Description:

Warmth is essential to life itself and we have therefore been attracted to it since the beginning of time. Conversely cold, the absence of warmth is associated with conditions of a more precarious nature such as scarcity, isolation or even demise. The association also seems to hold true for human relationships: people who are able to signify the concept of warmth in the way they relate to others appear socially competent, trustworthy and charismatic. The presence of warmth positively enhances attachment experiences and therefore moments of significant emotional connection.

It is, therefore, an important part of the clinician’s job to help clients to discover the value of personal warmth in relationships and to develop the capacity for (self) compassion and emotional responsiveness. A useful assumption here is that these are innate abilities we are all born with and given the right set of conditions they will grow and flourish.

In attending this seminar, participants will experience new ways of eliciting and utilizing warmth in clients as well as within the clinician’s own person. They will learn how Ericksonian approaches for promoting and augmenting reference experiences can be combined with attachment-based concepts from emotion-focused therapy to achieve this goal.

Educational Objectives:

1. Metaphorically or symbolically express the significance and value of compassion.
2. Identify three techniques to cultivate and amplify warmth within/between clients.
3. Explain how to combine attachment-focused and Ericksonian therapy.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*