This workshop focuses on identifying core beliefs and themes in couples and families that are constraining change. Creative use of the interview and interventions, including symbols, metaphors, language, fantasies and rituals to point a direction for change will be demonstrated.
This workshop focuses on the control theory and how it relates to the practice of Reality Therapy. Demonstration with volunteers from the audience who will role-play actual clients they are now working with will be highlighted.
Human problems can be seen as "games without end; " that is, as recurring behaviors based on the continuous application of rigid rules, but devoid of rules for the change of these rules. What are such "meta-rules" and how can they be introduced?
The development of the capacities of the healthy real self is described along with the impairments in these capacities that ensue in the Disorders of the Self. A diagnostic system based on the Disorders of the Self is presented, its conceptual basis is explained, and it is compared with DSM IV. A central triadic psychodynamic theme of these disorders, i.e., self-activation leads to depression which leads to defense, is described.
Strategies developed in cognitive therapy of depression are readily applied to couples' problems. Assessment of conflicting perspectives, thinking disorder, escalation of distortions and cognitive interference with communication. Reducing hostility, reinforcing pleasure, increasing collaboration and improving sexual satisfaction through cognitive interventions.
A consistent, testable theory can permit the importation of effective techniques, not theories, on patients. Knowing when to apply a specific technique and how to enhance compliance will be stressed.
The human reflex to summarize and animate experiences is a springboard for the formation of selves. Through lecture and live therapy demonstrations, Dr. Polster will show how to identify the population of selves within and how to restore linkage among them, creating a dependable sense of personal identity.
The application of Control Theory to the problem of selecting a compatible mate and/or staying happily married to an existing mate. To do this there will be considerable interaction with the audience.
Patients come to therapy because they have problems. These problems range from difficulties in working, in social and sexual relationships and in functioning. Symptoms may be depression, anxiety and fear, or a general sense that life has no meaning. In all cases it can be seen that the body is emotionally crippled by chronic muscular tensions which limit the person's energy and decreases his vitality. In this workshop Lowen explains how one recognizes these tensions and how they can be released.
Seminal laboratory experiments show how habits are unlearned. Behavioral analysis: Accurately identify fear eliciting stimulus patterns. Description of major techniques with case examples, e.g., systematic desensitization, flooding, assertiveness training. Practica involving attendees showing treatment of specific anxiety constellations will reveal how the therapist adjusts to the individual.