I. Relationship Unconscious Podcast Series and Group Seminar Recordings
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II. Group Seminar Meetings on Saturday, August 17, 2019 *
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The Men's Group Seminar:
How Perspective-Taking Changes Reality
10:15 to 11:30 AM
Perspective-taking traditionally has been viewed as the capacity to recognize and understand the point of the view of the other. In this way, perspective-taking is often conceptualized as the primary mechanism of empathy. Other approaches toward perspective-taking involve the conceptual and perceptual ability to see a problem, event or situation in a way that is ordinarily outside of one's awareness. Current economic and marketing experts note the important role of perspective-taking in the association between "frame of reference" and perceived or "intangible" value. For example, in an intriguing TED Talk Rory Sutherland described the common misperception of those who just had their car washed suddenly believing that their car somehow drove better.
In the next meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, August 17, 2019 (10:15 to 11:30 AM),
I will draw from Sutherland's views and apply them to the human mind: how do we determine "material" vs. "symbolic" value with the events of our lives? By this I am suggesting that we are constantly marketing to ourselves a reality that is biased, occasionally entirely false, and instrumental only in affirming what we are already convinced we believe. If you plan to attend, please try to view Rory Sutherland's TED Talks
"Perspective is Everything"
and
"Life lessons from an ad man."
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The Relationship Group Seminar:
The Strain
11:45 AM to 1:00 PM
All social systems are defined and maintained by a unique culture that is both advantageous and limiting. To survive, any group needs an orienting structure, set of beliefs, and role assignments. Yet, the inherent pressure to organize and unify the group inevitably compromises the individuality of each of its members. In early development, the child is socialized to the culture of his or her family of origin, both the culture's strengths as well as its dysfunctions. In some families, under certain conditions, the child's accommodation to the unique culture in which he or she is embedded requires dramatic and inappropriate effort. Bit by bit, as emerging components of the child's self are avoided, denied or figuratively suffocated, the child's soul dies. Even if things go well in our youth, as adults each of us continues to negotiate the tension of managing a variety of cultures (i.e., in the workplace, with one's spouse/partner, etc.) that sometimes support, and sometimes detract from, our individuality. Issues related to boundary problems, narcissism, codependence, and being used, manipulated or coerced originate in the insidious, powerful dynamics underlying relational experiences in which the culture and the self become antagonistic.
In the next meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, August 17, 2019 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM),
we will explore the notion of "the strain." At the very moment a person compromises his or her identity for the sake of the culture in which he or she exists, a boundary is violated. Most of us don't even recognize how or when we are, in fact,
straining
in this way. But once the strain is illuminated and we become aware of it, we are in a much better position to act in ways that support who we are and relinquish who we are not.
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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, August 17, 2019 (1:15 to 2:30 PM) at the Laguna Hills office location.
T
he Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group is a therapeutic experience and entry occurs only after a pre-group screening interview.
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* If you would like to attend the Men's Group Seminar and/or the Relationship Group Seminar on August 17, 2019, 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 (payable via cash or check at the time of the group meeting).
Location:
The Water Garden Business Center
23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130
Laguna Hills, CA, 92653
Please note that the Men's Group Seminar and the Relationship Group Seminar are psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and do not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.
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