In the TED Talk What Cults Tell Us About Ourselves, Amber Scorah explores how her membership in a restorationist Christian denomination and corresponding missionary work led her to important insights about indoctrination, tribalistic thinking, and the many factors that inhibit original thought.
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II. Blog Articles and Podcast Recordings |
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IV. Virtual Seminars on October 16, 2021* |
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The Men's Group Seminar: Rick Hanson on "Self-Directed Neuroplasticity"
Psychologist Rick Hanson’s groundbreaking perspective is that what and how we think (i.e., the ways we use and develop our minds) can literally alter our brains. In an interview from The FitMind Podcast, Hanson explains that “self-directed neuroplasticity” is an important antidote to simply allowing experience (e.g., stress) to impact what we believe, feel and think about ourselves, others, and the world. Originally coined by Jeffrey Schwartz in “The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force,” the term neuroplasticity implies that genetically determined, unconscious and well-patterned functions of the brain (including how we react and respond to life events) can be changed by subjective mental activity. Therefore, through self-directed efforts including meditation, the mind and body can literally be “re-wired” so that problematic emotional reactions, compulsive behaviors, and faulty thoughts will be less likely to emerge. In the next virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar on Saturday, October 16, 2021 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will explore neuroplasticity and its potential.
To register for this upcoming virtual seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Relationship Group Seminar: Craig Malkin on "Rethinking Narcissism"
In “Rethinking Narcissism: The Bad – And Surprising Good – About Feeling Special,” Dr. Craig Malkin attempts to deconstruct the many myths surrounding contemporary perspectives on narcissism. Among his observations are his view that narcissism, or the desire to feel special, exists as a trait in all of us to a greater or lesser degree; may be genetically or environmentally (i.e., through parental influence or relationships in early childhood) determined; and can be identified in its emerging forms in children. In an interview on That Relationship Show Podcast entitled “The Narcissist in All of Us,” Malkin discusses what narcissism is and is not, the role of early attachment insecurity and dependency issues in unhealthy narcissism, narcissism’s impact on romantic love (including “echoism”), and how narcissism is treated clinically. A summary of Malkin’s perspective and his distinction between healthy and unhealthy narcissism is offered by Brian Johnson; this summary includes coverage of how various parenting styles are linked to the development of narcissistic problems in children. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, October 16, 2021 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will explore Malkin's provocative ideas.
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, October 16, 2021 (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 October 16, 2021, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com on or before Thursday, October 14, 2021. 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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