Life's many pieces: The identity of the group psychotherapist

The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) and its members are exp eriencing a trauma in response to the changes in health care imposed by the managed care industry. Although the economic threat is frightening, the th reat to professionals' and AGPA's identities is even more damaging. The inc reasingly rapid, society-wide rate of change and factors related to the agi ng of AGPA's membership complicate its ability to cope with the trauma. The author recounts personal trauma and professional Experiences in treating t raumatized individuals, and proposes that when certain needs are met, growt h can occur as part of a healing process: getting through the trauma, findi ng safety, self-soothing and achieving mastery. AGPA resources for being sa fe, self-soothing, and achieving mastery are described. AGPA has been succe ssful in reaching out via new accomplishments in regard to visibility, alth ough the understandable impulse to withdraw may be impeding efforts to dive rsify the membership body. The author urges fighting against the pull to wi thdraw and expresses hope that the AGPA will cope well with the trauma by u sing its significant resources and will ultimately experience a beneficial change in its identity.