Psychotherapy with the Brain and Attachment Theory in Mind
Presented by Daniel J. Sonkin, PhD, MFT
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (6 CE hours)
Burlingame: Friday, November 5, 2010
Los Angeles: Friday, January 21, 2011

This workshop will help clinicians integrate into their clinical practices attachment theory and neuroscience research that has evolved over the past several decades. We will explore John Bowlby’s initial conceptualization of attachment theory and how it has been expanded upon by developmental and social psychologists; the neurobiological aspects of attachment and how this knowledge can help pinpoint specific capacities where clinicians can focus their attention; the psychotherapistpatient relationship as an attachment relationship; and the parallels to infant parent relationships. We will also explore how attachment theory can help to develop a deeper understanding of and facilitate the therapeutic alliance; ways of assessing attachment status through the Adult Attachment Interview, as well as other interview techniques; and, we will discuss the concept of attachment styles, how social psychologists deconstruct these styles and assess attachment style through selfreport measures. With the groundwork, we will discuss the application of this theory to clinical practice. Since one way of conceptualizing attachment theory is about affect regulation, we will discuss the latest findings in the affective neurosciences and their application to psychotherapy.

Daniel Jay Sonkin, Ph.D. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in independent practice in Sausalito, California. For the past 30 years he has worked with individuals and couples facing a variety of problems, including childhood and adult trauma, relationship conflict, and family violence. For the past 15 years he has been incorporating attachment theory and neurobiology in his clinical practice. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of family violence and has written numerous books and articles on this issue.

The Emotional Journey Through End of Life and Grief
Presented by Fredda Wasserman, MA, MFT
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (6 CE hours)
Burlingame: Friday, November 5, 2010
Los Angeles: Saturday, January 22, 2011

This interactive workshop gives mental health professionals a glimpse into one of the most poignant experiences of our clients’ lives as they face end of life and grief. Enhance your skills as a compassionate presence. Gain confidence and comfort as you integrate your clinical skills into the heart and soul of this work.

Fredda Wasserman is the Clinical Director of Adult Programs and Education at Our House Grief Support Center in Los Angeles and co-author with Norine Dresser of Saying Goodbye to Someone You Love: Your Emotional Journey Through End Of Life and Grief. Recognized as an expert in death, dying, and bereavement, Fredda has devoted her career to life’s final chapter.

Legal & Ethical Issues: Sherlock
Holmes, Psychotherapy, and the Standard of Care
Presented by David Jensen, JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (6 CE hours)
Burlingame: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Los Angeles: Friday, January 21, 2011

With the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created one of the most beloved characters in all of literature. But, what if Sherlock Holmes had been a psychotherapist solving mysteries of the mind instead of a “consulting detective” solving mysteries of crime? Would Holmes, brilliant as he was, have been a competent therapist? Would he have been an ethical one? Would conduct in his personal life cause him to run-afoul of his licensing board? In this six-hour presentation, which will satisfy your requirement for Law and Ethics, Dave Jensen, CAMFT Staff Attorney, will explore fundamental aspects of the standard of care by using excerpts from the Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

Dave Jensen has been Staff Attorney with CAMFT since April of 2002. Dave graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, and received his law degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. As an attorney with CAMFT, Dave consults with CAMFT members regarding their legal and ethical dilemmas, and is a regular contributor to The Therapist magazine. Dave gives numerous chapter, school and agency law and ethics presentations and has developed What Does the Law Expect of Me? (Parts I, II, III, and IV) which have garnered rave reviews.

Is it my brain, or am I losing my mind? Relational and Biological Perspectives on Depression and Anxiety
Presented by Starr Kelton-Locke, PhD, PsyD, and Daniel Sonkin, PhD, MFT
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (6 CE hours)
Burlingame: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Los Angeles: Saturday, January 22, 2011

People often ask in therapy if their depression and anxiety symptoms are caused by “brain chemistry imbalances” or if they are the result of problems in living. This presentation will help therapists learn more about the complex interplay between the brain and mind, the psychoneurobiological systems that contribute to anxiety and depression, and the relational contexts involved in the development of these disorders. Together we will explore such varied topics as: the role of implicit memory in depression and anxiety; the mirror neuron system and emotional contagion; and the enactment of emotional memory in therapy. This workshop will be combination of PowerPoint presentation, clinical case material, and audience participation through case consultation.

Starr Kelton-Locke, Ph.D., Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, and Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Marin County, California. She has 22 years of clinical experience in individual, family and couples therapy; treatment of depression and eating disorders; and in-depth psychotherapy for interpersonal and emotional problems. Dr. Kelton-Locke has presented extensively on psychosomatic disorders, non-verbal emotional communication, and relational psychotherapy and analysis.

Daniel Jay Sonkin, Ph.D. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in independent practice in Sausalito, California. For the past 30 years he has worked with individuals and couples facing a variety of problems, including childhood and adult trauma, relationship conflict, and family violence. For the past 15 years he has been incorporating attachment theory and neurobiology in his clinical practice. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of family violence and has written numerous books and articles on this issue.