It is important for therapists to fully evaluate the entire clinical picture when treating the trauma victim. This includes not only the overt symptoms directly associated with the traumatic event, but potential problems in relationships and deficits in sense of self. Ultimately, it is important to address and foster health of body, mind, emotion and spirit. Case examples, research and client videos will be used to illustrate the procedures and comprehensive treatment effects that foster personal and relational development.
This workshop in law, ethics and regulation focuses on three of the four most frequent causes for actions against mental health professionals, nationwide. Since the 2010-2011 law/ethics/regulation workshop focused primarily on boundary violations (including sexual contact between professional and patient/client), this 2012-2013 workshop focuses on incompetence, criminal convictions and cases involving high-conflict custody problems.
This workshop in law, ethics and regulation focuses on three of the four most frequent causes for actions against mental health professionals, nationwide. Since the 2010-2011 law/ethics/regulation workshop focused primarily on boundary violations (including sexual contact between professional and patient/client), this 2012-2013 workshop focuses on incompetence, criminal convictions and cases involving high-conflict custody problems. The workshop emphasizes awareness and management of risk factors in the major areas of high risk practice via music videos illustrating the principles taught in the program. These include coping with negative publicity on the internet, the risks of “creative” techniques, riskier vs. safer models of intervention, coping with the need to “rescue” patients/clients, management of angry/dissatisfied patients/clients, and more.
Crisis, transition and transformation are three key dynamics we need to address during times of deep upheaval. It is said that things are always changing, but not always progressing. During times of dynamic change, many challenges will present themselves such as meeting the fear of the unknown and unfamiliar, dealing with loss, and a general sense of vulnerability.These can plunge us into unhelpful survival strategies: attack, escape or rigidity (fight, flight, freeze) resulting in regression, inertia and conflict. In order progress though change, it is important to cultivate qualities such as flexibility and stability, balance, connection and the ability to let go.
This workshop will show how to detect and modify acceptance, mindfulness and values processes moment to moment in therapy sessions, based primarily on methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The primary method used will be tape of real clinical sessions, with start and stop discussions.
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.
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.
Extrapolating psychotherapy leadership private sessions into Life Focus Communities would expand therapy’s inter-relational purpose, combining the treasures of belonging with the inspirational powers of people joining together in a continuing examination of the lived life. Dr. Polster will offer some novel comparisons with religion and demonstrate through experiential exercises how such groups may be conducted.
EMDR directly addresses the physiologically stored memory networks that underlie both psychological problems and mental health. This orientation to both case conceptualization and treatment will be explored to address diverse clinical applications, including attachment issues, body image, chronic pain, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction, personality disorders, and other presenting complaints. The Integration of EMDR with family therapy practices will also be discussed.
Dr Houston will offer a spectrum of ways designed to evoke new capacities in yourself and your clients in at least four areas: sensory and physical, psychological, myths and symbols, as well as spiritual. She will hope to entice you into high sensory development, radical empathy, luminous intelligence, and a polyphrenic nature (enjoying and utilizing the many selves you contain within you). The hope is that the values offered in this workshop will stimulate a passion for the possible,and a capacity to take on the tasks of a world in transition.