There is a vast wisdom describing the capacity for self-transformation and healing central to Buddhist psychology, now a focus of current neuroscience research as well. We will delineate the principles and clinical/therapeutic applications of mindfulness, compassion and forgiveness trainings, attunement, mental health and well being, as well as the profound shift of identity that has parallels in eastern psychology and recent neuroscience research. We will explore the wedding of a spiritual psychology of the heart in tune with clinically sound modern science.
In this experiential workshop, volunteers will be asked to describe a dream in detail and then to work on it with Dr. Gendlin. It is not necessary to tell everything; private space and silent meditation are essential. The use of Focusing will be demonstrated.
Revolutionary research in neuroscience and functional genomics documents show how experiences of novelty, environmental enrichment, and exercise (both mental and physical) can optimize gene expression, brain plasticity, healing and life extension in dreams, meditation and spiritual rituals. In this workshop, we will experience the four-stage creative cycle in ourselves and in others.
In the treatment of the effects of trauma, its inherent relationship with spirituality provides a vital link in the therapeutic process. The understanding of a person’s felt, spiritual connection is central to the therapeutic process. If we are unable to access a person’s spirituality, we may find ourselves trapped, as therapists, in areas that are fraught with pitfalls and “tight corners.” The intimate association between trauma and spirituality suggests therapeutic avenues that support the authentic transformation of traumatic experiences. Through the use of didactic material- including brain research, experiential practice incorporating the bodily “felt-sense,” and video material, we will introduce Somatic Experiencing® as a way to reconnect with the deep self. The focus will be on developing practical tools to gracefully enhance the relationship between trauma and spirituality within the therapeutic experience.
The major way that people cope with trauma in North America is to use some form of religious or spiritual rituals and meaning-making activities . In this workshop , Dr. Meichenbaum will consider both the positive and negative modes of spiritual coping, ways to assess for client’s spirituality, and ways to integrate spiritually-based interventions into psychotherapy, where indicated.
In this workshop we will explore the principles and practices of Buddhist Psychology, and how mindfulness, compassion and related practices can be applied in clinical and pragmatic ways in the West. Through teachings, case studies, stories and guided trainings, we will learn the positive strengths of these powerful approaches and experience a taste of their benefits.
The role of magick in physical and psychological healing is staging a comeback. Recently, the world’s two most populous countries have called upon folk healers, herbalists, and spiritual guides to address the pressing mental health needs of their citizenry. However the methods are believed to work—whether by the operation of spirits, the rebalancing of disharmonious energies, or other unknown powers—each approach shares a common denominator: the conviction that forces outside awareness, inaccessible to reason or direct observation, influence or even control life. Crucially, those viewed by the public as possessing the power to connect with such forces, are regarded as healers. It’s time for Western therapists to rediscover their magickal roots. This demonstration will identify and show possibilities for healing far beyond what the current and popular
The discovery of the quantum nature of our universe is so major an event that its profound implications cannot be overstated. Quantum theory demands a radical re-visioning of the role of Consciousness as the underlying organizing principle of the universe. Working with these concepts, both spiritual and scientific, we have enabled students to be, to do and to create in ways that are suggestive of higher levels of human accomplishment. Similarly from the quantum perspective of the simultaneity of past, present and future we are able to change the story of minor past events until it become a realistic part of one’s memory.
In this session we will explore the wise and loving perspectives of Buddhist Psychology. These transformative teachings and practices can awaken in clients and therapists alike an inner capacity for wakefulness, joy, dignity, and compassion—Buddha-nature. Combining practical and clinical examples, teaching stories, and innate wisdom we will consider the heart of healing, love, consciousness and the nature of mind.