Philadelphia, Thu Oct 15 2026 - Sun Oct 18 2026

(15 Oct 2026 9:00 AM - 18 Oct 2026 1:00 PM )

SCTRI Board of Directors

SCTRI Organization Meeting
Contact: Jim Peightel

Venue	CE-Credits
SCT Center 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., #1A4 Philadelphia PA 19130 US	12.5

Event Details

SCTRI, as an organization, is a living experiment of how to apply a Theory of Living Human Systems to an organizational context. This Board of Directors training event is rooted in the principles and practices of systems-centered therapy (SCT), an approach for professionals including psychologists to practice applying their SCT skills in a task-oriented, organizational context.

The structure of the Board meeting reflects our theoretical understanding of systems dynamics. During the first two days of the meeting, we explore the underlying dynamics of our system -- in functional subgroups, of course -- to discover and explore the driving and restraining forces that are currently affecting our ability to work. After freeing up our energy for work, we spend the next day and a half attending to the business of the organization: reviewing the progress of the various work groups and regional training centers, focusing on developmental plans for the organization, and making policy decisions.

The group works with process & task leadership to explore the driving and restraining forces in taking up the member and leadership roles in the context of the development of the organization. The Board offers a rich training experience, in a collegial atmosphere, for members who are interested in continuing to develop their skills, in consulting to organizations, in contributing their resources to SCTRI work groups, or in using their SCT skills in their own work situations.

This 3.5 day meeting includes 2 days of experiential training followed by 1.5 days for the Board business meeting in the spring and fall of each year.

Learning Objectives

• Articulate the underlying dynamics of our system by using functional subgrouping
• Apply methods for supporting driving forces and undoing restraining forces that are currently affecting the Board’s ability to work
• Apply SCT skills to free up process energy for the task-oriented phase of attending to SCTRI’s business
• Describe the Board’s current phase of development, and the impact on our work
• Identify and undo at least one restraining force that interferes with taking up full membership in the Board
• Articulate at least one isomorphic process in the Board and the organization

Presentation Content

Agazarian’s (1997) theory of living human systems, with its systems-centered approach to group practice, represents a developed and comprehensive systems theory applied to groups, individuals and couples. A theory of living human systems has defined theoretical constructs and operational definitions that implement and test the theoretical hypotheses in its practice. For professionals, particularly those trained in clinical, organizational, or group dynamics, this training provides a direct link between theory and practice, enhancing participants’ ability to assess and intervene in complex group processes. The focus on group dynamics, communication patterns, leadership interventions, and system development is grounded in empirical research that supports the efficacy of SCT for understanding and intervening in group behavior. In summary, this training event serves as an advanced learning opportunity for participants, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills to assess and intervene in group dynamics using systems-centered principles.

A theory of living human systems and its methods are accepted among group practitioners as evidenced by SCTRI’s 2010 recognition for “Outstanding Contributions in Education and Training in the Field of Group Psychotherapy” awarded by the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists. SCT methods are regularly cited or included in handbooks and reviews of group psychotherapy practice. There is also significant peer-reviewed published support for the theory and its practice, including articles in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Group Dynamics, Small Group Research, Organizational Analysis, GROUP, and Group Analysis.

The Systems-Centered® Training and Research Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SCTRI maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Supporting References

Agazarian, Y.M., Gantt, S.P., & Carter, F. (Eds.) (2021). Systems-centered training: An illustrated guide for applying a theory of living human systems. London, UK: Routledge.

Finlay, L.D., Abernethy, A.D., & Garrels, S.R. (2016). Scapegoating in group therapy: Insights from Girard’s mimetic theory. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 66(2), 188-204. doi: 10.1080/00207284.2015.1106174

Gantt, S.P. (2021). Systems-centered training for group leaders: Weakening social survivor roles that undermine women (and men) in leadership. In Y.I. Kane, S.M. Masselink & A.C. Weiss (Eds.), Women, intersectionality and power in group psychotherapy leadership (pp. 236-253). London, UK: Routledge.

Gantt, S.P., & Agazarian, Y.M. (2017). Systems-centered group therapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 67(sup1), S60-S70. doi: 10.1080/00207284.2016.1218768

Maher, M. (2018). From group analytic to systems-centered consulting: A comparison of experience. Journal of Social Work Practice, 32(4), 423-432. doi: 10.1080/02650533.2018.1503163

O’Neill, R.M., Byram, C.A., Mogle, J., & MacKenzie, M.J. (2024). Are system-centered boards more collaborative, productive, and creative? A partial replication, and a pilot exploration of how. GROUP: The Journal of the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, 48(4), 11-29. doi: 10.1353/grp.2024.a962317

Siegel, D.J. (2020). The developing mind, 3rd ed. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

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