Couples in distress often get caught up in cycles of emotional reactivity, each blaming the other and seeing self as victim—a linear view. This lecture explores ways to identify and diagram the couple’s dance using the Vulnerability Cycle Diagram. The therapist helps the couple understand the circular nature of their impasse, and the ways in which both are victims of and the (inadvertent) co-creators of the cycle. We will explore ways to identify and work with each partner’s vulnerabilities and survival strategies, often rooted in the family of origin, and situated within the larger sociocultural context.
The discussion will be informed by the latest research from interpersonal neurobiology, including the dynamics of emotion dysregulation, techniques for emotion regulation, and the tension between habits and change. Dr. Fishbane’s approach enhances partners’ relational empowerment, including self-regulation, choice, living according to one’s higher goals and values, and reaching for one’s “best self.”
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/FromReactivity2/viewFrom Reactivity to Empowerment in Couple Therapy:
A Relational-Neurobiological Approach
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 10:00 AM EST - 1:00 PM EST
Presenter: Mona D. Fishbane, Ph.D.
Course Length: 3 Hours
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
Couples in distress often get caught up in cycles of emotional reactivity, each blaming the other and seeing self as victim—a linear view. This lecture explores ways to identify and diagram the couple’s dance using the Vulnerability Cycle Diagram. The therapist helps the couple understand the circular nature of their impasse, and the ways in which both are victims of and the (inadvertent) co-creators of the cycle. We will explore ways to identify and work with each partner’s vulnerabilities and survival strategies, often rooted in the family of origin, and situated within the larger sociocultural context.
The discussion will be informed by the latest research from interpersonal neurobiology, including the dynamics of emotion dysregulation, techniques for emotion regulation, and the tension between habits and change. Dr. Fishbane’s approach enhances partners’ relational empowerment, including self-regulation, choice, living according to one’s higher goals and values, and reaching for one’s “best self.”
I. Challenges of long-term love; couple distress; vulnerability cycles; neurobiology underlying cycles of blame & reactivity; facilitating choice rather than automatic reactivity; neurobiology of habits vs.change; culture & gender in couple distress. Lecture, discussion, case example.
(90 minutes)
II. Interventions for change in couple therapy; transforming the vulnerability cycle; power dynamics & conflict; techniques for emotion regulation & empathy; rupture & repair; addressing intergenerational wounds as well as sociocultural stressors in couple vulnerability cycles; role of the therapist; challenges of change. Lecture, discussion, case example.
(90 minutes)
