This workshop will center around a videotape of my work. Discussion will focus around what I see, how I choose the moment of intervention, and the kinds of intervention I choose. Concepts will be related to the theory underlying my practice as a family therapist.
An exposition of the methods of obtaining from neurotic patients the information necessary for selection of techniques, description of the most common techniques, demonstration of relaxation training and assertive training.
A brief discussion of my experience with demonstration interviews. A "client" will be selected from among those who volunteer. A thirty-minute demonstration interview will be held, followed by interaction between the group, the client and me.
The unique assessment methods involving Modality Profiles, Structural Profiles, Tracking, and Second-Order Basic I.D. Charts will be addressed. The rationale for technique selection will be underscored. When and when not to use family therapy will be discussed.
The Cognitive Model of anxiety as applied to acute and chronic anxiety, post-traumatic disorders, agoraphobias, panic disorders and simple phobias will be presented.
Cognitive-behavioral strategies include identification and evaulation of dysfunctional cognition, induced imagery, induced panic attacks, and cognitive monitoring of exposure treatment. A videotaped demonstration of the treatment of panic disorders will be shown.
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.