The Weekend University

Steve is the Founder and Chief Compassion Officer of Organic Intelligence. For over two decades, Steve has dedicated his life to understanding and healing trauma, and his paradigm-shifting approach has impacted countless lives across the globe. Steve’s Organic Intelligence method brings together mindfulness practices with biological and systems theory to create a revolutionary new model of treatment. This interview provides an introduction to some of the core ideas and philosophies underlying the approach, and how they can be applied in healing addiction. You’ll learn: — Why, at their core, many therapies use a system of negative reinforcement and how the organic intelligence approach flips this on its head. — The counterintuitive concept of “orientation” and how it can be applied to accelerate the innate healing potential of our mind and body — Why organic intelligence offers a powerful treatment for those struggling with addiction and the importance of not doing too much, too soon, in the recovery process. And more. You can learn more about Steve’s work at: https://organicintelligence.org. --- Steven Hoskinson is an author and teacher in Post-Trauma Growth. He founded Organic Intelligence® (OI™) and has trained thousands of therapists, coaches and helping professionals worldwide. Steve is Adjunct Faculty for JFK School of Psychology at National University, International Transformational Resilience Coalition, Advisory Board Member for The Trauma Foundation, former Senior International Instructor for the SE® Trauma Institute, and has presented at professional conferences worldwide. Dedicated to empowering healers and teachers, he has created a host of programs for Post-Trauma Growth, including the OI Coach Certification program, the End of Trauma™ Course for personal resilience, and The End of Trauma Podcast. --- Interview Links: — A Non-Directive Positive Reinforcement Framework for Trauma and Addiction Treatment. International Body Psychotherapy Journal - Download for Free at https://organicintelligence.org — 5 Minute Video: "3 Misconceptions of Trauma Work" - https://youtu.be/JAUAaaMQrsg — The End of Trauma Podcast - https://www.endoftrauma.org 3 Books Steve Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The heroic client: A revolutionary way to improve effectiveness through client-directed, outcome-informed therapy by Duncan, B. L., Miller, S. D., & Sparks, J. A. - https://amzn.to/42FJcBy — Uncommon therapy: The psychiatric techniques of Milton H Erickson MD by Jay Haley - https://amzn.to/3pbDyJM — The job is enjoyment: The end of trauma course workbook. Self-Published, Organic Intelligence (in press) Hoskinson, S. (2023) - https://organicintelligence.org/end-of-trauma-course

Joe Polish, the Founder of Genius Network and Genius Recovery, shares his remarkable journey from addiction to becoming a leading entrepreneur. He discusses the surprising ties between entrepreneurship and addiction, emphasizing the importance of deep relationships over mere financial success. Listeners will learn how suffering can create connections, and the value of thoughtfulness in life. Polish also reflects on insights gained from a year-long sabbatical and advocates for empathy within entrepreneurial communities.

Dr. Pat Ogden, a pioneer in somatic psychology and creator of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Method, discusses the deep connection between our bodies and the unconscious mind. She explains how our physical sensations narrate personal stories and how childhood experiences shape our identities. The conversation covers the healing power of movement, particularly in yoga and dance, insights on societal influences on trauma, and the importance of mindfulness in therapy. Discover how recognizing our bodies can transform our understanding of trauma and identity.

Thomas Hubl is a renowned expert in psychology and teaching, exploring the depths of trauma and emotional health. He discusses how fear shapes individual development, particularly in childhood, and the significance of attunement in healing practices. Hubl highlights the connection between collective trauma and personal experiences, emphasizing the role of emotional resonance in parent-child dynamics. He calls for better support for modern parents and advocates for mindfulness to unlock creativity and enhance personal growth, promoting a deeper understanding of consciousness.

Dr. Bernardo Kastrup, an author and philosopher with two PhDs, navigates the fascinating realms of UFOs, Carl Jung's writings, and the search for meaning in a secular world. He presents compelling theories on UAPs, suggesting they're more likely terrestrial than extraterrestrial. Kastrup explores how Jung’s insights from "Answer to Job" illuminate humanity's quest for purpose amid chaos. He delves into the interplay between mystery and meaning and argues that consciousness itself is key to understanding reality, urging a deeper reflection on our existence.

Satya Doyle Byock, a psychotherapist and writer, specializes in Jungian psychology and highlights the quarter-life developmental stage in her work. She delves into how Jungian principles can guide self-discovery and personal growth in our 20s. Satya discusses the importance of separating from parental influences and balancing stability with personal meaning. Her stick figure exercise serves as a practical tool for making life decisions, all while addressing the challenges of societal pressures and emotional discomfort.

Ken Wilber, a renowned philosopher and author of over 25 books, discusses his integral theory that seeks to unify diverse fields of human knowledge. He highlights the concepts of 'waking up' versus 'growing up' in spirituality. Wilber delves into developmental stages of consciousness, showcasing their impact on societal evolution. He introduces the five types of wholeness: waking up, growing up, cleaning up, opening up, and showing up, encouraging a broader understanding of personal and interpersonal development.

Explore parts work, harm reduction, and compassion in addiction treatment with Dr. Marc Lewis and Dr. Andrew Tatarsky. They challenge the disease model, emphasize empathy, and discuss the future of addiction therapy. Learn about Internal Family Systems, choice in recovery, and the limitations of traditional approaches.

Listen to Jan Winhall and Cece Sykes discuss using Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems to heal addiction. They explore trauma's link to addiction, empowering self-criticisms, and a holistic approach for recovery. Discover the interconnected nature of trauma and addiction and their upcoming Holistic Recovery Course.

Dr Bruce Alexander is an internationally recognised author and psychologist perhaps most well known for his “rat-park” experiment and dislocation theory of addiction. Few people on the planet have contributed more to our understanding of the social and contextual factors driving addiction, so it was a real privilege to have this conversation. In this episode you’ll learn: — Why psychology is only one piece of the addiction puzzle and the importance of taking a wider view — The extent to which belonging to a culture can be thought of as a basic human need; as essential to our wellbeing as food and water, and what happens in its absence — The historical factors driving the addiction crisis — Bruce’s famous rat park experiment and how this is slowly leading to a paradigm shift in how we see addictions And more. You can learn more about Bruce’s work by going to: www.brucekalexander.com --- Dr Bruce K. Alexander is a renowned Canadian psychologist and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of addiction and his influential theory known as the "Rat Park" experiment. Bruce Kenneth Alexander was born on December 13, 1939, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Oregon, earning his Ph.D. in experimental psychology. Throughout his career, Alexander focused on studying addiction and its underlying causes, challenging prevailing theories that viewed addiction as solely a result of chemical dependency. He sought to explore the social and environmental factors that contribute to addictive behavior. Alexander's work highlighted the importance of social connections, environmental factors, and personal fulfillment in preventing and treating addiction. He argued that creating supportive communities and addressing the root causes of addiction, such as social isolation and psychological distress, are crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Beyond his research, Alexander has been a vocal advocate for drug policy reform and has been critical of the war on drugs. He has called for a shift toward harm reduction strategies and the implementation of evidence-based approaches to address substance abuse. Bruce K. Alexander has published numerous articles and book chapters on addiction, psychology, and drug policy. His work continues to inspire researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in the field of addiction studies. --- 4 Books Dr Alexander Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read: — Scenes and studies of savage life - Sproat, Gilbert Malcolm, 1832-1913 - https://bit.ly/SSS-UBC2023 — Addiction and Devotion in Early Modern England — Rebecca Lemon - https://amzn.to/3XIBCW7 — Crack in America: Demon Drugs and Social Justice — Craig Reinarman and Harry G. Levine - https://amzn.to/433VtQE — Coming Clean: Overcoming Addiction without Treatment — Robert Granfield and William Cloud - https://amzn.to/3ppAqKN