Dr. Oaklander will present an approach to working with children and adolescents that involves a variety of projective, creative and expressive techniques with Gestalt Therapy theory, philosophy, and practice as the underlying framework. Included will be an overview of the Oaklander model of the therapeutic process, case material, a direct experience, and discussion.
This workshop will immerse us in an exploration of how the human brain, mind, and relationships form an interconnected“triangle of well-being” involving the flow of energy and information. The mind regulates this flow; our relationships share this flow; and the brain serves as a mechanism mediating this flow. Knowing how to work with empathic relationships, a coherent mind, and an integrated brain builds a perspective on how to approach psychotherapy from an “interpersonal neurobiology” perspective. Nine domains of integration will be highlighted for application in psychotherapy.
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.
Few couples seem as unlikely to profit from therapy as those in which one partner as already decided to leave. Yet, even at this point, a therapist has an opportunity to turn the situation around. In this workshop, you will learn how to step in, even at the 11th hour, and help couples with seemingly intractable problems – hopelessness, ongoing affairs, and one spouse’s unwillingness to seek therapy, to resolve their difficulties, recommit to their marriage, and reclaim their lives.
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.
In this experiential workshop, volunteers will be asked to describe a dream in detail and then to work on it with Dr. Gendlin. It is not necessary to tell everything; private space and silent meditation are essential. The use of Focusing will be demonstrated.
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.
Cloé Madanes will present a theoretical framework and tools that therapists can use to understand what relationships need to change in order to solve the problem presented to therapy. Madanes will present 20 of her favorite strategies illustrated with case examples and with experiential exercises.
Dr. Meichenbaum will discuss the “State of the Art” in treating PTSD and use videos to demonstrate how to conduct integrative treatment intervention. He will highlight the value of a Constructive Narrative Perspective. Finally, some 300,000 soldiers are returning from combat with PTSD and comorbid disorders. Dr. Meichenbaum will address their needs and discuss ways to bolster resilience. (see www.warfighterdiaries.com)
This workshop will focus on the complications in psychodynamic treatment with Transference Focused Psychotherapy. It will explore the management of suicidal and parasuicidal behavior, disruptive of the treatment, severe acting out in and outside the sessions, dishonesty, severe affect storms, and primitive forms of aggression. The treatment of trauma, paranoid regression, erotization, and secondary gain will complement this workshop.