Based on two models developed and implemented by Dr. Mills, this experiential workshop provides restorative approaches for expanding individual therapy to community healing after disaster. Cultural diversity, natural healing, spirituality, storytelling and “story crafts” will be utilized to demonstrate how to reawaken innate resiliency. Inherent in the models being addressed are the philosophies of Milton Erickson, Native Americans, Hawaiians and other transcultural teachings, along with the principles of play therapy.
This workshop explores how the Native American belief system contains ingredients to keep the mind and body in harmony and promote well-being. We will explore adding time-frames, respect and gratitude; the circle of life, and symbols as reminders of the "right" path.
Arabs, Muslims and Middle Easterners are well-established populations in North America and are still growing. In this presentation, we will examine their various backgrounds, religions, mentalities, professions and subcultures as well as their psychological needs, struggles and aspirations. The challenges they face and represent also will be discussed. Practical and therapeutic guidelines for all types of caregivers dealing with this population will be presented.
The use of stories, anecdotes and metaphors greatly facilitates "brief solutions" as the therapeutic message is encapsulated in a highly condensed form in the teaching tales and humorous anecdotes typical of Sufi Approaches. In these tales, utilizing trance phenomena, the message is available for recall far beyond the time of the actual therapeutic encounter. This approach quickly, thoroughly and lastingly effects therapeutic change. In this workshop we will focus on Teaching Tales in combination with music. The approach is experiential: participants will actually experience a traditional Sufi Session of Story Telling, based on which the theory and technical aspects will be taught.
This workshop highlights the use of Ericksonian approaches including the use of the therapist as a facilitator of change in working with clients from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Seeding, paradoxical intervention and humor will be used to help participants find ways to join with a multicultural clientele. The presenter will use provocative video clips and activities to invite participants to consider some innovative approaches in working within a diverse and multicultural society.
The StoryPlay® model weaves together the elements of story/metaphors, creativity, expressive arts and play to form a unique and proven method of therapy to effect positive change, healing and problem-solving. Deriving its theoretical foundations from the principles of Milton H. Erickson and indigenous teachings, StoryPlay® emphasizes cultural diversity, natural healing abilities and creative solutions.
Milton Erickson studied Native American healing practices and incorporated some of what he learned into his own approach to hypnosis. In this presentation principles and practices of Native American healing that parallel hypnosis will be described, and contribution to Erickson’s approach will be identified.
From psychoanalysis, to psychodrama, to hypnosis, therapists have employed ritual and ceremony to aid their patients. This workshop will provide a hypnotic experience based on the Balinese Cleansing Ceremony. Utilization of available and invented ceremonies from participants’ lives will also be developed as aides to therapy, and practiced by participants.
What is a modern definition or a contemporary conceptualization of care-giving and counseling? How are the events and trends of our world today shaping the nature and function of the helping professions? Presently, globalism, secularism, extremism, and radicalism constitute a major challenge to individuals, communities, and nations alike and to both the care-giver/therapist and the care-receiver/client! Trans-national, trans-theoretical, and trans-cultural implications will be discussed.