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 and family therapy and psychological assessment. Our group programs support children, adolescents and young adults in building healthier relationships. The therapeutic work we do at Groupworks supports clients of all ages in meeting life’s challenges. 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 opportunities to gain experience in Group, Individual and Family Therapies and Psychological Assessment. We serve children, adolescents and adults.
Our training model supports students in developing their own approach to working with clients as they learn from the wealth of experience and knowledge of our highly trained staff.
Dr. Tony Sheppard (he/him/his-Supervising Psychologist) is a licensed psychologist in Kentucky & Indiana and a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP). Dr. Sheppard is also Board Certified in Group Psychology (ABPP). He maintains active involvement in the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) where he teaches and authored a 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, suicide prevention, self-harm, mood disorders, and complex diagnostic assessment.
Dr. Zack 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. Jacquelyn 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. Melissa 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. Amber 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.
Dr. Carson Haynes (she/her/hers-Training Staff)
Ms. Liz Axtell (she/her/hers-Training Staff) Completed her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University, and is working on finishing her dissertation. Her clinical areas of interest include group psychotherapy, grief, depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity development, interpersonal difficulties, trauma, family of origin concerns, and life transitions.
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.
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. Graduate Students are involved in ongoing program evaluation and development efforts at Groupworks. Monthly group training sessions are offered for Groupworks students and staff.
A Team Approach
Each group session is led by a licensed psychologist and a graduate 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 six psychologists . We frequently collaborate with schools, hospitals, and other community treatment providers.