The Weekend University

Richard Lang, a philosopher and leading proponent of the Headless Way, shares insights from over five decades of self-inquiry. He discusses the revolutionary idea that you cannot see your own head, revealing deeper truths about consciousness and identity. Lang connects this perspective to religious teachings, explaining how it fosters belonging and joy. He also explores the nature of time and death, offering a transformative outlook that reduces existential fear. Daily practices are suggested to cultivate awareness of our true nature.

Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and author, dives into the nuances of high-functioning depression and its unrecognized prevalence. She discusses the connections between trauma, overworking, and hidden depression. With her unique Five V's framework—validate, vent, values, vitals, and vision—she empowers listeners to reclaim joy as a human right. Dr. Judith also explores the impact of technology on mental health and emphasizes the importance of cultivating internal joy rather than relying on external happiness.

Dr. Louis Cozolino, a distinguished clinical psychologist and author, dives deep into the essence of psychotherapy. He reflects on his transformative training under Carl Rogers and highlights key factors common to all effective therapies. Cozolino introduces the concept of the 'vital half second,' explaining its role in shaping our experiences. He discusses how early attachment influences adult relationships and the nuances of core shame. Throughout, he advocates for therapists as applied neuroscientists, emphasizing the need for foundational knowledge over mere techniques.

In this captivating discussion, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman and psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist delve deep into the essence of consciousness. They discuss growing evidence suggesting consciousness may be fundamental and debate whether matter emerges from it. Hoffman introduces complex structures beyond spacetime, while McGilchrist highlights the necessity of time and differentiation. Both guests emphasize the importance of silence and intuition in scientific discovery, ultimately reconciling their perspectives on the limits of our understanding.

In this engaging discussion, Federico Faggin, renowned physicist and inventor of the microprocessor, shares insights from his groundbreaking exploration of consciousness. He argues that quantum fields possess consciousness and free will, and emphasizes the importance of meaning over mere information in understanding reality. Faggin's unique video-game analogy clarifies the dynamic between body, mind, and spirit. He envisions a future rooted in cooperation and love, proposing that our embodied existence serves a greater purpose in the quest for self-knowledge.

Join Professor Mick Cooper, a renowned Counselling Psychology expert, as he delves into the crucial concept of relational depth in psychotherapy. He discusses the importance of embodying genuine connection and highlights barriers that can obstruct it. Discover insights on Martin Buber’s I-Thou theory, the significant role of vulnerability in therapy, and how quality relationships can predict therapy outcomes. Mick also shares practical advice for therapists on fostering connection and explains how relational depth can even thrive in online settings.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Schwartz, the founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, and Cece Sykes, an IFS Senior Trainer, delve into the intricacies of addiction from an IFS perspective. They discuss how addiction is rooted in parts of the self affected by trauma, exploring concepts like managers, firefighters, and exiles. The duo emphasizes the importance of curiosity as a gateway to healing and shares best practices for therapists. Their insights highlight the transformative power of self-compassion in recovery.

Dr. Bonnie Badenoch, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind, delves into fascinating insights on attachment and healing. She discusses how we stay protected until we feel safe to heal and the critical role of our inner community. Bonnie explores how our early caregiving shapes our perception of God and our relationships. Her approach, emphasizing ‘radical inclusiveness,’ reveals how all parts of ourselves, even the painful ones, can guide us toward deeper healing and understanding.

Dr. Donna Thomas, a social scientist specializing in children's consciousness, shares her profound journey after a near-death experience at 15. She reveals how children can access altered states naturally, contrasting it with adults who use tools like meditation. The discussion highlights common elements of children's near-death experiences, including feelings of 'coming home,' and explores the startling evidence of past-life memories linking birthmarks to previous wounds. Dr. Thomas advocates for normalizing these experiences, urging adults to listen and support rather than pathologize.

Dr Pat Ogden is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the developer of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and one of the leading voices revolutionising our approach to trauma treatment. This conversation explores how sensorimotor psychotherapy can help us understand and treat attachment wounds - particularly those picked up in early life. You’ll learn: — How the body starts to “shape” itself based on our relationship with our early caregivers — The underlying principles that sensorimotor psychotherapy is built upon — Why how we organise our experiences may be the most important factor in our mental health and wellbeing — How sensorimotor psychotherapy helps to elicit unconscious and implicit patterns, so that healing can take place. And more. You can learn more about Pat’s work by going to: https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org. --- Pat Ogden, PhD, is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the creator of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy method, and founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute.  Dr. Ogden is trained in a wide variety of somatic and psychotherapeutic approaches, and has over 45 years of experience working with individuals and groups.  She is co-founder of the Hakomi Institute, past faculty of Naropa University (1985-2005), a clinician, consultant, and sought after international lecturer. Dr. Ogden is the first author of two groundbreaking books in somatic psychology: Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy  and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment (2015) both published in the Interpersonal Neurobiology Series of W. W. Norton. Her third book in this series, The Pocket Guide to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, published in 2021, and she is working on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents and Families with Dr. Bonnie Goldstein. Her current interests include groups, couples, children, adolescents, and families; complex trauma; Embedded Relational Mindfulness; implicit bias, intersectionality and culture; the relational nature of shame; presence, consciousness, and the philosophical/spiritual principles that underlie Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. --- Interview Links: — Dr Ogden's website - http://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/ — Dr Ogden's books - https://amzn.to/47gGd5I