Hypnosis has been shown to enhance the effects of treatment in general, and CBT in particular, making treatment more effective and with more enduring results. Hypnosis as a field is supported by a body of scientific literature that is broad, deep and fascinating, addressing issues such as information processing, the relationship between the brain and the mind, the dynamics of interpersonal influence, and how suggestions become realities. As practicing clinicians, we have a great deal to learn from studying hypnosis whether we ever intend to become "hypnotists" or not. The role of suggestion - influential communication - is so basic to any healing technique that to ignore, avoid, or underestimate its impact in the therapy process weakens our ability to practice therapy effectively.
Psychotherapy is an exploration of how individuals can forge positive, therapeutic responses to life challenges. This workshop focuses on the three core connections that allow clients to do this: (1) Positive intention and goals (“towards a positive future”); (2) Somatic Centering (“embodied presence”); and (3) Field Resources (“positive connections beyond the problem”). We will see how in a repetitive problem, all three of these connections are typically absent. More importantly, we will see how clients may be helped to developed and sustain these positive connections while engaging with challenging material—e.g., a past trauma, a present difficulty, or a future possibility. Participants will be offered multiple techniques and examples, as well as several demonstrations to illustrate this positive orientation to psychotherapy.
This workshop focuses on the specific use of cognitive-behavioral strategies as an adjunct to the many treatment modalities of family therapy. It offers a basic overview of the theories of cognitive-behavioral therapy, particularly as it applies to families. Participants will learn first-hand techniques and strategies for working with difficult families and how to integrate these strategies with their respective modes of treatment. Role-playing and case reviews will be used. A question and answer period will follow.
This workshop will outline the use of attachment theory in the assessment of Relationship problems, setting of treatment goals, creation of change events and moment to moment interventions in emotionally focused couples therapy.
The unique assessment methods involving Modality Profiles, Structural Profiles, Tracking, and Second-Order Basic I.D. Charts will be addressed. The rationale for technique selection will be underscored. When and when not to use family therapy will be discussed.
Therapists learning depth psychotherapy (extending several years) make a greater personal commitment than in other forms of therapy. Supervision of this work requires attention to the therapist's subjective experience as well as to procedures and conceptual perspectives. This workshop will include direct teaching, unrehearsed demonstration with an actual supervisee, and candid feedback from supervisee and supervisor.
Anxious clients adhere rigidly to erroneous beliefs and coping strategies to ward off fear that keeps them from following through on therapy interventions. The strategic approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy helps clients find the courage and motivation to challenge these old beliefs and attitudes. Practical methods enable clients to disregard the content of their obsessive worries and to explore the feeling of uncertainty rather than fleeing from it. The cutting-edge anxiety treatment is now pushing further into the confrontational. Participants will learn how to help clients purposely seek out anxiety as their ticket to freedom from crippling fear.
Like jazz musicians improvising a duet, you and your hypnosis clients sizzle best when you're in sync and when your improvised communications inspire fresh exploration and discovery of meaningful change. Learn and practice three essential principles for structuring effective hypnotherapeutic improvisations. 1) Always Connect! 2) Think Pattern! 3) Experiment, Listen, Respond!
Explore Ericksonian and other strategies within a framework of positive internalized habit and addiction control. Many metaphors, inductions, images, suggestions, reframings, tasks and understandings will be shared and experienced through every step of the therapeutic process in weight control, smoking cessation, and treating other unwanted habit and addictive problems.
This workshop addresses the treatment of acute and chronic pain related to psychological and/or somatic trauma. Special emphasis is placed on clients who present with complex symptoms such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and migraines that have proven refractory to previous treatment. Synthesis of Ericksonian strategies with EMDR, imagery and meridian therapies with Energy Psychology to help maximize self-regulation is explored and demonstrated.