EHI Boardmembers will be presenting at the 121st Annual American Psychological Association.
Paradox and Polarization--- Existential and Humanistic Perspectives on Truth and Wisdom.
Session ID: 2024
Session Type: Paper Session
Division/Group: 32, 1, 24, 26, 36, 39, 45, 48
Location: Convention Center-Room 314, Level 3
Date and time: Thursday, 08/01 at 8:00AM - 8:50AM
Presenter: Kirk J Schneider, PhD
Presentation Title:
The Polarized Mind: Why It Kills, How It's Transformed
Abstract:
From the Babylonian story of Gilgamesh to the Nazi era and beyond, psychological polarization (or the privileging of one point of view to the utter exclusion of competing points of view) has become one of the greatest scourges, not just of individuals or cultures, but of humanity. Drawing from an existential-depth perspective, this talk touches on three basic concerns: 1) how power centers and their leaders throughout history have repeatedly become polarized, 2) the physically and psychologically destructive toll that this polarization has exacted, and 3) some steps that can be taken to alter this destructive and potentially cataclysmic path. Although several volumes have been written about this phenomenon generally, from the authoritarian personality studies of Adorno and colleagues (1950), to the obedience studies of Milgram (1962) to the treatises on “opposable minds” (Martin, 2007), “divided minds” (Sunstein, 2009), and “righteous minds” (Haidt, 2012), most of these studies have been written from the standpoint of reductionistic science (e.g., the findings of paper and pencil tests or biological and evolutionary psychology). This talk by contrast will draw from the intimate observations of existential depth psychology to both address and propose alternatives to the polarization peril. The psychological literature on the cultivation of awe and wisdom will be central to this latter discussion. To sum, I will plumb deeply into the question of what sets up the conditions for polarized functioning, how that functioning has impacted individual and social well-being, and what steps we might take to address the problem. Examples will be used from actual historical events, contemporary as well as classic psychological research, personal clinical experience, and my recent book The Polarized Mind (in press).
Also presenting in this session is Daniel A. Helminiak PhD - Seeking Truth and Respecting Diversity: Resolving the Contemporary Paradox.
Renewal of Humanism in Psychotherapy---A Roundtable Discussion.
Session ID: 3227
Session Type: Symposium
Division/Group: 29, 12, 17, 32, 35, 39
Location: Convention Center - Room 321A, Level 3
Day/Time: Fri 08/02 at 12:00PM - 1:50PM
Presenter: Orah Krug, PhD
Presentation Title: Recent Trends in Existential-Humanistic Therapy Training
Abstract:
In this presentation I will explore the renewal of humanism by examining recent trends in existential-humanistic (e-h) training and educational programs. Current research, revealing that personal and relational factors are primarily responsible for healing and change, has contributed to a renewed appreciation for humanistic practice principles. One researcher, Bruce Wampold even suggested that e-h principles could form the basis of all effective therapy. The training and educational program that I will give special attention to is grounded in the current research and these principles. Two of its primary learning objectives are: (a) a focus on the development of the therapist as a whole person, and (b) a focus on the therapeutic encounter as a context for healing and change. As director of the EHI/Saybrook certificate program in the “Foundations of Existential-Humanistic Practice,” I have first-hand knowledge of this particular program. In addition to providing vignettes of the training, I will also provide students’ perspectives on the efficacy of the program.
This session will be chaired by Kirk Schneider, PhD. Also presenting in this session are: David N. Elkins, PhD, Participant/1stAuthor, "Research Support for Humanism: Implications for Psychotherapy Training and Practice;" Robert D. Stolorow, PhD, Participant/1st Author, "Renewal of Humanism in Psychoanalytic Therapy;" Lillian Comas-Diaz PhD, Participant/1stAuthor"Renewal of Humanism in Multicultural Therapy;", and Melba J.T. Vasquez, PhD, Discussant.
If you will be attending the 2013 APA Conference EHI welcomes you to join these sessions and wish you a great convention!
Related Posts:
Featured Book | The Polarized Mind: Why It's Killing Us and What We Can Do About It by Kirk Schneider, PhDOrah Krug: Lessons From an Existential-Humanistic Training Program
