Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Talking is among the most dangerous things most people do, and listening the most infrequent. Since "objection to difference” is the source of all couples conflict, couples need a way to talk that transcends difference and achieves connection. In these sessions and the session that follow, participants will be introduced to a process that helps couples learn a new way to talk that will transform their relationship. They will also be introduced to a new relationship science and the brain research that supports it. The process is proven effective with couples and families as well as corporations, congregations and schools. The session will include lectures, demonstrations, practice and sharing.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Discuss the neuroscience of the Safe Conversations model
- Practice the Safe Conversations process
- Teach Safe Conversations principles
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Talking is among the most dangerous things most people do, and listening the most infrequent. Since "objection to difference” is the source of all couples conflict, couples need a way to talk that transcends difference and achieves connection. In these session participants will be introduced to a process that helps couples learn a new way to talk that will transform their relationship. They will also be introduced to a new relationship science and the brain research that supports it. The process is proven effective with couples and families as well as corporations, congregations and schools. The session will include lectures, demonstrations, practice and sharing.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Discuss the neuroscience of the Safe Conversations model
- Practice the Safe Conversations process
- Teach Safe Conversations principles
- Understand the relationship science
- Understand the brain research associated with transform a relationship
P02: Panel Discussion: Therapeutic Modalities in Treating Trauma and Process Addictions: A Mindful Approach
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Kirk Moberg, MD, PhD, FASAM
This panel will discuss basic and new therapeutic modalities for trauma and process addictions using mindfulness therapy. Based in ancient Buddhist psychology, mindfulness is a form of meditation and one of the fastest-growing areas of psychological research today. More recently, clinicians have been adding mindfulness practices to their repertoire of interventions. Panelists will discuss in-depth trauma, mindfulness, and therapy techniques.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Discuss mindfulness practices to use in everyday settings
- Learn several modalities for helping treat process addictions
- Understand the basic principles of mindfulness
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
This session will include a condensed explanation of the Safe Conversations process and focus on ways to integrate Safe Conversations into their practices through demonstration and case studies.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Incorporate Safe Conversations into their practice and therapeutic process
- Apply new brain science to the therapeutic process
- Apply Safe Conversations to the non- therapeutic settings
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Research increasingly indicates a connection between trauma and co-occurring disorders. Eating and substance use disorder behavior allows the individual to suppress unpleasant emotions related to traumatic experiences, to have a sense of control over her emotions, and to disassociate from the trauma itself. In this session, Dr.Lee-Samuel, will examine the consequences of early trauma as seen in the possible development of eating and substance use disorders. Reviewing the demographics of trauma across the lifespan, she will present how co-occurring disorders are developed as coping mechanisms to early trauma. Dr. Lee-Samuel, will then share specific case examples of how an integrated treatment approach is particularly useful for trauma survivors with these issues.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Explain brain organization and development in children, and responses of the childhood brain to trauma.
- Describe adaptations to trauma, including eating and substance use disorders
- Apply treatment approaches to trauma and co-occurring disorders
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
The current population of adolescents and young adults, the first generation to have grown up in the age of the internet, is virtually an entire cohort of vulnerable hosts to addictions including chemical, high risk sex, pornography and more. This presentation focuses on how to effectively treat this population with paradigm adjustments that fit their distinctive landscape including; neurobiology, family context, and culture, as well as the unique therapy opportunities therein. The significant differences between adolescents / young adults and fully matured adults are examined along with implications for treatment that can vastly improve outcome success.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Explain the differences between the fully matured adult brain and the young adult-adolescent brain (12-26+) and discuss the implications on addiction development and recovery.
- Assess parents’ roles in the systemic nature of the young person’s addiction and recovery and create an effective whole-family treatment plan.
- Explore the stories of their young clients and describe the answers to the question, "what makes the client's behavior, attitude, emotions, and perspective make sense?" and from that description plan interventions that use the strengths of the client to make second order changes in their life.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Clients rarely come for help citing loneliness as the primary problem, yet this issue may be the true elephant in the living room as well as the key to successful outcomes in therapy. This presentation takes a comprehensive look at the underlying issues of loneliness, five different types of loneliness, and practical strategies for recovery and life contentment.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Define loneliness
- Describe two clinical implications of loneliness
- Three sources/types of loneliness
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
How would one of the most brilliant minds approach the process of psychotherapy? Would he “spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and only 5 minutes thinking about solutions?” And if he did, might this process lead to more positive outcomes in therapy? If Einstein is right, therapeutic prescriptions will make more sense when the problem makes more sense. Clearly Einstein would not try to “solve the problems in the state in which they were created,” so should we make sure we are not doing the same? Come explore common-sense strategies designed for the clinical setting replete with scientific axioms, stories, video, and case examples.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- List one axiom attributed to Einstein applicable to psychotherapy
- Explain why you cannot solve a problem in the state in which it was created
- Explain why problem definition is vital to positive outcome in therapy
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) involves training in meditation and being in the present and has proven useful in the treatment of stress and anxiety. Studies of medications and other therapies have shown only partial efficacy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We have initiated studies to look at the effects of MBSR on the treatment of Iraq combat-related PTSD. MBSR was useful in the reduction of anxiety and PTSD symptoms when compared to a control treatment. Data is currently being analyzed on the effects of MBSR on the brain, and a study is ongoing through the VA to look at MBSR in a larger population of veterans with PTSD.
Participants in this session will understand how both medications and psychotherapy treatments can change brain structure and function and appreciate how this may correlate with psychological recovery in their clients
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the role of brain areas that mediate fear and anxiety including the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex, the role they play in the development of trauma-related disorders, and changes in recovery
- Review research findings and current state of knowledge related to use of mindfulness in the treatment of PTSD
- Understand how changes in brain function can underlie improvement in PTSD symptoms with treatment
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
In this session we will review the developmental effects caused by unresolved trauma and its impact on the addictive client. Often these clients have a difficult time identifying, tolerating, and regulating their emotions. Therefore, it is important to provide an integrated approach that emphasizes mood state regulation. The “Spectrum of Emotions” is a conceptual tool that helps to identify the root of all addictive behaviors, and the often co-occuring physical and mental health symptoms, as well as provides specific cognitive and experiential treatment interventions. This treatment approach addresses clients who are stuck in addictive and self-defeating behaviors. Clinical examples and case vignettes will also be provided.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the effects of trauma on addiction and mental health symptoms
- Identify the dissociative root underlying all addictive behaviors
- Learn specific treatment techniques
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Empathy scores are down, entitlement is up, are we in danger of developing a serious case of “affluenza”? What happens when the cultural norm is all about me, my desires, and my wishes with little thought for altruism, compassion and collaboration? Is all narcissism a reaction formation to low self-esteem? This presentation takes a serious look at etiology, social norms and clinical implications as well as strategies for healing.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Provide a working definition of narcissism
- Explain the association of entitlement and narcissism
- List the three subgroups in a family
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Over the past several years, mindfulness has gone from an obscure Buddhist spiritual practice to a mainstream, secular training that has been embraced by psychologists, doctors, teachers, and even the military. This lecture looks at vital aspects of mindfulness that have been marginalized or even lost as its popularity has grown. Desmond will explore how mindfulness is defined and taught in Buddhist psychology with an emphasis on the role of compassion. Then Desmond will look at the benefits and problems that have come from modern efforts to isolate and remove mindfulness from its Buddhist context. Finally, Desmond will present a new perspective on how mindfulness and compassion training can be utilized in therapy that is closer to the traditional way it has been practiced and understood.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Name the three most common misconceptions about mindfulness
- Describe the essential features of mindfulness often absent in secular presentations
- Guide clients through mindfulness and self-compassion practices specifically tailored for their presenting problems
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Process or behavioral addictions are not nearly as well understood as substance use disorders. However, gambling disorder stands out as the best understood and bears many similarities to substance use disorders and other behavioral addictions. As such it is an ideal “lens” through which to understand the other process addictions. In addition internet gaming is rapidly gaining attention as a possible bona fide disorder as well although it remains in section 3 of DSM-5. Fantasy sports, an activity that is enjoying popularity in a variety of venues, is controversial as to whether or not it should be considered gambling or not. This presentation will survey the history of gambling and its clinical aspects, compare and contrast it with internet gaming, and discuss some of the controversies surrounding fantasy sports.
Upon completion of this session the attendee will be able to:
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Explain the role of games of chance through pre-history and history.
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List clinical similarities between substance use disorders and gambling disorder.
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Compare and contrast gambling disorder with internet gaming.
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Discuss the controversy surrounding fantasy sports.
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Childhood abuse has lasting effects on the brain and neurobiology. Studies in animals show that early stress is associated with changes in brain regions involved in memory, including prefrontal cortex, cingulate, hippocampus, and amygdala. Neurobiological stress systems affected by early abuse include cortisol and norepinephrine systems. The hippocampus can create new neurons, and early stress inhibits this process. Early stress also affects neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex. In women with a history of childhood sexual abuse and PTSD we have shown smaller hippocampal volume and decreased function in the prefrontal cortex that is reversed by the antidepressant paroxetine or phenytoin, with associated improvements in memory. These findings point to brain circuitry underlying childhood abuse-related PTSD.
In this session participants will understand the effects of childhood abuse on the brain, and learn to describe fear systems like the amygdala to their clients in a way that helps them understand their symptoms but is factual and accurate.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify familiar with animal models for childhood abuse and how they are applicable to traumatized populations
- Identify changes in stress responsive neurohormonal systems following exposure to early stress
- Review research findings and current state of knowledge in areas relevant to PTSD and related BPD and DID
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Difficult to understand, often hard to love – addicts with personality and intimacy problems often express and project both the arrogance and unavailability of their well-defended hearts. These challenges often show up in a population more challenged by low self-esteem and emotional emptiness than by intellectual pursuit. By juxtaposing our deep need to feel loved and valued with the learned fears that come along with intimacy (especially in adult trauma survivors), this presentation hopes to encourage deeper empathy and understanding for the loneliness and unmet emotional needs of this population. The goal is to increase empathy and insight into those individuals more often described as “difficult” and “challenging” than hopeful. This talk frames addictive and problematic “personality” challenges as misguided attempts to meet--or dissociate from-- our healthy human needs for healthy deep dependency and connection. This presentation by a well-known expert and author on sexual addiction treatment offers an empathic model of the development of adult process addictions (sex, food, gambling), emotional detachment, narcissism, and related personality problems.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify three examples of the relationship between adult defensive, interpersonal acting out, and early childhood abuse/neglect
- Note two examples of how childhood objectification by a primary caretaker can result in reduced adult empathy and a tendency to use other people as objects when the individual grows to adulthood
- Identify three examples of the relationship between character disorders and addiction treatment
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
The field of Positive Psychology has learned a great deal about what does and does not lead to greater happiness and well-being. Decades of research have demonstrated that even dramatic changes to the external circumstances in our lives often have a relatively short-lived impact on our emotions. We also know that the single best predictor of psychological well-being is having a positive attitude, which includes gratitude, compassion, altruism, optimism, and humor. Although it is clear that these qualities are beneficial, how to help our clients develop them is not always simple. This lecture will explore research (with an emphasis on neuroscience) about how people who are anxious, depressed, and pessimistic can develop the type of attitude that leads to greater happiness and well-being. Then Desmond will look at specific techniques for overcoming the most common obstacles (including resistance and self-sabotage) that prevent clients from being able to change their attitudes.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Name five commonly held myths about the causes of happiness
- Describe the importance of deliberate practice in developing greater well-being
- Explain how to overcome the three most common obstacles to developing greater well-being
Friday, October 7, 2016 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Kirk Moberg, MD, PhD, FASAM
It is no understatement to state that recent decades have been characterized by a much greater understanding of the neurobiology of substance use disorders. Although not as well conceptualized much knowledge has also been gained in the realm of process or behavioral addictions. This session will review the current understanding of process addictions in terms of neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. We will discuss neurotransmitters and how Parkinson's can potentially better give answers to process addictions
Upon completion of this session attendees will be able to:
It is no understatement to state that recent decades have been characterized by a much greater understanding of the neurobiology of substance use disorders. Although not as well conceptualized much knowledge has also been gained in the realm of process or behavioral addictions. This session will review the current understanding of process addictions in terms of neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. We will discuss neurotransmitters and how Parkinson's can potentially better give answers to process addictions
Upon completion of this session attendees will be able to:
- List the neurotransmitters involved in mediating process addictions.
- Compare and contrast competing neurobiological models.
- Explain how Parkinson's Disease offers a lens through which to better understand process addictions.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 8:30 am - 10:00 am
This lecture and discussion will focus on issues that arise in people living with chronic pain, including the significant effects of emotions and thoughts which cause suffering. Methods will be explored regarding letting go of old ideas and finding solutions for recovery in the face of chronic pain by diminishing suffering with mindfulness practice.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- List principles of chronic pain, including central nervous system processing and the brain’s response to pain and suffering
- Explain the effects of emotional distress on increasing chronic pain
- Describe mindfulness techniques useful in treating chronic pain
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Until now passivity has been one of the least studied, discussed, and explained aspects of human behavior. The fields of psychology, personal growth, and recovery have completely ignored it. Understanding passivity is an essential and important key to creating healthy relationships, increasing self-esteem, and healing the bodies, minds, and spirits of individuals who are hurting or hurting others, and doing so without shame. In order to lead a fulfilling life, a person must overcome passivity, become compassionately assertive, and ultimately remember who he/she were meant to be, wanted to be, and not settle for a half-lived life characterized by quiet desperation, frustration, and settling. This workshop addresses the ever-increasing problems passivity presents to marriages, communication, conflict resolution, and stress. This material will positively impact individuals, groups, and families and does so without shaming those who lives may be less than what they’d hoped. As people recognize passivity and begins to understand and address it, they are building the foundation necessary to become creators of their worlds instead of feeling like the world controls them. These first steps allow people to become compassionately assertive with those they love and, in so doing, regain valuable insights into how to become the people they thought they would be, longed to be and, ultimately, can be, resulting in a fully-lived life.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Define and identify passivity in relationships
- Examine and eliminate the “greatest trick” passive people play on themselves and others
- Work with the three major types of passivity
- Employ solutions and cures for passivity
- Become more compassionately assertive
- Learn how to remember who you wanted to be and what you want to do now
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
When we think about pain we often wonder whether it’s “real” or not. We have a tendency to believe that pain based in emotions and thoughts is less “legitimate” than physical pain. This discussion will explore the fact that all pain is real, based on neurophysiologic phenomena in specific parts of the brain. Opioids often make painful conditions worse. Treatment methods will be described as part of a model known as “Pain Recovery.”
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- List the fundamentals of pain and suffering
- Describe the epidemiology of the opioid epidemic
- Identify medication treatments for chronic pain
- List and discuss non-medication treatments for chronic pain
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
This workshop will help the general public and therapists view this important relationship in a non-shaming, non-blaming way so you and they can clearly see, break, and dismantle what for many has become destructive or counter-productive. It will provide the participant with fresh and stimulating insights into the mysterious bond—or bondage—between millions of mothers and sons and show how this bond can negatively impact women as lovers, wives, and girlfriends. The awareness of this dynamic and the tools and insight that will be provided will improve and perhaps change or save marriages, dating relationships, and the experience of living together, as well as increase the functionality of the family by showing everyone who is ready how to make a clean, clear, shame-free, guilt-free separation—to break free from unhealthy mothering and “sonning” that just hasn’t worked. All of this will be a conscious, compassionate uncoupling of mothers and sons.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand and gain valuable insight into the Mother-Son Dynamic that has heretofore remained taboo, and therefore seldom—if ever—discussed
- Learn how to help men identify and stop “sonning” their mothers, lovers, or wives
- Help women identify how they may be unwittingly mothering their grown sons, lovers, or husbands
- Identify and work with emotional enmeshment and how to separate compassionately by increasing a person’s ability to set boundaries and limits and thus establish or recognize their individual Rhythms of Closeness and Separateness
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
In this highly interactive workshop, attendees will explore the competing theories of brain function, how the brain makes the best decisions, and the evolution of what is now known as “Deep Empathy.” In this concept, based on emerging neuroscience literature, practitioners discover that empathy can be enhanced by a cognitive/emotional awareness that puts them deeper into their clients’ perspective. Dr. Ryback will share his experience of discovering the path to transformational empathy and demonstrate the process so that participants can begin to experience it for themselves. All participants will have a chance to experience the process and discuss it in small groups. Dr. Ryback’s presentation is based on his books on emotional intelligence and the articles “Mutual affect therapy and the emergence of transformational empathy” (Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2001) and “Mindfulness, authentic connection, and making ‘right’ decisions” (Interdisciplinary Handbook of the Person-Centered Approach, 2013).
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the dynamics of competing brain functions and modern research on the neuroscience of psychotherapy
- Discuss the neuroscience of mindfulness, therapy, and decision making
- Use new skills of Deep Empathy, as demonstrated by the research of Antonio Damasio
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Every transition is an opportunity to become the person we were always meant to be. In this presentation John Lee will provide ideas, insights, and techniques for pre-grieving and the five things necessary for deep grief work with clients, patients, or perhaps even yourself. There will be a thorough exploration regarding the differences between fear of change, loss, and anxiety around change and loss. By understanding and working with despair rather than depression (they are very different) transitions can lead to life-changing transformations.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- List five things necessary for deep grief work with clients
- Understand separating depression from despair in clients
- Define the differences between fear and anxiety
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Ever wonder what your dreams might mean? According to Dr. David Ryback, author of Dreams That Come True, each dream, when examined in a manner that joins Freud with Jung, reveals four things: (1) What issue your dream is about; (2) What question is most relevant for that issue? (3) A highly meaningful answer to that question; and (4) What specific actions to take to make that issue a successful one in your life. This highly interactive presentation, with a demonstration of the process, might either change your life if you allow it to or, at the least, entertain you while showing you the power of your dreams. We will also explore archetypes, including those represented by the characters in Star Wars, and research by Dr. Ryback on dreams that foretell the future. Learn how to understand your own dreams as well as those of your clients.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the original, classical basis of dream work as described by Freud and Jung.
- Discuss the basis of the dream process from the frameworks of neuroscience and Jungian archetypes, including research on psychic dreams
- Perform a new approach to dream work based on Freudian and Jungian principles, resulting in clients reaching deep insights about resolving personal issues
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Much has been written and taught about chronic pain in the context of addiction. Chronic pain is a challenging condition resulting in disability, emotional upheaval, and family dysfunction. People concerned about someone with chronic pain suffer from characteristic dysfunctional behaviors that must be addressed if the person with chronic pain is to recover. Often families wonder whether the pain is “real” or not. We have a tendency to believe that pain based in emotions is less “valid” than physical pain. This session will review the emotional aspects of pain and suffering from a physiological and psychological standpoint as it pertains to families.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the nature of codependency as it affects families of patients with co-occurring pain and addiction
- Identify differences in the nature of holding, attachment, and compassion in these families
- Demonstrate clinical strategies to impact families who are living with someone in chronic pain
