Author Archives: George

Creativity, Spirituality and Hypnosis: Transformational Tools in Therapy – A Workshop with Dr David Smith in Stockport on Friday 20th June 2014

Creativity, Spirituality and Hypnosis: Transformational Tools in Therapy – Dr David Smith in Stockport on 20th June, 09:30 to 16:00

We are very pleased to announce that we have added a new event – ‘Creativity, Spirituality and Hypnosis: Transformational Tools in Therapy’. This one day workshop will be lead by Dr David Smith on Friday 20th June 2014.  The workshop leader is a renowned expert in the field of spirituality in counselling and psychotherapy. He is based in Chicago in the US, but will be in Europe to present a paper at the international Society of Psychotherapy Research (SPR) conference in Copenhagen in June. Mindsite has taken advantage of this opportunity to invite Dr Smith to run a workshop for us.

Creativity, Spirituality and Hypnosis: Transformational Tools in TherapyDr David Paul Smith is a clinical psychologist licensed in Illinois and certified in hypnotherapy and neurofeedback. His Masters degree involved an anthropological study of traditional Native American healing. His Ph.D. focused on the spirituality and religiosity of psychotherapists. Dr. Smith trained in the dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Chicago and completed post-doctoral training in psychopharmacology through a program sponsored by the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.

He is currently Chief Psychologist and Director of Training at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Chicago. As president and CEO of Integrative Psyche Services, S.C. he advocates a holistic, person-centred approach to mental health. He is a member of the Forge Guild, an organization of academic, religious and health professionals dedicated to the exploration and promotion of sane spirituality and has been involved with meditation since he trained in TM at the age of 14.

Dr Smith has published numerous journal articles and book chapters related to the spirituality of therapists and traditional healing in the modern world. His research continues to involve the study of psychotherapy, cultural parameters of healing and the psychology of religion.

The workshop will be held at Cheshire Conferences and Events at Edgeley Park Stadium in Stockport .

The cost is £80 per delegate including lunch and an individually signed certificate of attendance.

For further information click here.

To register immediately click on the button below.  You can register with confidence using Eventbrite, and pay by Paypal, card or cheque.  To view our cancellation policy, click here.

Eventbrite - Creativity , Spirituality and Hypnosis: Transformational Tools in Therapy

Sir Richard Bowlby Returns to Stockport to run Workshop on Attachment Theory

Attachment theory into the future: A workshop with Sir Richard Bowlby on 14th Nov 2014

Richard Bowlby returns 1Mindsite is pleased to announce that Sir Richard Bowlby will return to Stockport on Friday 14th November 2014 to run a workshop on Attachment theory. It is a repeat of an event that he previously ran for Mindsite in February 2013.  Sir Richard presented the workshop to a large audience of counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, teachers, educationalists and others interested in child care and child development. Sir Richard provided a retrospective analysis of his father’s work and looked forward to the future.

While this event is a repeat, Sir Richard tailors the content to the audience and works in a highly interactive manner.  As a result, each event is unique and we envisage that previous attendees may wish to return.

Before his formal retirement, Sir Richard worked as a scientific photographer in various medical research institutions where he provided visual aids for communicating research findings. He now gives lectures to healthcare professionals using video material and personal insights to promote a much broader understanding of his father’s work on attachment theory. He supports a wide range of organisations that address challenging attachment issues, and is seeking ways to help the general public benefit from a better understanding of attachment relationships.

Richard Bowlby returns 2In 2004 he gave the opening lecture at the Winnicott Memorial Lecture; and this was published in book form by Karnac, on behalf of the Winnicott Clinic of Psychotherapy.

The event, which includes lunch, will be held in the comfortable, relaxed environment of Cheshire Conferences and Events at Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport.

The cost is £85 per delegate (£65 for students).  For reservations made before 14th August there will be an ‘early bird’ rate of £75 per delegate (£55 for students)  We are also offering group discounts of £65 per delegate for two people and £55 per delegate for three or more.  The pricing reflects Sir Richard’s wish to reach large audiences.

6 hours CPD – a signed certificates of attendance will be provided to all registered attendees.

For further information click here.

Mindsite events for late 2014

Mindsite events for late 2014

Counselling Suicidal ClientsOur thoughts are coming together regarding Mindsite events for the second half of 2014.

Dr Andrew Reeves and Sir Richard Bowlby will be returning. Last year Andrew Reeves delivered a challenging workshop on working with suicidal clients. He will return in October 2014 to deliver his workshop on self harm. Sir Richard Bowlby will return in November 2014 to tell us more about his father’s work on Attachment theory RB selfportrait JPG6and its ongoing relevance.

We are still trying to finalise our other events, and we would welcome your ideas. Jonathan and I are tempted to run an event on Stress and Anxiety. But what do you think?

To pass on you views click here

George MacDonald

Myth in counselling and psychotherapy – a workshop with Donna Savery in Stockport

Myth in counselling and psychotherapy – A CPD event in Stockport on 16th May 2014

Myth in counselling and psychotherapy 1STOP PRESS – Donna will be returning to Stockport on Friday 21st October to run another session on the use of creativity in therapy.  For further information click here.  This one day workshop sets out to explore the ways in which we can use myth in counselling and psychotherapy. It is an event that links strongly with our previous event Trauma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. For as Wilson and Lindy (2013) suggest, trauma is expressed through metaphors that are either cultural or universally human. And myth is a powerful ways in which these metaphors are captured.

In a transient moment of negativity, I reflected that running events is a bit like the myth of Sisyphus (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Myth_of_Sisyphus ). In this myth Sisyphus, the trickster, is punished by the Gods. He is condemned to continually roll a boulder up a mountain, only to have it roll down again. On the walk back he can choose between killing himself or carrying on. Yet he chooses to carry on in defiance of the Gods.  Albert Camus used the myth to introduce his philosophy of the absurd; in which man searches for meaning in a Godless world, devoid of eternal truths or values.  Fortunately my moment of existential angst quickly passed!

Myth in counselling and psychotherapy 2In her chapter in Emmy van Deurzen’s (2013)new book on relationship therapy, Donna Savery describes her use of myth to work with couples.  She presents clinical material in which she uses the myth of Echo and Narcissus.  This challenges a couple to reflect on their respective roles in the relationship.  And this is worked through with visualisation and role play.

Donna Savery’s therapeutic roots are in psychodynamic and existential therapy.  However, she goes beyond these concepts to consider the ways in which deep existential truths are embodied in myth.  Then she uses her background in theatre to work with these – an approach that goes back to the Greek tragedies.

We are especially looking forward to this event and we hope that other practitioners will be inspired to attend.  For further information click here.

George MacDonald

References

Savery, D. C. (2013). The challenges of meaninglessness and absurdity addressed through myth and role play. In: van Deurzen, E. & Iacovou, S. (eds.) Existential perspectives on relationship therapy. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

van Deurzen, E. (ed.) (2013). Existential perspectives on relationship therapy, London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Wilson, J. P., Friedman, M. J. & Lindy, J. D. (eds.) (2001). Treating psychological trauma & PTSD, New York, NY: Guilford Press.

CPD Events 2014 for Counsellors and Psychotherapists

CPD events 2014 for Counsellors and Psychotherapists – March to June

We have now finalised our programme for the first half of 2014.  All events will be at Cheshire Conferences and Events at Edgeley Park Stadium in Stockport.  For further information on any of the events listed, click on the pictures.

Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy: A workshop with Professor Mick CooperPluralistic counselling and psychotherapy: A workshop with Professor Mick Cooper on Friday 14th March.  Professor Cooper will describe a new paradigm in therapy.  It is an approach outlined in the 2011 book he co-authored with John McLeod.  He will cover the foundations of a pluralistic approach; building a collaborative therapeutic relationship;  linking the trerapy to the goals of the client; and the therapeutic process itself.

Picture of JonathanGM2Trauma in Counselling and Psychotherapy on 11th April.  Jonathan and George of Mindsite will repeat this popular event, which looks at trauma and the ways we may work with it in therapy.  It argues that direct approaches are not always effective, and can be damaging.

Donna Savery 2Myth in Counselling and Psychotherapy on 16th May 2013.  Donna Savery will lead a highly interactive session on the use of myth in therapy.  Donna calls on her background as a theatre director and academic.  Her recent research on working with myth in existential relationship therapy was published in Emmy van Deurzen’s recently published book ‘Existential perspectives on relationship therapy’ (van Deurzen, 2013)

Clean language in counsellingClean Language: David Grove’s model updated on 12th June.  James Lawley and Penny Thompkins will describe and demonstrate the use of clean language in counselling, psychotherapy, coaching and consulting.  David Grove originally developed clean language to resolve traumatic memories.  The presenters have codified and extended the approach for wider use.  This is called Symbolic Modelling and is documented in their 2000  book and website.

We are already thinking about the second half od the year, and we will start again in September.  If you have any suggestions then please let us know.

Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy: Professor Mick Cooper in Stockport on 14 Mar 2014

Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy: A CPD workshop with Professor Mick Cooper

Our next CPD event is on Friday 14th March 2014. This is a workshop on Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy lead by Professor Mick Cooper of Strathclyde University.

Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy: A workshop with Professor Mick CooperPluralistic counselling and psychotherapy endeavours to make the most of the vast body of methods and theories that exist in the world of counselling and psychotherapy. It acknowledges and celebrates difference across the therapeutic spectrum and attempts to draw together therapists from all orientations. Mick Cooper approaches the subject from a humanistic and progressive position that favours a collaborative and anti-oppressive way of working with clients. He argues that there are multiple pathways of change and that some pathways are more suited to a specific client than others.

Cooper’s approach to pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy is outlined in the book he co-authored with John McLeod (Sage, 2011). In this book, the authors map out the foundations for a pluralistic approach, the building of a collaborative therapeutic relationship and the way in which the therapy links to the goals of the client. They then focus on the therapeutic process, and look at the resources available to facilitate change and the research that illuminates the approach. It is, they believe, a new paradigm that requires a new model of training, supervison, professional development and service delivery.

About Mick Cooper

Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapyMick Cooper, is Professor of Counselling at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. He is a leading international authority in the fields of person-centred, humanistic and existential approaches to counselling and psychotherapy. He is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, co-director of the Doctorate programme in counselling psychology at the University of Strathclyde and editor of ‘Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapies’. Mick is the author of several leading texts in the field, including Existential Therapies (Sage, 2003), Working at relational depth in counselling and psychotherapy (Sage, 2005, co-authored with Dave Mearns), Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Sage, 2008) and Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (Sage, 2011, co-authored with John McLeod). Mick is also recognised for his research into humanistic school-based counselling.

The event, which includes lunch, will be held in the comfortable, relaxed environment of Cheshire Conferences and Events at Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport.

The cost is £120 per delegate (£90 for students). For bookings made before 30th September 2013 (subject to limited availability), there will be an ‘early bird’ rate of £100.

6 hours CPD – a signed certificates of attendance will be provided

Mick Cooper talks about Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy

To download the flyer for the event click here

To attend – email events@mindsite.co.uk , call Jonathan at 0161 439 7773, or press the button below to register with confidence through Eventbrite. You can pay by Paypal. card or cheque. Or we can invoice you or your organisation.

Eventbrite - Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy: A workshop with Professor Mick Cooper

To view our cancellation policy click here.

References

Cooper M. and McLeod J. (2011) Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Sage.

Existential Psychotherapy – Ernesto Spinelli in Stockport 15 Nov 2013

Existential psychotherapy, Ernesto Spinelli workshop in Stockport

Existential psychotherapy

STOPPRESS – Professor Ernesto Spinelli will make a return visit to Stockport on Friday 17th March 2017 to provide further insights into his approach to existential psychotherapy.  To find out more click here.

On Friday 15th November Ernesto Spinelli will lead a workshop in Stockport. This will focus on Practising Existential Psychotherapy.

For further details click here.

Existential psychotherapy is an approach to psychotherapy rooted in philosophy. In this workshop, Ernesto Spinelli will describe the defining principles, and structural model that underlie his distinctive approach. He will illustrate these with material from his practise.

The workshop will appeal to counsellors, therapists, psychologists and anyone with an interest in an existential view of life.

Ernesto Spinelli

Until 2008 Ernesto Spinelli was Professor and Senior Fellow at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Regent’s College, London. He now practises exclusively through Ernesto Spinelli Associates. He is a UKCP registered psychotherapist, a fellow of the BACP, a Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He also maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist, coach and supervisor. He also enjoys a reputation as a teacher and presenter. For this event he returns to Manchester which was his first ‘home’ in the UK.

He is the author of numerous papers and texts. Practising Existtential Psychotherapy: The Relational World (Sage, 2007), has been widely praised as a major contribution to the advancement of existential theory and practice. The second edition is being prepared for publication in 2014.

The cost of attending the workshop is £120 including tea, coffee and lunch (£90 for students).

6 hours CPD. Individually signed certificates of attendance are provided.

Mindsite

Mindsite organises CPD and training events for counsellors, psychotherapists and healthcare professionals in the NW of England. We are based in Stockport and run events in South Manchester and Cheshire. Our objectives are to provide inspirational events, good venues and value for money.

To view our CPD and training events for 2013 / 2014 click here.

To receive updates subscribe to our blog and mailing list using options in the sidebar (below in mobile devices); or follow us on facebook or twitter.

For further information and bookings on this and other CPD events for counsellors and psychotherapists go to www.mindsite.com.

Ernesto Spinelli in Stockport on 15th November 2013

Ernesto Spinelli workshop in Stockport

Ernesto Spinelli

STOPPRESS – Professor Ernesto Spinelli will return to Stockport on Friday 17th March 2017 to provide insights into his approach to practicing existential psychotherapy. To find out more click here.

On Friday 15th November Ernesto Spinelli will lead a workshop in Stockport.  This will focus on Practising Existential Psychotherapy.

For further details click here.

Existential therapy is an approach to psychotherapy rooted in philosophy. In this workshop, Ernesto Spinelli will describe the defining principles, and structural model that underlie his distinctive approach.  He will illustrate these with material from his practise.

The workshop will appeal to counsellors, therapists, psychologists and anyone with an interest in an existential view of life.

Ernesto Spinelli

Until 2008 Ernesto Spinelli was Professor and Senior Fellow at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Regent’s College, London. He now practises exclusively through Ernesto Spinelli Associates. He is a UKCP registered psychotherapist, a fellow of the BACP, a Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He also maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist, coach and supervisor.  He also enjoys a reputation as a teacher and presenter. For this event he returns to Manchester which was his first ‘home’ in the UK.

He is the author of numerous papers and texts.  Practising Existtential Psychotherapy: The Relational World (Sage, 2007), has been widely praised as a major contribution to the advancement of existential theory and practice.  The second edition is being prepared for publication in 2014.

The cost of attending the workshop is £120 including tea, coffee and lunch (£90 for students).

6 hours CPD. Individually signed certificates of attendance are provided.

Mindsite

Mindsite organises CPD and training events for counsellors, psychotherapists and healthcare professionals in the NW of England.  We are based in Stockport and run events in South Manchester and Cheshire. Our objectives are to provide inspirational events, good venues and value for money.

To view our CPD and training events for 2013 / 2014 click here.

To receive updates subscribe to our blog and mailing list using options in the sidebar (below in mobile devices); or follow us on facebook or twitter.

For further information and bookings on this and other CPD events for counsellors and psychotherapists go to www.mindsite.com.

Counselling, Psychotherapy, Ethics, Law – with Peter Jenkins in Stockport

Counselling, Psychotherapy, Ethics, Law – Friday 13th September

Counselling, psychotherapy, ethics, law is the title of our next CPD event; which will be held in Stockport on Friday 13th September 2013.

Many practitioners, service managers and supervisors are at risk because they lack knowledge of the legal aspects of counselling and psychotherapy.

This workshop will cover:

  • Outline of the legal system
  • Ethics and legal principles
  • Confidentiality and the law
  • Professional negligence

It will appeal to practitioners, service managers, supervisors and students.

Participants will gain:

  • increased clarity about the relationship between counselling and the law
  • greater understanding of the ethical and legal issues involved in breaking or maintaining client confidentiality
  • more confidence in grasping key legal concepts, such as ‘duty of care’
  • the opportunity to discuss issues and ask questions relating to this crucial topic
  • a signed CPD Certificate and workshop handbook at the end of the day

Counselling, psychotherapy, ethics, lawPeter Jenkins is an experienced counsellor trainer, and author of several books on the law, including ‘Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law’ (Second edition, Sage, 2007). He has extensive experience of running training workshops on legal aspects of therapy. He is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling at the University of Manchester and an honorary counsellor at Manchester University Counselling Service. Formerly a member of the BACP Professional Conduct Committee, he is currently a member of the UKCP Ethics Committee.

For further information click here.

Trauma in Counselling and Psychotherapy – 21st June 2013

Trauma and counselling and psychotherapy – A workshop in Stockport

Trauma is a subject that has long fascinated us and now Jonathan and I are excited about this event, which is the first we will deliver together under the Mindsite brand.

There has been a good level of registrations and places are still available. However, to keep the event interactive, we are restricting attendees to twenty.

In the morning I will attempt to answer the questions – what is trauma? And how do we work with it? I will look at the topic from the medical perspective of DSM, ICD and NICE, then consider psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, person-centred and other perspectives. My conclusion is that trauma is complex and deeply embedded in our society. It can be ‘treated’ but inappropriate treatment can cause damage. However counsellors and psychotherapists cannot avoid the ‘condition’ because it is fundamental to almost every problem, whether or not there is a formal diagnosis of PTSD.  It is necessary to carefully consider what is best for the clients or patients, and especially in short term work, directly addressing the traumatic event may not necessarily provide the best outcome. This leads on to the afternoon session and the therapeutic use of ‘clean language’, metaphor and symbol.

In the afternoon Jonathan will run an interactive and experiential workshop on the resolution of traumatic memories using metaphor and symbols. This is based on the work of David Grove and makes use of original training material licenced to him for training purposes.

For further information click here.