Summer School Courses 2008

1. Get to know your Lifestyle - an Introduction (Mon-Thurs) Yvonne Schürer
Most of our behaviour patterns have their roots in our childhood. The family in which we grew up has been the laboratory where we had the possibility to try out different ways to get along with people. Thus, in our early years, we created a guideline - our personal lifestyle - that helps us to navigate through life. Each lifestyle is a unique work of art, full of wonderful resources. But sometimes it can also become a stumbling block when we are confronted with new problems. In this course we shall learn about certain important aspects of our lifestyle by means of demonstrations, exercises and short theory blocks. Participants do not need preliminary knowledge of Adlerian theory. Professionals will have the opportunity to learn encouraging ways to help a client understand the connection between his early experiences and his way to cope with current challenges Limited to 12 participants.

2. Adlerian Psychology and Spirituality (Mon-Thurs) John Newbauer
One does not need to be "religious" in order to participate in this course - Spirituality is like Health - we all have it - we need to decide if it is positive, connecting and life enhancing or negative, isolating and disease-producing. Spirituality and self-esteem go hand in hand for Adler. They directly affect and are affected by our perception of self, others and our place in the universe. Effects of Spirituality and religion on mental and physical health will be presented as well as a method to reflect on own life experiences using the participants own spiritual framework.

3. En-Couragement: Adlerian Psychology and Life Coaching (Mon-Thurs) Terry Kottman
Want to learn to understand yourself better? Need more balance, fun, new perspectives and fulfilment in your life? We will explore how to combine the concepts and techniques of Adlerian psychology with the ideas and strategies of Co-Active Life Coaching. In this experiential course, we will learn about the Crucial C's of Connect, Capable, Count and Courage, personality priorities, perspectives and many other elements of life style. We explore different ways of seeing ourselves, others, and the world and learn skills to enhance positive actions.

4. "The Flow of the Brush" (Mon-Thurs) Dr. Lilian Beattie
Art - a creative medium for exploring self awareness and enhancing personal understanding. This promises to be a week of relaxation and exploration focussed in creativity and art, highlighted by our relationships, and clarified through the application of Adler's Individual Psychology. Use of the creative process enables and enhances conscious awareness of the aspect of self in relation to others. It also offers the chance to explore and practice new and tried interactive skills. There will be opportunity for ongoing discussion during the week, in relation to what is emerging during the sessions.

5. A Group Approach to Raising Responsible Adolescents (Mon+Tues) Vincent Byrne

• Overview of Theory
• What is Adolescence
• The Typical Challenges
• Parenting Styles
• Developing Relationships
• Working with Challenging Behaviour
• Case Studies
• Interviewing - Developing Meaning Dialogue
• Working with Examples

6. Parenting a Child with Special Needs (Wed + Thurs) John Murphy
This two day workshop will offer parents of children with special needs an opportunity to meet other parents. We will explore ways of helping our children achieve fulfilment in their lives. We will examine the impact of disability in the family, including couple life and brothers and sisters.

7. Parenting with Encouragement (Wed + Thurs) Ruth Farrell
This two day course will be an introduction to parenting through encouragement, fun, "sparkling moments" and catching our children being good. We all recognise the "feel good factor" when someone takes the time to compliment us or notice something we do well. Imagine how our children could feel if such elements were part of their daily lives.

8. Children's Program (5 - 11 year olds) (4 days + 2 Days)
Working and playing as part of a group will provide a fun, safe environment for children to exercise their creativity and develop their problem-solving, negotiating and communication skills. Using encouragement, group meetings and other Adlerian methods, the facilitators will capitalize on opportunities to develop children's abilities to connect, feel capable and count in ways that are useful to themselves and the group.