Houston Group Psychotherapy Society (HGPS) 2026 Institute

Houston Group Psychotherapy Society (HGPS) 2026 Institute is organized by Houston Group Psychotherapy Society (HGPS) and will be held from Apr 16 - 18, 2026 at Houston Group Psychotherapy Society, Houston, Texas, United States of America.

Description:
The Theory of the Cultural Mother: Blending Sociology and Psychology to Navigate Difference and Foster Dialogue in Group Psychotherapy

The Theory of the Cultural Mother developed by Dr. Paul LePhuoc is an integrative framework that weaves together sociological and psychological perspectives. It invites us to hold the collective trauma of racism and systemic inequity alongside the nuances of individual psychological and emotional development. In doing so, it offers a way to keep the larger cultural picture in focus without losing sight of the lived experiences of the individuals within it. This presentation will explore how therapists can remain engaged in—and help clients remain engaged in—conversations that often feel disruptive or overwhelming. Whether working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, the Theory of the Cultural Mother demonstrates how a psychoanalytic lens can be applied not only to the consulting room, but also to the dynamics of society as a whole.

Central to this framework is the concept of the “Cultural Mother”— an unseen yet powerful parental figure that shapes both conscious and unconscious relationships. As expressed in the theory, “our cultural mother doesn’t love all her children equally.” By working with this idea, clinicians can deepen their understanding of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic encounter, while cultivating curiosity and openness toward the ways culture and society are internalized. In addition, participants will consider the importance of establishing both a “floor” and a “ceiling” when engaging in conversations about race, culture, and inequity. This grounding principle underscores the need for regulation and co-regulation, recognizing that such discussions inherently stir complex emotional, psychological, and somatic responses. Through theory, clinical illustration, and group discussion, participants will gain tools to engage difference with more confidence and capacity, while fostering resilience and insulation for themselves and their clients when systems of oppression are activated.

Learning Objectives:
Following the completion of the two-day Institute, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe two components of the theory of the Cultural Mother.
2. Explain how the Cultural Mother impacts group members’ transferences.
3. Explain how the Cultural Mother impacts the group leader’s countertransference.
4. Identify strategies for building insulation for members when systems of oppression are stimulated and revived.
5. Discuss modern analytic concepts and techniques that are useful in exploring differences in groups.