BT10 Short Course 23 - Brief Therapy in a World of Globalism, Secularism, and Fundamentalism - Naji Abi-Hashem, PhD

Description: This wide ranging seminar looks at how globalization, secularism and rising fundamentalism shape the lives of clients and caregivers. The presenter explores identity, culture shock and the psychological fatigue created by rapid change, then offers ways to understand rigidity, polarization and radicalization without reducing them to pathology. Participants learn how to work more sensitively and flexibly across cultures, strengthen their own “cultural self” and support clients navigating loss, dislocation and shifting worldviews.

Syllabus Description: What is a modern definition or a contemporary conceptualization of caregiving 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.

Educational Objectives:

1. List four major effects, both advantages and disadvantages, of globalization on us and on our world today.
2. Describe two major challenges (socio-cultural and psycho-political) facing psychotherapy and the helping professions in general.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*