Videos by Ilene Serlin
Interactive discussion of the China-US Whole Person Dance Psychotherapy Training sponsored by the... more Interactive discussion of the China-US Whole Person Dance Psychotherapy Training sponsored by the American Dance Therapy Association and presented October 16, 2020 in Beijing, China. Discussion introduced and moderated by Ilene Serlin. Panel: Ilene Serlin, Grace Zhou, Chloe Liu, Julia Huang. 2 views
Drafts by Ilene Serlin
In his presidential address, Martin E.P. Seligman (1999) laid out a vision for a "positive psycho... more In his presidential address, Martin E.P. Seligman (1999) laid out a vision for a "positive psychology" which promises expanded horizons for future psychological research and practices. It also echoes themes expressed by humanistic psychologists over the past three decades, initiated by the work of two other presidents of APA, Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, leading founders of Humanistic Psychology. The term "positive psychology" itself was first used in Maslow's groundbreaking book Motivation and Personality (1954) the last chapter of which, entitled "Toward a Positive Psychology," lays out a research agenda that has much in common with Seligman's proposal. This article will explore the common ground between positive and humanistic psychology, and respond to positive psychology's useful challenges to humanistic psychology (Seligman, 1999, personal communication) about research and a concern for social values, because the outcome of a dialogue between them can help the human condition: a goal that is central to both. This paper therefore begins with a brief review of the humanistic movement and its ongoing call for a more positive psychology. We then move into an exploration of the unique research approaches and areas of study dictated by the primacy in humanistic psychology of human experience. We conclude by showing how positive psychology can gain from recognizing the merit of experiential, process-oriented research methodologies and perhaps most importantly, by entering into a larger dialogue with humanistic psychologists for the serious investigation of such metapsychological issues as the nature of truth and ways of knowing, and the role of choice, values, and meaning in positive human and social evolution. Humanistic Origins of Positive Psychology The first phase of humanistic psychology, which covered the period between 1960 to 1980, was largely driven by Maslow's agenda for a positive psychology. It articulated a view of the human being as irreducible to parts, needing connection, meaning, and creativity. As the intellectual core of the human potential movement, humanistic psychology had a broad impact both on the field of psychology as well as the culture at large. This holistic perspective on psychological development and self-actualization laid the foundation for the professions of individual and family counseling (Satir, 1964) and organizational development consulting(Massarik, 1992). The study of peak experiences and self-actualization was popularized throughout the culture. Humanistic psychology also affected the educational system with its views on self-esteem and self-help, offering tools for personal and spiritual transformation. For example, the state of California funded a study of self-esteem which was sponsored by John Vasconcellos, past president of the Association for Humanistic Psychology and at the time Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the California Assembly. (Mecca, Smelser & Vasconcellos, 1989). The Humanistic Psychology Division (32) of the American Psychological Association was founded in September, 1971 in response to the call for theory construction, research, and clinical professional education in humanistic psychology. Humanistic psychology has continued as an organized movement that focuses research and educational efforts on the study of human experience. Besides Division 32, the organizational structures that carry the movementforward include the Association for Humanistic Psychology, as well as the graduate programs of the members of the
Humanistic Approaches to Multiculturalism and Diversity: Perspectives on Existence and Difference, 2020
The premise of this book, that humanistic and existential humanistic psychology must reflect on i... more The premise of this book, that humanistic and existential humanistic psychology must reflect on itself with a multicultural lens if it is going to stay relevant to a fast-changing global world, is very necessary and timely.
Book Reviews by Ilene Serlin
The Humanistic Psychologist, 2019
Integrated Care for the Traumatized is a must-have for clinicians and researchers involved in tra... more Integrated Care for the Traumatized is a must-have for clinicians and researchers involved in trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, resilience, and post traumatic growth. The book is a who’s who of those involved in innovative, contemporary evidence-based practices. In addition, it is well written in academic language, while also free from psychobabble or unnecessary jargon. The useful foreword inspires, introduces, educates, welcomes, surveys, and shows the way. The book is sensibly organized in four sections: Foundations, The whole-person group therapy models, Interventions for communities, and the Future of integrative care for the traumatized.
Books by Ilene Serlin
A Modern Jew in Search of a Soul by J. Marvin Spiegelman, Abraham Jacobson (Eds.). Tempe, AZ: New Falcon Publications., 1986
The story which I have been asked to share here is about my experiences as a Jewish woman who wen... more The story which I have been asked to share here is about my experiences as a Jewish woman who went far from her roots, and who is engaged in a process of return. The point of view is that of a woman who is interested particularly in the body and in spiritual life, and who did not find these interests addressed in her early experiences of Judaism. Therefore I travelled elsewhere: to dance; to seven years immersion in Buddhism; and to years studying psychology; anthropology, Jungian analysis, and the goddess religions.
from Holistic Treatment in Mental Health: A Handbook of Practitioners’ Perspectives, edited by Fracasso, Krippner and Friedman, 2020
Using creative, imaginal and embodied expression in healing, growth and therapy.
From Holistic Treatment in Mental Health: A Handbook of Practitioners’ Perspectives, Edited by Cheryl L. Fracasso, Stanley Krippner and Harris L. Friedman by permission of McFarland & Company, Inc., Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640. www.mcfarlandbooks.com, 2020
Using creative, imaginal and embodied expression in healing, growth and therapy
Papers by Ilene Serlin
Psychotherapy, 1990
This article presents a case history of a borderline nun/artist, using a language derived from th... more This article presents a case history of a borderline nun/artist, using a language derived from the arts to describe the diagnosis and treatment in a manner which integrates the psychological, bodily, and spiritual.
Encyclopedia of Trauma: An Interdisciplinary Guide, Jan 18, 2013
American Journal of Dance Therapy, Nov 20, 2020
This paper explores the use of dance/movement therapy, as a Whole Person approach to working with... more This paper explores the use of dance/movement therapy, as a Whole Person approach to working with trauma and building resilience, to effect individual and community change around the world. The arts are a particularly effective way for people who cannot express themselves verbally to find symbolic and embodied expression of their suffering and hopes for the future. Dance/movement therapy can draw on folk dance and specific cultural forms to address universal themes. The content of this paper was presented as a workshop at the American Dance Therapy Association convention in San Diego, 2015.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Jun 6, 2023
Reading Maslow is alive, like experiencing a dialogue with a text. This article explores this wri... more Reading Maslow is alive, like experiencing a dialogue with a text. This article explores this writer’s response to Maslow’s narrative style, as well as to his powerful content. Using a personal narrative style that situates the reader in a Jewish context during the most powerful time of the year, the writer responds to Maslow as a Jewish prophet who prophecizes some of the dead-ends of the mechanistic science that he critiques in “Toward a Humanistic Biology.” His prophecies are startlingly lucid and applicable for what we are seeing in the world today.
HSOA journal of alternative, complementary & integrative medicine, Mar 24, 2023
Dance movement therapy is a relatively new form of therapy that relies on the body as a form of c... more Dance movement therapy is a relatively new form of therapy that relies on the body as a form of communication and source of wisdom [1]. I have been teaching a form of it called KinAesthetic Imagining it at the China Institute of Psychology in Beijing since 2010 [2]. The recently scheduled session coincided with strict lockdown measures and subsequent demonstrations. How can dance therapy help therapists deal with their trauma while still functioning and providing care for their families and students? Below are two vignettes illustrating ways in which the dance therapy seemed to be of help. Group 1 This group is for my advanced students to give them support and a place to deal with their emotions. Some of the members of this group have been working with me since 2010, others less time. They are all teachers or professors of psychology or practicing therapists who bring movement into their work with clients. The challenge for us at this time was that we had to use Zoom to awaken and express bodily-felt emotions. Although we used to have in-person sessions, we have been using Zoom since before Covid and the group was already used to it. A great deal of trust and group process had already been established. The more serious challenge, however, came from the stricter restrictions of lockdown. Members were not allowed to leave their homes, had to sleep on their college campus, or were stuck staying with family away from their own homes. Most had young children or parents they were worried about. After the verbal check-in with a translator, we listen for the dominant themes and explore them in movement. The themes had to do with feelings of constriction, not being able to move, being confined to small spaces, irritability, fear and depression.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Jul 1, 2007
Much of human communication is nonverbal, through body and movement expression and messages. Diff... more Much of human communication is nonverbal, through body and movement expression and messages. Different cultures and societies have their own nonverbal lexicons that are a crucial part of each person's individual movement patterns. Conflicts between members of different cultures that often first unconsciously arise on the nonverbal level can contribute to serious misunderstandings of another's behavior and motivation. This workshop offered participants an opportunity to explore those cultural and personal differences in movement style that may contribute to conflicts, such as those between Israelis and Palestinians. The authors use a descriptive language for human movement (Laban movement analysis) that provides objective and systematic information on “how” we move.
Return again, return again, return to the home of the soul. Return to what you are, return to who... more Return again, return again, return to the home of the soul. Return to what you are, return to who you are, return to where you are. .. born and reborn again.. .. This was our welcoming liturgy,as we moved with an Israeli grapevine step,in a human ring around the altar. This report describes professional therapeutic work at a unique treatment center for Catholic clergy suffering from job stress and related emotional problems. For the residents, the center was a refuge, a place to slow down, to feel "like themselves" again, and to go through their individual "dark night of the soul." For me, as the contracted psychologist, the center was a therapeutic community in which I was received as a guest, new friend and therapist. Moved by the expression of their initial trust, I thanked the residents for welcoming me and mentioned that at that very moment, the Pope was meeting in another city with a Jewish delegation. This moment, therefore, was auspicious for us to have our own kind of interfaith dialogue. As a Jewish Buddhist psychologist and movement therapist, I felt I was afforded a rare opportunity to share my experience working in different traditions, and to apply it to our common concerns with psycho-spiritual and physical health. Perhaps all of us, I suggested, are "wounded healers," trying to continue to serve Identifiable characteristics of the clients and the center have been altered to provide confidentiality,
The Humanistic Psychologist, 1994
Irvin Yalom and Ilene Serlin discuss Rollo May's life and work.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Jul 1, 1992
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Videos by Ilene Serlin
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