Ellen M. Rugg, MA, MSW, LICSW, CPG is passionate about group psychotherapy and has been facilitating groups for more than 30 years. Currently, Ellen leads four long-term women’s interpersonal process groups in her Seattle, WA practice.
As a field instructor for SUNY Buffalo School of Social Work, Ellen supervised and mentored graduate students in the art and science of group work. Currently, as a Washington State Approved Supervisor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist, she provides group and individual supervision to associate therapists working toward clinical licensure.
Sometimes, at the end of a group Ellen’s been known to say to herself, “And, I get paid for this?”
Credentials & Affiliations
MSW: University at Buffalo - 1987
MA Psychology: University at Buffalo - 1994
Doctoral Studies: University of Washington - 1996-97
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Washington State Certified Clinical Supervisor
Certified Group Psychotherapist (CPG) - International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists
American Group Psychotherapy Association - Member
Association for Specialists in Group Work - Member
American Psychological Association- Division 35 Society for the Psychology of Women - member
WMHCA - Member
Clinical Social Work Circle of WA - Steering Committee Member
Ellen M Rugg, MA, MSW, LICSW, CPG Group Psychotherapist
My Journey to Group Work
As a young psychotherapist working toward licensure, I sought out the supervision and tutelage of a wonderfully talented group specialist — Yvonne C Smith, LMFT. I quickly fell in love with group work, and after a few years, began facilitating my own groups. Yvonne, sadly, has been gone for years, but her influence and teachings are still with me 30 years later.
Now, as a seasoned clinician and life-long learner, I participate in continuing education through the American Group Psychotherapy Association and its affiliates.