible and invisible differences in our groups and process how each choice may have been right for your group.

Note: All therapists and students in the therapy field are welcome.

Facilitators:

Tina Alexander (she/her/her) is an African-American, clinical social worker and counselor. Tina is currently providing counseling services at The University of Texas Austin’s Counseling and Mental Health Center as the Diversity Counseling and Outreach Liaison to African/Black Diaspora students on campus. Tina is an active member of the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society and has been a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee at AGPS for one and a half years. Tina is a 3rd generation Austinite and considers herself North East Austin's favorite plant lady. 

Aaron D. Bandy (he/him/his) is a Mexican-American Queer national board certified teacher, clinical social worker, counselor and psychotherapist. Aaron is currently providing counseling services at The University of Texas Austin’s Employee Assistance Program, and also maintains a psychotherapy private practice. Aaron is an active member of the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society and is currently serving on the AGPS board as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Aaron lives in East Austin with his husband Allen and their poodle puppy Otis.