EMDR directly addresses the physiologically stored memory networks that underlie both psychological problems and mental health. This orientation to both case conceptualization and treatment will be explored to address diverse clinical applications, including attachment issues, body image, chronic pain, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction, personality disorders, and other presenting complaints. The Integration of EMDR with family therapy practices will also be discussed.
Dr Houston will offer a spectrum of ways designed to evoke new capacities in yourself and your clients in at least four areas: sensory and physical, psychological, myths and symbols, as well as spiritual. She will hope to entice you into high sensory development, radical empathy, luminous intelligence, and a polyphrenic nature (enjoying and utilizing the many selves you contain within you). The hope is that the values offered in this workshop will stimulate a passion for the possible,and a capacity to take on the tasks of a world in transition.
Attunement can be considered the deepest level of rapport, a foundation of empathy. We will learn how to attune to affect,behavior, cognition, attitude, perception, and relationship patterns – even how to attune to the preconscious associations that drive behavior. A precursor to every intervention, attunement will be described from the perspective of hypnosis, psychotherapy, and social psychology. Clinical applications will be demonstrated and discussed. Includes small-group practice exercises.
Crisis, transition and transformation are three key dynamics we need to address during times of deep upheaval. It is said that things are always changing, but not always progressing. During times of dynamic change, many challenges will present themselves such as meeting the fear of the unknown and unfamiliar, dealing with loss, and a general sense of vulnerability.These can plunge us into unhelpful survival strategies: attack, escape or rigidity (fight, flight, freeze) resulting in regression, inertia and conflict. In order progress though change, it is important to cultivate qualities such as flexibility and stability, balance, connection and the ability to let go.
Revolutionary research in neuroscience and functional genomics documents show how experiences of novelty, environmental enrichment, and exercise (both mental and physical) can optimize gene expression, brain plasticity, healing and life extension in dreams, meditation and spiritual rituals. In this workshop, we will experience the four-stage creative cycle in ourselves and in others.
The study of psychological trauma has been accompanied by an explosion of knowledge about how experience shapes the central nervous system and the formation of the self. We have learned that most experience is automatically processed on a subcortical level, i.e. by “unconscious” interpretations that take place outside of awareness. Insight and understanding have only a limited influence on the operation of theses subcortical processes. When addressing the problems of traumatized people who, in a myriad of ways, continue to react to current experience as a replay of the past, there is a need for therapeutic methods that do not depend exclusively on understanding and cognition. This workshop surveys current research on how people’s brains, minds and bodies respond to traumatic experiences, and will specifically address the use of affect modulation techniques, EMDR, yoga, theater, and neuro feedback in overcoming various aspects of the destabilization and disintegration caused by trauma.
The Generational Self approach emphasizes how the state of consciousness in which an experiential challenge is held determines whether a problem or solution develops. The model identifies three types of mind – Somatic, Cognitive, and Field,and how each mind can be operating at a Primitive, Ego, or Generative level. We will see how a problem degrades a person’s consciousness level so that change is impossible, and how that low-level state can be improved to a Generative level, so that the problematic experience either spontaneously changes, or is more easily engaged. Numerous practical techniques and clinical examples will be offered.
This workshop offers participants the wisdom gained from our new scientific understanding of love, and from 25 years of research and clinical practice in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). The first part of the workshop will present a clear picture of romantic love as the natural arena for personal health, resilience and growth. The second part of the workshop outlines and guides participants into four conversations to enhance your relationship: Recognizing Demon Dialogues, Finding Raw Spots, the pivotal Hold Me Tight conversation, and Forgiving Injuries. Better communication, more effective problem solving, more empathetic caring and improved sexual relationships are just some of the improvements associated with a more secure bond.
Dr. Polster will show how a deep relational duet can be created and, joined with therapeutic experiments and awareness expansion, provide a landscape of high focus, surprise, directionalism and radiance in the search for a sense of personal wholeness.Creation of fluidity, dependable identity, microcosmic lessons, and fresh storytelling will serve as major vehicles.
Happiness can be usefully dissolved into the Pleasant Life (Positive Emotions), the Engaged Life, and the Meaningful Life.The mission of Positive Psychology is to understand and build these three lives. Dr. Seligman will describe interventions that raise happiness, so defined, and will detail their effects on depression.