There's an open secret at the heart of both contemporary science and ancient wisdom traditions—the primitive part of our brains can't distinguish between an external threat, like footsteps in a dark alley, and an internal threat, like grief or shame or rage. In other words, we unconsciously believe that difficult emotions are going to kill us, so we resist them with all our might. This resistance is the root cause behind most negative life patterns: blocks, depression, addiction, and a host of other troubles.



The opposite of resistance is acceptance, of course, and a number of therapeutic modalities address this well, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, for example, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. But in order to rewire our brains successfully we must master one simple yet rarely taught skill. That skill is how to locate and feel an emotion directly in the body, in a non-interfering way, for as long as necessary until it resolves. This must come prior to any interpretation or reaction to the emotion. When we do this, the brain "updates," recognizing that the difficult feeling of the moment isn't life-threatening and therefore doesn't require such a dramatic shutdown or escape. Sometimes it's helpful to consider this practice "inner exposure therapy."



Almost anyone, even children, can learn this practice to great effect. It can blend easily with just about any modality, including those that are primarily cognitive. In this Web Conference, Raphael Cushnir will provide the underpinnings for the practice and then present it in an interactive way. By exploring what he calls "emotional surfing," participants will not only learn how to feel their feelings in a whole new way, but also become able to explain and teach it from direct experience.



Cushnir has trained thousands of people in this practice around the world. He is not, however a licensed or credentialed counselor. He presents himself as the teacher of an awareness practice and suggests that people trust their own experience only in pursuing this approach. His synthesis of neuroscience has been vetted in preparation for his seminal book on the topic, "The One Thing Holding You Back: Unleashing The Power of Emotional Connection." Please note this approach may be contraindicated for those with serious schizophrenic or otherwise delusional diagnoses.



This introductory web conference is designed to help clinicians:




  1. Promote somatic awareness;

  2. Replace destructive core beliefs;

  3. Bolster distress tolerance;

  4. Increase emotional intelligence;

  5. Build integrative problem solving.



If you have any questions about this Web Conference or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

In short, participants will be able to listen to the event by calling in to our teleconference center. Prior to the event, all participants will be sent an email with instructions on how to login to the teleconference and video conference center. This event will include lecture, interaction, and question and answer periods. A recording of the event, including video, will be made available within one week after the conclusion of the live event.


Continuing Education (CE) Information

1.5 CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395. 

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

Meet the Presenter

Raphael Cushnir

Raphael Cushnir is a leader in the world of making the emotional connection and present moment awareness. His approach is unique, and he has had the opportunity to share his approach for personal and professional development with millions of readers in O, The Oprah Magazine, Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Spirituality and Health. He travels and lectures worldwide; he has also authored six books and is a faculty member of the Esalen Institute, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and the Omega Institute. In addition, he coaches teams at Fortune 100 companies, religious organizations, governments, leading non-profits and individuals. Cushnir is also currently presenting an online interview series, Teaching What We Need To Learn, in which leaders in the fields of personal growth and spirituality share their own innermost challenges. For more information about Raphael Cushnir and his work, please visit cushnir.com or www.vulnerabilityproject.com