Relational Transactional Analysis is a relatively new and complex
approach that makes the therapeutic encounter the heart of the work. It is
concerned
with the subtle interplay between the intrapsychic and the interpersonal as
it emerges in the therapeutic space, shifting the focus from the objective
to the intersubjective, from an individual understanding to a 'two person
psychology' – a 'meeting of minds'.
In this presentation, I will begin with an introduction, which locates Relational
TA within the wider field of relational psychotherapy and links it to its roots
in both psychoanalysis and humanistic philosophy. I will then introduce
a model of self and domains of transference (Hargaden and Sills 2001, 2002),
exploring their relevance to 'depth work' in transactional analysis psychotherapy.
Cognitive therapy is best known as a short-term therapy, focused on the adroit
use of cognitive behavioural techniques. As the therapy has expanded, however,
it has been become clear that most of the focus of effective change is on key
interpersonal cognitions and beliefs, such as I can't trust others to give
me emotional nurturance. These kind of interpersonal beliefs often make
themselves known in the session via 'interpersonal markers', for example, the
untrusting client who cannot quite give himself to the therapeutic process.
These negative interpersonal loops can be worked through using a variety of
cognitive behavioural and other techniques. The integrity of this work can
be enhanced by using a flexible case formulation, integrating information from
cognitive and other theories. The integrity of the work is also enhanced by
a subtle and yet collaboratively 'down to earth' therapeutic relationship.
The session will involve observation of live and recorded cognitive therapy
sessions and will also offer opportunities to practice specific cognitive interpersonal
interventions.
The 1200-pound four-legged therapist? An introduction to equine assisted
psychotherapy
It has long been recognised that interacting with horses can be immensely
therapeutic, helping people to develop greater self-awareness, re-evaluate
belief systems and be challenged to change in ways that are powerful and intense.
But how can horses help in counselling / psychotherapy sessions? This workshop
will introduce the emerging field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) through
presentations, a short video and discussion. The focus will be on the basic
philosophies and beliefs that underpin EAP, with emphasis on what distinguishes
this way of working from therapeutic riding and other human therapies involving
horses. A short video of horse-human interaction and part of a demonstration
EAP session will be shown to see the concepts of EAP in practice as an experiential
form of therapy. The foundations of a 'good practice' model in EAP and it's
effectiveness with certain client groups and issues will be explored. After
a brief look at how EAP relates to different psychological theories and some
of the emerging professional and ethical issues, there will be a Q&A session
to finish. There will be a handout and a stand in the 'Therapy Today' exhibition
area about EAP and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).
Understanding EMDR and how it can be integrated into other therapeutic
approaches
Dr Francine Shapiro discovered the powerful effect of eye movements in 1987.
She then developed and researched a psychotherapeutic approach called EMDR
(Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), which is now widely acknowledged
as a highly effective treatment for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).
In 2005 it was validated by NICE as a preferred treatment for PTSD.
There are now over 3,000 EMDR trained therapists in the UK and Ireland, from a wide variety of theoretical backgrounds,
integrating EMDR into their treatment of numerous presenting psychological
problems.
This lecture will introduce participants to EMDR and its theoretical model
of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). This seeks to explain the process
and effect of bilateral stimulation on the brain and body through eye movements
and other sensory modalities. AIP is informed by the field of neuro-psychology,
which is increasingly developing our understanding of the effects of therapeutic
processes on the brain.
Within the context of focusing on traumatic events, both 'Big T' and 'Small
T', EMDR will be presented as a synthesis of the major therapeutic approaches.
Through case studies and discussion participants will gain an insight into
how EMDR can be integrated into their own therapeutic practice to enhance their
skills as mental health practitioners.
Participants attending this session will learn:
what EMDR is and how it works
how EMDR fits into a theoretical model of Adaptive Information Processing
how EMDR is used to process Big T and Small T trauma
how EMDR is a synthesis of the major therapeutic approaches and can be
integrated into their practice.
Biographies
Charlotte Sills
Charlotte Sills MA MSc Psychotherapy, Visiting Professor at Middlesex University is a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice
in London. She is also Head of the Transactional Analysis Department
at Metanoia Institute, London, which offers both a BA (Hons)/ Diploma in Transactional Analysis
Counselling and an MSc/Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy, validated
by Middlesex University. Charlotte is the author or co-author of a number of publications in
the field of counselling and psychotherapy including Transactional Analysis
Counselling (Lapworth, Sills and Fish 1993 Winslow Press), Transactional
Analysis – A Relational Perspective (Hargaden and Sills 2002 Routledge) and Key
concepts in Transactional Analysis – Contemporary Views: Ego States (Sills
and Hargaden eds. 2003 Worth Publishing).
Frank Wills
Frank had experience of training and practice in both psychodynamic and person-centred
work before training in and settling on cognitive therapy in 1994. He is now
a UKCP registered cognitive therapist and a BACP accredited counsellor and
Fellow. He has written several books on cognitive therapy, most recently (with
Diana Sanders), Cognitive therapy: an introduction. He strongly favours
assimilative integrated practice, and is especially keen to learn from other
traditions and to teach the benefits of his own.
David Tidmarsh
David Tidmarsh – Certificate in Education, Diploma
in Counselling, MBACP
David Tidmarsh is a counsellor and teacher. In the 1980s he worked in adventure
education with children with emotional and behavioural problems. In the 1990s
he qualified as a counsellor and worked for a National Health Trust and in
education. With a keen interest in horses and their use in counselling and
psychotherapy, he set up in private practice with his partner to offer Equine
Assisted Psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups with a wide range
of psychological problems. He is a member of the Board of the Equine Assisted
Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), which is dedicated to improving
the mental health of people around the world by setting the standard of excellence
in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Sian Morgan
Sian Morgan BA, Dip Couns is a counsellor and psychotherapist working in private
practice in Brighton and Hove. She is trained in both humanistic and psychodynamic approaches
and is currently studying for an MSc in Cognitive Psychotherapy. Sian is a senior accredited member of BACP and an Accredited EMDR Practitioner
and EMDR Facilitator. She co-facilitates with Sandi Richman, one of the few
EMDR Approved Trainers in the UK, on EMDR training programmes. Sian is also a member of the national Executive Committee for the EMDR
UK and Ireland Association.
For further information about EMDR and training in EMDR go to www.emdr-uki.org
