Connection Therapy

Eye contact plays a crucial role in communication and mental health. It can build connections, enhance understanding, and foster trust. However, making eye contact can be challenging for some individuals.

In today’s episode, Brenda explores the importance of eye contact in therapy and shares practical interventions to help increase eye contact, drawing inspiration from the natural world and play therapy techniques. Brenda's journey into understanding the significance of eye contact began with observing animals. She noted how dogs and wolves use play bows as signals to initiate play, highlighting the importance of non-verbal communication in social interactions.

These observations highlight the importance of play in developing social skills, a concept that translates seamlessly into human interactions. Brenda emphasizes the importance of reciprocal play therapy interventions, which help build confidence in clients' ability to make and sustain eye contact.

By focusing on reciprocity, positive reinforcement, and tailored interventions, therapists can help clients build confidence and improve their social interactions. Whether working with children, teenagers, or adults, these strategies can be adapted to suit different needs and preferences, fostering better communication and connection in therapy sessions.

References Mentioned in this Episode:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, for more information, please see:  https://www.nami.org/

Dolphin Research Center

https://dolphins.org/

Marc Bekoff Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues: Reflections on Redecorating Nature (2006). Temple University Press, Philadelphia.

Bruce Perry, MD, PhD

https://www.bdperry.com/about

Most of us would agree that eye contact is important. It's a fundamental aspect of communication, a silent language that conveys understanding, empathy, and connection. But how often do we truly think about its significance beyond the surface level? 

In today’s episode Brenda shines a spotlight on the often underestimated yet crucial element of human interaction: eye contact. In therapy, the ability to make eye contact is often assessed at the initial session, yet it may not be revisited in subsequent sessions. However, eye contact remains a crucial element in building and maintaining therapeutic relationships. It's a nonverbal cue that can speak volumes, signaling trust, engagement, and rapport between therapist and client.

Brenda shares a personal experience that continues to resonate with her today that has led her down the path of uncovering the profound impact of eye contact in both therapy and interpersonal relationships. 

Brenda brings an intriguing perspective by incorporating aspects of animal encounters into the discussion. There's something inherently profound that occurs when we lock eyes with another being—a mutual gaze. It's an experience that resonates deeply, reminding us of our shared natures and interconnectedness.

As mental health therapists, it's imperative that we recognize and harness the power of eye contact in our practices, by educating our patients about its significance and fostering opportunities for meaningful exchanges.

References Mentioned in this Episode:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, for more information, please see:  https://www.nami.org/

Rebecca Giggs, “Fathoms: The World in the Whale” quoted in “The Eye of the Whale” by Katarzyna Boni, 2023 Runner Up for Public Discourse Award, retrieved from

https://www.europeanpressprize.com/article/the-eye-of-the-whale/

Dr. Jane Goodall

https://janegoodall.org/

Jane Goodall. (1999). Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey.  

Gary Karasik, “A Whale Watching” in the Los Angeles Times.  August 10, 1986.

Jacque Lacan (2004). “The Mirror Stage as Formative of the I Function.” In B. Fink (Trans.), Écrits: A Selection (pp. 3-9). New York, NY: Norton. (Original work published 1949).

Stephen Porges (2011). Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.

D.W. Winnicott’s idea of “good enough” in Playing and Reality. (1971, Penguin).

In life we often find ourselves facing projections—visions of our future selves, our desires, fears, and aspirations. These projections can guide our actions and decisions, but they can also hinder our growth if left unexamined. Understanding and intervening with these projections is key to navigating the complexities of life's various stages. 

In today’s episode, Brenda unpacks Erikson’s developmental model to decode projections and pave the path for intervention. Brenda's approach is grounded in Erik Erikson's seminal work on psychosocial development, which delineates eight stages spanning from infancy to late adulthood. 

Today, our focus lies on three pivotal adult stages: Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, and Ego Integrity vs. Despair.

Throughout these stages, Brenda guides us in working with projections to cultivate awareness and agency in our lives. By pairing interventions with Erikson's developmental stages, we gain a deeper understanding of how our projections evolve over time and shape our experiences. 

Brenda's approach encapsulates the essence of Erikson's developmental model: by understanding the intricacies of human growth and development, we can intervene effectively to foster personal evolution and empower clients to lead fulfilling lives.

Connect with Brenda with the link below

www.connectiontherapypodcast.com

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)

Carol Gilligan’s idea of Contrapuntal Voices, explained in Gilligan C, Eddy J. Listening as a path to psychological discovery: an introduction to the Listening Guide. Perspect Med Educ. 2017 Apr;6(2):76-81. doi: 10.1007/s40037-017-0335-3.

D.W. Winnicott’s idea of “good enough” in Playing and Reality. (1971, Penguin).

In today's episode, Brenda delves into the concept of projections. Projections, both positive and negative, play a significant role in our interactions, shaping our perceptions and relationships. Brenda guides listeners through the process of identifying positive projections, offering concrete examples and practical insights to integrate into your therapy practices.

Drawing from her own experiences, Brenda offers concrete examples and practical techniques to aid therapists in recognizing and addressing these projections effectively.

Brenda educates listeners through an imaginary conversation, demonstrating how to assess statements for signs of positive projection. She underscores the importance of reflective practice and active listening, encouraging therapists to narrate back to patients to deepen understanding.

By recognizing and understanding these projections, therapists not only deepen their empathy but also foster meaningful connections with their patients. Positive projections, though subtle, are powerful indicators of unconscious needs and desires. Through diligent observation and intervention, therapists can support their patients' development and facilitate transformative progress and growth.

Connect with Brenda with the link below:

www.connectiontherapypodcast.com

In today’s episode, Brenda offers listeners a deeper insight into her research study, focusing on the behaviors she observed and scored, as well as the hypotheses she formulated and their unexpected outcomes. Listen in as she guides listeners through an overview of the behaviors and how she specifically chose them to be represented in her study.

Her study, inspired by the principles of the Strange Situation assessment, involved observing and scoring participants' behaviors across 15 different criteria during interactions with the therapy dog.

During the study, she meticulously noted the behaviors exhibited by participants during interactions with the therapy dog. These behaviors fell into distinct categories, including approach and retreat. While some participants showed warmth and affection through eye contact, touch, and smiles, others displayed signs of withdrawal or rumination.

Despite formulating three hypotheses regarding changes in attachment-related behaviors and correlations between assessments, the outcomes differed from her expectations. These disparities shed light on the limitations of the study, notably its small sample size and the constraints of employing different assessments.

This research study was a transformative experience for Brenda, not only in expanding her understanding of human-animal interactions but also in reshaping her perception of the world. As Brenda continues to delve deeper into the complexities of non-verbal communication and attachment theory, she is reminded of the profound healing power inherent in emotional connections with animals. 

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) & Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA)

https://www.devereux.org/

Strange Situation and the Adult Attachment Interview

https://mainattachment.org/

In today’s episode Brenda delves deeper into the setup of her study, shedding light on the profound influence of attachment theory and how it shaped her research. Join her as she uncovers the intricacies of two influential assessments in the field of attachment theory and explores their impact on her research study.

Brenda begins by discussing the renowned work of Mary Ainsworth, a pioneer in attachment theory. She highlights the relevance of such assessments in today's world, where children are often exposed to new environments and unfamiliar faces. 

Drawing inspiration from attachment theory, Brenda explores the connection between humans and animals in her study. Can our attachment patterns extend to relationships with animals? By introducing a therapy dog as the "stranger" in her research setup, Brenda aims to observe participants' attachment patterns and emotional responses. 

Brenda provides listeners with the background and design of her research study which was inspired by the principles of the Strange Situation assessment. Participants were exposed to interactions with a therapy dog, serving as the "stranger" in the scenario. Over the course of the study, Brenda observed and scored participants' behaviors, focusing on 15 predetermined criteria.

Brenda's study offers valuable insights into attachment theory and its applications in understanding human-animal connections. From the setup of sessions to the measurement of behaviors, Brenda provides a glimpse into the intricate details of her study. 

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Strange Situation and the Adult Attachment Interview

https://mainattachment.org/

Connect with Brenda with the link below

www.connectiontherapypodcast.com

In today’s episode Brenda provides listeners with an insightful overview of her research project. She introduces the comprehensive journey through her own research beginning with the foundational aspects and progressing through the details of attachment theory, animal-assisted therapy, and the biological framework of empathy.

Brenda provides listeners with the foundational aspects of her study, focusing on children aged 4-12 who had experienced domestic violence and abuse, honed in on participant behaviors. Through the lens of attachment, Brenda aimed to uncover the connection between humans and animals and its profound effects on emotional expression and empathy.

Drawing on the polyvagal theory and neuroplasticity, Brenda examines the biological basis of empathy, emphasizing the potential for empathic exchange between species, specifically dogs. Through the careful design of a four-session protocol, Brenda’s study seeks to uncover not only the immediate impacts of animal-assisted therapy but also the patterns in the relationships formed. 

In this introduction to a series of episodes Brenda shares how her journey in research reveals the complex relationship between theory, methodology, and real-world applications. It emphasizes how empathic connections play a crucial role in therapeutic interventions, showing their profound impact on individuals' well-being and healing processes.

Connect with Brenda with the link below

www.connectiontherapypodcast.com

Ages 4-12

Bozarth, Zimring, & Tausch. (2002) The Handbook of Research and Practice for the Humanistic Psychotherapies.

Lou Cozolino. (2017).  The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology).

Nancy McWilliams. (2020). Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process.

Stephen Porges (2011). Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.

This is part of a series of episodes about the psychological phenomena of projection.  The series features multiple episodes on projections, including an episode that introduces the topic of projections, a research episode that explores what has been found with regard to projections, and what we still need to learn, and then there are episodes with the goal of assisting therapists who may want to help their clients work with projections in therapy to encourage development, and those are further categorized depending on if you are supporting adults or children.  This episode is focused on supporting adult clients who are expressing positive projections.  While some episodes may be from a particular perspective, in this case from the perspective of a mental health therapist, all of our episodes are intended for anyone interested in the topic, and I am glad you have joined us.