Consultation groups provide support for licensed clinicians.
Who, what, where, when, how?
These questions are answered in the first sentence of every news article. They are also the questions used every other Friday by MSCSW members as they work to clarify cases and offer each other support in consultation groups.
Sandra Laski, LICSW, started the groups, recognizing her own need to bounce things off of colleagues once in a while. “We all need a confidante for support,” she says. Members of each group talk through challenging or difficult interactions with clients, work through countertransference issues, and learn new techniques or approaches to help both client and therapist. The groups, which meet on Zoom, are clinicians with a variety of specialties and backgrounds, benefitting from each other’s experience.
Originally, Laski had one group that met on Fridays. When she put out a feeler for additional members, she was astonished at the response. One meeting could no longer accommodate so many members, so she split the group in two. Now, one group of nine meets on the second Friday of each month; another group of seven meets on the third Friday of the month.
While these groups are full, there tends to be much interest in clinical consultation. If you would be interested in leading or co-leading a group, please contact Laski at sandilaski@gmail.com.
And what of that final essential news writing concept: Why?
Laski answers that query adeptly. “We need rich connections in our personal lives and with our colleagues to be good therapists. Our professional interactions help keep us well informed, well supported, and well educated to do this challenging work.”
