Workshops and Presentations
Working with the Cultural Outsider in psychotherapy
Many who seek psychotherapy either came to the United States from another culture as children or were born here. Surrounded by peers who look and speak differently, they often have the added burden of parents relying on them to help navigate in a new country. Eager to “fit in” they become hyper-focused on conforming and achieving, feeling tremendous pressure to go above and beyond what is expected. The very qualities that contribute to their success in the world often perpetuate their unhappiness and disconnection from themselves.
There are some similar and consistent psychological dynamics regardless of cultural background. In their early experience in school these clients are aware that they look, sound and view the world differently. Their profound sense of being “other” often leaves them feeling shame and a sense of inferiority. They become adept at taking their cues for how to act by looking outside of themselves, and molding their responses to fit others expectations.
Through lecture as well as dyad work this webinar will offer a deeper understanding into the unique survival strategies that cultural outsiders employ in an attempt to cope with the difficulties that arise from feeling different. There will be particular emphasis on how these clients define themselves and measure their self-worth.
In this webinar participants will also learn a powerful intervention called “piercing the threat” designed to assist clients with deconstructing an identity and sense of worth that revolves around performance, how they are being perceived and their usefulness to others. Doing so frees them to create a life on their own terms.
Transforming the Externally Focused Self
You may have achieved certain benchmarks that society views as signs of success such as a good income, education and career satisfaction, yet the very qualities that have contributed to your success are often the source of your emotional struggles and unhappiness.
Measuring your personal worth by your achievements, by others perception of you, and by what you provide are signs of an externally-focused self. These traits often lead to an excessive concern with "fitting in", seeking validation from outside, as well as feeling constant pressure to live up to unrelenting standards.
In this workshop you will learn to:
* Develop a more compassionate stance toward your shortcomings.
* Become more connected to what your heart truly wants.
* Break free from outdated survival strategies that keep you focused externally.
* Define yourself, and your worth, by who you are rather than what you do.
* Allow your inner compass to guide your choices rather than family, societal and peer expectations.
Working with the Cultural Outsider in psychotherapy
Many who seek psychotherapy either came to the United States from another culture as children or were born here. Surrounded by peers who look and speak differently, they often have the added burden of parents relying on them to help navigate in a new country. Eager to “fit in” they become hyper-focused on conforming and achieving, feeling tremendous pressure to go above and beyond what is expected. The very qualities that contribute to their success in the world often perpetuate their unhappiness and disconnection from themselves.
There are some similar and consistent psychological dynamics regardless of cultural background. In their early experience in school these clients are aware that they look, sound and view the world differently. Their profound sense of being “other” often leaves them feeling shame and a sense of inferiority. They become adept at taking their cues for how to act by looking outside of themselves, and molding their responses to fit others expectations.
Through lecture as well as dyad work this webinar will offer a deeper understanding into the unique survival strategies that cultural outsiders employ in an attempt to cope with the difficulties that arise from feeling different. There will be particular emphasis on how these clients define themselves and measure their self-worth.
In this webinar participants will also learn a powerful intervention called “piercing the threat” designed to assist clients with deconstructing an identity and sense of worth that revolves around performance, how they are being perceived and their usefulness to others. Doing so frees them to create a life on their own terms.
Transforming the Externally Focused Self
You may have achieved certain benchmarks that society views as signs of success such as a good income, education and career satisfaction, yet the very qualities that have contributed to your success are often the source of your emotional struggles and unhappiness.
Measuring your personal worth by your achievements, by others perception of you, and by what you provide are signs of an externally-focused self. These traits often lead to an excessive concern with "fitting in", seeking validation from outside, as well as feeling constant pressure to live up to unrelenting standards.
In this workshop you will learn to:
* Develop a more compassionate stance toward your shortcomings.
* Become more connected to what your heart truly wants.
* Break free from outdated survival strategies that keep you focused externally.
* Define yourself, and your worth, by who you are rather than what you do.
* Allow your inner compass to guide your choices rather than family, societal and peer expectations.
The Intrinsic Self in Psychotherapy
“The real self is an alive, unique personal center that wants to grow.” Karen Horney
Many of our clients are reasonably content with their career and status, yet feel stuck and unfulfilled. Defining themselves and measuring their worth by achievements, how they are being perceived, and what they provide for others, often underlie their symptoms and self-defeating habits. They are anxious about "fitting in", dependent on outside validation, and feel constant pressure to live up to unrelenting standards.
In this workshop, you will learn specific ways to help your clients:
* Access and affirm their Intrinsic Self and define themselves according to their inner qualities.
* Break free from outdated survival strategies that distort their self-concept.
* Shift from an external to an internal frame of reference and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.
* Counteract obstacles to recognizing and affirming their intrinsic worth.
* Make choices based on inner guidance rather than relying on societal, peer and family expectations.
* Effectively penetrate destructive core assumptions by “piercing the threat”.
* Stop over identifying with particular attributes such as competence and being helpful as attempts to preserve self-
esteem, gain acceptance and feel emotionally secure.
“The real self is an alive, unique personal center that wants to grow.” Karen Horney
Many of our clients are reasonably content with their career and status, yet feel stuck and unfulfilled. Defining themselves and measuring their worth by achievements, how they are being perceived, and what they provide for others, often underlie their symptoms and self-defeating habits. They are anxious about "fitting in", dependent on outside validation, and feel constant pressure to live up to unrelenting standards.
In this workshop, you will learn specific ways to help your clients:
* Access and affirm their Intrinsic Self and define themselves according to their inner qualities.
* Break free from outdated survival strategies that distort their self-concept.
* Shift from an external to an internal frame of reference and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.
* Counteract obstacles to recognizing and affirming their intrinsic worth.
* Make choices based on inner guidance rather than relying on societal, peer and family expectations.
* Effectively penetrate destructive core assumptions by “piercing the threat”.
* Stop over identifying with particular attributes such as competence and being helpful as attempts to preserve self-
esteem, gain acceptance and feel emotionally secure.
Would you like me to present to your Organization or group?
For over twenty years I have been conducting presentations for onsite staff, conferences and retreats.
Allow me to customize a presentation to the needs of your staff or group.
JFK University Extension, Esalen Institute, Chesapeake Health Education, Cal State Fresno, California Association of Rehab Professionals, CAADAC, National Homecare Association, National AIDS Conference, Judicial Council of California, BASHET, Auburn Faith Hospice, Sequoia Hospital, Ventura Behavioral Health Conference on Trauma, Existential Humanistic Institute, Marin chapter of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
For over twenty years I have been conducting presentations for onsite staff, conferences and retreats.
Allow me to customize a presentation to the needs of your staff or group.
JFK University Extension, Esalen Institute, Chesapeake Health Education, Cal State Fresno, California Association of Rehab Professionals, CAADAC, National Homecare Association, National AIDS Conference, Judicial Council of California, BASHET, Auburn Faith Hospice, Sequoia Hospital, Ventura Behavioral Health Conference on Trauma, Existential Humanistic Institute, Marin chapter of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists