You are Warmly Invited to Attend

Working with Chronic Pain

Michael Shiffman
 Juliet Soopikian

December 8, 2012
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For most people, the word pain evokes an internal reaction that feels like holding onto something that sort of vague, undefined, and yet very personal. It is a tensing of the muscles, our thoughts become fixed, and we have strong aversive feelings. We may personalize it as my pain, or identify with it as I am in pain. We embrace catastrophic thinking as with this pain there is nothing to live for or be happy with. We may become the victim of our pain as this pain is killing me.

During this workshop we will review meditative practices that teach us the process of changing our habitual relationship with pain. We will review the skills of working with our breath and body to reexamine these relations. We will review and experience the nature of change, and develop a sensitivity to what is happening in the present moment without the mental and emotional reactivity that usually accompanies unpleasant experiences, that is, we will learn to experience our pain as is and not as a never changing, all consuming all over the place experience.

Our intention is not to deny our pain or minimize our experience. Our purpose is to experience our sensations as physical phenomena as they occur in each moment, without embedding meaning or stories about them.

By the end of the class, we will share the skills necessary to separate our emotional and mental reactivity from the actual physical experience. We will see the work necessary to increase our sensitivity to our experience of pain with its various frequencies, intensity, and qualities.

Register
Juliet Soopikian, MFT, is a psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience working with mental illness, addictions, dual diagnosis and family-related issues. In Iran she practiced various meditations since age 8, and, after a life-threatening illness, learned Vipassana in 1998. She studied with numerous Western teachers and currently studies with Rev. Hye Wol Sunim. She co-founded The Insight Center in West Los Angeles where she teaches and provides psychotherapy.

Michael Shiffman, received his Ph.D from UCLA in 1994. Later that year he trained and certified in bodywork at the Esalen Institute. He founded LA Dharma in 1999 and co-founded the Insight Center in 2006. He has over 20 years experience working with family-based trauma, substance abuse and recovery, domestic violence, and anxiety related issues. He works with abuse and neglect, developmental, existential, and trauma related issues. He integrates the use of Somatic Experiencing and SE touch into his clinical practice. He teaches classes, trains therapists, and has a somatic therapy practice at the Insight Center in West Los Angeles.

Working with Chronic Pain
When December 8, 2012,  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
General Info Pain and suffering are different. Unpleasant sensations are unavoidable when we have chronic or recurrent pain. Yet, when we see how our minds create our suffering, we can free ourselves from that distress.

This workshop uses mindfulness meditation to examine the habit patterns of our minds to reduce reactivity to unpleasant sensations. We explore the stories we tell ourselves and the meaning behind the stories to separate the emotional reactivity from bare sensations.

Some meditation experience is useful but not necessary. If you have no meditation training, it may be helpful to take a short introduction workshop.
For further information email Michael@InsightCenter.org or call 310-445-2160.

Registration Please use the online registration process for this class.

If you have any difficulties or concerns contact Michael at 310-445-2160.

Workshops are limited to 12 people to assure safety and personal attention.

Cost The cost is $120 for the day-long workshop. Payment may be made by credit card on the Insight Center website or by arrangement with the teacher.
Donations / Dana Dana is the Pali word for generosity. In the Buddhist tradition, teachers do not receive a fee for their instructions because the teachings are considered priceless and are thus given freely. Instead, they rely on the appreciation, kindness, and generosity of their students. For this class, the teachers are compensated from the course fee. Additional contributions to the center are fully tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the "Insight Center."
At the Event This workshop begins promptly at 10:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM.
Doors open at 9:30 and we encourage students to arrive by 9:45 for tea and to transition from their drive.

Our Center has central air and heat so if you are sensitive to temperature changes please bring a shawl or other removable warm clothing.

Tea and water will be provided.

What to Bring Chairs, cushions and benches are available. Some participants like to wear a shawl or light blanket while meditating. We suggest wearing modest, comfortable clothing and socks if your feet tend to get cold. Please do not wear any scented perfumes and turn-off pagers, cell phones and digital watch alarms during the class. Tea and water will be provided.
Bring a lunch to eat in the backyard eating area or the adjacent park. There are also a number of restaurants nearby.
Continuing Education Continuing Education Units are available for this course.

Psychologists:The Insight Center is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Insight Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course provides 6 CE units.

MFTs / LCSWs: The Insight Center, Provider Number 3830, is an approved provider with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. This course provides 6 CE units.

Nurses: The Insight Center, Provider Number 14914, is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing. This course provides 6 CE units.

Directions Location:
This event will be located at The Insight Center in West Los Angeles, near Sepulveda and Santa Monica Blvds.
For exact location and directions go to: http://insightcenter.org/directions