There are significant philosophical and theoretical differences between the various traditional models which we use as therapists to name, describe and conceptualise the intersubjective field in the therapeutic relationship, and the client’s early developmental blueprint for the relational patterns we co-create with them.

The diverse traditions (psychoanalytic developmental theory, attachment theory, character structure theory, intersubjectivity, relationality) each have their assumptions, conceptual frame, jargon terms, and particular gifts and shadow aspects in disclosing or occluding certain areas of the complex field.

How these aspects of the field do or do not enter the therapist’s stream of consciousness depends to some extent on the theoretical lenses we use.

To widen our awareness and make it as unbiased and inclusive as possible, we can ground our observations of the relational dynamic in the detail of bodymind process, much of it non-verbal, some of it subliminal.

This weekend is dedicated to clarifying both theoretically and practically the differences, contradictions and overlaps between the various traditional languages and models, by attending to their fundamental ideas (e.g. attachment styles, working models, co-creation, character styles, mutual recognition, habitual patterns, etc) as bodymind processes.

This may allow us to build an integration that creates a productive synergy between these different traditions and diverse theoretical frames. Although theoretical principles will be involved, we will stick to the basic ideas rather than go into abstract or historical detail – the overall aim of the weekend is to keep it practical and applicable.

Learning Objectives

We will compare & contrast:

• Attachment theory (Bowlby, Ainsworth, Holmes)
• Character structure theory (Reich, Lowen, Kurtz & Johnson)
• Intersubjectivity(Atwood & Stolorow, Orange)
• Psychoanalytic developmental theory (including Kleinian and object relations)

We will attempt to ground the key notions of these theories in embodied, experience-near terms. And we will explore how these different ideas both help and hinder us in apprehending the fullness and systemic wholeness of the relational dynamic between client and therapist.

To book a place on this workshop please contact Clare Brook at clare_brook@yahoo.co.uk.