Overview

We live in troubling times that ask a lot of us in terms of dealing with the realities of conflict, war, uncertainty, climate change, polarised views, unending loss, grief and heartache.

2500 years ago, Buddha taught us that nothing is permanent, suffering is a given, and misery is optional. He knew suffering to be part of our very human existence, unable to be avoided. To make this truth liveable, he created such practical pathways and practices for us to understand and transcend the limitations of our conditioning and find peace and freedom from unhelpful thinking. This interactive practical four-week online series skilfully interweaves Buddhist teachings and relevant psychological processes.

Dechen will show how our attachment to “how things should be” can cause us to needlessly suffer, often leaving us trapped in our head, unable to access and follow the wisdom of the heart. She will offer alternatives on multiple levels -- cognitively, emotionally, practically and spiritually so we can soften automatic defensiveness and reactivity.

This series will not be a didactic, sit back, take notes webinar (although you are welcome to do so). Your active involvement will enable you to takeaway both an experience and understanding of profound teachings to then apply in your own way.

We will engage in guided practices to quieten the overactive, overthinking mind, open the heart to build self-kindness, fierce compassion, discernment and wisdom. We will also work with limiting beliefs that no longer serve.

There will be opportunities for small group interaction and recommended homework between sessions. The more you engage the more you will open a space not just for learning, but your own growth. This series is intended as such and will not be client focused. It is not supervision. And yes, you will learn techniques and practices to trial with your clients, you will take away new ideas, distinctions and understandings to apply in your life and work.

The event sessions will be conducted every Monday morning from 7:00am - 8:30am AEST for 4 weeks commencing July 20, continuing July 27, August 3 and August 10.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Understand more about Buddhist wisdom and its relevance to therapy.
• Access tools for being able to be present to and accept reality as it is.
• Differentiate acceptance versus resignation.
• Appreciate how our expectations, hopes and fears impact us and distort reality.
• Increasingly stay open and receptive when challenged, emotionally and practically.
• Be more confident and committed to engage in meditation and inquiry practices on your own.
• Practise loving kindness and self-compassion even when life is difficult.
• More easily embrace, not resist, experiences of uncertainty, ambiguity, conflict and loss.
• Adapt meditative practices to different situations as well as with clients.

Presenter(s)

Ms. Dechen Penny Fenner

About the presenter(s)

Dechen Penny Fenner is a psychologist and contemporary Buddhist practitioner and teacher in private practice. She was BPIG’s convenor for many years. Her Buddhist journey began in 1974 and has continued unabated ever since. Having been deeply involved in the Tibetan tradition, particularly Mahamudra and Dzog Chen alongside Hindu yoga traditions and psychology, she masterfully synthesises essential timeless teachings with current psychological thinking. Since 1987 Dechen has been offering teaching, supervision for helping professionals and guidance globally in the application of Buddhist and psychological wisdom. Her warmth, wisdom and compassion bring Buddhist wisdom to life so it can be readily integrated into everyday life. She is skillful in dispelling Buddhist and other spiritual misunderstandings, including spiritual bypassing, so you can apply the teachings in sustainable ways. Her work enables deep healing and growth. Dechen has written and continues to write extensively; she has a library of shorter articles published via her newsletter, as well as published books, "Essential Wisdom Teachings - the way to inner peace" (with Peter Fenner) and "Healing from the Heart" in the collection "Listening from the heart of Silence" (ed Prendergast and Bradford). Dechen is a long-accomplished presenter, well experienced in running programs and sessions online. Her work is interactive and engaging, inviting your full and conscious participation.

Notes

Target Audience

This event is aimed at psychologists and other helping professionals. No prior understanding of Buddhism or meditation required though it can be helpful. This series is ideal for beginners or advanced practitioners as it is tailored to the group. NB: Numbers will be strictly limited to 16 to enable intimacy and openness.

Please note:

• This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the Zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
• A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, event-recording and any additional resources shared during the session.

Duration of Access

This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.