Many people think that it is easy to love and form a stable bond if only the right partner can be found. However, the fact that there are always difficult moments and unresolvable differences in every relationship then often leads to relationship breakdown and further search for a "better fitting" partner. Only a few question their own "ability to love" (term taken from Erich Fromm) or consider how they can develop this ability. This workshop will focus on the question of how we can support our patients in building up their own capacity for commitment and not losing contact with the other person on the one hand and with themselves on the other, even in potentially difficult moments. "Giving oneself without losing oneself" as a way of entering into a balanced relationship in GE mode is the prerequisite for being able to experience real closeness, connectedness and intimacy in relationship.Furthermore, the workshop will discuss the topic of "sexual desire", a topic that brings many therapists to their limits in both individual and couples therapy, be it because the right words are missing or concrete ideas on how to approach the topic. For example, many therapists feel overwhelmed when one partner accuses the other of "sexual listlessness," the couple has different ideas about what "beautiful" sexuality might look like, or an individual patient cannot access his or her own sexuality. The aim is to provide opportunities to support the individual or couple in adopting a "healthy adult" attitude toward their own sexuality. Concrete interventions for dealing with these issues will be presented in role play and practiced independently.
Dr. Eva Frank-Noyon