April 2, 2018
Group Meeting Schedule on Saturday, April 7, 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: Introjection * 10:15 to 11:30 AM
How do we come to know who we are? The psychological idea of introjection provides the answer. This perspective suggests that, as children, we "take in" messages about ourselves from others. That is, we seek to form an identity by reading the messages sent to us by others and ultimately absorbing them. Unfortunately, how others see us is usually more of a reflection of themselves -- their own biases, dilemmas, and unresolved issues -- rather than an accurate depiction of our true character and identity.  In the next meeting of the Men's Group on Saturday, April 7, 2018 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will explore the concept of introjection and its important role in male development. We will also discuss Andrea Mathews' writings on introjection , projection , and rejecting projection .  
The Relationship Group: Projection and Projective Identification* 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM
The concept of projection illustrates an unconscious mechanism at play in all relationships. That is, whether we like it or not, each of us is prone to seeing the person we are in relationship with in a biased and distorted fashion. These biases are "sent" or "transferred" to the other person who, in turn, is "open" to these transmissions. Once received, the person may take in and become these transmissions. This cycle of transmission and reception occurs over and over again, constituting a dynamic that, in a sense, holds each person in the relationship hostage.  In the next meeting of the Relationship Group on Saturday, April 7, 2018 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will discuss these dynamics and how to overcome them. A brief video tutorial on projection and the psychoanalyst Mark Sehl's personal appraisal of these issues serve as good introductions to this material.
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, April 7, 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 April 7, 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