As therapists, our most essential instrument to engage our clients is our selves–no matter what theories or techniques guide our work. But very little is written or taught about how we can prepare and use our instrument in session, moment-to-moment, with each client–particularly in terms of our implicit/ non-verbal communication as it transmits through our eyes, faces, bodies, and voices. The more aware we are of our unique instrument and how we use it, the more ethical our clinical practice will be with each unique person who seeks our help.
Utilizing his experience as both an actor and a therapist, Mark O’Connell will offer you ways to prepare and to use your instrument with awareness, responsiveness, authenticity, intentionality, versatility, responsibility, and self-care. Participants will discuss ethical dilemmas in clinical practice with individuals, couples, and families, including questions around self-disclosure, countertransference, and confidentiality. And we will study, from an ethical perspective, how we can most effectively use ourselves authentically, even in the most challenging clinical scenarios. Mark will also guide you through theatrical concepts of “objectives,” and “roles” within relationships to gain perspectives on effective communication–beyond the words we speak–and to develop and trust your own sense of ethical and clinical best practices.
About the Presenter
Mark O’Connell, LCSW-R, MFA, is a psychotherapist in New York City, and a trained actor. He’s the author of the books The Performing Art of Therapy: Acting Insights and Techniques for Clinicians, and Modern Brides & Modern Grooms. His wide ranging articles have been published in various clinical journals and popular sources, and he writes the Psychology Today blog Quite Queerly.
For more information about Mark’s workshops on using the therapist’s “instrument,” visit:
www.theperformingartoftherapy.com.
And for more information about Mark’s psychotherapy practice visit: www.markoconnelltherapist.com
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations please contact Oranda Barnes, Program Manager, at 212-333-3444 ext 107 or at@icpnyc.org.
Refund Policy: Please note that refunds for all AT events are available up until one week before the start of the workshop or module, unless otherwise stated.
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