April 12, 2017

I: New Blog Article

In this article, I summarize a course of psychotherapy with a patient that showcases the psychological and emotional dynamics involved in attempting to change one's life.

II. Group Meetings on April 15, 2017

The Dating and Relationship Group: 
Detecting When and How Your "Wounded Inner Child" Is Awakened
In his renowned book "Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child" (1990), John Bradshaw argued that no child moves through early development unscathed.  According to Bradshaw, emotionally wounding experiences occur in all families; in the mind of the child, these experiences are "split off" and organized within a chamber of trauma that lies dormant in identity across the lifespan.  As adults, our "wounded inner child" may be activated and, once awakened, causes a variety of problems emotionally, psychologically and relationally.   In the next meeting of the Dating and Relationship Group on Saturday, April 15, 2017 (12:00 to 1:15 PM), we will review how to detect when your wounded inner child has been activated and, in Bradshaw's words, is "contaminating" your life.  Specific areas of functioning that are implicated, and the limitations/struggles unique to each of these areas, will be described.  Attendees will gain a pragmatic understanding of how their wounded inner child shows up in their own lives.  Ways to counteract and overcome the limitations of functioning the wounded inner child wreaks will be considered. 

The Men's Group:  What Does It Mean to Live "The Good Life"? 
Perhaps no other question has stimulated humankind more so than what does it mean to live "a good life?".  Views as to what exactly constitutes living or having a "good life" are diverse, as are the many recommended approaches to achieving goodness pragmatically, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically.  Lying at the intersection of philosophy and psychology, this age-old question continues to generate important debates and commentaries on the human condition.   In the next meeting of the Men's Group on Saturday, April 15, 2017 (10:45 AM to 12:00 PM), we will explore an array of approaches toward the good life concern, including the perspectives of contemporary psychologists, social commentators, behavioral researchers, and contemporary and ancient philosophers.  Of central concern will be the implications of these perspectives for the modern man who is challenged by numerous stresses, obligations, and conflicting values and moral paradigms.  If you plan to attend this group meeting, please try to review a well-done summary (along with intriguing videos) of how the most important philosophers in history approached the question of the good life.
 
**To register for the April 15th meetings of the Men's Group (10:45 AM to 12:00 PM) and/or the Dating and Relationship Group (12:00 to 1:15 PM):  If you would like to attend one or both of these groups on April 15, 2017, please RSVP ASAP to Dr. Tobin at 949-338-4388 or [email protected]. There is a limit of 14 attendees for each group and registrants will be accommodated on a first-come/first-serve basis.  The fee is $25.00 and the location is The Water Garden Business Center, 23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.  Please note that these groups are educational in purpose, not therapeutic, and do not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.**

 
James Tobin, Ph.D., PSY 22074 | 949-338-4388 | [email protected]