About Us

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of AAP is one of the two largest concentrations of current Academy members. (The other being the Southern Region in Atlanta). We are growing and diversifying from a maturing population of senior therapists to include younger and newer members from the Mid-Atlantic states, specifically the DC Metro area. We have evolved in recent years from a small and informal salon meeting to hosting a full-day Winter Workshop, usually offering 6 CE Credits.

The AAP Mission Statement explains the goals of our organization…”to invigorate and support the psychotherapist’s quest for excellence and growth through authentic interpersonal engagement.”  This is an ongoing process for all involved. For individuals who decide to join AAP, the relationships that are forged help define both our professional and personal lives. It is a potent formula for developing the self of the therapist!  The ‘ripple effects’ are felt in our work as therapists, in our friendships, and in our families.

Our Events

Typically, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter holds two meetings a year in the Washington, DC area. Our larger event is the Winter Workshop where we have an experiential presentation on the Saturday of the workshop called a “Fishbowl." It is a group-within-a-group demonstration by a senior AAP Psychotherapist followed by a lively discussion of the fishbowl process. This fishbowl and the subsequent afternoon process groups count as an entire day workshop. Lunch is provided and 6 Continuing Education Credits can be earned for the day. 

After the fishbowl discussion, we finish with a leaderless large group ‘Community Meeting'. This meeting is an open forum to address individual, dyadic, and larger group issues residing in ourselves and in the community. We typically explain to newer members that it most closely resembles a Quaker Meeting. 

Additionally, in the fall, typically either in September or October, we have a Salon in the home of one of our members. This consists of a large group, Community Meeting, followed by light fare and refreshments. It allows for ongoing contact between members in the local area and especially for those who cannot attend the Summer Workshop or who are still sampling The Academy and deciding whether to join.