Live Webinars

Dr Kevin Keith

Wednesday, 8th February, 2025

6.30 p.m to 8.00 p.m AEDT

In 1997, Elaine and Arthur Aron introduced their initial research on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). They investigated individual personality differences in both explorative and inhibited responses to the environmental stimuli, especially in the context of adaptive human health. Research suggests HSP individuals may potentially represent 20% of the human population. At the same, the HSP presentation has correlated with higher adult mental health risk—stress, ill health and lower life satisfaction—and is hypothesised to be present in 50% of adult individuals who may struggle with mental health. There are also positive aspects—HSP’s may respond quite well to supportive environments—but these aspects  has not yet been well-researched.

The session will consider questions along three lines of enquiry:
•    First, the discussion looks at conceptual issues—past and present. What exactly is the current view on the “contents” of the HSP? What are its sub-facets and cohort clusters?  Measures? How does it compare to other personality approaches?
•    Second, what has the HSP research demonstrated in terms of mental health risks and possible therapeutic implications? What does it mean to say that an HSP is more sensitive to both negative and positive changes in environments? How exactly has therapy with managed? A case example of HSP informed therapy will be provided.
•    Third, what might be the benefit and challenges of embracing trait or temperament considerations? How might we avoid ‘trait fatalism’, whereby clients’ sense of agency might be enhanced? Why has the field of therapy shied away from trait notions? Can we integrate into our current practices?

The webinar asks, have we missed something here? The answer is probably less definitive, but the field definitely merits our attention!

Dr Joan Haliburn

Saturday, 8th February, 2025

11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. AEDT

Psychotherapy for adolescents requires an active, engaged therapist who recognizes the importance of involving parents when necessary and is attuned to the presence of transference early on. The therapy needs to be structured into three phases—beginning, middle, and end—each with clear objectives, all within a trauma-informed framework. Special attention also needs to be given at the conclusion of therapy, focusing not only on the adolescent but also on the parent, if involved. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the adolescent and their family receive the support they need throughout the therapeutic process.

In this webinar, Dr. Joan Haliburn will explore the complexities of adolescent psychotherapy, using case studies to illustrate the practical application of key concepts and techniques.

Prof Andrew Moskowitz

Saturday, 8th March, 2025

10.00 a.m to 11.30 a.m AEDT

Carl Gustav Jung certainly needs no introduction. His ideas and theories profoundly influenced 20^th century psychology, religion, literature and the arts, and remain highly influential today. In the popular mind, he is often characterized as a ‘disciple’ of Freud, yet this is clearly inaccurate. During the intense seven years (1906-1913) that they were friends and colleagues, Jung was already known for his research and writings; for a time, he willingly aligned himself with Freud’s ambitions, but his thinking was always independent. The influence of the dissociation pioneers Pierre Janet and the Swiss psychologist Theodor Flournoy on Jung’s ideas ultimately won out.

Though volumes have been written by Jung and about Jung, here we will focus on only one aspect of his work and life, albeit a most important one – Jung’s role as a pioneer in the field of trauma and dissociation. We will trace his life and work in three areas: 1) Biographical and autobiographical writings focusing particularly on his early life and sense of himself as divided into more than one part, 2) Jung’s concept of the complex, its relation to trauma and dissociation and its influence on Bleuler’s (1911) construct of schizophrenia, and 3) Jung’s view of normal personality as characterized by personality types and as being inherently dissociative, with the concept of archetypes complementing the concept of complexes. This final section will discuss Jung’s views on the Self and the process of individuation, and will include a review of contemporary ‘multi-mind’ theories of personality directly influenced by Jung, such as Hal and Sidra Stone’s Voice Dialogue and Dick Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems therapy.

Dr Joan Haliburn

Saturday, 15th March, 2025

11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. AEDT

Personality disorders in adolescents have long been a debated and controversial topic. Adolescence is a critical period when psychiatric disorders begin to emerge, hence addressing these concerns early can lead to positive outcomes. While Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is the most researched personality disorder in adults, clinicians have often hesitated to diagnose it in adolescents. However, studies on reliability and validity since 2005 have confirmed that BPD can and must be diagnosed early, enabling timely interventions. In this webinar – where case anecdotes will illustrate the theory in practice – we will explore BPD, its aetiology, and its emergence during adolescence

Dr Kevin Keith

Saturday, 22nd March, 2025

11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. AEDT

Erich Fromm [1900-1980] was a truly an exceptional figure. He lived through eight decades of the 20th Century. We still have much to rediscover from his life’s work, which actively engaged a fracturing world. Fields as broad as psychoanalysis, sociology, economics, critical theory and philosophy have all benefited from his accessible style and courageous focus. Indeed, his highly influential ideas—including ‘love’ ‘listening’ ‘hope’ and ‘social justice’—expressed throughout his prolific career have gained rightful recognition decades after his death.   

The three webinars will roughly follow a chronological order: (1) his early life, key influences and emergence of a refined social-theoretical psychoanalytic foundation, (2) key clinical contributions and technique from love and listening, and finally, (3) how his ideas match with contemporary issues and have been taken up by current scholars and therapists to address global concerns. Central ideas, select publications, and comments by Fromm scholars will be curated throughout the series to bring back to life relevant practical applications for work in 2025.

Dr Darren Haber

Saturday, 29th March, 2025

10.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m  AEDT

Dr Joan Haliburn

Saturday, 5th April, 2025

11.00 a.m to 12: 30 p.m AEDT

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent than depression during adolescence, a time marked by significant developmental tasks, hormonal changes, and physical growth often referred to as a unique developmental period. Separation anxiety is the earliest form of anxiety and a core issue to recognise in all psychotherapies.While some degree of anxiety can be protective, it can lead to further symptoms when normal discomfort and bodily sensations are misinterpreted – particularly when preoccupation with morbid thoughts and fears occurs concurrently. Consequently, it is essential to differentiate between various types of anxiety disorders, as each requires a distinct therapeutic approach.

Without intervention, anxiety symptoms can amplify, intensify, and persist. Untreated, Somatic Symptom Disorder (previously known as Somatization Disorder) may develop as a key manifestation of prolonged anxiety. In this webinar, aspects of differentiating and treating these different types of disorders will be explored via representative case examples.

Prof Andrew  Moskowitz

Saturday, 12th of April, 2025

10.00 a.m to 12.30 p.m AEST

Carl Gustav Jung certainly needs no introduction. His ideas and theories profoundly influenced 20^th century psychology, religion, literature and the arts, and remain highly influential today. In the popular mind, he is often characterized as a ‘disciple’ of Freud, yet this is clearly inaccurate. During the intense seven years (1906-1913) that they were friends and colleagues, Jung was already known for his research and writings; for a time, he willingly aligned himself with Freud’s ambitions, but his thinking was always independent. The influence of the dissociation pioneers Pierre Janet and the Swiss psychologist Theodor Flournoy on Jung’s ideas ultimately won out.

Though volumes have been written by Jung and about Jung, here we will focus on only one aspect of his work and life, albeit a most important one – Jung’s role as a pioneer in the field of trauma and dissociation. We will trace his life and work in three areas: 1) Biographical and autobiographical writings focusing particularly on his early life and sense of himself as divided into more than one part, 2) Jung’s concept of the complex, its relation to trauma and dissociation and its influence on Bleuler’s (1911) construct of schizophrenia, and 3) Jung’s view of normal personality as characterized by personality types and as being inherently dissociative, with the concept of archetypes complementing the concept of complexes. This final section will discuss Jung’s views on the Self and the process of individuation, and will include a review of contemporary ‘multi-mind’ theories of personality directly influenced by Jung, such as Hal and Sidra Stone’s Voice Dialogue and Dick Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems therapy.

Prof Warwick Middleton & Dr Kris Rao

Wednesday, 23rd April 2025

6.30 p.m to 8.00 p.m  AEST

Join Professor Warwick Middleton and Dr Kris Rao for an engaging webinar that delves into the therapeutic potential of humor in psychotherapy, with a special focus on how cultural traditions shape our identities. Drawing from his Australian bush upbringing, Professor Middleton will explore how humor is an integral part of cultural heritage and its role in the healing process. Dr Kris Rao will discuss case studies of famous therapists who have skillfully used humor in their practice, as well as research on the use of humor in therapy. He will highlight its impact on building rapport, enhancing therapy, and fostering a positive therapeutic environment. The session will explore how humor can strengthen therapeutic relationships, examine its cultural mechanisms, and discuss its therapeutic effects. Key insights will include the importance of a therapist’s sense of humor in fostering trust, using humor respectfully to promote empathy, and how it can stimulate personal growth and understanding in clients.

Dr Kris Rao

Wednesday, 30th April, 2025

6.30 p.m to 8.00 p.m  AEST

Supervision has a crucial role in protecting clients, practitioners, and the profession. Supervision directly impacts practice fundamentals (such as informed consent and risk mitigation), therapeutic interactions (such as responding to cultural challenges, multiple relationships, defences, and transference/countertransference), safety (client and therapist vulnerabilities), and compliance confidence (confidentiality, privacy, record management, and disclosure). Effective supervision is ethical supervision. The supervision-supervisee relationship is different from the therapist-client relationship. Supervisors need to understand their ethical responsibilities and know the bounds of their legal liability. Is a supervisor liable for their supervisee’s negligence? How close and intense should supervision be? What are the reasonable responsibilities and actions expected of a supervisor?

This webinar helps supervisors understand their ethical responsibilities and legal liabilities in an Australian and New Zealand context.

Dr Kris Rao

Wednesday, 7th of May, 2025

6.30 p.m. to  8.30 p.m. AEST

Pathological accommodation is a deeply ingrained psychological defense that forms when an individual unconsciously adapts their feelings, needs, and behaviours to align with others, often to preserve crucial attachments—especially when those bonds are traumatically threatened. Originating in early childhood, this dynamic shapes how individuals relate to others and themselves, leaving a lasting impact that can extend into adulthood. In this webinar, we will explore Brandchaft’s theory of pathological accommodation, focusing on how, from infancy, children learn to suppress their true selves to maintain connection with significant figures, particularly caregivers. In these early relational contexts, the child internalizes the belief that love and belonging can only be achieved by denying their own needs and desires.

We will delve into the unconscious organizing principles and affective sequences that give rise to this pattern, exploring how it develops in childhood and evolves into adulthood, leading to relational dysfunction and emotional distress. Participants will gain valuable insights into how these early patterns influence adult relationships and self-concept. The webinar will also offer practical strategies for working with patients displaying pathological accommodation, with a focus on transference interventions and helping individuals reclaim their authentic selves from the entanglements of early relational trauma.

Prof Andrew Moskowitz

Saturday 10th May, 2025

10.00 a.m to 11.30 a.m AEST

Carl Gustav Jung certainly needs no introduction. His ideas and theories profoundly influenced 20^th century psychology, religion, literature and the arts, and remain highly influential today. In the popular mind, he is often characterized as a ‘disciple’ of Freud, yet this is clearly inaccurate. During the intense seven years (1906-1913) that they were friends and colleagues, Jung was already known for his research and writings; for a time, he willingly aligned himself with Freud’s ambitions, but his thinking was always independent. The influence of the dissociation pioneers Pierre Janet and the Swiss psychologist Theodor Flournoy on Jung’s ideas ultimately won out.

Though volumes have been written by Jung and about Jung, here we will focus on only one aspect of his work and life, albeit a most important one – Jung’s role as a pioneer in the field of trauma and dissociation. We will trace his life and work in three areas: 1) Biographical and autobiographical writings focusing particularly on his early life and sense of himself as divided into more than one part, 2) Jung’s concept of the complex, its relation to trauma and dissociation and its influence on Bleuler’s (1911) construct of schizophrenia, and 3) Jung’s view of normal personality as characterized by personality types and as being inherently dissociative, with the concept of archetypes complementing the concept of complexes. This final section will discuss Jung’s views on the Self and the process of individuation, and will include a review of contemporary ‘multi-mind’ theories of personality directly influenced by Jung, such as Hal and Sidra Stone’s Voice Dialogue and Dick Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems therapy.

Daniel Shaw

Saturday, 17th May, 2025

10.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m AEST

Daniel Shaw introduced Traumatic Narcissism Theory in 2014, with the publication of his book Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, in which he described the many ways that individuals are harmed in relationships with the person he termed the ‘traumatizing narcissist.’ Understanding the relational system of the traumatizing narcissist allows clinicians to help patients more clearly understand the nature of the subjugation trauma they have suffered. In this webinar, Shaw will focus on defining the terms and purposes of the theory, and he will explain how it can be integrated into any therapeutic modality when working with victims of subjugation trauma.

Dr Joan Haliburn

Saturday, 7th of June, 2025

11.00 a.m to 12.30 p.m AEST

Personality disorders are among the most prevalent and serious mental health conditions. When they coexist with other mental or physical health issues, they significantly impact the severity, treatment response, and prognosis of these conditions. Despite this, a surprisingly low number of individuals with mental health issues are diagnosed with a personality disorder upon discharge from inpatient care. This represents a significant gap in clinical practice. Personality disorders are also the least understood of all mental illnesses. A personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that significantly deviate from the norms and expectations of the individual’s culture. This webinar will explore personality disorders, focusing on the current state of knowledge. Case examples will be provided to illustrate these conditions.

Lisa King

Wednesday, 18th June, 2025

6.30 p.m to 8.00 AEST

Webinar details coming soon.