Groupworks Practicum Training Program
we are dedicated to training future psychologists
Groupworks is a psychology practice that specializes in group therapy. The practice also offers individual, family, and couples therapy and psychological assessment. Our group programs support children, adolescents, young adults, adults and their families in developing healthier relationships and skills for living. Groupworks is a nationally recognized program offering innovative group therapy to the Louisville metropolitan area. Groupworks is a safe place for people of all backgrounds. An important part of our mission is to support those groups in our society that are frequently marginalized.
Groupworks allows students to opportunity to gain experience in Group, Individual and Family Therapies and Psychological Assessment. We serve children, adolescents and adults.
Dr. Sheppard (he/him/his-Supervising Psychologist) is a licensed psychologist in Kentucky & Indiana and a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP). He maintains active involvement in the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) where he teaches and is currently revising their curriculum for training child group therapists. Dr. Sheppard completed his internship with Quinco Behavioral Health Systems in Columbus, IN. His clinical areas of interest include group therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, psychodrama, mood disorders, and complex diagnostic assessment.
Dr. Thieneman (he/him/his-Supervising Psychologist) is a licensed psychologist in Kentucky and a CGP. He is involved in AGPA and is currently involved with the revision of their child group therapy curriculum. He earned his Psy.D. from Spalding University and completed his pre-doctoral internship at the State University of New York at Albany Counseling and Psychological Services. His clinical areas of interest include group therapy, mindfulness, behavioral psychology, autism spectrum disorders, wrap-around treatment, identity development, and multicultural psychology.
Dr. Love (she/her/hers-Training Staff) is licensed in Kentucky & Indiana. She completed her Psy.D. at the University of Indianapolis. Her clinical areas of interest are in grief therapy, parenting/family work, mindfulness, depression and anxiety and life transitions.
Dr. Steinkamp (she/her/hers-Supervising Psychologist) completed her Psy.D. at Spalding University. Her clinical areas of interest are in group psychotherapy, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship concerns, family of origin concerns, identity development, trauma, and communication skills.
Dr. Perkins (she/her/hers-Training Staff) completed her Psy.D. at Spalding University. Her clinical areas of interest are in group psychotherapy, ADHD, Anxiety, interpersonal communication, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, identity development, and family of origin concerns.
The Groupworks model of treatment is based upon experiential learning or “learning by doing”. Children and adolescents learn healthy relationship and coping skills with their peers. A group problem-solving approach is used to help group members navigate real-life situations that arise in the group. For more information about Groupworks, please visit the practice website!
Evidence-Based Interventions
The treatment at Groupworks is informed by the Interpersonal Theory of Group Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology. Our staff engage in training at the local, regional, and national levels to ensure that we are using the latest research in all that we do at Groupworks. Students are involved in ongoing program evaluation and development efforts at Groupworks. In-house training sessions are held periodically at Groupworks.
Outcome Measures
Groupworks relies on several measurements of therapy effectiveness (formal and informal) in the work we do. Students receive training in the use of these outcome measures and strategies for tracking progress.
A Team Approach
Each group session is led by a licensed psychologist and a doctoral student.
Students have opportunities for group co-leadership, individual and family therapy, and assessment. They also interact professionally with the guardians of group members at Groupworks. Students have the opportunity to participate in our weekly treatment team that consists of five psychologists and three doctoral students. We frequently collaborate with schools, hospitals, and other community treatment providers.