Description:

A dynamic conference examining couples therapy through the lens of attachment, differentiation, and neuroscience. Ellen Bader shared insights into therapeutic techniques, personal growth, and the evolving field of relationship counseling, offering professionals innovative strategies for supporting couples' development and healing.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe 3 common mistakes couples therapists make.
2. Delineate the difference between problems and dilemmas and why that makes a difference in couples therapy.
3. Describe and challenge the types of goals that are often set in couples work.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

• Introduction and Conference Theme

  • Milton H. Erickson Foundation’s 2018 Couples Conference opens. 
  • Focus on integrating attachment, differentiation, and neuroscience in couples work.
  • Speaker shares personal experiences with emotional overwhelm and self-soothing techniques.

• Personal Stories and Speaker Backgrounds

  • Emphasis on the value of live conferences for learning and idea-sharing.
  • Sue Diamond Potts introduced, known for work in family dynamics and resilience through personal challenges.
  • Ellen Bader introduced as co-founder of the Couples Institute and a leader in online therapist training.

• Ellen Bader’s Journey and Contributions

  • Ellen shares early struggles in couples therapy and mentorship by Ruth McClendon.
  • Reflects on couples therapy’s history as undervalued and her mission to change that.
  • Stresses differentiation and neuroscience as vital to the field’s growth.

• Challenges and Evolution in Couples Therapy

  • Ellen critiques graduate programs and licensing boards for lacking couples training.
  • Advocates for cross-disciplinary dialogue to strengthen the field.
  • Cites Sue Johnson on couples therapy’s rising impact and specialized nature.

• Common Mistakes in Couples Therapy

  • Ellen lists therapist missteps: bad timing on emotional questions, recreating symbiosis, and poor leadership.
  • Explains the confusion between differentiation and individuation.
  • Stresses the need for structured interventions and effective confrontation.

• Therapist Development and Community

  • Highlights therapist self-awareness, continual growth, and community support.
  • Describes integrating therapist development into her training program.
  • Reflects on her impact in helping therapists grow personally and professionally.

• Ellen and Pete’s Relationship

  • Ellen shares the realities of maintaining her own relationship with Pete, balancing love and conflict.
  • Emphasizes the importance of living with tension and working through issues.
  • Values modeling real-time conflict management for clients.

• Ellen’s Influence on Therapists

  • Speaker reads testimonials praising Ellen’s vision, mentorship, and balance of empathy and accountability.
  • Ellen is recognized for empowering therapists and shaping the field of couples therapy.