Movies and media in general are important agents of socialization and reflect social, political and cultural values of a particular time period. "Barbie" earned more than $1.38 billion worldwide to become the highest-grossing film ever from a female filmmaker at the domestic box office; and is the largest worldwide film release of 2023. Given its incredible success and its obvious exploration of gender dynamics and patriarchy, it seems pertinent for clinicians to explore the psychological underpinnings of the film, uncover how the themes about gender, power and systemic injustice relate to personal identity, as well as considering its relevance for psychotherapeutic work. In this workshop, we will explore particular moments in the film that highlight social and gendered issues in order to gain an understanding of the ways in which we can have these culturally informed discussions to help empower and liberate clients from oppressive systemic pressures and inequities. (3 CE Hours)

Address: 840 Kennesaw Avenue Marietta, Ga. 30060

Time: 9:30 - 12:45

With the wide accessibility of media outlets, we are increasingly informed about the current cultural and sociopolitical climate, which intimately affects individual mental health. As therapists, we may be noticing how our clients are bringing up societal stressors, discussions around gender roles in relationships, cultural expectations for behavior and navigating issues of identity and meaning in a fractured world. Culture is inextricable from conversations in the counseling room, and because the self is both social and individual, it is essential for therapists to engage a socio-cultural perspective in treatment. We will introduce participants to basic notions around the multivocal self, deepen the embodied-symbolic understanding of voices we experience with others and ourselves, and explore the role of different voice types in order to uncover the oppressive effects of some collective voices towards empowerment and healing in therapy

Address: 840 Kennesaw Avenue Marietta, Ga. 30060

Time: 10-1:15