Service Description

Many of the symptoms and difficulties that bring a child into therapy are based in the experience of shame or guilt. Like shame, guilt is an experience of self that emerges in relationships with significant others. The difference between shame and guilt will be explored in this workshop as well as what research has found is the relationship between shame and anger. Negative introjects, or judgments about the core self, are the result of the child’s inability to resolve the shameful situation. Shame and guilt are relational, primary affects that are receiving more attention in the psychotherapy literature. The research in the neurosciences and studies in child attachment theory have brought greater interest in the effects of shame in the emotional and psychological development of children and adolescents. Child therapists can better understand many of the symptoms that bring a child into therapy by learning more about healthy shame and guilt. The children in our playrooms, classrooms, and clinical offices are telling us about their shame; and yet, many of us do not recognize these powerful affects, nor do we know how to intervene to prevent a faulty sense of self from prevailing. The work of affect theorists, such as Gershen Kaufman, and neuroscientists, such as Daniel Siegel, et al, inform psychotherapy to know better how to shape our clinical practice as therapists and counselors to strengthen children toward a greater sense of self-worth. In this workshop participants will learn more about this research and specific methods of Gestalt Play Therapy for helping their young clients work through their shame and guilt into a fuller sense of self, well-being, and integration. Gestalt play therapy provides a clinical approach that can be used simply and effectively with these issues. Objectives Part 1 1. Participants will name the difference between “expressive” and “relational” emotions. 2. Participants will discuss healthy shame and guilt as innate affects which function in normal socialization. 3. Participants will define the affective relationship of shame, guilt and negative introjects. Participants will identify at least two ways that shame and guilt are manifested in a child’s symptoms. 4. Participants will develop an ability to name the sources of shame in a child’s day to day activities. 5. Participants will be able to utilize two processes of Gestalt Play Therapy in supporting a child towards integration and a strong sense of

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation notice must be received two weeks in advance (four weeks for intensive programs) of the program starting dates. The registration fee may not be refunded for a last minute notification. Notification must be in writing to WCI either through email or snail mail. With this notice, paid fees can be refunded or applied to a future program if available for registration at the time of cancellation. If for any reason, WCI cancels a program, all fees will be refunded. WCI is not responsible for any travel or lodging costs due to cancellations. For Groups: should any group member(s) cancel or not complete any remaining balance for any reason, leaving only one individual as part of the group, the discounted amount will be payable by the remaining member for their individual registration.

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