This invited address will focus on the strange finding that the various disciplines comprising the broad field of mental health rarely offer their trainees a definition of what the mind is. We’ll explore a cross-disciplinary perspective on this question, offering a working definition of the mind and on what a healthy mind may actually be. The core process of linking differentiated parts of a system—be it the brain, an interpersonal relationship, or modern culture—can be called “integration” and be seen at the heart of well-being.
Since life is lived in the Space-Between and remembered in Space-Within, thus giving birth to subjectivity, therapeutic intervention should be directed to the Space-Between in order to effect change in the Space-Within. This radical shift from subjectivity to the interactive space calls for a radical revision of therapeutic interventions. This speech will describe the problem and discuss the impact of relational interventions.
Having just celebrated his 80th birthday, 55th year of clinical practice, research and supervision, and 24th year as Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention. Don Meichenbaum will be discussing the “lessons learned”, including what “expert” psychotherapists do to achieve lasting changes and ways to spot HYPE in the field of psychotherapy. This will include a critique of the “state of the art” of both psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy.
The conversation hour will begin with a very brief presentation of the Gottman Sound Relationship House Theory, and then be entirely open to questions and answers.
Anxiety is one of the most common problems discussed in psychotherapy. Panelists will discuss it's treatment from perspectives of evidence-based treatment models for anxiety disorders, a systems view of anxiety across the human population, and the impact of anxious attachments stemming from childhood on intimate relationships.