Parent Teen Workshop - Hold Me Tight Let Me Go

EFFT (Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy) is based on the theory of attachment parenting and is an experiential and systematic approach developed by Dr Sue Johnson that aims at building strong and cohesive families. “We no longer have to accept that parents and their teenagers will be stuck in an impossible impasse with no chance of connection and understanding. With the new understanding [emerging from Social Science], we can now create a map to help with the anguish and moments of insecurity which will lead to healing and deeper security. The goal of this program is to help families repair, enhance and continually develop secure bonds within the family so teens can grow and go successfully and launch into the world connected to their family roots”. Dr Sue Johnson

EFFT is taught all over the world and has been adapted in clinical practice to families from many different cultural groups and educational levels. The Hold Me Tight Let Me Go Workshop was developed by Drs Nancy and Paul Aikin. Their premise is that parents can sense fear and failure in their ability to access their teen. As this occurs, they lose confidence in their ability to protect their youth. So while they still are wired to care and protect, this doubt affects how they behave. Meanwhile, teens conflicting needs for autonomy, on the one hand, and protection on the other, causes them to send emotional signals that are very confusing and often dominated by anger or seeming indifference as well. This HMT/LMG workshop helps families to take control of rigid patterns and clarify emotional signals about needs and fears in a way that encourages family members to respond with openness, accessibility, responsiveness and emotional engagement.

Confidentiality is respected and maintained throughout the workshop. The work you do as a family is private. One exercise involves teens sharing with other teens. Participation with the group is voluntary. There are five sessions. The first session on the Friday night is exclusively for parents. The four sessions the following day are when teens and parents work together. Each session is comprised of one or more conversations. Each conversation is structured and led by the facilitators who then follow up with an invited large group discussion. The workshop incorporates short didactic presentations by the facilitator, in-class exercises that each family does together or with the group as a whole, video clips of families doing the work and large group discussions. Single parents are welcome and can bring a support person.

» are stuck in repetitive patterns or conflict with your teen that seems unsolvable
» want a change in your relationship with your teen
» want to create a healthy, loving family life for your teen and your family members
» want to feel more connected with your teen
» want to feel better able to guide your teen positively
» have a good relationship with your teen but want a deeper connection

» to better understand secure family connections – the pivotal moves and moments that define a relationship between teens and their caregivers
» to better understand your own and your family members emotional responses and needs
» to be able to describe and control negative interactions that create pain and distance
» to be able to shape the positive moments of reaching and responding that create a secure bond

Angela Fox is a registered, practicing psychologist. She has been in practice since 2003, having previously worked as a teacher and corporate trainer in South Africa and internationally. Her main focal area in her practice is bringing healing to people’s relationships with others and within themselves. She specialises as a couple and family therapist. Her passion for psychology has been lifelong. She lives in Cape Town and is married with two children.

The workshop fee includes tuition, workshop manuals, tea/coffee breaks and Saturday lunch. It does not include other meals or accommodation.

CANCELL ATION POLICY:

Space is limited and will be on a first come first served basis. A minimum number of participants is necessary in order to run a workshop. Should this not be possible, then the full amount will be refunded. Your registration is fully refundable up to 2 weeks prior to the workshop date. After 14 days, prior to the workshop date, your workshop fee will be transferred to another workshop. If you do not attend the workshop on the day, a 50% transfer fee will be applied.

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