Systems-Centered Training 20th Annual Conference!

March 23–29, 2019 • Philadelphia

Surviving and Thriving in Times of Uncertainty

At the 2019 Systems-Centered Training Annual Conference, we will look at the way human systems (such as individuals, couples, families, educational groups, communities, work teams, and organizations) first stabilize to survive and then develop the skills to thrive.
 
Fight, flight, or freeze are typical responses to destabilizing events in human systems, whether political polarization, natural disasters, family disruption, or work place changes. Even positive events, like marriage, new job, or children can bring feelings of uncertainty.
 
How do we help our clients contain intense feelings of fear, anxiety, excitement, anger, rage, joy and despair in the face of major life or social changes? How do we take up our authority in a fast-paced ever-changing world and harness the forces of change and growth? In the midst of chaos, do we flee from reality, fight for survival, or take up our various roles and develop?  

SCT is a theory-driven practice focusing on dynamics in living human systems. The theory says that human systems survive, develop, and transform from simple to complex through an increasing ability to recognize differences and integrate them.

As therapists, coaches, consultants, leaders, healthcare professionals, and educators, we develop skills and tools to assist our clients when they are facing uncertainty or are stuck in self-defeating patterns. We also build our emotional capacity to be fully present for our clients and fully attuned to the here and now, the place where complex integration develops. The focus of the 2019 SCT Conference will be practical methods for ourselves and our clients to survive and even thrive in times of uncertainty.

This year’s Weekend Institute and 5-day Conference offer a wide range of training groups, interactive workshops and a large group experience that will explore the “surviving and thriving” stages of development and the methods and tools that contain emotional experience and support group development toward a common goal.

Expect to:

• Experience how the method of functional subgrouping changes how groups typically deal with uncertainty
• Learn how to recognize and work with group dynamics as they arise, and how to contribute to the development of a well-functioning group 
• See how the world is different when we see systems rather than just people
• Experience protocols to reduce anxiety and tension and work productively with frustration, all of which are a natural part of any group 
• Learn skills, methods and practical tools to support collaboration so that groups can achieve their goals, even in the face of destabilizing events

Full program and online registration will be available from November.

Our goal is to co-create an open and fun climate that allows us to discover new learnings for ourselves and for our work.

Dayna Burnett, Gayna Havens, Dayne Narretta, Debbie Woolf and Alida Zweidler-McKay
2019 Conference Co-Directors