Location: Virtually on Zoom

Description: Roles in groups and organizations operate across multiple dimensions: the role assigned by the organization, how the individual takes up that role (person-in-role), and how the role is perceived by others. These dimensions are often misaligned, particularly in the context of social identity, where assumptions and projections shape how authority is granted, resisted, or undermined. This workshop focuses on making these dynamics visible. Using brief video vignettes and live group process, participants will examine how identity influences role and authority in real time, and how to intervene when gaps emerge between role, behavior, and perception.

Presenter Bios:

Mary B. McRae, Ed.D, is a counseling psychologist in private practice. She also does coaching and group facilitation to enhance more effective and productive  functioning. She is the President of the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology.  Dr. McRae is the author of a book, an educational video and several articles and book chapters. 

Kelley Hershman, B.S., M.A., M.S., LMHC-D, is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Clinical Director and Co-Founder of The Soho Center for Mental Health and Clinical Learning in New York City.  She received both her B.S. in Applied Psychology, and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from New York University. She received her M.S. in Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology at The University of California in Santa Barbara. Her research interests include the study of adult attachment in marriage, family and organizational behavior. She also researches race, interracial marital stress, authority, gender and status as they relate to power and leadership within human systems and cultures. She has been practicing the Group Relations Consultation since 2008.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Seminar Series Co-Chairs, Nardia Brooks and Jacqueline Ambrosini.