Dear IAGP Colleagues,
We’re thrilled to announce a new chapter for the Transcultural Section! Over the coming years, we aim to expand our reach, deepen our bonds, and foster vibrant global connections. Our upcoming journey includes launching a comprehensive Member Needs Assessment, introducing a Meetup series, building mentorship & resource networks, and reinforcing cross‑cultural research collaborations.
By 2028, our vision is for the Transcultural Section to be a visible, globally inclusive hub—recognized across IAGP and the wider community as a leading voice in culturally informed group psychotherapy. Stay tuned for opportunities to engage, contribute, and join us on this exciting path forward.
For further details please email [email protected]
Warm regards,
Dalia Sileem-Naguib,
IAGP Transcultural Section Chair
Voices Together on Cultural Diversity
The Transcultural Section is delighted to begin the new year by celebrating the successful launch of our first webinar of 2026, marking an energizing start to the year ahead. This inaugural session, Voices Together on Cultural Diversity, brought members together in a shared space of reflection, dialogue, and learning, setting the tone for our collective work this year.
The webinar highlighted how cultural diversity shapes group processes, clinical practice, and social engagement. Through thoughtful exchanges and rich perspectives, participants explored the lived realities of working across cultural contexts and the importance of creating spaces that honor difference while fostering connection. The level of engagement, curiosity, and openness reflected a strong desire within our community for continued transcultural dialogue and deeper mutual understanding.
This first webinar represents a meaningful achievement for the section—not only as a programmatic milestone, but also as a reflection of our ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices and facilitating culturally attuned group work. We are grateful to all presenters and participants who contributed to making this launch such a thoughtful and resonant experience.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Additional webinars will be launching later this year, further expanding the Voices Together series and offering opportunities to engage with authors and practitioners working at the intersection of culture, groups, and social challenges.
We are delighted to share that the first IAGP Culture Circle session, “Birth as a Shared Event in Our World: How were we received into life, and how do we receive those who are newly born?” took place on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. It was a deeply meaningful and moving gathering that brought together members of our global community in a spirit of openness, reflection, and connection.
The session was thoughtfully facilitated by our Transcultural Committee members, Haydee Vilalta Rojas and Maite Pi Ordoñez, whose presence and guidance created a safe and engaging space for dialogue. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their leadership and to all participants who courageously shared their personal experiences, cultural perspectives, and insights.
Together, we explored birth not only as a biological event, but as a profound relational and cultural experience. The dialogue highlighted both the richness of our cultural differences and the deep threads of our shared humanity. Across diverse contexts, participants reflected on how we are welcomed into the world through rituals, relationships, and expectations—and how these early experiences shape our sense of belonging.
This first Culture Circle beautifully embodied our intention: to create a space where we can learn from one another, deepen intercultural understanding, and foster meaningful connections within the IAGP community. We warmly invite you to join us in upcoming Culture Circle sessions as we continue this journey of learning, connecting, and sharing across cultures.
Warmly,
Dalia Sileem-Naguib,
Chair of IAGP Transcultural Section
Photo: Dalia Sileem-Naguib and Eman Onsy in Sapporo, Japan 2025 – Sharing their talk about: “Supporting Practitioners: Addressing Transcultural Trauma through EFT”
This past year has been marked by meaningful connection, learning, and collaboration across cultures, and the Transcultural Section is deeply grateful to be part of this shared journey.
The Sapporo Congress was a powerful reminder of the richness that emerges when diverse cultural voices come together. Transcultural contributions were woven throughout the program—through workshops, papers, and informal dialogues—highlighting how culture shapes group processes, therapeutic relationships, and social engagement. The congress offered not only intellectual depth, but also moments of human connection that affirmed the value of curiosity, humility, and mutual respect in our work.
Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to be excited about. We are especially pleased to announce the upcoming webinar series “Voices Together on Cultural Diversity,” featuring the authors of Cultural Diversity, Groups and Social Challenges. Through their lived experiences and professional insights, this series will explore how cultural diversity influences group dynamics, clinical practice, and social responsibility across varied contexts. These conversations aim to facilitate dialogue, reflection, and greater cultural awareness in group work worldwide.
As we move forward, we remain committed to creating inclusive spaces that honor complexity, amplify diverse voices, and support ethical, culturally attuned practice. We look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year. Warm holiday wishes to you and your communities.
Dalia Sileem-Naguib,
Chair Transcultural Section
December 2025
Over the past month, the Transcultural Section has focused on deepening member engagement and preparing for several meaningful initiatives. We also initiated a new collaborative project with past Chairs, Dr. Cristina Martinez-Taboada & Dr. Marcia Honig, inviting the authors of the IAGP book Cultural Diversity, Groups, and Social Challenges (2025) to share their work in a webinar series. Presenting authors promise to spark rich conversations and strengthen our
collective understanding of transcultural processes. Preparations for the Culture Circle launchingin January 2026 are also progressing well.
To ensure our work truly reflects the needs and voices of our global community, we warmly invite all members to complete the Member Assessment & Connection Survey:
https://forms.gle/FtZFwnqiNYSzQJYX9
I really encourage you to complete the survey if you haven’t done so yet. Your insights will help shape future programs. We remain committed to fostering inclusive, culturally attuned spaces that support dialogue, reflection, and
growth across cultures.
Have a wonderful upcoming Holiday Season and Happy New Year
