Faculty

Meet the Convenors

Eugene Clerkin

Eugene Clerkin is a Group Analyst who brings extensive experience in psychotherapy, particularly in group analytic work. He currently conducts a group analytic group and various forms of group work with Irish communities in London. Eugene is a member of the Institute of Group Analysis (IGA) London International Courses Committee, supervises on the IGA London Diploma course, and facilitates an experiential group on the Foundation Course. His professional background spans mental health nursing and both community and statutory social work with children and families. He also worked for nearly two decades in a crisis psychotherapy service within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), where the therapeutic approach centered on using personal crises as opportunities for psychological recovery.

Brigid Morris

Brigid Morris is a Group Analyst with a rich background in research, campaigning, programme management, and leadership roles within UK-based NGOs. Her work has consistently focused on amplifying the voices of individuals who are marginalised, particularly those with lived experience of mental health challenges. She trained as a Group Analyst at the IGA in London and currently maintains a psychotherapy practice. Brigid also works as an organisational consultant and facilitates experiential and reflective practice groups for NHS mental health staff and psychotherapy trainees. She is an active member of the IGA’s Power, Privilege and Position working group and contributes to IGA training as a tutor and seminar leader.

Meet the Lecturers

Amanda Carpenter

Amanda is a Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, and Senior Social Worker with over 30 years of experience in Social Services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. She currently works with the Therapeutic Fostering Team in Kent and runs a private practice in Canterbury. Her work focuses on attachment, developmental trauma, and support for children in care. Amanda lectures on attachment and trauma at the IGA London and has completed Mentalization-Based Treatment and reflective fostering training.

Sally Bild

Sally Bild is a group analyst, individual therapist, and supervisor with over 20 years’ experience conducting groups and working with individuals in various settings, including 10 years in NHS Secondary Care psychotherapy services. Originally trained as a social worker, she is an accredited Mentalisation-Based Treatment practitioner and a qualified supervisor, providing supervision to therapists and trainees both privately and at the Institute of Group Analysis. Sally currently works with individuals and groups in her private practice.

Dr Rachel O’Beney

Dr Rachel O’Beney is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Group Analyst with over 30 years in the NHS. She manages a team of psychologists in South Westminster and is Deputy Lead Psychologist for Westminster in the CNWL Mental Health Trust. She leads “Pressing Pause,” a reflective practice training for mental health clinicians to become group leaders. Rachel integrates analytic ideas into her NHS work, including facilitating groups, reflective practice, supervision groups, and individual therapy. Her research on group analysis in NHS settings includes the paper: O’Beney, R., Salm, A., & Lavender, T. (2018). An exploration of members’ experiences of group therapy: an interpretive phenomenological analysis, Group Analysis, 52(1), 82-99. She has contributed to Why It’s OK to Talk About Trauma (Webster, C., 2024) and The Prevention and Management of Violence (Khwaja & Tyrer, Eds., 2023, 2nd Ed.).