Cloé Madanes (2009) Strategic Therapy with a Couple demonstrates with a young couple who is conflicted about holiday celebrations and vacations. The husband has wounds from his past that resonate with family holidays. He also wants to be more a part of his wife “inner circle” with her son from a previous marriage and vacations challenge him in this area. Madanes uses humor, insight and emotional connection to guide the couple to an accepting compromise.
Bugental (1990) provides two demonstrations. First, Bugental works with Molly, an associate who is familiar with this approach at an advanced level. Next he works with a naïve client, demonstrating what therapy might look like on the first visit. After each session, Bugental and his client reflect upon his methods.
Erving Polster (1995) demonstrates with Delisa, who is troubled by her work with geriatric patients. Polster leads Delisa quickly and deeply into her own fears of death and loss. Polster jokes, confronts, and directs Delisa into a greater self-awareness. Following the demonstration Polster explains his work and addresses questions.
James Bugental (2000) explains the importance of focusing on immediate subjective experiences. Bugental works with Glenda who is experiencing deep guilt about an upcoming divorce. Bugental addresses questions from the audience. A second volunteer explores issues surrounding her recent career change. Bugental explains his approach and answers questions.
Daniel Siegel (2009) Mindsight and Integration in the Cultivation of Well-Being demonstrates interpersonal neurobiology therapy with a volunteer studying to be a therapist. She has experienced fear in one clinical setting and has also been “the glue,” holding together her family since she was young. Siegel uses the triangle of relationship/ mind/brain to help the volunteer experience her fear of responsibility by allowing images and body sensations to flow to “soften the mind.”
Judd Marmor (1990) outlines the history of brief dynamic psychotherapy by outlining the psychotherapy beginning with Freud and psychoanalysis. He profiles patients he believes will benefit from short-term therapy. He then conducts supervision with two volunteers. Following the demonstration Marmor discusses his technique.
Zeig (1995) demonstrates the Ericksonian approach to psychotherapy while working with Carol, a woman whose nail-biting habit is rooted in anxiety. After gathering information on her personal history, Zeig helps Carol utilize her values and history to affect change. The process is both humorous and dramatic. After working to change associations linked to the problem behavior, Zeig offers Carol an ordeal that will produce a "guaranteed cure." Hypnosis is offered as the "dessert", rather than the main course. Ericksonian approach to psychotherapy.
William Glasser (2000) uses role-play with Marie who is simulating Paul, a male client from her place of employment. Paul has marriage problems. Marie, as Paul, is asked to role-play his wife. Glasser highlights choices, examines the client’s thinking, and focuses on responsible behavior. After the demonstration Glasser explains his work.
Joseph Wolpe (1985) begins with Santiago who has a history of experiencing strong feelings of anxiety and discomfort during social situations. Questioning reveals that these problems are most intense when he is in situations in which he experiences a loss of control. Wolpe uses imagery and desensitization to diminish feelings of anxiety.
Joseph Wolpe (1990) interviews police officer Tom, who has problems resulting from a traumatic event: he had been confronted by a violent man whom he shot and killed. Later it became evident that the man had an empty gun and was mentally ill. Following a thorough interview, Wolpe uses eye movement and systematic desensitization to diminish the established fear hierarchy.