James Tobin, Ph.D.             

                      Psychotherapy
Couples
Parent Guidance 
Organizational Consulting

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Harville Hendrix: Why We Unconsciously Choose Incompatible Partners 

The Dating and Relationship Group 

An internationally-recognized expert on romantic relationships and founder of Imago Therapy, Harville Hendrix has made significant contributions to the understanding of conflict and distress in couples and helping people negotiate intimacy needs.  His views reflect many of my own, specifically how unconscious dynamics negatively impact most relationships.  He asserts that the real work necessary to maintain a relationship occurs after the initial period of idealization and joy during the honeymoon stage.  As this stage begins to fade, the factors which initially bonded the partners together gradually push them apart and may ultimately dissolve the relationship.  In the next meeting of the Dating and Relationship Group on May 3, I will summarize Hendrix's work.  There also will be time for questions and group discussion.  If you plan to attend, please attempt to view the following youtube video interviews of Hendrix: one, two, three, and four. 

  

9 Essential Tests a Man Should Have 

The Men's Group 

Most men bring their cars in for servicing on a regular basis, and even manage to see their primary care physician or internist once per year.  However, very few men actually take the time to assess their social, psychological and emotional well-being.  In the next meeting of the Men's Group on May 3, I will present 9 brief questionnaires I have compiled which participants can complete at the time of the group or privately, at another time of their own choosing.  These questionnaires address a range of topics that pertain to men's functioning across a wide range of situations and issues.  Once the questionnaires are filled out, I will score them and provide feedback on what the results suggest.  There will be ample time for discussion of these measures and the implications of the test results.    

  

If you plan to attend a group on Saturday, May 3, 2014, please RSVP to Dr. Tobin at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com.  The Men's Group will meet at 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM noon, and the Dating and Relationship Group at 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM.  The fee is $25.00, and there is a limit of 14 people for each group.  Both groups will be held at The Water Garden Business Center, 23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.  
James Tobin, Ph.D., PSY 22074 | 949-338-4388 | jt@jamestobinphd.com