Imagination has a valued place in psychotherapy. The images found in memories, relationship entanglements and future fantasies are the raw material of therapeutic work. And yet, faced with a significant dream or transference projection it can be difficult to resist the temptation of a clever interpretation. In this way, imagining is often eclipsed by thinking and the transformative potential of imaginative experience itself is neglected. This talk by Allan Frater will be of interest to therapists who want to work more holistically with images as images. Instead of treating images as symbols pointing to meaning elsewhere, the talk presents an image-centric approach, including: — A broad understanding of imagination as present in all perceptions, actions and relationships (not just as pictures ‘inside the mind’). — A ‘waking dream’ method applicable to generic work with memories, the transference and future fantasies as well as art-therapy and active-imagination approaches. — Imaginal dialogues. — A non-interpretative patterning which links image work in the consulting room to the on-going story of self and world in everyday life. The result is an appreciation of imagination, not just as a means to rational insight but as an embodied imaginal sensibility at the heart of human potential and creativity. If you enjoy this, you can learn more about Allan’s work by visiting: www.wildimagination.uk. --- Allan Frater is a psychotherapist and teacher with Psychosynthesis Trust. Inspired by Jack Kerouac and Herman Hesse, he spent his twenties living and working in Buddhist communities where he came across the east-meets-west fusion of transpersonal psychology, eventually training to become a psychotherapist. His psychotherapy practice and teaching career have intersected at the meeting place between transpersonal psychology and an image-based approach to ecotherapy, the results of which will be presented in this talk. The introduction and first chapter of ‘Waking Dreams’ can be sampled here: https://wildimagination.uk/book/ Further information and background here: https://wildimagination.uk 3 Books Allan Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Revisioning Psychology by James Hillman: https://amzn.to/3zgzeeh — The Spell of the Sensuous by David Abram: https://amzn.to/3FmfkSS — The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm: https://amzn.to/3TFAbFd

In this captivating video, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, TIST, parts work, and the healing of our fragmented selves. Featuring insightful interviews with renowned psychologists Dr. Richard Schwartz, Phd and Dr. Janina Fisher, this compilation offers a comprehensive exploration of parts work and its transformative potential. Don't miss out on this enlightening compilation of interviews with two leading psychologists, Dr. Richard Schwartz, Phd and Dr. Janina Fisher, as they delve into the world of Internal Family Systems, parts, and the healing of our fragmented selves.

Professor Jeremy Holmes - a clinician, author, leading Attachment expert and three time speaker at The Weekend University. In this interview, we discuss the fascinating science of attachment theory, and how it can be applied to enhance therapeutic practice. You’ll learn: — Why it’s vital for anyone working in the helping professions to have a basic understanding of attachment dynamics — The concept of the secure base and its relevance for therapy — The links between attachment and affect regulation — The Strange Situation Experiment, and working with disorganised attachment patterns — Why it’s more important to pay attention to how clients communicate rather than just the content of what they are saying And more. --- Professor Jeremy Holmes is a clinician, author, leading Attachment expert, and three-time speaker at The Weekend University. For 35 years, he was Consultant Psychiatrist/Medical Psychotherapist at University College London (UCL) and then in North Devon, UK, and Chair of the Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998-2002. He is visiting Professor at the University of Exeter, and lectures nationally and internationally. In addition to 200+ peer-reviewed papers and chapters in the field of psychoanalysis and attachment theory, his books include John Bowlby and Attachment Theory, Exploring In Security, Attachment in Therapeutic Practice, and most recently: “The Brain has a Mind of Its Own”. He was the recipient of the Bowlby-Ainsworth Founders Award 2009. --- Interview Links: — Attachment in Therapeutic Practice: https://amzn.to/3FjQMYL — The Search for the Secure Base: Attachment Theory and Psychotherapy: https://amzn.to/3LOTAzk — The Brain has a Mind of its Own: https://amzn.to/3Fg0ziw — John Bowlby and Attachment Theory: https://amzn.to/3FjQMYL --- 3 Books Prof. Holmes Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — What Works for Whom?: A Critical Review of Psychotherapy Research - Anthony Roth & Peter Fonagy: https://amzn.to/3ycC8kn — War & Peace - Leo Tolstoy: https://amzn.to/38QvhTa — Attachment in Therapeutic Practice - Holmes & Slade: https://amzn.to/3TqkOzI --- — Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 — Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events

Polyvagal Theory revolutionizes understanding of autonomic nervous system and trauma's impact. Clinicians use updated map to guide clients out of survival responses into safety. Exploration of nonverbal cues, anchoring in ventral states, and importance of safety in regulating nervous system.

Dr Fisher is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor at Harvard Medical School. Having trained directly with the likes of Bessel van der Kolk and Pat Ogden, she is now widely recognised as an international expert on the treatment of trauma. Janina is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books including, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma, and The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022). She is best known for her work on integrating mindfulness-based interventions into trauma treatment, and she is also the creator of Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) therapy. In this conversation, we discuss: — Dr Fisher's experiences training with Bessel van der Kolk in the 1990s — The left and right brain "split", and how trauma gets stored in the body as implicit memories — The limitations of the "Uni-Consciousness" Model and why a parts paradigm is more effective for healing trauma — Why secure attachment is the number one variable in mental health and how to cultivate "earned secure attachment" internally And more. You can learn more about Dr Fisher's work at www.janinafisher.com. --- Janina Fisher, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor, Harvard Medical School. An international expert on the treatment of trauma, she is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Self-Alienation (2017), Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: a Workbook for Survivors and Therapists (2021), and The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022). She is best known for her work on integrating mindfulness-based interventions into trauma treatment, and she is also the creator of Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) therapy. Interview Links: — Healing the Fragmented Selves - Dr Janina Fisher: https://amzn.to/3ANKAGp — Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: a Workbook for Survivors and Therapists - Dr Janina Fisher: https://amzn.to/3Blo1ux — The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022): https://amzn.to/3cQbAx3 3 Books Dr Fisher Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Introduction to IFS - Dr Richard Schwartz: https://amzn.to/3qaOt3y — Healing the Fragmented Selves - Dr Janina Fisher: https://amzn.to/3ANKAGp — Getting Through The Day - Nancy Napier: https://amzn.to/3KJoiKu

Terry Real, a renowned family therapist and author, dives deep into the emotional struggles men face due to trauma and societal pressures. He discusses how these pains can lead to issues like self-medication and aggression, emphasizing the need for connection and vulnerability. Real critiques the damaging aspects of patriarchy and traditional masculinity, advocating for emotional expression in boys and re-empowerment for girls. He also shares practical therapy techniques to help men navigate shame and grandiosity, ultimately promoting healthier relationships.

Leading thinkers in consciousness, Bernardo, Iain, Donald, and Rupert, discuss the mysteries of consciousness, exploring the shift in scientific perspectives, the intricate connection between mind and body, the idea of a conscious sun, and the impact of consciousness on existence.

Rupert is one of the world’s leading teachers on the nondual understanding of consciousness and its application to improving our everyday quality of life. He gives talks internationally and has written several books, including: Being Myself, The Nature of Consciousness, and You Are The Happiness You Seek. In this conversation, you’ll learn: — What the nondual understanding is and how it’s at the core of almost every religious or every spiritual tradition — How understanding this simple idea can transform your felt experience of being in the world; helping you to feel more connected both internally and to everyone and everything in the world around you — The pitfalls of seeking happiness in external things and why this almost always fails — The practical implications of nonduality for the individual and society And more. You can learn more about Rupert’s work by visiting: www.rupertspira.com. --- From an early age, Rupert Spira was deeply interested in the nature of reality, beginning to meditate at the age of seventeen and studying the teachings of the classical Advaita Vedanta tradition over the next twenty years. In 1997 he met his teacher, Francis Lucille, who introduced him to the Direct Path teachings of Atmananda Krishna Menon and to Jean Klein and the Tantric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. More importantly, Francis directly indicated to him the true nature of experience. Rupert lives in the UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the US. You can learn more about his work at www.rupertspira.com. 3 Books Rupert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — You are the Happiness You Seek - Rupert Spira: https://amzn.to/3VmUUhf — Conscious is all - Peter Dziuban: https://amzn.to/3icDxBt — Awareness and Tranquility - William Samuel: https://amzn.to/3Vf1czE

In this talk, we will seek to demystify and remove the 'loaded' feelings that oftentimes arise for so many when we hear the term "toxic masculinity". The term has become a part of the current lexicon and can serve to castigate half of the human population as inherently 'bad' or 'negative'. Masculinity is not a negative aspect of the human condition in and of itself, but like anything else, left unchecked, almost anything can be harmful without constructive and healthy direction. In the confines of the belly of the beast that is New Folsom prison, a movement was born that gave way to what is known today as Inside Circle. A movement that began with convicted felons...many serving life plus who had grown tired of killing for the sake of killing and wanted to learn how to feel again. Today the circles that these men began over 25 years ago have come to be known as 'healing circles'. From within the pits of despair, destruction and ruined lives...and from inside of one of the most 'toxic' environments on the face of the planet; what lessons are available about how men can grow to be healthy within their masculinity? --- Eldra Jackson III, is the Co-Executive Director-Inside Circle, a writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation, and turning around ‘toxic’ masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth and acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor. --- Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Eldra’s profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldra-jackson-iii-inside-circle - Eldra’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eldra_Jackson_ - Eldra’s TED talk: https://bit.ly/3VrXrI1

Richard is a psychotherapist, author, speaker, and the managing editor of The Science of Psychotherapy magazine. He is currently completing his PhD on client-responsive therapy and has spent the past few years investigating the exciting role that curiosity can play in the therapeutic process. Richard is the author of three books including: The Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy, The Practitioner's Guide to Mirroring Hands, and "How the Real World is Driving us Crazy". In my work, I get to meet some fascinating characters but I have to say that Richard may be one of the most interesting, and in this interview, I think you'll see why. We cover: — The psychological and biological benefits of curiosity — How Richard's experiences as an actor influenced his therapeutic work and why he recommends that all therapists take one year of acting lessons — Why the best therapy is the one that you never repeat — The importance of learning multiple different types of therapy — The relationship between the actuality field, the probability field, and the possibility field and their relevance for therapy And more. You can learn more about Richard's work by going to www.richardhill.com.au. --- Richard Hill is a practicing psychotherapist who also writes and teaches to the profession. He works from the Davis Health Centre in Sydney, Australia with his wife, Susan Davis. Teaching takes Richard around the world where he is best known for his expertise in the neuroscience of psychotherapy and how this helps us better understand the struggles we face with mental health and well being. People have come to see Richard for many reasons, from emotional issues like anxiety and depression to managing psychobiological struggles in association with psychiatric treatment, to help heal relationships and assist with the daily difficulties of life. He has learned from the best and is proud to be mentored by the eminent therapist Ernest Rossi, PhD, who was himself mentored by one of the absolute greats, Milton H Erickson. Richard's latest book, written with Ernest Rossi about his innovative technique, Mirroring Hands, is a landmark achievement. Richard has also authored How the 'real world' Is Driving Us Crazy! and Choose Hope. ​ There is much more to Richard's story on his website at www.richardhill.com.au. --- Interview Links: — The Science of Psychotherapy website: https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com — The Science of Psychotherapy community: https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.net — The Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy - Richard Hill & Matthew Dahlitz: https://amzn.to/42m6uwT — Richard’s website: http://www.richardhill.com.au