Mike Breitbart PTSTA-E
Sven Golob CTA-E
Field of audience: All

Language: English
Level of audience: Advanced

In this interactive workshop, we will explore how our individual frames of reference, influenced by society, culture and history, shape our understanding of ourselves, others and the world. The aim is to recognise and expand our limited perspectives, especially in the context of our heritage and the associated power structures.

Contents and objectives:

• Foundations of frame of reference: introduction to the Cathexis school model, expanded by Jean I. Clarke (spheres of influence) and Norman L. James (cultural frame of reference) as well as the systemic interpretation of the frame of reference by Bernd Schmid.
• Contextual transactional analysis: Examination of horizontal (contextual) and vertical (biographical, intrapsychic) influences on our frame of reference according to Sedgwick.
• Postcolonial heritage and nationalism: Analysis of the influence of postcolonial heritage and nationalist currents on our perception and behaviour.
• Internalised dominance and oppression: exploring Valerie Batts’ patterns of dominance and oppression in everyday interactions and professional practice.
• Awareness and Anti-Bias: Deepening the understanding of how unconscious biases are shaped by heritage and promoting inclusive behaviour.
• Functional Fluency: Applying this model to promote effective interpersonal relationships and integration of our identity.
• Culture Shock and Transformative Learning Theory: exploring Cohen-Emerique’s theories of culture shock and Merzirow’s transformative learning to improve how we deal with different frames of reference and expand our own.
• Practical exercises: Participants will engage in exercises to explore and expand their own frame of reference, with a particular focus on heritage, legitimacy and identity.

This workshop provides a space for in-depth insights into one’s own frame of reference and to critically examine its unconscious limitations.

Broaden your perspectives!