In this Time article, therapists offer their recommendations on how couples can more effectively manage the stress COVID-19 places on relationships.
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II. Blog Articles and Podcast Recordings |
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IV. Virtual Seminars on Saturday, August 15, 2020* |
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The Men's Group Seminar: The Psychology of Regret
10:15 to 11:30 AM
Although regret is commonly viewed as the emotional experience that arises when you feel you've made a mistake or acted in ways that prevented something good from happening, there is actually little scientific consensus on what regret is and even less agreement on whether it is good for you or not. As it turns out, regret is one of the most complex, multi-determined, and ambiguous emotional experiences we can have. There is widespread disagreement on such issues as what differentiates regret from the emotional experiences of loss and guilt, the degree to which regret is related more to internal ("I screwed up") vs. external ("things outside of my control occurred") factors, and is regret stronger if the opportunity for correction (of a bad choice or a mistake) exists or does not exist. Others suggest different types of regret, i.e., regret that is related to inaction vs. action. Moreover, some believe that regret is "positive" in the sense that it causes one to learn from his/her past mistakes, yet others contend that regret can negatively impact one's self-esteem, lead to compulsive and ruminative thinking, and perhaps even cause depression, anxiety and other psychiatric symptoms. In the next virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar on Saturday, August 15, 2020 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will explore the complex experience that regret embodies. For those interested in this topic, you might enjoy watching the compelling TED Talk "Being Wrong" by Kathryn Schulz, author of Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error.
To register for this upcoming seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Relationship Group Seminar: Gaslighting
11:45 AM to 1:00 PM
The term "gaslighting" has proliferated modern culture and is one of the most common forms of emotional manipulation my patients report in their conflict-ridden relationships. Generally used by narcissistically-oriented individuals who seek to control or dominate another person, gaslighting may take a variety of forms and typically becomes a persistent, repetitive dynamic in an ongoing relationship. As the dynamic progresses, the person being gaslighted begins to become confused about, and may even deny, their authentic feelings and convictions -- especially those involved with the person who is gaslighting them. As further self-doubt and destabilization arises from the gaslighting process, the one who is gaslighted becomes less confrontational and assertive, and more yielding and complacent. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, August 15, 2020 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will explore gaslighting in more detail, focusing especially on new evidence which suggests that gaslighting is not only a conscious tactic but also an unconsciously-generated behavior. In addition, we will consider how to recognize when you are being gaslighted in romantic relationships and what responses appear to be most successful in bypassing its effects.
To register for this upcoming seminar, please see the directions below.
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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 virtual group session will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020 (1:15 to 2:30 PM). The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group is a therapeutic experience and entry occurs only after a pre-group screening interview.
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* Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar and/or the Relationship Group Seminar on August 15, 2020, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com at your earliest convenience. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminars. 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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