The Forgotten Only Child in Process Groups

Rates of only children are rising in the United States and globally, yet their developmental experience remains underexamined and often reduced to stereotype. In group therapy—where dynamics often mirror sibling relationships—only children may face unfamiliar challenges in navigating peer conflict and belonging, while also bringing strengths such as self-reflection and comfort with adult relationships. This workshop will help group leaders develop greater cultural and developmental competence by examining how only-child experiences shape group participation, transference, and countertransference, and by offering strategies to support integration, differentiation, and engagement in the group-as-a-whole.

3.5 CE credits for attendance.

Objectives:

1. Identify three diverse identities whose intersection with only-child status has been insufficiently explored in the research literature.
2. Explain how regression can affect an only child in group and in relationship with the leader.
3. Describe how responses to anger in group settings may differ between only children and individuals with siblings.

Scholarships are available. To apply, please click .

Presenter:

Christina was always drawn to listening to and supporting others, so it’s no surprise she became a clinical social worker. When she started her private practice in 2016, Christina was introduced to group therapy. She has since led support groups, psychoeducational groups, and process groups, earned her Certified Group Psychotherapist designation, and has been a long-time member of a training group. Christina has a practice in East Los Angeles where she works with people to improve their relationships with others and with themselves. She uses writing to better understand themes in her life and authored an article in the GROUP Journal about only children in process groups.

Target Audience: Licensed Psychologists, MFT/LCSW, Other Non-Mental Health Professionals

Instructional Level: Intermediate

The Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Group Psychotherapy of Los Angeles maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE courses that are provided by APA-approved CE Sponsors are recognized and accepted for CE credit for MFTs and LCSWs in California. Full attendance is required to receive credit.

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