International Orthodox Psychotherapy Conference
June 21-26, 2010
Cenacle Retreat House
Chicago, Illinois

Presenters/Presentations


Rev. Stephen R. Plumlee
Ph.D, M.Div
Sarasota, Florida
Private Practice Psychotherapist

Credentials:
Ph.D in Psychology
Union Institute & University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio


M.Div, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary
Crestwood, New York

Adjunct Professor, Pastoral Counseling
Argosy University
Sarasota, Florida

Presentation Title:
Orthodox Vision in the Healing of the Human Self

Synopsis:
Psychoanalysis has experienced shifts from intrapsychic to a relational or intersubjective model. This movement is remarkably consonant with an Orthodox vision of the self or the person. The more interpersonal vision can enrich the roles of Orthodox theology and anthropology in the psychotherapeutic action and of the therapy in the spiritual maturation of the subject.



Mother Katherine Weston
Indianapolis, Indiana

Credentials:

Pastoral Psychotherapist
CTS Counseling Center
Indianapolis, Indiana

Master of Arts
Pastoral Care and Counseling Summa Cum Laude
Christian Theological Seminary
Indianapolis, Indiana

Presentation Title:
The Joys and Sorrows of Attachment:
Perspectives from Orthodox Christianity and Psychotherapy


Synopsis:

Definitions of attachment from Attachment Theory and Church Fathers as it applies in Psychotherapy

The developmental line of human attachment
painful attachments; bonds mediated by struggle; Intrapsychic attachments (a
group dynamics approach to attachment)

Biblical & Patristic language attachment (Ancient Greek)
Introduce terms and translations (concrete rather than abstract language);
fFrom Genesis to Paul to Chrysostom (the metaphor of becoming one body)

Attachment in the Bible and the Church Fathers
Genesis, Paul (Ephesians), John Chrysostomon, other church writers on attachment

Attachment as an aspect of spiritual life
Spiritual images and bonding; Healthier attachments through spiritual life

Dialogue between Psychotherapeutic and Orthodox perspectives
Shared concerns in today's world; God images; Scriptural themes in attachment: trust, doubt, ambivalence, and struggle



Rev. Matthew P. Binkewicz, MA, CT
Auburn, New York
Bereavement & Pastoral Care Coordinator, Hospice of the Finger Lakes, Auburn, NY

Credentials:
BA-Biology/Russian
Hamilton College, 1986

BTh-Theology/Counseling
Christ the Savior Orthodox Seminary, 1993

MA-Theology/Counseling
The Catholic University of America, 1995

CT-Certified in Thanatology
Death, Education & Counseling

Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC) 2006

Published Works:
Peaceful Journey: A Hospice Chaplains Guide to End of Life, 2005
Spiritual Care Companion: Guidance as End-of-Life Approaches, 2007
Seven Hours in a Ditch, American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Dec/Jan 2009
Simple Gifts that Nurture the Soul, Touching Lives, 2009

Presentation Title:
Grieving: An Orthodox Christian Perspective

Synopsis:
Defining Grief, Loss, Mourning, and Bereavement
Review Modern Grief Theories ( Kubler-Ross, Rando, Worden)
Orthodox Christian Approach to Death and Dying
Individual Case Studies/Experiences offered by participants and discussion


Eugene Protsenko, Ph.D.
Moscow, Russia
Chairman, Old World Christian Charity

Credentials:
Ph.D Moscow State University, 1974.
Thesis: "Psychological Rehabilitation of Brain Trauma".
1986 - present
Addiction Rehabilitation and Treatment
1992 - present
Director Intensive Out-Patient Addiction Treatment Program
Chairman "Old World Christian Charity" founded to support our work
2002 - present
Program Director TC (therapeutic community) Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church

Presentation Title:
Christian Therapeutic Community in Rehabilitation of Addicts. A Parish Experience in Helping Addicted People and their Relatives.

Synopsis:
The presentation is to share our experience of forming a comprehensive system for alcohol and drug addiction prevention and treatment.

In our practice we have explored and tested different modifications of the TC structure, and have developed the low cost TC model in such a way that it can be easily replicated in other parishes. Thus we hope to make a significant contribution to resolving the addiction problems in Russia through helping people come to Christ.



Tatiana Filipieva, Ph.D.
Orthodox Psychologist
Moscow, Russia

Credentials:
Dean Psychology Department
St. Serge Orthodox Theological Academia, Moscow

Member Russian Psychological Society

Presentation Title:
Orthodox Psychotherapy In Modern Russisn Society

Synopsis:
In modern Russian society orthodox psychotherapy becomes stronger and more popular among people. Orthodox psychologists meet at conferences to discuss actual problems and to exchange experiences.

The role of the intermediate position of the orthodox psychologists between the clergy and the psychiatrists is the necessity of our days.

 


Rt Rev Mitered Archimandrite
Dr Andrew (Vujisic)

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Latin
America and the Caribbean
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Credentials:
Th.D. (Practical Theology)
University of South Africa, Pretoria
Republic of South Africa (2009)


Ph.D. (Applied Linguistics)
Rhodes University, Grahamstown
Republic of South Africa (2007)

D. Min. (Family Therapy),
Southern Christian University
Alabama USA (2002)

M.A. Ed. (TESL)
University of Phoenix
Puerto Rico USA (1998)

Presentation Title:
The Impact of Orthodox Neptic-Psychotherapeutic Treatment on Depression and Comorbid Anxiety

Synopsis:
This seminar on Orthodox Psychotherapy bridges the divide between mystical, neptic,
and hesychastic teachings and the methods and goals of modern Western psychotherapy.

It is the meeting of the transcendent and the secular, and of spirituality and psychotherapy, as they impact all those in need of inner healing from spiritual, behavioral, emotional, and / or psychological disorders and pathologies.

This seminar on spiritual intervention in the treatment of depression and anxiety is a benchmark in the scientific examination of Orthodox psychotherapy and a pioneering
step in a new area of practical and applied theology.

With increased attention by scholars to the relationship between spirituality and science, religion and physical / mental health, and holistic views of the human being that bring together the body and the mind, or spirit, this seminar provides a framework in the establishment of cross-cultural dimensions of science and spirituality, and the holistic concept of humans and their environment.

This was concretized by examining the intensity of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety before and after a twelve-week treatment plan using Orthodox neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions and techniques. The results represent yet another step
in disentangling the mystery of the relationship between spirituality, psychological treatment, and mental health.

The findings, which confirm the efficacy of Orthodox Psychotherapy, offer insight into the ways in which neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions can be applied at the pastoral and clinical level and utilized to treat and / or prevent depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety, and indeed other spiritual, behavioral, emotional, and / or psychological disorders and pathologies, in both the Orthodox and general populations.

 


Stephen Muse
, Ph.D.
Columbus, Georgia
Director of Counselor Training & Clinical Services

Elizabeth Turner Ministry Resource Center and Pastoral Institute

Credentials:
Bachelors in Philosophy
Davidson College

M.Div.
Princeton Theological Seminary emphasizing Greek New Testament exegesis and early church spirituality

M.S. and Ph.D. degrees
Loyola College of Maryland in the field of Pastoral Counseling

Diplomate Certification in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and in Professional Psychotherapy
International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy

Diplomate, Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
National Board Certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy
Past member of the EMDR International Association
State licensed in Georgia ( Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist)

Presentation Title:
The Murder of Christ:
Diagnosis and Treatment for Post Traumatic Spiritual Disorder of Humankind

Synopsis:
An inquiry into the ongoing spiritual warfare between Mammon and Christ which occurs in every human heart and in all the world throughout historical time

The relationship between Divine Liturgy (holy koinonia) of the church's worship and the cosmic liturgy (koinonia) of existential life of the church in the world will be considered as seamless as the two natures, human and divine, in the one person of Jesus Christ

By using the Murder of Christ (Theanthropos) as the primary reference point for diagnosis of what is being called Post Traumatic Spiritual Disorder of humankind beginning with the Creation and Fall of humanity and continuing until the end of historical time, special emphasis will be given to implications for offering Pastoral Care and Counseling to persons within our current cultural context in America and the world for the healing of this condition and the full growth and development of humankind.

 


Dr Frank Johnson
British Equivalent of US Title MD

Hepscott, UK
Retired

Credentials:
Retired Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Psychotherapist
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
Durham University
Durham, United Kingdom

Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynacologists

Diplomat in Psychotherapy
Leeds University
Leeds, United Kingdom

Presentation Title:
Sexuality, Birth, Contraception for Orthodox Christians

Synopsis:
Many of the fathers of the Church state that nature is a revelation of God.

My presentation will be based on that assumption and its implications explored
in relationship to the human body as a whole.

It will include discussing the physical, emotional and hormonal states. In particular
its reference to sexuality, birth, menstruation and contraception will be emphasized.

 

Bill Mills
William C Mills, Ph.D.
Charlotte, North Carolina

Credentials:
Priest in the Orthodox Church in America, and for the past nine years has served the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church in Charlotte, North Carolina

Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology
Union Institute and University
Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from St. Vladimir Seminary

Authored six books, the most recent, on scriptural spirituality entitled "A Thirty Day Retreat: A Personal Guide to Spiritual Renewal

Presentation Title:
Clergy Self Care: A Case Study

Synopsis:
A case study of the Davidson Clergy Center (DCC) a center for clergy healing and wholeness. The DCC was founded in 2003 by George Jacobs as a place for the revitalization of clergy who are experiencing psychological and spiritual trauma or who are navigating major life transitions, such as preparing for retirement, changing focus in ministry, or rethinking their vocation in parish ministry.

The DCC is staffed by pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, a nursing staff and physical trainers, offering physical, mental and spiritual health.

Mills' presentation will provide a case study by using autobiographical reflections of his experiences as a client at the DCC in 2006.

The presentation will include a theological critique of the DCC in light of Orthodox theological tradition, highlighting the importance of clergy self-care in parish ministry.

 


Vasiliki and Fr David Eckley
Workshop Leaders
Austin, Texas

Credentials:
Fr David Eckley:
MDiv. Holy Cross Seminary,
Ordained Orthodox Priest

Vasiliki Eckley: Developmentalist

Presentation Title:
Person, Culture and Beyond: Orthodox Anthropology and Psychotherapy Today

Synopsis:
In this two-part workshop, we will consider the concept Anthropos, the possible human, and the healing of the psyche.

In the first half, the human individual is considered as a body expressed in one of two morphes, and a tri-partite soul ontically formed for spiritual connection to the uncreated source of being.

In the second half we will address the potential of the psycho-somatic, dimorphic being as a resource for human culture. Following Margaret Mead, we will consider male and female as resources for human culture that all societies have used but none has yet used to the full.

 

Kruse
Anastasia Carol Kruse
Workshop Presenter
Woodridge, Illinois

Credentials:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor

Psychotherapist,
Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute
Leyden DuPage Counseling Service
Oak Brook and Naperville, Illinois Offices

Executive Coach and Organizational Development Consultant
Consulting for Transformation
Woodridge, Illinois

Master of Professional Counseling
Argosy University, Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Schaumburg, Illinois

Certified Domestic Violence Professional
National Certified Counselor
Trained in EMDR

Presentation Title:
Converts: Issues with Assimilation

Synopsis:
In Christ, every convert has a story. Most describe transition over time, deep with struggles to find the true faith and spiritual direction for their lives. They may also come broken and seeking hope for healing yet without understanding the handicaps of Western thinking to fully embrace a mystical path through emotions such as anger, disappointment and loneliness.  

While the richness of Orthodoxy beckons and stirs the yearning to belong, converts also report unexpected difficulties, pain and solitary confusion in the process of making needed changes. Reframing the journey as spiritual struggle in all issues can allow a healthy response in confronting their own patterns of thinking and inherent attitudes such as ethnocentrism as a barrier in experiencing oneness in the body of Christ.

This workshop presents common issues in helping converts address problems such as assimilation of cultural differences and integrating psychological and spiritual approaches in exploring adaptive processing to reframe experiences and actions in movement towards theosis.  

 


Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo)
Former Archbishop of Ottawa
Orthodox Christian Theologian
Dewdney, British Columbia, Canada

Credentials:
To be posted shortly

Presentation Title:
The Neurobiology of Sin

Synopsis:
The Orthodox Church serves as a spiritual hospital, yet many clergy are not trained nor equipped to deal with human problems.

There is confusion in discerning spiritual problems from those based in psychiatric conditions. Understanding the limits of competance in these areas is a challenge for clergy. Learning to recognize who should be referred to qualified professionals and how to ask the critical questions is the basis of my presentation.

Cooperation with mental health care providers is the key to providing the right solution.


Michael Huber
Psychotherapist
Plymoth, Wisconsin

Credentials:
MA Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

ThM Theology
Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, Texas

Presentation Title:
Identifying Your Passion: Orthodoxy and The Enneagram

Synopsis:
Since the 1970's, the Enneagram has grown in popularity around the world. Since the Enneagram uses the language of the neptic Fathers ("passions") there is an overlap in using the Enneagram to identify those energies within the self that drive unconscious behavior and decision making.

The Enneagram can serve to help the individual identify the main passions as a self-observation, self-knowledge tool - - something the neptic Fathers strongly taught.

The problem is: are the passions of the neptic Fathers of Orthodoxy the same "passions" of the Enneagram. Observation of character structure adds to the depth of the neptic Fathers and promotes Orthodox healing.


Scott E Spradlin, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor #813
The Christian Counseling Center of Wichita
Wichita, Kansas

Credentials:
Post Masters, 2001
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas

MA Counseling, 1998
Covenant Theological Seminary

BS Biblical Studies & Family Ministry, 1994
Manhattan Christian College

Clinical Specialties:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, self-harm, suicidality, anxiety, mindfulness-based psychotherapy, Christian Counseling, Orthodox Christianity, Spiritual Disciplines, Patristics and psychotherapy, religious and spiritual issues,
marital therapy, high conflict couples, PTSD and exposure based therapies.

Presentation Title:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy & Patristic Psychology

Synopsis:
1. The biosocial model underpining DBT
2. The dialectical framework of DBT
3. The comprehensive nature of DBT, including the modes and functions of DBT
4. Areas of religious integration with DBT skills and Orthodox Asceticism, including mindfulness and nepsis, and
5. Commonalities between the DBT assumptions and the Christian Psychology of the Church Fathers.

 

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