Draft:International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes

The International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) is a Swiss organization headquartered in Kreuzlingen, Canton Thurgau. Established in 1973 in Zurich, the association is focused on advancing the field of group psychotherapy and group processes. Its primary objectives include promoting group psychotherapy, facilitating group processes across diverse contexts, and engaging in training, research, and consultation to enhance the theory and practice of group psychotherapy.:

An integral aspect of IAGP's goals is the global networking and knowledge exchange among professionals. This is facilitated through the organization's publications and international congresses, which provide platforms for experts to connect, share insights, and contribute to the progression of the field. By encouraging collaboration among multicultural societies, IAGP seeks to foster the worldwide growth of group psychotherapy. The association currently includes active representatives from 24 countries who contribute to its initiatives.

Internally, the association is organized into six specialized sections: Family Therapy, Group Analysis, Psychodrama, Organisational consulting, Transcultural Work, and the Young Professional Group Experts Section. These sections serve as hubs for international collaboration and expertise, promoting specialization, research, and professional development within distinct domains.

IAGP is committed to advancing the discipline, fostering cross-cultural cooperation, and optimizing the use of group processes for the betterment of individuals and societies on a global scale. The official peer-reviewed journal of the association is called FORUM.

History
IAGP's beginning was its formal establishment in 1973 during the 5th Zurich Congress of The International Council of Group Psychotherapy.

Early origins and development
The roots of the IAGP can be traced back to the inaugural International Congress on Group Psychotherapy held in Toronto in 1954. At this event, the establishment of an International Committee for Group Psychotherapy marked a noteworthy milestone. However, even in its nascent stages, tensions and disagreements among influential figures in the field, notably Slavson and Jacob L. Moreno, became apparent. During the second congress held in Zurich in 1957, the International Committee underwent a transformation and was rebranded as The International Council of Group Psychotherapy. This change highlighted the growing global significance of the organization. The sequence of congresses that followed further solidified the organization's presence and contributions: 3rd Congress in Milan (1963), 4th Congress in Vienna (1968), 5th Congress in Zurich (1973).

Parallel to these developments, Moreno engaged in extensive exchanges between 1950 and 1951 with notable individuals such as Juliette Favez-Boutonier, Serge Lebovici, S.H. Foulkes, J. Bierer, and Georges Gurvitch, Enzo Spaltro, Ramón Sarró (Spain), Raoul Schindler (Austria) and many other experts of the field. The interactions were significant, leading to the formation of an informal work group. This group convened to create the First Committee on group psychotherapy in Paris in 1951, an initiative highlighted by Moreno as the "first official step" in the field's advancement.

Additionally, during this period, Anne Schützenberger, a student of psychology at the time, was tasked with compiling and editing the proceedings of their discussions into a comprehensive five-volume publication under the auspices of Presses Universitaires de France. This collaborative effort laid the foundation for subsequent developments in the field.

Subsequently, a strategic decision was made to hold the following congress in Zurich, with crucial support from Adolf Friedmann. This decision was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the formation of an international organization dedicated to the advancement of group psychotherapy.

Key founders and leadership
Beginning in 1951 and during the following years, an array of prominent individuals from diverse countries came together to shape the organization. In those years the fundament of IAGP was built up under the leadership of Moreno (USA) and many other experts in the field. The final foundation of IAGP in 1973 took place in Zurich where notably, Jacob Moreno assumed the honorary presidency and contributed to the organization’s foundational principles, alongside Zerka Moreno (USA; wife of Jacob), Malcolm Pines (UK), Anne Ancelin Schützenberger (France), Adolf Friedemann (Switzerland), Raymond Battegay (Switzerland), Grete Leutz (Germany), Samuel Hadden (USA), Jay Fidler (USA), Raoul Schindler (Austria), Annelise Heigl-Evers (Germany), J. Bierer (UK) and Heika Straub (Germany).

As founder of IAGP, Moreno assumed the honorary presidency of the organization and made significant contributions to its foundational principles. The leadership team also featured Adolf Friedmann as treasurer, Anne Schützenberger as honorary general secretary, and Raymond Battegay as the eventual general secretary, responsible for formal incorporation.

Milestones and international collaboration
The co-founding of the IAGP during the Zurich congress marked a significant turning point in the history of group psychotherapy. The organization facilitated coordinated international efforts to advance the discipline, transcending geographical boundaries and uniting professionals with a shared vision. The IAGP also actively engaged in international collaboration and knowledge exchange, facilitating the dissemination of innovative practices and research within the field. The organization's congresses, including those held in Milan (1963), Vienna (1968), and Zurich (1973), solidified its presence and contributions on a global scale.

Continued Impact and Legacy
Throughout its history, the IAGP has remained committed to the global advancement of group psychotherapy. Its formation allowed for the consolidation of efforts and expertise, enabling professionals worldwide to work together in pursuit of excellence in group psychotherapy. Today, the IAGP stands as a testament to the enduring dedication of its co-founders and the countless professionals who have contributed to its mission over the years. Its historical roots underscore the collective vision of fostering excellence in group psychotherapy on an international scale. The IAGP continues to play a significant role in advancing the field, guided by the principles and contributions of its founders.

Presidents to date
The list of the Presidents of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) along with their respective terms of office reads :

Present time
The organization is a professional association that contains both individual practitioners and organizational affiliates. A wide range of activities are available in supporting the scientific advancement of the field.

Congresses
IAGP has hosted annual international congresses dedicated to the field of group psychotherapy and group processes. In addition, IAGP has organized various regional congresses, the first International Congress on Research and Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes and an annual International Summer Academy in Grenada since 1999, offering a focused platform for learning and collaboration in the field of group psychotherapy.