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November 19, 2006
A Refreshing Moment in Time: NCTS 2006 by Chaplain Linda Lewis
When I entered the grounds of the Mahwah Retreat center, there was something refreshing and welcoming about its appearance. Upon entering the building, I found myself surrounded by persons of different ethnicities, races, religion, etc. There was a rich collegial atmosphere at this seminar.
The attachment theory of John Bowlby presented by Dr. David Franzen, was enlightening and brought back childhood memories. Coming from a large family, I was able to revisit attachment/detachment on many different levels. This presentation allowed me to do self-inventory and I found myself in agreement with the core of this theory.
The heart of this seminar is the small group experience where clinical cases are presented. The cases that were presented were all gifts and full of learning opportunities. My small group leader was challenging and very insightful. What was initially seen as the obvious became more complex with the help of her astute observations.
Finally, I arrived to the group relation seminar (Tavistock Model) Yes, I was one of those who were not familiar with the model. The old timers versus the new comers were obvious in this setting. But when I challenged myself to be a part of the seminar, I felt the comforting and compelling presence of oneness that inundated the room. This was my first but it will not be my last NCTS.
I feel like I am a part of the process in continuing to take a journey that CPSP can provide. I was not only empowered by the seminars. Equally true, I was surrounded by peers and colleagues who were nurturing and at the same time challenged me to focus on my growing edge. Although I serve as a chaplain at Rikers Island and completed four units of CPE at the Healthcare Chaplaincy, this experience was the apex of my entire CPE journey.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at November 19, 2006 4:14 PM