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ICP&P Study Group: Clinical Application of Mind-Body Principles, Neuroscience and Contemporary Dynamic Approaches


Stephen R. Stein, PhD and Gretchen Fair MSW
1st and 3rd Weds: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Woodley Park, DC


This group will focus on the practical integration of relational psychotherapy, neuroscience, and mind-body principles in the clinical encounter. A didactic and experiential format will be employed to assist members in learning, understanding and practicing various mind-body strategies. Attention will be directed to reviewing current research and practicing skills in the use of mindfulness, meditation, hypnosis, and guided imagery. We will also use these techniques to explore our connections to each other within the group and to deepen our understanding of ourselves in the clinical process. Participants will be encouraged to bring in case material. The overall goal of the group is to enrich and expand treatment through an integrated model which combines theory, scientific findings, and the effective clinical application of mind-body techniques.


After attending the study group, the participants will be able to:

  1. Discuss the use of mind-body techniques (including hypnosis, mindfulness, meditation and guided imagery);
  2. Explore the potential effect of these techniques on mental health and emotional balance;
  3. Describe the convergence of contemporary dynamic theory (which includes but is not restricted to) self psychology, object relations theory and relational theory.
  4. Describe the basic differences between implicit/explicit memory systems and discuss their relationship to treatment;
  5. Describe the role of the orbital frontal cortex in affect regulation;
  6. Discuss the relationship between the amygdala and the hippocampus;
  7. Explain the impact of the amygdala and the hippocampus on psychological wellbeing;
  8. Assess the impact and effect of trauma on the brain;
  9. Discuss how mirror neurons are activated in psychotherapy and explain their role in promoting empathic attunement;
  10. Discuss the relationship between the neurotransmitter oxytocin and attachment;
  11. Examine the relationship between limbic attractors, repetition compulsion and recapitulation of early family experience;
  12. Explain the effects of left brain/ right brain integration on psychological functioning;
  13. Describe the effect of compassionate mindfulness in enhancing secure attachment;
  14. Discuss the effect of stress on cortisol levels and the impact of stress on the brain;
  15. Explain the relationship between inter-subjectivity, transference and countertransference, and the creation of a new healing narrative in psychotherapy;
  16. Discuss the relationship between engaged equanimity, emotional balance, and neural integration;
  17. Discuss the fundamental principles employed within hypnotic inductions;
  18. Apply breathing, deep muscle relaxation and guided imagery techniques for the reduction of anxiety and stress;
  19. Explain the use of guided imagery in the treatment of depression;
  20. Discuss some of the ethical considerations when using mind-body strategies in therapy (including consent, patient safety and therapist competence);
  21. Create hypnotic inductions designed to increase patients' sense of safety and well-being;
  22. Practice and implement modalities to induce altered states of consciousness (including deep muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, music, tai chi, meditational movements, and visualization)

Books:

  • A General Theory of Love – Lewis, Amini, Lannon
  • Staying Well With Guided Imagery – Bellaruth Naparstek
  • The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Building and Rebuilding the Human Brain – Louis Cozolino
  • Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (2005)
  • Selected readings from Daniel Siegal will be included