Teleconferences for Therapists

Narrative Ideas and Therapeutic Practice:

Throughout this 90-minute discussion participants are guided through a step-by-step practice map of narrative therapy. The workshop outlines how David Epston and Michael White used post-structural theory to explain the six key concepts that form the practice map of narrative therapy. Stephen shows participants how the theory shapes narrative therapy's understanding of, 1) the landscapes of action and identity, 2) relational externalizing conversations, 3) unique outcomes, 4) re-remembering conversations, 5) therapeutic letter writing, and 6) outsider witness teams. Stephen will also answer questions regarding any theoretical or narrative practice issue in detail.

Build Your Online Presence Through Public Education

Writing is one of the best ways to market your practice. It costs nothing (except your time) and can attract the kinds of people that you like to work with. Through your writing, you can build a strong online presence that will boost your ranking in Google and other search engines.

In this teleconference you will learn how to decide what to write about, and where to find reliable, authoritative content. You'll learn how to structure your writing - in both content and layout - to attract online audiences, so that they read it and pass it on to others.

In order to build a strong internet presence, everything you write must include 3 key elements. Find out what these are, and where to distribute your work for maximum exposure.

The Dangers of Psychotherapy:

When people call us for treatment, they carry the perception that they have pathology. When we schedule an appointment, we carry the presumption that we will be treating their pathology. And then therapy begins. But what if the problem was the perception and the presumption? What if getting better was not a viable goal, or even a desired one? Too often psychotherapy gives people hope that something can and should change. And the longer that continues, the more self absorbed our patients become making suffering worse. This workshop will examine some of our assumptions about psychotherapy, the process and what hope and healing really means.

The Convergence of Neuroscience and Mindfulness:

In the late 1990's a dramatic paradigm took place in neuroscience regarding the ability of the brain to change. As a result of this "new "neuroscience," we have a much better view of what is happening in the brain when we get stuck in such negative emotions as anxiety, anger and depression -- and how we can work with these emotions in way that actually changes the brain. Mindfulness offers practical techniques and practices for working with these negative emotions. The convergence of neuroscience and mindfulness is a powerful combination driving change: neuroscience provides the view and mindfulness provides the path.

In this 90-minute telephone seminar, we explore the paradigm shift in neuroscience and its optimistic message about the brain's ability to change. In the process, we will consider the primary factors driving changes in the brain. We will then discuss specific mindfulness
practices and techniques you can use right away to enhance clients' ability to nurture the healthy change they seek.

Circle of Meaning:

This teleconference will build a conceptual framework and experiential method for the Circle of Meaning, a narrative tool developed by Patricia Burke to help clinicians shape their conversations with clients about their spiritual lives in a respectful and culturally sensitive way, while honoring the diversity and richness of their values, meanings and intentions in life.

Ethics With Soul and Boundaries in Psychotherapy

This presentation will review the clinical and ethical complexities of therapeutic boundaries, such as self-disclosure, physical touch, gifts, bartering, telehealth (e-therapy), jointly engaging in activities outside the office (i.e., home visits, attending a wedding, hospital visits, or adventure therapy), length and place of sessions, and various forms of dual or multiple relationships. Also to be discussed: modern-day digital and virtual therapeutic challenges, such as telehealth or e-therapy, the appropriate use of e-mail in therapy, therapists Googling their clients, clients Googling their therapists, and clients receiving and sending cell phone messages and texts during sessions. Special attention will be given to dual relationships in small communities, such as church, LGBT, minorities, rural, disabled, etc. The presentation will also cover issues of standard of care, risk management, and ethical decision-making. Therapists will be able to participate in discussions and pose question and ideas during the conference. The hope is that therapists will learn how to operate ethically and with clinical integrity rather than fear and trepidation.