Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 6:00 PM EST Joy A. Dryer, Ph.D.
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Webinar Description
Intro. The point of this course is to move PACT (Psychobiologic Approach to Couples Therapy) into a new dimension. That is, PACT was initially designed by founder Stan Tatkin PsyD. as a couples therapy. The goal of treatment is traditionally to help couples work on a more satisfying relationship, with the goal of “secure functioning.”
A. PACT & Divorce. However, the divorce rate in the US, while falling somewhat in recent years, still hovers around 45%. As a Psychologist and Divorce Mediator, I have worked on integrating therapy and separation processes. This course offers a theoretical and practical frame to therapists helping couples retain some of the secure functioning principles while they are UNcoupling (separating and/or divorcing).
B. RDT. I have discovered Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) as a useful intellectual partner.
Relational dialectics theory (RDT) is a communications theory that explains that patterns of tensions and struggles exist in close relationships, especially when people experience paradoxical or contradictory desires. Proposed in 1988 by Leslie Baxter and Barbara Montgomery, the theory proposes that a) close relationships between people are not one dimensional, but always fluctuating between highs and lows, b) that tensions in our relationships are normal, and that c) good clear communication is necessary to sustain positive productive interpersonal relationships.
RDT is based on the idea that relationships are constantly changing and are made up of contradictory desires, needs, and expectations. The theory focuses on three main types of tensions that arise in relationships:
- Autonomy vs. connection: The tension between wanting independence / separation and wanting to be close to others/ intimacy.
- Openness vs. closeness: The tension between wanting to share personal information/ express oneself and wanting to set boundaries/ be private.
- Predictability vs. novelty: The tension between wanting stability and wanting change and excitement
C. Holding the “third space” of contradiction. My point will be that secure functioning can exist whether a couple is working on improved coupling OR whether they are UNcoupling IF they together as a team can occupy the 3rd space in the either-or dialectic. This is an intersubjective space defined originally by psychoanalysts Ogden (19- ) later Benjamin (19- ), and then by Baxter (1988) and Montgomery (1988).
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Qualifications:
Learning Objectives:
- Name 3 assessment tools and how each helps the PACT therapist assess if both partners are committed to working on improving their relationship, OR if one or both is really headed out the door/ is considering uncoupling. [ECR-R, DAS, WAI]
- Describe 3 secure functioning criteria that the PACT therapist uses to help the couple decide whether to work on staying IN the relationship, or to work on separating/ uncoupling. [Team Shared Purpose, Theory of Mind, Mutual Regulation]
- Identify the 3 separation processes that couples can choose among. [Mediation, Collab. Divorce, Litigation].
Agenda:
AGENDA:
INTRO: What is PACT? what is RDT? How these theories integrate to help couples decide to stay or to separate? (20 min)
ASSESSING: three main types of tensions that arise in relationships:
- Autonomy vs. connection: The tension between wanting independence / separation and wanting to be close to others/ intimacy.
- Openness vs. closeness: The tension between wanting to share personal information/ express oneself and wanting to set boundaries/ be private.
- Predictability vs. novelty: The tension between wanting stability and wanting change and excitement
- Show video of Couple #1 (10 min.) and Q & A & discuss above criteria (30)
DECIDING: Secure functioning principles: Shared purpose, Theory of Mind, Mutual Regulation
Show video of Couple #2 (10 min.) and Q & A & discuss above criteria (30)
REFERRING (separation options): How to keep the Third Space of contradiction and loss
Show video of Couple #3 (10 min.) and Q & A & discuss above criteria (30)
Review & Summation. (20 min)
Final Q & A & discussion (20)
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an introductory level ,and is beneficial for a beginner level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Official information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Thrapy Express seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Thrapy Express ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting (631) 202-1010 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by the NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire webinar, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.