The circle of vulnerability as a compass in couples therapy from an integrative perspective
Moderator
Ms. Shlomit Giloni Barak and Ms. Gali Shine Tal
What's in the workshop?
Couples therapy is a space that exists out of a desire to improve the couple system and work on the difficulties that the couple experiences in it. Often times, we see couples trapped in painful, repetitive reactive interactions, and in the therapeutic space we would like to help them understand and change reactive moments. To do this, we need to understand the unique couple dynamics and mutual influences, alongside the intrapersonal dynamics of each partner and their impact on the couple system.
The cycle of vulnerability is a concept coined by Michelle Schenkman and Mona Fishbein (2004) as an overarching concept that combines interactional, relational, intrapsychic, and multigenerational processes that often contribute to the perpetuation of problems in couples. The concept refers to the subjective, intrapersonal experience, influenced by assumptions, expectations, emotions, past experiences, and their impact on the couple's dance.
In the workshop, we will learn about the concept of the circle of vulnerability and the integrative work model, which was developed by Michelle Schenkman, and use it to understand how we can move comfortably within couples therapy from intrapersonal to interpersonal work. By deepening our familiarity with the concept, we will see how it allows us, as therapists, to think and move integratively and continuously between the intrapersonal and interpersonal in therapy.
The purpose of the workshop:
Learning and strengthening the ability to diagnose relationship dynamics and using the circle of vulnerability as a gateway to a therapeutic process that allows for effective and integrative intervention, while focusing on individual experience and the mutual influence created within the couple system.
Learning methods:
Theoretical learning of the concept of the circle of vulnerability while referring to a therapeutic example and discussing therapeutic cases that will arise from the participants.
About the moderator
Ms. Shlomit Giloni Barak - expert educational psychologist and instructor, certified couple and family therapist and instructor. Engages in personal, couple and family therapy from an integrative position. Co-creator and leader of the 'Capsule' program for couple and family therapy from an integrative position at the 'Nafshim' Institute. Faculty member of the 'Ogen' program for integration-based psychotherapy at the 'Nafshim' Institute. Lecturer at the School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University. Formerly a lecturer at the Barkai Institute. Private clinic in Givatayim.
Ms. Gali Shine Tal - Specialist Educational Psychologist and Certified Couple and Family Therapist. Individual, couple and family therapist from an integrative perspective. Lecturer in the 'Ogen' program for integration-based psychotherapy at the 'Nafshim' Institute. Creator, coordinator and lecturer in the course "Transgenderism in and outside the treatment room" at the 'Nafshim' Institute. Creator and director of the 'Capsule' program for couple and family therapy from an integrative perspective. Therapist in a private clinic.