February 4, 2012, 10AM-2PM
The Magic of Collage
Presented by Robin Joy Berenson, PhD, MFT, & Cara deVries, MFT, SEP

Location: CIP, 1330 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael - Suite 201
CIP Members: $40
Non-Members: $40
CEUs: N/A

Explore the wonderful and magical craft of collage! Many find this simple technique to be an unfolding, often surprising, vehicle for more deeply understanding ourselves. It can be used to clarify, identify emotions or to simply have fun! Collage does not require artistic skill or experience, and beginners are welcome. Participants will have the opportunity to play with collage elements by selecting, combining, and re-working found imagery.

All materials will be provided. However, you are welcome to bring magazines, postcards, old calendars, photos and other images you might like to work with. Please bring a snack if you like. Drinks will be provided.

February 11, 2012, 9 – 1 PM
The Art of Openness: What if there were Nothing to Defend
Presented by Daniel Ellenberg, PhD, MFT

Location: CIP, 1330 Lincoln Ave, Suite 201, San Rafael, CA 94941
CIP Members: $40 or $50 after January 24, 2012
Non-Members: $65 or $75 after January 24, 2012
CEUs: 4 CEUs approved for MFTs & LCSWs, and 4 CEUs approved by the MCEPAA for psychologists

The greatest relational challenge people face arises from the intersection between two fundamental needs: intimacy and safety. People thrive through deep, authentic connections, yet these connections also carry vulnerabilities: the potential for abandonment, humiliation and/or rejection. Defenses are the common way that people protect themselves against this painful emotional triad. These defenses can help unconsciously bolster their flagging self-concepts, but can also shut down receptivity to intimacy, keeping them “safe” but distant.

In this workshop, we will explore strategies and methods to help people increase their capacities to connect, while decreasing their perceived need to defend. This exploration will include forays into attachment theory, self-concept development (identity), neuroscience, mindfulness practice, linguistics, and communication theories.

Daniel Ellenberg, PhD, MFT is in private practice in Marin and San Francisco. He works with individuals and couples and also facilitates groups and seminars. He is the founder/director of Strength with Heart men's groups and seminars, and a founding member of the Men's Counseling Guild. He is co-author of Lovers for Life: Creating Lasting Passion, Trust and True Partnership and has contributed to The Communication Path and Mastering Success. He is the director of Relationships That Work and a principal in the Authentic Leadership Institute. He also does organizational work that focuses on open, non-defensive communication. He is often quoted in Cosmopolitan relationship articles.

March 3, 2012, 9 – 1 PM
Embracing Resilience: How to be Up When the World Looks Down
Presented by Daniel Ellenberg, PhD, MFT

Location: CIP, 1330 Lincoln Ave, Suite 201, San Rafael, CA 94941
CIP Members: $40 or $50 after February 18, 2012
Non-Members: $65 or $75 after February 18, 2012
CEUs: 4 CEUs approved for MFTs & LCSWs, and 4 CEUs approved by the MCEPAA for psychologists

As human beings we all face disruptive, unwanted change. Resilience is the skill set necessary to navigate through these challenges. It makes the difference between a thriving life and one marked by constant anxiety and/or depression.

Resilience is based on the ability to:

• be both stable and adaptive
• face, overcome and be strengthened by challenging experiences
• optimize positive self-concept and neutralize negative self-concept
• shift the locus of control from external stressors to internal skills—the ability to self-regulate, be self-determining, develop mindfulness, and creative problem solve

In this workshop, we will explore core principles and practices of resilience. You will be introduced to a resilience change model that incorporates neuroscience, emotional and social intelligence, cognitive psychology, cybernetics, FIRO theory, and mindfulness practice. You will also be introduced to the different stages of the resilience change process.

Daniel Ellenberg, PhD, MFT is in private practice in Marin and San Francisco. He works with individuals and couples and also facilitates groups and seminars. He is the founder/director of Strength with Heart men's groups and seminars, and a founding member of the Men's Counseling Guild. He is co-author of Lovers for Life: Creating Lasting Passion, Trust and True Partnership and has contributed to The Communication Path and Mastering Success. He is the director of Relationships That Work and a principal in the Authentic Leadership Institute. He also does organizational work that focuses on open, non-defensive communication. He is often quoted in Cosmopolitan relationship articles.