As I get ready for the AGPA annual meeting, there is some discussion on the mailing list of group psychotherapists that I’m on about a blogger being there. Dr. Bob, who has posted comments on the blog here, has asked an important question. How do the group psychotherapists attending the annual meeting feel about being blogged about? It relates back to an earlier discussion about members of the list using material from the group. It relates to boundaries. It relates to narcissism.

For some, the old quote from Oscar Wilde may come to mind,
“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”

For others, perhaps including people who have talked about introversion on the list recently, the opposite holds true.

Some people have some very practical concerns. Can blogs, along with traditional media, be used to elevate the perception of group psychotherapy as a beneficial form of treatment for some patients?

Others may have reactions based on fears about the ambiguous nature of blogs. Within the blogging and journalism communities there are lots of discussions about exactly what blogging is. Is it journalism? What sort of ethics apply to bloggers? Is it the same as applies to journalists?

This leads to complicated decisions by organizations about whether or not they will provide media credentials to bloggers. More and more organizations are, but it remains hit and miss. Since I've been credentialed by many major organizations, getting credentials for me seems easier, but this ties back to the credentialing process and the issues of 'Am I good enough' that seem to emerge in every field.

I will note that my access to the AGPA annual meeting will be essentially the same as that of any other reporter. It might be a little higher based on the trust I've established with some group psychotherapists on the mailing list, but on the other hand, I am committed to journalistic ethics and trying not to damage that trust.

All of this said, I am very interested in hearing people's concerns about a blogger in their midst at the conference. It is something that I have to face where ever I go, and I trust the reactions here will be open and honest and perhaps give me useful insights which will help me be a better blogger.

Most of the above, I sent in a slightly different format to the list.

Dr. Bob responded (and I’m quoting him with permission),

I guess I see bloggers as like critics. Or, more neutrally, like reporters.

So I feel anxious. Self-conscious. Will he pan me? Or give me a thumbs-up? Or not mention me at all? The issue isn't just his opinion, but the opinions of those he influences. And it's not just about me, but about my work. So it's complicated. But we share some interests, and I've read his blog (and posted to it), so overall I'm hopeful. Expectant.

It is interesting to read Bob’s reaction. I don’t usually think about my opinions as being able to cause others anxiety, but I guess I can see that.

There are still a few weeks to go before the AGPA conference, but I am hoping that during these coming weeks I can explore more of my own thoughts about going the reactions of others and learn more from all of it.