New Interview w/ Kirk Schneider on the Mad in America Podcast

Justin Karter of Mad in America podcast speaks with Kirk Schneider in an interview that Kirk describes as "one of the most personal and substantive discussions I've experienced on social media to date." 

In this interview, Schneider discusses his path into psychology, including his own struggles and growth, his approach to psychotherapy, and his scholarship on the psychology of awe and the polarized mind. Then we turn to his vision for psychology; a “whole-person” approach to healthcare, a “Psychologist General” of the United States, and the development of dialogue groups that address polarization and division.

Listen to Leading Psychology in Existential Times: An Interview with Kirk Schneider on the Mad in America website.

Registration Now Open for Upcoming Workshop: Meeting Across the Divide on Sept 12th!

Saturday, September 12th, 2020

EHI Presents

Meeting Across the Divide:
Depolarizing America for Ourselves and Our Fellow Citizens
Kirk Schneider, PhD

This webinar is the next in EHI's series of webinars on depolarization:

Depolarizing Our Minds, Our Hearts & Our Nation

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2020

Time: 10am -2pm, PST; w/ a 30 min break from 12-12:30pm

Facilitated by: EHI Core Instructor, Kirk Schneider, PhD , PSY

Location: Online via Zoom Meeting w/ Zoom Breakout Rooms

Fee: $40 General/Professional; $25 Student/Elder
* We understand that COVID-19 has created economic stress for many, so if you are experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19, the requested fee for webinars in this series is $10 (though no one will be turned away due to lack of funds-please contact our admin assistant, Michelle, for assistance .

CE*: 3.5 CE credits pending approval*; additional fee:$22.50

 

Registration Now Open!

 

 

Explore the use of the Experiential Democracy Dialogue for 2 to depolarize difficult conversations, mediate conflict, and facilitate social healing.

In the wake of the pandemic, racial unrest, and political polarization in our society, the engagement of supportive structured dialogue groups has become an increasingly appealing option for the many people who yearn to promote social healing but are at a loss with regard to the means by which to do so.  

This webinar is one effort to provide the means and resources to promote social healing through the time-tested one-on-one approach of the Experiential Democracy Dialogue, which incorporates elements of the group process developed by the increasingly popular and reputable organization Braver Angels Network. Through the use of a demonstration with two Braver Angel volunteers to illustrate the approach as well as dyad work with the audience, this webinar will provide the introductory means for participants to learn the principles, format, and application of the approach in their communities, households, and professions.

This webinar will illustrate the “Experiential Democracy Dialogue for 2,” which is a conflict mediation model that draws from over a decade of experience facilitating the Dialogue combined with my experience as a trained moderator for the national organization “Braver Angels.”  Braver Angels is a citizens group that offers supportive structured dialogues to self-identified liberals and conservatives to learn about and understand each other with the prospect for achieving common ground.

This webinar will provide the introductory means for participants to learn the principles, format, and application of the approach in their communities, households, and professions.

During the webinar we will:

Introduce and provide the context for the Experiential Democracy Dialogue;

Offer a demonstration of its six-phase approach with two volunteers from the Braver Angels Network, a liberal and conservative (both self-identified) discussing a timely topic;

We will invite the audience to form dyads to practice the skills comprising the approach;  

Offer a range of timely topics for participants to engage in a dialogue;

Ample time will be provided for audience discussion following the dyad groups.

The webinar will also draw from my new book on this topic—The Depolarizing of America:  A Guidebook for Social Healing, which audience members will be encouraged to read to optimize their application of the Experiential Democracy Dialogue.

Our Online Workshops Include Experiential Work!

The September 12th workshop will be both didactic and experiential utilizing Zoom Meeting and Zoom Breakout Rooms; a format that will include attendees being assigned to a dyad for the experiential exercise.

The demonstration of the Experiential Democracy Dialogue will feature two volunteers from the Braver Angels Network, representing opposite sides of the political spectrum, self-identified as liberal and conservative.

This event is designed to for both the general public and for licensed or pre-licensed professionals in the therapeutic fields, as well as master's and graduate students in therapeutic programs. Interested persons, psychologists, MFTs, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and doctors are all encouraged to attend!

Continuing Education Info

CE: 3.5 CEs pending approval*
Additional CE Fee of $22.50 (To be submitted during registration); Contact us for more continuing education information.

 

• *APA Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. APA Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
   
• Accessibility: It is the policy of EHI to make every reasonable effort to provide attendees with disabilities with the opportunity to take full advantage of its programs.
• Please contact us in advance so we can work with you arrange programming to needs. Please contact our admin assistant, Michelle, for arrangements.

 

Requested Requirements

A Zoom Account with Zoom Desktop Client or Mobile App are needed. Due to the format of this particular event these are both needed to be assigned to a dyad to engage in the experiential exercise.

 

Our Presenter

Kirk Schneider, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and leading spokesperson for contemporary existential-humanistic/integrative psychology. Dr. Schneider is a cofounder and current president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (an award-winning psychotherapy training center), Council Member of the American Psychological Association (APA), past president (2015-2016) of the Society for Humanistic Psychology (Division 32) of the APA, and current candidate for president of the APA. He is also a moderator for Braver Angels and an adjunct faculty member at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University. A Fellow of five Divisions of the APA, Dr. Schneider has published over 200 articles, interviews and chapters and has authored or edited 13 books including The Spirituality of Awe, The Polarized Mind, Awakening to Awe, The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology, Existential-Humanistic therapy, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, The Wiley World Handbook of Existential Therapy, and The Depolarizing of America:  A Guidebook for Social Healing. Dr. Schneider’s work has been featured in Scientific American, the New York Times, Psychology Today and many other health and psychology outlets.

 

Register Today

 

Upcoming Events- Save These Dates!

Upcoming EHI Events

NEW WORKSHOP SERIES

Depolarizing Our Minds, Our Hearts & Our Nation

SAVE THESE DATES!

Just Added: August 15, 2020!

White Privilege and Depolarization

Developed and Led by EHI Affiliate Instructor: Louis Hoffman PhD, PSY

Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2020

Time:10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, PST;

Location: Online via Zoom Meeting & Zoom Breakout Rooms

Fee: $35; $20 for Students & Elders (65 and over)*
* We understand that COVID-19 has created economic stress for many, so if you are experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19, the requested fee for webinars in this series is $10 (though no one will be turned away due to lack of funds).

More details will follow soon in EHI emails and on the EHI Events page.

September 12, 2020

Meeting Across the Divide: Depolarizing America for Ourselves and Our Fellow Citizens

Developed and Led by EHI President & Core Instructor: Dr. Kirk Schneider PhD, PSY

Date: Saturday, Sept 12th, 2020

Time: 10am-2pm, PST;

Location: Online via Zoom Meeting & Zoom Breakout Rooms

Fee: $35; $20 for Students & Elders (65 and over)*
* We understand that COVID-19 has created economic stress for many, so if you are experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19, the requested fee for webinars in this series is $10 (though no one will be turned away due to lack of funds).

4 CE credits pending approval*

This webinar will illustrate the "Experiential Democracy Dialogue," which is a conflict mediation model that draws from over a decade of experience facilitating the Dialogue combined with my experience as a trained moderator for the national organization "Braver Angels." Braver Angels is a citizens group that offers supportive structured dialogues to self-identified liberals and conservatives to learn about and understand each other with the prospect for achieving common ground.

The webinar will offer a range of timely topics for participants to engage in a dialogue; introduce and provide the context for the Experiential Democracy Dialogue; offer a demonstration of its six-phase approach, and invite the audience to form dyads to practice the skills comprising the approach.

Time will be provided for audience discussion following the dyad groups. The webinar will also draw from my new book on this topic—The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social Healing, which audience members will be encouraged to read to optimize their application of the Experiential Democracy Dialogue.

This workshop is intended to give attendees the opportunity to learn the Experiential Democracy Dialogue model by following guided phases in breakout rooms and discussing the model in Q&A session. This workshop is not intended to teach attendees "role playing" or the therapeutic benefits of "role play" in therapy. Please note that it will not be possible to ensure each attendee is paired with another attendee from the opposite political perspective. Participation in the dyad exercise will most likely result in attendees needing to "role play" or pretend to a political perspective they do not actually embody.

Companion book - now available at UPP or Amazon.

The Depolarizing of America

University Professors Press, June 15, 2020

"The book draws on my experience with humanistically oriented conflict mediation groups and provides practical, structured formats for both laypeople and professionals to use in a variety of settings, "
~ Kirk Schneider

More details will follow soon in EHI emails and on the EHI Events page.

 

• *APA Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. APA Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
•  
• *Accessibility: It is the policy of EHI to make every reasonable effort to provide attendees with disabilities with the opportunity to take full advantage of its programs. Please contact us ahead of time so we can work with you arrange programming to needs. Please contact our Admin, Michelle by email at program@ehinstitute.org or phone at 415.689.1475 to make arrangements.

December 6th, 2020

Working With the Cultural Outsider in Psychotherapy

Developed and Led by: Dennis Portnoy, MFT

Date: Saturday, December 6th, 2020

Time: 11am - 3pm, PST;

Location: Online via ZOOM Meeting & Zoom Breakout Rooms

Cost: TBA

4 CE credits pending approval*.

 

• *APA Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. APA Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
•  
• *Accessibility: It is the policy of EHI to make every reasonable effort to provide attendees with disabilities with the opportunity to take full advantage of its programs. Please contact us ahead of time so we can work with you arrange programming to needs. Please contact our Admin, Michelle by email at program@ehinstitute.org or phone at 415.689.1475 to make arrangements.

More details will follow soon in EHI emails and on the EHI Events page.

Therapist Webinar: Depolarizing of America for Ourselves and Our Clients

Saturday, July 11th, 2020 - ZOOM

EHI & EHNW PRESENT:

"The Depolarizing of America for Ourselves and Our Clients:
A Webinar for Therapists"
Developed and Facilitated by Dr. Kirk Schneider and Bob Edelstein, LMFT

This webinar will present mental health practitioners with a conflict mediation approach that can help them work with the sense of otherness both in themselves and with their clients. This webinar will be both didactic and experiential.

When: July 11, 2020, 10am – 1pm PST
Where: Online Utilizing Zoom
Cost: $27.50

Workshop Registration >>

In the wake of the pandemic and recent racial, political, and economic upheaval in our country, this approach addresses practitioners' work and lives. Drawing from his new book The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social Healing, Kirk Schneider, along with colleague Bob Edelstein, will demonstrate this new conflict mediation approach--titled the "Experiential Democracy Dialogue." We will also provide a space for dyads for audience members to try the skills on their own.

The Experiential Democracy Dialogue provides a supportive, highly structured format that invites people from contrasting cultural and ideological backgrounds to learn about and understand each other, rather than automatically being closed to each other's point of view. The upshot of the approach is that it can notably improve people's capacities to humanize each other and to achieve common ground. For practitioners, specifically, it can enhance capabilities to be more present, both within oneself and with one's clients, which is foundational to effective practice. The approach can also help practitioners to work with the divisiveness within themselves in regards to the polarized issues in society, which in turn may help with their work with their clients.

Companion Book

The companion book that this training is based on is the newly published, The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social Healing. This book is not necessary to join the training! However it is recommended as a reference and context if you will be using the skills outlined in this workshop outside the workshop setting.

Workshop Format

This online workshop will be both didactic and experiential utilizing Zoom Meeting and a format that will include all attendees being assigned to a dyad to work the approach with another attendee.
To particpate in the dyad portion of this webinar attendees must have a Zoom account(free), Zoom Desktop Client or Zoom Mobile App and be signed into their app.

Our Presenters

Kirk Schneider, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and leading spokesperson for contemporary existential-humanistic/integrative psychology. Dr. Schneider is a cofounder and current president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (an award-winning psychotherapy training center), Council Member of the American Psychological Association (APA), past president (2015-2016) of the Society for Humanistic Psychology (Division 32) of the APA, and current candidate for president of the APA. He is also a moderator for Braver Angels and an adjunct faculty member at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University. A Fellow of five Divisions of the APA, Dr. Schneider has published over 200 articles, interviews and chapters and has authored or edited 13 books including The Spirituality of Awe, The Polarized Mind, Awakening to Awe, The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology, Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, The Wiley World Handbook of Existential Therapy, and The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social Healing. Dr. Schneider's work has been featured in Scientific American, the New York Times, Psychology Today and many other health and psychology outlets.

Bob Edelstein, LMFT, MFT, is an Existential-Humanistic psychotherapist. He is a blogger for Psychology Today. He has a chapter entitled "Frames, Attitudes, and Skills of an Existential Humanistic Psychotherapist" in the Handbook of Humanistic Psychology, 2nd Edition. Bob is the founder and current president of the Existential-Humanistic Northwest professional organization.

Co-sponsored by: Existential-Humanistic Institute & Existential-Humanistic Northwest Professional Organization

Existential-Humanistic Institute (EHI) EHI offers trainings, workshops and education in Existential-Humanistic approaches to psychotherapy. Formed in 1997 as a program under the auspices of the Pacific Institute, a non-profit organization in San Francisco, EHI continues to offer experiential training retreats, certificate programs, workshops, consultation groups, theory courses and community gatherings in the Bay Area with the goal of supporting existentially and humanistically informed psychologies and psychotherapies: approaches that focus on and nurture subjective experiential reflection of life's deepest joys and predicaments.

Existential-Humanistic Northwest (EHNW) EHNW is here to impact the world through Existential-Humanistic values of authenticity, integrity, responsibility, inclusion, and awe. EHNW enlivens and enriches human experience through our commitment to being present with ourselves, others, society, and the mystery of life. We serve the healing professions, our clients, and the public through dialogue, education, training, and advocacy. EHNW offers workshops, professional presentations, and salons.

Register Today!

Recommended Video: Existentialism at a time of COVID-19

This is a grim time--and certainly an existentially challenging time. It is also a time when we rightly turn to our medical caregivers for life-changing interventions and support. We look to our political leaders, at least the ones we can trust, to turn the gears of government in a healing direction. But far too often we forget to turn to artistic and philosophical sources that provide existential sustenance at a time when psychospiritual "remedies" are spare and the sense of helplessness abounds. I'm speaking of "specialists" in the art of "response-ability" in the face of grave perils, such as Viktor Frankl in "Man's Search for Meaning," Albert Camus in "The Plague," and Rollo May in "Freedom and Destiny." In this interview with Broadcast Journalist Isabella Clarke, we have an intimate discussion about the latter purviews as well as the role of existential-humanistic and existential-integrative approaches to our trying times." ~ Dr. Kirk Schneider

#688 Video: Existential-Humanistic Psychologist Dr. Kirk Schneider reflects on the pandemic

This interview was conducted by U.K. Broadcast journalist and Shrink Rap Radio blogger, Isabella Clarke on March 29, 2020.

Serge Prengel of Relational Implicit Interviewed Dr Kirk Schneider and it got interesting!!

A Recommended Video

Dr Kirk Schneider's interview with Serge Prengel, LMHC of the blog and podcast, Relational Implicit becomes an experiential exploration of polarization!

Kirk and Serge sat together recently for an interview on the polarized mind that started as a straight interview and as Dr Schneider describes it “gradually shifted to an exploration of the somatic dimensions evoked by our discussion. This organically turned into a kind of depth/process take on polarization that in my and Serge’s view may have notable implications for a deeper, experiential dialogue for those prepared to take the journey.”

Watch the original “interview” video here on the Relational Implicit website! 

Note: there is a podcast available of this meeting too!

Existential Therapy Featured in the Media in 2019

2019 was an active year for Existential-Humanistic therapy in the US and internationally. Here are some news articles, audio and video pieces on E-H therapy that were in the media in the past year. This list is from our recent newsletter.

E-H Therapy in the News in 2019

“What it's Like to Visit an Existential Therapist”The Atlantic, January 17, 2019
Faith Hill

“Today's Biggest Threat: The Polarized Mind”Scientific American, April 16, 2019
Kirk J. Schneider and Sayyed Mohsen Fatemi

“Absorbed by Awe” -Dr Kirk Schneider [Audio]
Insightful interview on life, politics, and therapeutic practice.
SoulSpace Podcast, May 19, 2019
Adrian Choo and Thal Mohammed

“Silicon Valley Goes to Therapy”New York Times, September 20, 2019
Nellie Bowles

‘Kirk Schneider: Mental Health in the Digital Age’ [VIDEO]
An interview with CGTN's Rachelle Akuffo for China Global TV Network America on existential therapy in the tech age.
CGTV NewsToday, October 10, 2019
Rachelle Akuffo

“The Awe of Being Alive”Aeon, November 12, 2019
Kirk J. Schneider

DIV32 Conference- The Society for Humanistic Psychology's 11th Annual

Liberation through Wisdom and Love: Humanistic Psychology, Social Justice, and Contemplative Practice
Naropa University, Boulder CO
March 22-25, 2018

11th Annual Conference for the Society for Humanistic Psychology 

Dr Kirk Schneider, EHI's President and Faculty Member, will be at the conference and has a session on Sunday at 10am with Jim Hernandez. The two will discuss the role of awe in their respective paths. Included will be a demonstration and dialogue with the audience.

Sunday 10:00-12:00 (9235)

Awakening Awe in Violent and Troubled Youth: A Conversation between Kirk Schneider and Jim Hernandez

Dr Kirk Schneider, EHI's President and Faculty Member, will be at the conference and has a session on Sunday at 10am with Jim Hernandez. The two will discuss the role of awe in their respective paths. Included will be a demonstration and dialogue with the audience.

Description: 
This conversation hour comprises a dialogue between Kirk Schneider and Jim Hernandez about the role of awe—humility and wonder, sense of adventure toward living— in the support and healing of violent and troubled youths. Jim Hernandez, whom Kirk Schneider interviewed for his book “Awakening to Awe: Personal Stories of Profound Transformation” will discuss the role of awe on his own path from gang leader to youth advocate and mediator and Kirk Schneider will discuss his personal path to awe and the role it plays in his current work with polarizing personalities. Demonstrations and group exercises will be offered in addition to ample time for dialogue with the audience.

Kirk Schneider, Ph.D. is a leading voice in existential-humanistic psychology, past president of the Society for Humanistic Psychology, adjunct faculty at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University. president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute and author of 12 books, including his most recent “The Polarized Mind: Why It’s Killing Us and What We Can Do About It” and “The Spirituality of Awe: Challenges to the Robotic Revolution." Kirk is also in process of applying the “Experiential Democracy Dialogue,” which has been featured at the last couple SHP conferences and is planned as a series at Saybrook University.

Jim Hernandez is a California native and has been an outreach worker for 30 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a crisis counselor he has worked for Law Enforcement, School Districts, Trauma Units and Mental Health Agencies assisting individuals, families and communities in crisis. Jim received mentoring and training in Existential philosophy and counseling through consultation with Dr. Rollo May and Kirk J. Schneider Phd. His approach with turning Existential insight into effective methods to reduce and stop gang violence earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

Visit the 2018 SHP Conference page at Naropa University for more information about this year's scheduled programming.

Interested in Humanistic Psychology?

Find out more about The Society for Humanistic Psychology, DIV32 of the APA, on their website here.

Dr Kirk Schneider Presents Latest Publication The Spirituality of Awe at Book Passage

Upcoming Author Appearance by EHI President

Kirk Schneider, PhD
The Spirituality of Awe: Challenges to the Robotic Revolution 

Where: Book Passage

1 Ferry Building

San Francisco, CA 94105 

When: Wed Jan 17th, 2018

6:00 p.m. 

Cost: Free, Public Welcome!

Join Kirk Schneider at Book Passage in San Francisco where he will present and discuss his latest book The Spirituality of Awe: Challenges to the Robotic Revolution.

"Schneider has produced a...work of passion, insight, advocacy, and public vision on perhaps the most important social topic of our time. Furthermore it comes in a very readable package of short, digestible chapters, ideally suited for discussion in classrooms, book groups, and other platforms of learning. Like the work of our best public intellectuals, it is a scholarly treatise in which the scholarship supports the message without interfering with or obscuring the topic at hand."
-Daniel Leichty, PhD, Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Dec. 2017

This event is being held at Book Passage in San Francisco.

Find out more here....

2nd Edition of Existential-Humanistic Therapy by Schneider and Krug

Existential-Humanistic Therapy, 2nd Edition

by Kirk J Schneider and Orah T Krug

Published June, 2017
$24.95
Now available online from these sellers:
From the APA
From Amazon

Existential–humanistic therapy melds European existential philosophy — which values self-inquiry, struggle, and responsibility — with the American tradition of spontaneity, optimism, and practicality.

In this updated edition of their popular book, Kirk Schneider and Orah Krug demonstrate how this unique approach can help clients free themselves from self-imposed limitations and develop a deeper understanding of their authentic life goals by cultivating skills such as experiential reflection.

Schneider and Krug explore existential–humanistic therapy's theoretical and historical underpinnings, its empirical foundations, the therapeutic process and mechanisms of change, as well as future developments. Detailed case examples vividly illustrate the work of existential–humanistic therapy, highlighting key takeaways that are equally accessible and valuable to graduate students and veteran practitioners.

New to this revised edition is an increased focus on a more integrative perspective, which makes existential–humanistic therapy applicable to a wider array of settings and diagnostic populations. This flexibility also makes it more adaptable to other therapeutic approaches and expands its influence on clinical psychology as a whole.

This is the textbook used by the faculty at Existential-Humanistic Institute in our program offerings. Students use this at the Existential-Humanistic Training Retreats and in the Foundations of Existential-Humanistic Therapy Certification program. Both Kirk Schneider and Orah Krug are EHI Faculty and members of the EHI Board. This year's faculty will be Orah Krug, Troy Piwowarski, Kirk Schneider, Nader Shabahangi, and Sonja Saltman.

Kirk Schneider's to Release New Book, Spirituality of Awe, June 13, 2017

The robotic revolution is here and there is no going back. From the way we raise our children, to our work settings, to our governments, and even our wars, the quick fix-instant result society is roiling our world. Yet what is lost in this delirium is depth, the awesomeness, not just of our machines, but of our flesh, our capacity to feel, and our capacity to dwell in the miracle of the unknown. This book dwells in the miracle of the unknown. It is an intimate trek into the evolving spirituality of awe--the humility and wonder; sense of adventure toward life. Can we preserve awe--the arguable "heart" of humanity--in spite of and even in light of our technologies? Or will we devolve into mechanically driven puppets, numb to our possibilities, blind to our servitude? There is no more critical problem for our age."

• The Spirituality of Awe: Challenges to the Robotic Revolution
• By Kirk Schnieder, PhD
• Available on Amazon June 13th, 2017
• Paperback: $14.00; Kindle: $9.95
• To Pre-Order and Read the Reviews Visit: The Spirituality of Awe on Amazon.

The robotic revolution is here and there is no going back. From the way we raise our children, to our work settings, to our governments, and even our wars, the quick fix-instant result society is roiling our world. Yet what is lost in this delirium is depth, the awesomeness, not just of our machines, but of our flesh, our capacity to feel, and our capacity to dwell in the miracle of the unknown. This book dwells in the miracle of the unknown. It is an intimate trek into the evolving spirituality of awe--the humility and wonder; sense of adventure toward life. Can we preserve awe--the arguable "heart" of humanity--in spite of and even in light of our technologies? Or will we devolve into mechanically driven puppets, numb to our possibilities, blind to our servitude? There is no more critical problem for our age.
Reviews of Spirituality of Awe

"The dehumanization of life in the new computer driven society...leads to a gradual death of feeling. When people are cut off from feeling they are more likely to act out in destructive and potentially violent behavior. In The Spirituality of Awe, Kirk Schneider elaborates the negative consequences of what he calls the Robotic Revolution. In this important book, the author offers an alternative in his conception of an awe-based psychology that emphasizes both the mystery and magnificence of existence. I am personally inspired by Schneider s concern and ethical approach to coping with the problem of maintaining one s human heritage in the new society."
--Robert Firestone, Ph.D., author of Overcoming the Destructive Inner Voice: True Stories of Therapy and Transformation, and (with Joyce Catlett) Beyond Death Anxiety: Achieving Life-affirming Death Awareness

"In a world where many feel dehumanized and devalued, we need courage and clarity to widen our perspective and find new purpose. In this book Kirk Schneider offers a sensitive and incisive new narrative to help us reconsider what our lives are about today. He gathers wisdom from his long experience, and freely combines this with the insights of psychology, psychotherapy, philosophy, sociology, religion, literature and cinema to create a new vision of where we are heading and how we may change direction before it is too late. Fascinating and essential reading for therapists and lay readers alike."
--Prof Emmy van Deurzen, PhD, Principal of the New School for Psychotherapy and Counseling, UK; author of Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling in Practice and Psychotherapy and the Quest for Happiness

"...a beautiful and important work."
--Pninit Russo-Netzer, PhD, Lecturer, University of Haifa; co-editor of Meaning in Positive and Existential Psychology

Companion Video Available

Watch this related video from EHI's 2016 Conference in San Francisco: Kirk Shares Jason Silva's "Radical Openess" [Video]

EHI 2016 Conference: Kirk Schneider Shares Jason Silva's "Radical Openness" Video from Existential-Humanistic Institute on Vimeo.

EHI 9th Annual Conference Scheduled Topics and Events

The EHI 9th Annual Conference, ‘Always Going Home’: Human Evolution and Digital Revolution will take place November 12, 2016 at AgeSong University in San Francisco.

This year's conference will be a dynamic, interactive group discussion hosted by EHI's Nader Shabahangi, PhD, Kirk Schneider, PhD, Sonja Saltman, MA, MFT, Orah Krug, PhD, Mary Madrigal, PhD, Troy Piwowarski, PsyD, and Suzan Bollich, PhD.

Erv Polster 2016 Keynote Presenter

Conference Topics

• Nader Shabahangi, PhD:
  What makes us human beings feel alive, content, loved? If it is connection (to oneself, one another), what is this ‘connection’, what is it made of, how does it smell and feel? Does this need for connection to feel alive, happy, loved get satisfied digitally? Humanly? Both?
• Kirk Schneider, PhD:
  How to cultivate a sense of awe as both a counterpoint to and complement of high tech. Highlighting some points from a book I'm working on tentative title of the book is "The Spirituality of Awe: Challenges to the Robotic Revolution."
• Sonja Saltman, MA, MFT:
  How we use technology in creative and innovative ways.
• Mary Madrigal, PhD:
  Exploring the breakdown of and in the human relationship as it relates to the use of technology over conversation and how the use of technology offers a false sense of relationship and knowing a person via social media.
• Troy Piwowarski, PsyD:
  The specific ways people reconcile the increasing speed associated with the digital age (faster communications, faster ways of getting products, etc.) with the intention of going slower when it comes to our interpersonal work as existential therapists and relational beings.

Cocktail Party and Book Signing to follow conference. Join us from 5pm-6:30pm for book signings, libations and nibbles!

These EHI authors will be on hand to sign their books!

• Dr Orah Krug & Dr Kirk Schneider will be signing the recently published Supervision Essentials of Existential-Humanistic Therapy.
• Dr Mary Madrigal will be signing her recent books Enough: You are Enough and Spirit of the Female Warrior.
• Dr Kirk J Schneider will be signing his latest book, The Polarized Mind, and Awakening to Awe.
• Dr Nader Shabahangi will be signing his recent book Ambiguity of Suffering, and Elders Today, Deeper into the Soul, and Encounters of the Real Kind.

*There will be copies of the above books available.

EHI 9: " 'Always Going Home': Human Evolution and the Digital Revolution"

Exploring the Intersection of the Digital Age and the E-H Therapeutic Perspective

DATE
November 12th, 2016
Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Cocktail Party & Book Signing: 5:00pm - 6:30pm

LOCATION
AgeSong University
350 University Street
San Francisco, CA 94102


COST
Professionals: $100
Students: $50
Find out More and Register Online >> 

Questions?
Contact EHI's Conference Chair, Dr Mary Madrigal at 2016Conf@ehinstitute.org.

Join Us Nov 12th EHI Conference and Cocktail Reception & Book Signing

The Existential-Humanistic Institute Presents:

‘ALWAYS GOING HOME’: HUMAN EVOLUTION AND DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Existential Therapists Explore Concerns of the Modern World

The German poet Novalis, when asked where he thinks the human being is going, answered that ‘we are always going home’. Artists and thinkers from many different cultures have expressed similarly that in our seeking a ‘home’ we are searching for a place where we belong. This search relates to our need to feel connected, both in terms of relationships to other people and in terms of a need to contribute to our humanity.

As existential thinkers and therapists we ask ourselves how the digital revolution helps and hinders our need to find ‘home’. Is the digital revolution contributing to our human evolution to be more at home in this world or does it prevent us from being truly in relationship with others, from experiencing a sense of awe and wonder? Do we feel there are more opportunities to connect through the many digital means afforded us today?

On this day of our gathering, we will try to explore and find answers to these questions and more. Our hope is to understand more deeply for what we humans long as we are ‘on our way home’.

 Exploring the Intersection of the Digital Age and the E-H Therapeutic Perspective

This 9th Annual conference will be a dynamic, interactive group discussion hosted by EHI's Nader Shabahangi, PhD, Kirk Schneider, PhD, Sonja Saltman, MA, MFT, Orah Krug, PhD, Mary Madrigal, PhD, Troy Piwowarski, PsyD, and Suzan Bollich, PhD.

DATE November 12th, 2016  Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm Cocktail Party & Book Signing: 5:00pm - 6:30pm LOCATION AgeSong University  350 University Street San Francisco, CA 94102

Join us after the Conference!
Cocktail Reception & Book Signing* 5:00pm  - 6:30pm

These EHI authors will be on hand to sign their books!

Dr Orah Krug & Dr Kirk Schneider will be signing the recently published Supervision Essentials of Existential-Humanistic Therapy.

Dr Mary Madrigal will be signing her recent books Enough: You are Enough and Spirit of the Female Warrior.

Dr Kirk Schneider will be signing his latest book, The Polarized Mind, and Awakening to Awe.

Dr Nader Shabahangi will be signing his recent book Ambiguity of Suffering, and Elders Today, Deeper into the Soul, and Ecounters of the Real Kind.

*There will be copies of the above books available

Find out more about EHI's 9th Annual Conference>> 

Register Today >>

Special thanks to our sponsor AgeSong