Commonwealth Seminars & Home Study (800) 376-3345
The Enduring Power of Unresolved Family Issues
Presented By Robert G. Fox, LICSW and
Robin Chalfin, LICSW
| Overview: This recorded seminar will cover conceptual frameworks and therapeutic tools for addressing the most common questions asked in a therapeutic setting. Whether it is a self-defeating pattern at work or in loving relationships, clients want and need to understand why they so often move in a direction counter to their hopes and dreams. Freud was the first to articulate the dialectics of self-defeating patterns = the repetition compulsion. In this seminar, this concept will be much more richly and up-to-date contextually elucidated. The repetition compulsion is one of the most important and least understood concepts in contemporary therapy. It involves how people manage unresolved issues with their families of origin and therefore stay attached to self-defeating patterns in order to stay connected and loyal to deep unconscious longings, desires and fears. It is critical that therapists understand the phenomena of circular repetition so that they guide clients through the counterintuitive and always emotionally-laden territory towards change. Viewers/listeners will learn the language and tools to help clients become conscious of their repetitions in a way that allows them freedom and empowerment to make new life-fulfilling choices. The paradoxical nature of the repetition compulsion will be explored. Clients are loyal to it, yet they hate it. It enslaves them, but it is also the only authentic avenue to transformation and healing. |
| Topics to be presented: The concept of repetition compulsion in contemporary theory. Therapeutic tools and actions: This compulsion is the only thing that feels real, and until therapeutic alternatives can feel compellingly more real, our clients will be controlled by it. Dialectical and paradoxical qualities: The repetition compulsion is both psychopathological, yet central to who we are and seemingly must continue to be. Interpretation, containment, cognitive reframing, use of metaphor, paradoxical directives. The importance of the therapist's own repetition compulsions. |
| At the conclusion of this seminar, participants should be better able to: Use a modern concept of the repetition compulsion. Appreciate the paradoxical nature of this process and work dialectically, from a number of therapeutic perspectives, in order to help clients resolve their repetitions. Develop tools of working with (rather than against) the compulsion in order to help clients take responsibilities for their lives so that they live according to their true desires. Accurately assess the effects of patients’ coping styles, strategies and belief systems. |
Robert G. Fox, LICSW |
| Robin Chalfin, LICSW Robin Chalfin is a private psychotherapy practitioner and consultant in Boston, Massachusetts.  She is on the Adjunct Faculty at Lesley University, Division of Counseling & Psychology where she teaches core curriculum courses in Theories of Psychotherapy, Developmental Psychology and Counseling Lesbian & Gay Clients. In addition to instructing and supervising for Smith College School for Social Work, she worked extensively as a Staff Clinician and Clinical Supervisor at Cambridge Health Alliance. Robin consistently receives outstanding reviews for her presentations at renowned facilities including Harvard Medical School, NASW and NSGP and for trainings at numerous agencies. A participant remarks, “Robin is an inspiration for all counselors.” |
| Past participants have said: “Robin is perfection – intelligent, balanced and clear.” “Bob’s warmth, humor and wisdom made this the best class I have ever taken.” ”Robin is one of the best instructors I’ve ever had! Profound and inspirational. I am changed by this experience.” “Fox’s presentation was clear, concise, and all-encompassing. Engaging, clear and passionate.” |
Faculty Member at Lesley University, teaching numerous graduate courses in Counseling Psychology since 1981. He is the Founder (1985), Director and a Core Faculty Member of the Institute for Existential Psychoanalytic Therapy in Newton, Massachusetts. In 1995, he was a Founder of The New England Center for Existential Therapy. Robert has conducted in-service trainings in many venues, including the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy and the Brookline Mental Health Center, and has participated in grand rounds at Mt. Auburn Hospital Department of Psychiatry. He has an extensive background of excellently received presentations for various organizations, including the APA. According to a participant at one of his presentations, “His ability to link exciting philosophical concepts with the practice of therapy is remarkable.” This five hour program is available as an CD audio recording or as a DVD
Format | Cost | Buy Now | View Actual test |
| CD Audio Recording | $29.95 | Buy CD | |
| DVD Recording | $59.95 | Buy DVD | |
| Certification Test | $59.95 | Buy Test | |
| Seminar Slides | No Cost |
5 Hours credit is awarded for completing this test.
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