May 15, 2018
Group Meeting Schedule on Saturday, May 19, 2018
The Men's Group
10:15 to 11:30 AM

The Relationship Group
11:45 AM to 1:00 PM

The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group
1:15 to 2:30 PM 

The Water Garden Business Center
23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130
Laguna Hills, CA, 92653
The Men's Group: Unresolved Oedipal Dilemmas* 10:15 to 11:30 AM
In our last meeting, I presented my notion of the "rudder," a metaphor for an internal sense of strength, composure and self-efficacy that some men are able to achieve. We discussed how this deep level of empowerment can be linked to Freud's view of the psychological capacities attained if the Oedipus Complex is successfully resolved (a YouTube video captures the essence of Freud's theory). However, for most men the Oedipus Complex was never fully resolved and the impact of this issue causes difficulty across the lifespan.  In the next meeting of the Men's Group on Saturday, May 19, 2018 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will consider various ways in which unresolved Oedipal issues may emerge in a man's life, as depicted in film and television , perspectives on self-sabotage , dating , and divorce , and views of men who possess a "mother complex. " 

The Relationship Group: Lover as Enemy: The Drive to Find What You're Not Looking For * 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM
The selection of a romantic partner and the subsequent dynamics that emerge in a relationship are unconsciously determined to be traumatizing! That's right! We seek the very partner, and create the necessary circumstances, that will result in our being hurt in ways we have been hurt before.  Paradoxically, our lover-ally seems destined to end up becoming our enemy. Why would our minds motivate us to be wounded over and over again, even despite our best efforts to cultivate intimate, supportive, and loving relationships?   In the next meeting of the Relationship Group on Saturday, May 19, 2018 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM , we will explore the psychological answer to this question. In our meeting, the work of Harville Hendrix and Freudian views of "re-enactment" will be considered. 
The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group 1:15 to 2:30 PM
This therapy group utilizes the emerging dynamics among group members, and between the group members and facilitator, as a basis from which to examine one's characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.  Our next group session will be on Saturday, May 19, 2018 (1:15 to 2:30 PM).  A second process group that will meet on a weekday evening at my Newport Beach office is starting soon; interested persons may contact me directly at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com for more information on this new group.  
* If you would like to attend the Men's Group and/or the Relationship Group on May 19, 2018, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or  jt@jamestobinphd.com . 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. 

Location:
The Water Garden Business Center
23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130
Laguna Hills, CA, 92653

Please note that the Men's Group and the Relationship Group are psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and do not constitute psychotherapy or counseling. In contrast, the Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group is a therapeutic experience and entry occurs only after a pre-group screening interview.
James Tobin, Ph.D., PSY 22074 | 949-338-4388 |   jt@jamestobinphd.com