27: Macario Giraldo

In this episode, Angelo talks with Dr. Carlos Canales about his transformative journey from Peru to becoming a pioneering voice in somatic group therapy. Dr. Canales shares how his experience of separation and cultural displacement in early life shaped his innovative integration of Somatic Experiencing with group psychotherapy. Their conversation explores what it means to be truly grounded, how our bodies hold both individual and collective trauma, and why attending to physiological responses deepens rather than diminishes group intensity. Dr. Canales offers powerful insights about cultural difference in groups and demonstrates how recognizing and regulating the body creates space for genuine connection—wisdom born from finding belonging between worlds. Throughout, he makes a compelling case for why attachment theory must evolve to address how our bodies carry culture, while sharing his vision for a future of group therapy that integrates generosity and play alongside rigorous clinical work.

In this episode, Angelo talks with Dr. Nancy McWilliams about her new book "Psychoanalytic Supervision" (2022). Drawing from over 40 years of leading supervision groups, Dr. McWilliams shares her revolutionary approach to tracking therapeutic progress through ten "psychological vital signs"—a hopeful reframe that asks not just "Are they less depressed?" but "Are they more alive? More capable of love, work, and play?" Their rich conversation explores what makes group supervision uniquely powerful, how parallel process operates across multiple therapeutic relationships, and the art of creating safety where supervisees can present their most challenging cases. They also discuss the development of an "internal supervisor" and what it means to shift from symptom-focused thinking to tracking deeper capacities for human flourishing. Finally, Dr. McWilliams reflects on nearly five decades practicing psychotherapy and shares what gives her the most hope about the future of therapeutic work. Links: "Psychoanalytic Supervision" (2022) https://tinyurl.com/43tnbf9b

In this episode, Angelo talks with Annie Weiss and Yoon Kane who, along with Saralyn Masselink, edited and contributed chapters to “Women, Intersectionality, and Power in Group Psychotherapy Leadership” (2022, Routledge). Their conversation explores how this project sought to address the conspicuous void in professional literature on the complex challenges women group leaders face and how such dilemmas can be understood & skillfully addressed. Intersectionality is also discussed as an organizing principle in the book’s illuminating investigation. Finally, both Yoon’s chapter “Courage to Lead: The Shadow of Racism on Women of Color Leading Psychotherapy Groups” and Annie’s chapter “Training Elastigirl: Developing Strength and Flexibility in Female Group Psychotherapists” are talked about in depth. Check out this incredibly thought-provoking conversation today! Contributors: Alexandra (Sasha) Watkins Alexis D. Abernethy Ali Kimmell Annie C. Weiss Britt Raphling Elizabeth (Libby) Shapiro and Rachel Ginzberg Ellen L. Wright Janice M. Morris Jeanne Bunker Julie Anderson Kavita Avula Madeline Victore Stein Nina W. Brown Saralyn M. Masselink Shemika M. Brooks Susan P. Gantt Yesel Yoon Yoon Im Kane Website Links: YOON KANE https://yoonkane.com/ http://www.mindful.nyc ANNIE WEISS http://www.annieweisstherapy.net/ "UNLOCK + EMPOWER YOUR WHOLE SELF With Annie Weiss and Rimi Chakraborty" https://www.minuvida.com/innerleader.html BOOK LINK: https://www.routledge.com/Women-Intersectionality-and-Power-in-Group-Psychotherapy-Leadership/Kane-Masselink-Weiss/p/book/9780367471644

In this thought-provoking interview, Angelo talks with Dr. Macario Giraldo about his pioneering approach to working with groups from a Lacanian perspective. Their conversation delves into the importance of not-understanding, the role of loss in becoming, and how to listen to both the dialogues "in" and "of" the group. They also explore the intriguing interplay between psychoanalysis & spirituality & what Macario calls "the Ethics of the Soul."

In this episode, Angelo talks with Dr. Avgi Saketopoulou about her new book "Sexuality Beyond Consent: Risk, Race, & Traumatophilia"(2023). Their dynamic conversation explores new ways of thinking about trauma, its potentiating role in psychic life, the radicality of Jean Laplanche, and what it means to 'bend one's will', They also talk about how trauma intersects with eroticism, race, and forms of consent. Finally, they delve into 'exigent sadism' and its role in clinical life & artistic expression. Links: "Sexuality Beyond Consent: Risk, Race, and Traumatophilia" https://nyupress.org/9781479820269/sexuality-beyond-consent/ "Slave Play" by Jeremy Harris https://slaveplaybroadway.com/

In this episode, Angelo speaks with IAGP Pres. Richard Beck about his experience leading trauma groups across countries and cultures. They explore how group is currently being used to provide support to both Ukrainians and Russians as well as with climate scientists. They also talk about the international community within the IAGP and the upcoming conference in Pescara, Italy (July 21 - 24). "Groups for the World - Strength, Inspiration, and Transformation" registration link: https://iagp2022.com/

In this episode, Angelo speaks with Dr. Richard Billow & Dr. Tzachi Slonim about their new book "Changing Our Minds: Richard M. Billow's Selected Papers On Psychoanalysis And Group Process." Their lively conversation explores themes related to authenticity in the group leader, passion & 'catastrophic change', working with guilt & shame, and interaction as a gateway to uncovering. Check out it out today! LINK: Interested in the book? Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/unx96n5m

In this episode, Angelo talks with Qiana Torres Flores about the intersection of cultural intentionality and spirituality in groups. The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity at FCGPS, Qiana shares what it means to have a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and how leaders can help their groups talk about difference. She also explores the “crunchy conversations” and hard questions that need to be asked within the organization to address what real inclusivity means. Finally, they talk about Qiana’s upcoming workshop with co-presenter Eve Wesson, “Reflections On Humanism, Spirituality, and Identity”. LINKS: Registration info for "Reflections on Humanism, Spirituality, & Identity": https://tinyurl.com/v58cccv5 Podcast Info organization: FCGPS.org host: angelociliberti.com If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider: - following us on Soundcloud - subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review - liking, commenting, and sharing!

In this episode, Angelo speaks with Dr. Elliot Zeisel about his process of becoming a group therapist as well as his recent work with the dramatic series "Group" . Their dynamic conversation explores some of the obstacles Dr. Zeisel encountered in his career and the mentors who helped him navigate them. They also talk about some of the synchronicities that lead to his collaboration with French director Alexis Lloyd and how it was to improv with the "Group" cast . Check out their conversation today! LINKS: "Group" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bzKmJoe_e2c organization: FCGPS.org host: angelociliberti.com If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider: - following us on Soundcloud - subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review - liking, commenting, and sharing!

In the newest episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo speaks with therapist and author Teri Dillion about her experience living and learning from ALS. Their moving conversation explores the nature of grief and the powerful life lessons that it reveals when met with companionship, witnessing, and a healthy dose of humor. Teri also shares the profound & sustaining meaning that emerged from writing her memoir, “No Pressure, No Diamonds: Mining For Gifts In Illness & Loss”. Listen in to this powerful conversation today! SHOW NOTES: Teri's website: https://www.teridillion.com/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider: - following us on Soundcloud - subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review - liking, commenting, and sharing! LINKS: organization: FCGPS.org host: angelociliberti.com