People are social beings. The constant flow of reading social situations; understanding our own and others’ thoughts, emotions and motivations is the foundation for effective communication, healthy relationships and good judgement. Theory of Mind ( ToM) is the psychological process explaining how this happens. Misinterpreting our thoughts and feelings and misreading or ignoring others’ perspectives, intentions, and emotions causes conflict with family, friends and colleagues. On the flip side, well-developed ToM paired with bad intentions fuels deception, manipulation and pathological behavior
This workshop aims to unpack the basic elements of the Theory of Mind in neurotypical development. Skills like introspection, emotional awareness, social reasoning , and empathy are observed in young infants and mature through adolescence and adulthood. Presenters will outline what can go wrong and how that explains common relationship issues, developing psychopathology, and behaviors associated with neurodiverse populations such as autism. The Practical Theory of Mind-informed intervention strategies for a broad spectrum of clinical cliente;e will be presented from psychological and occupational therapy literature
https://nefesh.org/workshops/WHATis/viewFREE WEBINAR
"WHAT is he thinking?!?" - Understanding Theory of Mind and its Application to Healthy Social Functioning
Previously Recorded
Presenter: Frimi Faye Walkenfeld, Ph.D., Rebecca Soffer, Ph.D., and Meira Orentlicher, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, CRA
Course Length: 3 Hours
Learning Objectives:
- Define Theory of Mind
- Explain Theory of Minds pivotal role in the dynamic process of social development
- State the way atypical Theory of Mind development manifests in child and adult pathology
- Apply appropriate intervention to ToM deficient Case Study
This workshop Offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.
People are social beings. The constant flow of reading social situations; understanding our own and others’ thoughts, emotions and motivations is the foundation for effective communication, healthy relationships and good judgement. Theory of Mind ( ToM) is the psychological process explaining how this happens. Misinterpreting our thoughts and feelings and misreading or ignoring others’ perspectives, intentions, and emotions causes conflict with family, friends and colleagues. On the flip side, well-developed ToM paired with bad intentions fuels deception, manipulation and pathological behavior
This workshop aims to unpack the basic elements of the Theory of Mind in neurotypical development. Skills like introspection, emotional awareness, social reasoning , and empathy are observed in young infants and mature through adolescence and adulthood. Presenters will outline what can go wrong and how that explains common relationship issues, developing psychopathology, and behaviors associated with neurodiverse populations such as autism. The Practical Theory of Mind-informed intervention strategies for a broad spectrum of clinical cliente;e will be presented from psychological and occupational therapy literature
Learning Objectives:
- Define Theory of Mind
- Explain Theory of Minds pivotal role in the dynamic process of social development
- State the way atypical Theory of Mind development manifests in child and adult pathology
- Apply appropriate intervention to ToM deficient Case Study
Agenda:
Introduction - 5 minutes
Case study
ToM: An explainer - 15 minutes
- Affective=emotional competence
- Cognitive=others cognitive states
- iTOM=(Weinstock, Harari)
Neurotypical Development of ToM - 1 hour
- Infant foundations of ToM: mirror neurons/imitation, joint attention, global empathy, false understanding beliefs, Understanding “self” and “other,” and empathy
- Childhood: primary perspective taking, global empathy, introspection, emotional awareness, simple social reasoning
- Adolescence: personality coherence, limited social perspective taking
- Adulthood: mentalizing, enhanced social perspective taking motivates adaptive prosocial behavior
Diversity in ToM: Implications for pathology - 30 minutes
Under-development
- Difficulty sustaining social relationships, Autism
- Impulsivity, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety, OCD
Over-development
- Select Personality Disorders
- Sociopathic behavior
Application Activity - 20 minutes
ToM as intervention - 35 minutes
Interventions to teach ToM
- Imitation
- Social stories
- Group therapy
- Cognitive and Emotional Skills Training
Compensatory Interventions
- Scanning the environment/identifying cues
- Identifying and avoiding emotional triggers
- Sensory modulation
Conclusion- 10 minutes
- Reinforce the importance of ToM and recognizing issues in clients
- Reinforce how to access intervention activities
- Q and A
This presentation is open to:
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.