We live in troubled times, perhaps very troubled times. This webinar focusses on recognition of the dark clouds that may blur our horizons. How might we feel when considering pressing global imperatives — avoiding climate disaster, reversing accelerating inequality, combatting terrorism, ridding our communities of historical racism, and halting this century’s general decline in democracy? Acute and chronic fear, pervasive uncertainty and near paralysis may represent unavoidable but also dangerous byproducts. Not surprisingly, conducting therapy in these troubled times may also require something extra from each of us. The presentation offers an opportunity to reflect and clarify what that extra might be for each of us.
The webinar also provides an application of three key writings from Erich Fromm to address this challenge: Escape from Freedom (1941); The Art of Loving (1956) & The Art of Listening (1994). Of particular interest are his noted reflections hatred and authoritarianism, as well as his clinical emphases on loving and listening. The latter are particularly valuable when seeking with our clients ‘to look safely and not compulsively look away’. How do we care for healthily love our selves? Practical options for self-care will be explored, including aesthetics, spirituality, meaning-making, titrating our engagement with the news.
Webinar Overview & Instructions
PPT Slides: Dr Kevin Keith on Psychotherapy in Troubling Times
Video Lecture: Psychotherapy In Troubling Times
Assessment Component
Dr Kevin Keith is a counsellor, psychotherapist, supervisor and academic. He has been a therapist for nearly 16 years. He completed his PhD in 2017 at the University of Sydney focusing on theoretical questions around the status of post-infancy preschool developments within Attachment Theory. His academic interests also include emotions research, philosophy of science and the empirical status of longer-term psychotherapy. He also provides professional development to colleagues across several professions. He has been working in the field of mental health since 2005, including 10 years work in the community health sector. Kevin has been teaching counselling In Sydney since 2007.
