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The myths and misperceptions of adolescent brain development are explored by neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore in this compelling talk.
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II. Blog Articles and Podcast Recordings |
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IV. Virtual Seminars on June 18, 2022* |
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The Men's Group Seminar: "Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence”
Stanford psychiatrist Anna Lembke, M.D. is the author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. She contends that our world has become "saturated with dopamine," a neurotransmitter involved in the motivation and reward pathways of the brain and nervous system and implicated in all forms of addiction. For her, we live in a "culture that socializes us to pursue" dopamine. Lembke asserts that the current technological landscape with its AI algorithms and "digital drugs" easily supports the four conditions necessary for addiction: access, quantity, potency, and novelty. In this environment we are all vulnerable to a loss of self-control and personal agency as alterations of the pain/pleasure balance of the brain (what scientists call the "hedonic setpoint") cause us to seek out more and more dopamine, paradoxically leading to states of dopamine depletion; that is, the more we have access to and obtain, the more we need. These dopamine deficits trigger emotional distress, dysphoria, impulsivity and risk-taking as the pursuit of dopamine soon becomes compulsive. In the next virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar on Saturday, June 18, 2022 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will discuss Lembke’s perspective and the implications of her work for modern living and lifestyle management. “Living in a ‘Dopamine Nation’” and “Technology, Addiction, and the Path Forward” will be our central focus. We also will consider GQ’s interview with Lembke that appeared in the article “How Running from Pain Could Keep You from Real Pleasure.”
To register for this upcoming virtual seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Relationship Group Seminar: Esther Perel on “Relationships and How They Shape Us”
Relationships are a fundamental source of self-recognition and self-discovery. Unfortunately, the opportunity for authentic relatedness and personal growth may be hindered by unconscious forces outside of our awareness. As a result, our relationships can become more like a theatrical drama in which each partner recruits the other to play an insidious role. Ultimately, who we become, and how we experience our partner, is likely obscured and convoluted by the unfolding of a co-created plot neither wants. Relationship expert and acclaimed author Esther Perel elaborates on these dynamics of reactivity and the "narratives" perpetuating them in this interview with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, founder and host of the “Feel Better, Live More” Podcast. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, June 18, 2022 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will discuss Perel's perspective and distill her ideas for practical application to common dilemmas among couples.
To register for this upcoming virtual seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group
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, June 18, 2022 (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 June 18, 2022, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com on or before Thursday, June 16, 2022. The fee is $25.00 and informed consent for participation in these telehealth events 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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