San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, Clinic and Training Center
Issue #2
July 15, 2006
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Welcome to the second issue! We intend that this be a well-spring of creativity, openess and useful information, especially as how it relates to your experience of Control-Mastery within your practice or life. Consider sending copy.

Possible topics include: Passed and failed tests; specific examples of coaching; safety in the therapeutic relationship; countertransference; identifying obstructions and how to use the knowledge in the room. We are also interested in comparisons of Control-Mastery to other theories, using the theory to explain political and social behaviors and how the theory can be helpful to adolescents and children. Of course, you may have your own topic/experience/story to share.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Priya Parmar MD as co-editor. She will be sorely missed!! Anyone interested in becoming co-editor contact: Kathie Dunn, MFT kathiedunnmft@comcast.net

Post-Graduate Psychotherapy Training Program
 
Education Committee News
9 & 10 Funston Ave, The Presidio

The San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group (SFPRG) is sponsoring a one-year post-graduate program on the theory and practice of psychotherapy. The program is designed for practicing mental health professionals at all levels of experience who wish to deepen their understanding of how psychopathology develops and how psychotherapy works.

http://www.sfprg.org/PostGradProgram.htm

Read on...


Mark Your Calendars
 
Education Committee News
9 & 10 Funston Ave, The Presidio

First of all, membership renewal begins in August. Be on the lookout for that.

There are several educational opportunities coming up beginning in October. Registration can be completed through the website or office.

Read on...


Conference: The Psychology of Medications
 
From Patsy Wood, Education Committee

Hi Everyone

SFPRG is planning to hold a conference on the Psychology of Medications this fall on Saturday, November 4th from 9 until 4pm. We wanted to find out from you what topics you might like to see included in such a conference. We planned to cover the meaning of medications, collaboration issues with MD's and non-MD in patient care, a review of some of the current prescribing practices, some thoughts about how clients might test around medications and how we might best pass these tests. Finally we plan to give a general review of the key findings in the empirical literature relative to medication treatment.

In terms of your work with patients, what do you feel would be useful to cover in such a conference?

Are there areas related to medication that your clients tend to have fear about or that you as their therapist or MD have fear about?

What is the hardest part for you in working with clients on medication?

What is hardest for your clients who are on medications?

What areas do you feel medications have been particularly helpful for your clients?

What areas related to medications have been most frustrating for you or your clients?

Please let us know and add any issues around this topic that you might like to see included in such a conference. Thank you for your time. Hope to see you at the Conference in November!


Meet the Interns
 
From the SFPRG Interns

We are taking this opportunity to present the SFPRG intern group for the years of 2005-2006 and 2006- 2007. This group is of diverse background, but share interest in Control Mastery theory. We were lucky to enjoy the congenial atmosphere and the unique input that each person brought to the group this year. The high proportion of trainees who choose to stay with the program for further training speaks for itself. Three of our current interns will continue in the next training year.

Read On...


First Impressions of Control-Mastery
 
From Tiffany Vigil, new intern therapist at her first SFPRG meeting

I liked the surprise of showing up at the annual picnic/town hall and being greeted by a band playing on the porch. I liked the friendliness of the people, not only to me, but also to my baby boy, Monty, who I brought along for the ride.

Also, when I took a few moments to relax in the waiting area of the Presidio building,I liked the feeling of instant relaxation and safety, a break from "city life".

In reading "Transformative Relationships" (available from SFPRG office or website), loaned to me by my new supervisor Melanie Clark, I liked how the theory's take on safety, treatment by attitude, and pathogenic beliefs seemed to articulate something I had suspected or known intuitively.

And, I liked how the idea of coaching gave me hope as a therapist, that even on those days where I feel I'm fumbling in my work, the client can help guide me.


SFPRG Publication List
 
Available from Presidio office
9 & 10 Funston Ave, The Presidio

Contact Rob Petitpas, Administrative Director at sfprg@sfprg.org to order, pick up and pay for selections. For publications which can be mailed to you add $5.00 for shipping and handling. There is a $3.00 charge if paying by VISA/MC.

Please remember to get your publications posted to our website and send hard copy to the office. Read On


Cont': Post-Graduate Psychotherapy Training Program
 

The conceptual framework for the program is Control- Mastery Theory, a cognitive-psychodynamic- relational theory that has been empirically supported. The theory provides a foundation for the exploration and understanding of a wide range of clinical phenomena, therapeutic techniques, and theoretical issues. Psychotherapists trained in various modalities and theoretical backgrounds are welcome; no previous training in Control-Mastery theory is necessary.

This program is open to all licensed psychotherapists. Meetings will be held weekly and will consist of a one-hour didactic seminar followed by a one-hour case conference. The seminars will focus on core issues and concepts of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and will entail readings, lectures, and discussion. (A calendar of the Program, including the topics of the weekly seminars, may be viewed on theSFPRG website, sfprg.org, click on "Postgraduate Psychotherapy Training Program"). The case conferences will allow participants to present their cases and will be used to illustrate and elaborate upon the clinical issues and principles presented in the seminars.

Organizing faculty for the Program are Marshall Bush, Ph.D., John T. Curtis, Ph.D., Michael Lowenstein, M.D., and George Silberschatz, Ph.D. Seminars and case conferences will be taught by the organizing faculty and other members of the SFPRG.

The Program will meet on Wednesday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., starting September 6, 2006, and continue through June, 2007. The cost is $1,500 ($1,200 if enrolled prior to July 1, 2006). Class size is limited to 15. Seventy-eight (78) continuing education units will be offered.

OUTLINE:

  • How the patient works in psychotherapy
  • Relationship with the therapist
  • Testing
  • Transference
  • Passive-into-Active
  • Interpretations
  • The plan concept
  • Responses to passed and failed tests
  • Coaching

  • Formulating the patient's plan
  • The clinical interview
  • What to look for in the clinical presentation
  • Traumas
  • Goals
  • Pathogenic beliefs (Obstructions)
  • Tests
  • Insights

  • Applying the patient's plan
  • How to work (Safety)
  • What to work on
  • When and how to interpret tests

  • Evaluating the plan
  • Changes in the nature of testing
  • Patient response(s) to tests
  • Changes outside of therapy

Process and outcome of

  • long-term psychotherapy and psychoanalysis
  • time-limited psychotherapy

Application of Control-Mastery Theory to

  • treatment of children
  • couples therapy
  • family therapy
  • emergency mental health

Special Topics

  • Guilt
  • Shame
  • Dreams

Research on the process and outcome of psychotherapy

Go to http://www.sfprg.org/PostGradProgram.htm


Con't: Classes
 

Supervision Class

Ethics Class(required every two (2) years)

  • Jules Burstein
  • Saturday, October 14, 2006
  • Six (6) hours
  • Presidio (unless registration is too large for space)
  • Fee not yet set

The Psychology of Medications Conference

  • Saturday, November 4, 2006
  • From 9 am to 4 pm
  • Contact the Education Committee or Office for details

Post-Graduate Psychotherapy Training Program

  • Organizing faculty: Marshall Bush, PhD., John T. Curtis, Ph.D., Michael Lowenstein, M.D., George Silberschatz, Ph.D.
  • September 6, 2006 through June, 2007.
  • Wednesday evenings: 7:30 to 9:30
  • Class size limited to 15
  • Seventy-eight (78) CEUs
  • $1500 ($1200 if enrolled prior to July 1, 2006)
  • For weekly outline go to: http://www.sfprg.org/PostGradProgram.htm

Also:

North Bay Consultation Group: contact Neil Young at 415-567-8881


Cont'd: Meet the Interns
 

Terri Roberson, Psy.D. graduated from the Write Institute after she finished her dissertation in the fall of ’05. She did her internship at Sonoma State University and is entering her 3rd year at SFPRG doing a post doctoral fellowship. She works primarily with male and female adults with a focus on women's issues related to life transition struggles, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and self- image.

Mia Salaverry is a licensed MFT with over 15 years experience as a therapist and case manager. She completed coursework for a PhD in clinical psychology in the Depth Psychology program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, is currently writing the second half of her dissertation and will continue work at the SFPRG clinic for a third year this fall.

Michelle Skeen is a pre-doc from the Wright Institute and works with adults and adolescents. She will remain at SFPRG and transition to post-doc over the next year.

Four of the current interns will leave the clinic in September:

Trevor Graham, Psy.D. earned his doctorate from the Wright Institute and is currently finishing his post- doctoral internship. He is looking forward to licensure in the fall and is planning to enter into private practice while continuing to work at Psychiatric Emergency Services in Marin County. Trevor enjoys working with individuals and couples and has a specific interest in helping men to understand how social and cultural beliefs inhibit their ability to establish and maintain satisfying intimate relationships.

Mary Kay Hunyady, Psy.D., a post-doc from the Wright Institute, works with both individuals and couples, later age adolescents and adults, including the elderly. Specialties include trauma, sexual orientation issues, and the intersection of spirituality and psychology. She has a psych assistantship outside SFPRG and hopes to have her license in hand by November 1st.

Zohar Itzhar-Nabarro, Ph.D., a post doctoral intern, earned her degree from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. She works with adults in individual and group settings and has been involved in research in the clinic. Once licensed, hopefully within the next couple of months, she plans to go into private practice in the South Bay and in San Francisco. She will also maintain her involvement in research at the SFPRG clinic.

Rachel Chester is a recent graduate of the Wright Institute. She is finishing her pre-doc hours at SFPRG and will be relocating to Eugene, OR to finish the process of post doc and licensing while her husband begins his PhD program in English Literature and Environmental studies. She mostly works with children, adolescents and families but also enjoys adult work. Rachel loves camping and fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and of course gardening. She promises to carry the theory with her to Oregon and teach it to others.

The incoming group, which starts at the end of September 2006, will include two post docs: Alexandria Leedy and Virginia Todd; and three 4th /5th year interns: Tim Lewis, Timothy Thomas, and Rebecca Trobe. We will have two Smith women: One is MSW that is yet to be assigned, and the other, Beth Kita, will be a two year post-doc extern. As mentioned, the group will also include three of our current interns – Michelle, Mia, and Terri (as a post doc).


Con't: Publications
 

Publications List Available from the SFPRG office.

How Psychotherapy Works, Joe Weiss. Guilford Press, 1993. $45

The Psychoanalytic Process, Joe Weiss, Harold Sampson and the Mount Zion Psychotherapy Research Group. Guilford Press, 1986. $50

Transformative Relationships The Control Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy, George Silberschatz, Editor. See www.transformativerelationships.com for more info.

This book is available at the 9 Funston Ave., The Presidio, SFPRG office, or it can be mailed to you. $35 for members; $35 plus postage for non-members. (add $3 if paying by Visa/MC) Contact Rob (Administrative Director) at sfprg@sfprg.org.

Also available: Imaginary Crimes - Why We Punish Ourselves and How to Stop, by Lewis Engel and Tom Ferguson $23

Why You Behave In Ways You Hate, by Irwin Gootnick $20

Arousal - the Secret Logic of Sexual Fantasies, by Michael Bader $15 - paperback

Imperfect Harmony - How to Stay Married for the Sake of Your Children and Still Be Happy, by Joshua Coleman - $24

The Lazy Husband - How to Get Men To Do More Parenting and Housework, by Joshua Coleman -$23

If ordering by mail add $5.00 for p&h. Also, if paying by Visa/MC, $3 will be added. Contact Rob (Administrative Director) at sfprg@sfprg.org

For archived issues of old SFPRG newsletters "Process Notes" to to the website.

Also check Vic Comello's site: http://controlmastery.org for publications and pdf files on Control Mastery Theory.

Remeber to post your publications to our website and send hard copy to the office.



Dear Members,

Participate!! Send comments, opinions and submissions to Editor: kathiedunnmft@comcast.net

Also, remember to post your publications to the SFPRG website and send in the hard copies.

Look for Issue #3 on August 15, 2006

9 & 10 Funston Ave, The Presidio
Kathie Dunn MFT, Editor
San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, Clinic and Training Center

Phone: 415-561-6771
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