How did you become a division volunteer or leader?
For many years I was actively involved with the American Group Psychotherapy Association, and colleagues encouraged me to become involved in Division 49 leadership. The division members I knew were very welcoming and soon after I found myself a new professional home within APA. That was in 2018 and I have remained engaged ever since.
What do you get out of your involvement?
Being part of an organization centered on groups and healing tells it all. For me, there is no better synergy than the intersection of dialogue, diversity and group process. Division 49 provides a meaningful space to weave these together and invite deeper connection with others.
What do you value most about being a group and counseling psychologist?
I am passionate about community-building and strengths-based, liberatory, and health-promoting practices. Being a counseling psychologist is central to who I am and creating spaces that foster connection and belonging within diverse group contexts is my calling.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I try to begin each day with my “Triple Gem,” meditation, yoga and a walk in the woods. Beyond that, I thrive on variety. A typical day may include, facilitating a support group, seeing individual therapy clients, teaching a prevention-focused program, collaborating with colleagues through committee work, and engaging in professional development.
Who inspires you?
Frederick Douglass and James Baldwin. Their courage, vision, and willingness to speak truth in the face of injustice were transformative in their time and remain profoundly relevant today.
What’s something you want people to know about your division?
Group is a specialty. Whenever I speak with psychologists and mention that I belong to the division focused on group psychology and group psychotherapy, many tell me that they already facilitate groups in some capacity. My response is always the same: “You should join Division 49!” Our work intersects with so many areas of psychology, including trauma, substance use, global psychology, gender, race and culture, sexual orientation, military psychology, teams, and social justice. We are welcoming, caring, and socially conscious, and our dues are affordable. If you facilitate groups, or are interested in developing this specialty, I encourage you to consider joining us.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Broadway musicals are the soundtrack of my life, and I usually have a song playing in my mind most of the time.
Contact: Michele Ribeiro