From Freud to Erickson to the current practice of psychotherapy, the nature of human problems has remained the same. What has changed is which problems we consider are within the realm of psychotherapy to elucidate. When Erickson introduced the concept of directive therapy, the field changed, not only in terms of how to do therapy, but also in terms of what are the issues a therapist must address. Is there a place for the concept of evil, for the practice of justice, and for the spiritual realm in therapy? What do we know today that we didn't know a hundred years ago? How can we preserve the existence of the therapist as humanist, social activist and systemic thinker?
Ericksonian psychotherapists understand the importance of stories, symbols, and the use of sacred objects in their healing work. We use them to create strategic interventions that help patients move beyond their limitations. In this workshop we will learn how to incorporate all of these elements in the creation of healing ceremonies.
How do we take care of ourselves as therapists? That question is at the center-point of this experiential workshop. Participants will be provided with five pathways for how they can reconnect to the magic in their own lives: 1) Renewal from the Roots Up; 2) Lessons Learned from the Natural World; 3) Restoring the Breath of Life; 4) Rituals for Remembering; 5) Giveaway: Sharing the Vision.
This workshop addresses everything from cruelty in families, to terrorism in politics and the abuse of psychopharmacology and managed care. It offers a higher order resolution method to all levels of human conflict and a model of human dignity.
The Enneagram System of Personality Types may be the most profound and practical way to know ourselves and others and be a bridge between psychology and spirituality. This workshop will be a sophisticated introduction to using the Enneagram as an insightful tool to empower therapist growth and effectiveness.
This workshop explores how the Native American belief system contains ingredients to keep the mind and body in harmony and promote well-being. We'll explore adding into therapy sessions totem strengths, shaman journeys, medicine wheels, time-frames, respect and gratitude; the circle of life and symbols as reminders of the "right path."
The diagnosis of cancer brings with it a host of psychological as well as physical challenges. Interactive imagery can help patients restore their sense of control when their coping abilities are both most needed and most challenged. In this presentation we will review at least four evidence-based techniques that can help restore a patient's coping and decision-making abilities, stimulate their immunity and help them reduce the adverse effects of surgery, chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
This workshop explores the use of hypnosis to create mystical or transcendental states of consciousness. As Maslow noted many years ago, even a brief or faint taste of such experiences seems to change people in dramatically positive ways. One momentary immersion can change a person's psychological and emotional condition forever, perhaps even altering basic hormonal, neurological and biochemical states.
Meditation is a useful tool for therapy and for life. This experiential workshop describes meditation's roots in the ancient traditions of Yoga, Buddhism, Zen and Taoism. It will develop the mental tools used when meditating with exercises. Participants will be shown how to meditate and apply the result to stress, habits, emotions and learning.