Relational Systems, Boundaries, Emotional Space, and Empathy

Relational Systems Theory (RST), developed by Dr. Dan Bochner, offers a new approach for seamlessly integrating the intrapsychic and the interpersonal at a systems level. In this 90-minute presentation, Dr. Bochner will demonstrate how the RST model informs therapists on the therapist/client relationship during the therapeutic encounter. Of most importance, RST will be shown to guide the therapist in new ways as countertransference reactions are utilized in developing empathy where the most common interpersonal responses can be expected to reinforce an individual’s self-defeating patterns.

The model will be presented as a guide for metabolizing countertransference reactions more directly by facilitating the therapist’s understanding of a person’s interpersonal behavior. The model will also be shown to enhance the therapist’s ability to offer new and more constructive alternatives to people in therapy for approaching their relationships with their own spouses, children, friends, and acquaintances. The use of RST is only limited by a therapist’s inability, or lack of willingness, to engage authentically.

This web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Outline the basic system of the intrapsychic and interpersonal as described in Dr. Bochner’s Relational Systems Theory;
2. Identify intrapsychic and interpersonal boundaries that will help differentiate useful from iatrogenic (reactions originating from the therapist) countertransference reactions;
3. Describe the difference between therapeutic activity and therapeutic interference in reference to the concept of “Emotional Space;”
4. Define empathic responses as countertransferential in general;
5. Utilize a clear method for developing accurate empathy from difficult countertransference reactions.

If you have any questions about this Web Conference or would like more information, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

1.5 CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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