Institute - The Integration of Mind, Body and Skin in Psychotherapy Groups

Stacy Nakell, LCSW, CGP

Event Description:

Nakell has developed a psychodynamic framework that entwines two modalities: psychodermatology and embodied narrative therapy. Psychodermatology is the practice of connecting mental health and skin conditions, including the key role of the skin in the development of emotional regulation skills. Embodied narrative therapy enables the therapeutic dyad to understand and translate the language of the body into words.

This institute will immerse attendees in the application of our literal and symbolic skin as insulating, contact-seeking, and boundary making in relationships. Didactic portions will help attendees understand and integrate their experiences.

About the Presenter:

Stacy Nakell has spent the past two decades in private practice in Austin, TX providing individual and group psychotherapy to clients struggling with body-focused repetitive behaviors. She works with pre-teens, teens and adults from an integrative psychodynamic approach. Over the past decade she has presented nationally at the TLC Foundation for BFRBs,  as faculty at the American Group Psychotherapy Association’s AGPAConnect, and at Psychodermatology conferences. She offers trainings and consultations for mental health professionals. Her book, Treatment for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: An Integrative Psychodynamic Approach, will be published by Routledge on August 1, 2022, as part of the Focus On Mental Health series.

What Are Group Institutes?

Institutes are a highly experiential form of small group teaching led by experienced instructors. They are intended to develop therapy skills relevant to leading groups. They often offer a chance to explore a particular theme in greater depth or to experience a different theoretical approach. Institutes are primarily designed for mental health professionals who have clinical psychotherapy experience. While institutes are not therapy, they are process-oriented and it is expected that they may stir feelings spanning the whole range of human experience. Members agree to attend the entire group, to participate actively, and to respect the confidentiality of the other members. The secure environment of these small groups allows for rich cognitive and deep emotional learning about group process and oneself, not to mention a chance for personal and professional renewal.

Schedule:

Friday 7/29 from 3 to 6pm

3:00 - 3:25 - Didactic/experiential: 

Introduction to psychodermatology and embodied narrative therapy

5 min break

3:30 - 5:30 - Group process

5 min break

5:35 - 6 - Discussion

Saturday, July 30 from 9 am - 5 pm

9 - 9:55 am - Didactic/discussion:

Introduction to the concept of the psychic skin and its connection to sensory processing, attachment, emotional regulation and perfectionism.

5 min break

10 - 12 - Group process

12 - 1:15  - Lunch

1:15 - 1:55 - Didactic/case studies:

Utilizing modern analytic tools to help group members translate skin-focused behaviors into words.

5 min break

2 - 4 - Group Process

5 min break

4:05 - 4:45 - Discussion

4:45 - 5 - Evaluations

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Define psychodermatology and embodied narrative therapy.

2. Define the concept of the psychic skin and identify its key role in early development.

3. Develop an awareness of how attention to the skin and skin-focused behaviors in therapy groups can deepen the clinical work.

4. Experience a group process integrating skin, body and mind.

11 CEUs available for social workers, LPCs, LMFTs, and psychologists.