Roja is a registered psychotherapist and utilizes mindfulness in therapy with her clients. Roja has presented at the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP): Mindfulness & Cultural Diversities (2018); Mindfulness and its effect on Trauma Clients (2019). Certifications include Mindfulness Awareness Stabilization Training and Trauma-Informed Mindfulness through Mindfulness Everyday.
Mindfulness and Families – an Adlerian approach
Saturday, May 2, 2020 — 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
This presentation will explore an Adlerian approach to mindfulness that enhances family relationships by creating a sense of belonging, trust, compassion and kindness. Alfred Adler stated that we are socially embedded or nested in systems, such as families, communities, neighbourhoods, organizations and society (Dreikurs Ferguson, 1999). He suggested that social connection and belonging is a vital human need. This presentation will explore the countless factors that distress a sense of belonging within family systems, and will also explore relevant neurobiological research on mindfulness that identifies the factors in building harmonious and loving family relationships.
With the rise in the use of technology, information overload from social media, financial pressures, caring for children and aging parents, fears and general uncertainty about the future, and divisions in our contemporary society, our sense of connection to ourselves and our families is being threatened. To deepen our ability to be ‘present’ with those we care for, mindfulness enhances love, non-judgement and acceptance of self and others (Kabat-Zinn,2011). With increasing responsibilities as parents and caregivers, we are challenged in creating harmony, balance and belonging. These challenging family systems will be explored, and through experiential-based mindful exercises we will share how presence, belonging and connection can be enhanced. Research suggests that the best way to enhance presence in our relationships is to embody this – the learning comes from our way of Being, and ripples organically through the family system.
Ferguson Dreikurs, E. (1999). Adlerian theory: An introduction. Chicago, IL: Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Kabat-Zinn, J (2011). Some reflections of the origins of MBSR, skillful means, and the trouble with maps. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1).281-310
Participants will come away with:
- Cultivate emotional balance and personal resilience within the family context
- Increase the ability to flow with the ups and downs of everyday family
- Utilize self and group wisdom in promoting family well-being