A POSITIVE APPROACH IN ADDICTION THERAPY

JIM HOLDER, MA

ABOUT workshop

Addictions, early memories and (much) more

Early memory analysis is a key method used to analyse lifestyle, and thus a set of core beliefs that represent ideas about oneself, other people, the world and ways of achieving personal goals. This workshop focuses on the process of substance abuse, addiction, and intervention strategies. We will also look at the recollections of substance abusers and demonstrate how to interpret and identify clients' beliefs, life themes and lifestyles. The topics are set within the metaphor of early memories, pointing to the positive purpose of substance abuse and addiction.

During the workshop

  • we will learn to identify the central feeling in early memories,
  • experience a demonstration of working with and reflecting on three early memories,
  • explore parts of early memories,
  • discuss how life themes are reinforcing substance abuse,
  • identify a client's strengths from an early memory,
  • look for positive intentions for early substance use,
  • explain the four states of addiction
  • and also learn to see memory as metaphor.

ABOUT JIM

Jim Holder's psychotherapeutic and training work creatively combines not only his deep knowledge of Adlerian psychology, Gestalt therapy and neuro-linguistic programming, but also draws on his extensive training in family counselling and addiction therapy counselling. He has completed hundreds of hours of training under the tutelage of prominent figures in psychology and psychotherapy, such as Harold Mosak, Virginia Satir, and John Grinder.

He began his varied career in 1976 as a coordinator of addiction care in South Carolina. He gradually worked his way up and took on various leadership positions in addiction work, and also built a counselling centre with his colleagues. He served as the author of the Positive Intention Therapy addiction treatment programme and as a therapist in the addictions unit at McLeod Behavioral Health Services in Darlington, South Carolina, until 2013. He then started his own private practice, Positive Intentions LLC, where he provides therapy and counselling specialising in addiction treatment.

Moreover, Jim shares his extensive knowledge and experience as an educator and lecturer. In addition to regular adult education, he also lectures both to the community of experts and to the general public. He has been a lecturer at the ICASSI International Summer School of Individual Psychology since 2014, and in 2016 we hosted Jim for the first time at Mansio, where he led a training session for professionals. His vitality is admirable. This is the fourth time we have asked Jim to come to the Czech Republic again... and here you can see the result. 

Aren't you thinking "Well, I have respect for this gentleman"? 

Yes, you will have a natural respect for Jim, and you will also love him for his kindness, gentle sense of humour, excellent analysis, and ability to see details and context. What a pleasant experience to see him work!  

You simply can't miss Jim!