May 1, 2018
Group Meeting Schedule on Saturday, May 5, 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: The Rudder* 10:15 to 11:30 AM
Freud's notion of healthy masculinity has been widely criticized, particularly by feminist scholars. Yet, in my psychotherapy practice, the "spirit" that underlies Freud's theorizing on the psychological development from boyhood to manhood is highly applicable to the contemporary social landscape. More specifically, Freud's ideas regarding the achievement of agency and self-efficacy seem pertinent to the problems of low self-esteem and compensatory negative behaviors so common among modern men, an issue that has reached nearly epidemic proportions. Metaphorically, I use the concept of a boat "rudder" to depict these issues, i.e., the man who steers his boat in a clear direction (who has the confidence and emotional/relational know-how necessary to make things happen that are productive, mutually beneficial, and fulfilling) is contrasted with the man who lacks such a rudder. In the next meeting of the Men's Group on Saturday, May 5, 2018 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), I will explore the notion of the rudder, the problem of being rudderless, and the pathway toward positive change in which one can find or reclaim a sense of direction, purpose, and ease.  

The Relationship Group: Neurobiological Love * 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM
In our previous meeting, we considered the factors that make some romantic relationships "viable" and others not. The unique contributions of relationship experts Helen Fisher, Harville Hendrix, and John Gottman were considered as a starting point for delving into the many complexities that draw two people together to form a relationship. New scientific knowledge, however, introduces a radically different perspective on falling in love and the elements responsible for staying in love: neurobiology. What science seems to suggest so far is that we don't really love consciously (by choice) or unconsciously (based on Freudian notions of being driven to do things often against our own wishes/preferences). Instead, love seems to be largely neurobiological! In the next meeting of the Relationship Group on Saturday, May 5, 2018 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), I will illustrate the neurobiological dynamics that create, and often destroy, romantic love.  

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 5, 2018 (1:15 to 2:30 PM).  A second process group is starting and interested persons may contact me directly at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com for more information. 
* If you would like to attend the Men's Group and/or the Relationship Group on May 5, 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