II. Blog Articles and Podcast Recordings |
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IV. Virtual Seminars on May 21, 2022* |
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The Men's Group Seminar: Andrew Huberman on "The Science of Small Changes"
Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, studies neural plasticity and complex brain-body linkages featuring the intersections between stress, hormones, neurotransmitters, trauma, and human performance. His views on sleep, energy, light exposure, breath work, and lifestyle choices including caffeine intake, diet, vitamin supplements, and sleep/wake cycles have drawn considerable attention. In the next virtual meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2022 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will become acquainted with Huberman’s ideas. We will focus our discussion on The Knowledge Project podcast interview of Huberman entitled “The Science of Small Changes” and Rich Roll’s podcast discussion with Huberman called “The Neuroscience of Optimal Performance.” In addition, we will review another interview of Huberman conducted by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee in which Huberman summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding various dynamics of the brain and the body. Finally, the Scientific American article “Vision and Sleep May Be the Secrets to Surviving 2020” documents Huberman’s contribution to the relationship between stress, the visual system, and breathing.
To register for this upcoming virtual seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Relationship Group Seminar: Psychological Defenses in Relationships
One perspective on mental and relational functioning involves understanding the role of psychological defenses. Since early childhood, each of us has negotiated the challenges of existing in an often contentious and unsatisfying world by resorting to defensive processes which, over time, may become patterned tendencies. If, for example, a child loses access to a parent due to death or divorce, an adaptive mechanism may be activated to cope with this stressor and the underlying narratives about why it occurred in the first place. One child may seek to rebel against or withdraw from all future authority figures (instead of loving and losing them). Another child may intensively seek to ingratiate him- or herself with the remaining parent, an effort designed to reduce the chances of being abandoned again because the child believes he or she will be viewed positively. Theorists and researchers have conceptualized numerous taxonomies of psychological defenses with no clear consensus. There is agreement, however, that while the defenses we employ are often successful in dealing with the problems of our past, they are often damaging to our contemporary relationships. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2022 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will explore the impact of psychological defenses on our relationships. A podcast episode on defensive styles by relationship expert Paulette Sherman will be our central focus. We will also consider the Fatherly article “4 Defense Mechanisms That Can Hurt Your Relationships,” therapist Mirel Goldstein’s discussion of ways we seek to obstruct closeness, and a comprehensive review of the “self-sabotaging” and “self-limiting” components of our defenses.
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, May 21, 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 May 21, 2022, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com on or before Thursday, May 19, 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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