When Shame Enters the Therapy Room – With Dr Ruth Birkebaek

When Shame Enters the Therapy Room With Dr Ruth Birkebaek

In this workshop we will discuss how the power dynamics in the therapeutic relationship and supervisory relationship can foster shame. Sometimes the archaic relational needs or the transference-countertransference dyad of the therapist or supervisor may be activated in the therapeutic/supervisory relationship, interrupting contact. This lack of contact from the therapist or supervisor may activate script beliefs in the client or supervisee and then shame invades the relationship – nondisclosure and self-righteousness become the supervisee’s/client’s  self-protective mechanism against shame.

How can we repair our own mis-attunement and build safety when shame enters the therapeutic/supervisory relationship?

Participants will learn to:

• Understand the interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics of shame
• Attune to the cognitive, affective and physiological manifestations of shame
• Attune to one’s archaic relational needs and its impact in the therapeutic/supervisory relationship
• Repair the mis-attunements that may foster shame

This workshop will be didactic and experiential. Through a mix of lecture, case-discussions and live demonstration this training will help clinicians to create a respectful, contactful, authentic and involved therapeutic/supervisory relationship to heal shame.

Ruth Birkebaek is a Relational and Integrative Psychotherapy Trainer and Supervisor, having trained for 5 years with Richard Erskine.  Additionally, Ruth has trained in Psychosomatic Medicine, Jung Therapy and Transactional Analysis.  Ruth started her career in Brazil in 1989 as a Plastic Surgeon. After graduating from medical school she became interested in the impact of the mind on the development of physical illness. She now works full time as a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice in London, and delivers trainings in Relational Integrative Psychotherapy and Transactional Analysis. Ruth is a UKCP registered Psychotherapist, a Certified Integrative Psychotherapy Trainer & Supervisor (CIIPTS) by the IIPA (International Integrative Psychotherapy Association) and a Certified Transactional Analyst – Provisional Trainer & Supervisor (PTSTA).

This is an IN PERSON-ONLY EVENT.

Open to psychological therapists (including trainees) from all modalities and healthcare professionals.

Early bird price before 1st February: £110, or after £120.

CPD certificates will be supplied.

Refreshments and parking included but not lunch.