The Ericksonian approach rests on the use of effective direct and indirect technique to access inherent resources and promote patient-based change. Lecture, demonstration, group exercise.
I will present some views on my own development as a gestalt therapist, showing through demonstrations and discussion how simple human engagement-softness, humor, focused attention and respect for the ordinary-can, in concert with techniques, generate profound personal experience.
Presented will be a teaching tape on the values and perils of therapist-oriented (undifferentiated) eclecticism. The therapist, whether he likes it or not, is a model for the family. An unsure therapist is a poor model when a well defined family is a goal.
All audience members will have an opportunity to assess their own readiness to resolve a basic personal issue via the accessing experience of deep trance phenomena.
Workshop 30 - Aspects of Individualization, featuring Dieter Baumann.
A special workshop presentation from Dieter Baumann at the 1985 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.
Workshop 31 - A Feminist Perspective on Psychotherapy, featuring Sophie Freud.
A special workshop presentation from Sophie Freud at the 1985 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.
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.
Robert and Mary Goulding (1985), working as cotherapists, demonstrate using five volunteer clients. The concerns of each individual are addressed during the therapy session. The Gouldings help define each person’s goals and establish a contract for change. The session includes role-play, fantasy, confrontation and the use of humor.
May emphasizes the importance of availability to the client; Rogers, that the therapist serves a function rather than a role. Satir examines client expectations, and how the therapist can be a leader while still maintaining a relationship based on equality. Szasz describes concrete economic factors, social and psychological factors that motivate the therapist. The panel also responds to questions from the audience.
Ronald Laing (1985) interviews a home-less woman diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Her presenting complaint is that her brain does not work right and that people are out to get her. Laing relates to the client and explores her theories of human conspiracy, the power of the mind and mind reading, issues of Christianity, and how these concepts relate to her.