The use of clinging, distancing, and focusing on the object as defences in the Borderline disorder of self – a Mastersonian approach

It cools the heart - An Investigation on the Psychotherapeutic Effects of Playing the Nkangala

Nkangala is the Chichewa word for mouth-bough or musical bow. This instrument is played by women in Malawi, south-east Africa. During a field research trip in July 2013, Christine Korischek, was able to get some basic instructions on how to play the Nkangala with two women, Cecilia and Elena Gatchepa, in southern Malawi. The personal experience of playing this instrument and the information given by her two teachers are the source of this attempt at exploring the psychotherapeutic effects that are operant when playing the musical bow. In the first part of the talk the Nkangala will be introduced. Brief information on the history of the mouth bow in southern Malawi, as well as how it is made and played will be given. The main part of the talk includes descriptions of experiences when playing the Nkangala and an attempt at investigating on the psychotherapeutic effects. Since the sound projected out is low, the mouth bow is usually played in solitude and not for a large audience.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy- Impact on Depressed Outpatients of State Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy - Impact on Depressed Outpatients of State Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The sample comprised of 32 men and women 18 years and above. The instrument used for screening was Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) while Beck Depression Inventory -II (BDI-II) was used for data collection. The research design adopted for this study was Pre­ Post Experimental Design. Four research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was the statistical tool employed for processing the data collected.

Presenting Dialectical Behavioural Therapy – Treating Complex Developmental Trauma in Johannesburg’s Specialist Adult Psychotherapy Unit

Internationally, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is a well-established treatment modality for Borderline Personality Disorder and other affect deregulated disorders. However, it is very labour intensive, and is a huge demand on resources. Ward 4&5, the specialist psychotherapy unit at Tara hospital in Johannesburg offers a DBT based in-patient programme for patients who struggle with various personality disorders as well as mood and anxiety disorders.

The Epigenetics and Neurochemical Etiology of Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are often misunderstood and rarely examined from a scientific viewpoint. This presentation explains the neurochemical, genetic and environmental etiology of eating disorders and the treatment implications. Participants will learn assessment tools, have a more complete understanding of these disorders and have proven methods to help their patients. There are neurochemical changes that occur in patients with eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa have different chemicals that promote the respective disorders. Studies are now showing that binge eating can alter brain functioning and promote addiction-like properties in response to some foods. 

South Africa as the Cradle of Gestalt Therapy – 70 years on From Ego, Hunger and Aggression to Professional Competencies of a Gestalt Therapist

When Perls wrote "Ego, Hunger and Aggression" in the 1940's, after having sought refuge in South Africa, fleeing the Holocaust in Europe, the development of Professional Competencies for Psychotherapists was probably not first on his mind. Over the recent decade and since establishing laws regulating the psychotherapeutic profession in different countries, it has become increasingly important to develop our skills to a professional level. Now 70 years later and returning to Gestalt therapy's origins we would like to present the EAGT document about specific competencies of Gestalt therapists originating out of an initiative of EAP with the aim of establishing psychotherapeutic professional standards across Europe.

South African adolescents head of households who are infected with HIV/AIDS and who are on Hospice Services: psychotherapy

South Africa is losing a whole generation of South Africans because they are dying from the disease HIV/AIDS (George, 2011). According to Selman et al. (2011), in 2007 in South Africa there were 22.5 million people living with HIV, 1.6 million people died from AIDS in South Africa, and 1.7 million children and adults were newly diagnosed in South Africa with HIV. South Africa is not only facing the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, but their adolescents are acting as heads of household and they are infected with HIV/AIDS and on hospice services. (Richter & Desmond, 2008).

Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for HIV Patients

Literature shows that HIV infection is often related to mental distress also because psychological features, symptomatic or not, become clearly manifested, after diagnosis and beginning of HAART. In a previous work we evaluated that psychological approaches are important but they give only support, enhancing the relationships of patients. In many cases these relationships are dysfunctional too. A brief psychodynamic psychotherapy focused on supporting the psychological distress of patients but also on emerging unconscious valid elements as an important skill for self-maturation and independence.

Defining the concept of spirituality among Filipino counselors and clients.

Sport and physical activity in the treatment of refugee trauma survivors of torture and trauma

Community acceptance of refugees in a new refugee resettlement location, Armidale, NSW

Theme and Variations: The way the Complex Traumatic past becomes the Complex Traumatic present

Long walk to health: Working with the survivors of refugee trauma with a history of early childhood abuse

Limits in Neurofeedback Rehabilitation: What we need to know

Neuro-correlates of the ‘Self’ and Implications for Neuro-psychotherapists