The distinguishing elements of a psychotherapy conducted from an existential orientation and holding humanistic values. Topics briefly dealt with include centering on process rather than content; authenticity of encounter; commitment; presence; concern; the subjective; intentionality vs. causality; and developing depth of inquiry. Didactic presentations, questions and discussion, and demonstrations.
Like lock and key, illness and treatment are matching, symmetrical terms. Because the term "mental illness" is misleading, I prefer to avoid the term "psychotherapy," which refers (or ought to refer) to a particular kind(s) of dialogue, discourse, or situation of personal influence.
Edited video of thirty-five hours of family therapy conducted along with co-therapist, David Keith. Psychotic episode occurred in the father and three sibs but not in the mother.
New developments will be presented in the theory and technique of strategic therapy with individuals, families, and couples, including prescribing the metaphor and the use of confusional techniques with families. Concepts will be illustrated with videotaped examples.
Change in psychotherapy is a gradual process with predictable stages which can be understood and prepared for. Integrating new perspectives and behaviors requires attention to the needs of each of three phases: support, accommodation, and assimilation. These stages will be defined and demonstrated in work with volunteer workshop participants.
This approach is a short-term, focused psychotherapy that uses clear contracts for change, respect for the autonomy of the client, imaginative games, effective self-reparenting, and client redecision. Emphasized will be freeing the client from early "stuck" spots. Lecture, case presentation, and large-group exercises.
An information processing model designed to clarify the biased and constricted thinking in depression will be described. The practical applications of the model use principles of guided discovery and collaborative empiricism. There will be a demonstration of specific strategies applied to dysfunctional cognitions and beliefs. A blending of cognitive and behavioral techniques are used for in vivo exercises.
Because of the weight of clients difficulties, the employment of lighter areas of experience is often indicated, both for cathartic relief as well as for providing closure. The session will focus on joy, humor, tenderness.
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.