The Weekend University

Delve into the profound connection between compassion and evolution in this enlightening talk by Paul Gilbert. Discover how Compassion Focus Therapy, deeply rooted in understanding affiliative processing, offers insights into our motivations. Explore compassion as a potent motivation, encompassing sensitivity to suffering and an unwavering commitment to alleviating it. Gilbert unveils the core ele...

Irene Lyon is a somatic experiencing practitioner and nervous system expert, who has dedicated the past twenty years of her life to understanding the role that the nervous system plays in healing from past traumas, and setting us up for flourishing in life. She has studied extensively under the likes of Peter Levine, Kathy Kain, and Stephen Terell - so she brings both a wide-ranging and in-depth p...

In this thought-provoking talk, delve into the intricate interplay between our ancient pleasure-seeking instincts and the modern world's excesses. Dr. Anna Lembke, esteemed psychiatrist and Stanford professor, unveils the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction within our present context. Exploring how the very mechanisms that once safeguarded us now navigate us toward modern predicaments, she...

Discover the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in this enlightening interview with Richard Schwartz. Delve into the intricate IFS model, comprising Exiles, Managers, Firefighters, and Self. Learn how Exiles, those inner child parts, hold emotional pain from past traumas. Explore the role of Managers in preventing triggers through inner criticism. Understand the vital ro...

Embark on a profound exploration of consciousness with Mark Solms, Anil Seth, Iain McGilchrist, and Donald Hoffman in this captivating compilation. Delve into the perplexing question of how conscious experience emerges from the intricate dance of neurons and synapses, challenging conventional notions. Join these esteemed minds as they unveil the brain's role as a predictive engine, crafting our pe...

Professor Michaela Swales - a consultant clinical psychologist, author, and DBT trainer, who has trained more than 1,000 professionals in the approach. There are few people on the planet who know as much about DBT as Michaela, so it was a real delight to have this conversation with her, in which we cover: — How DBT combines the best of Eastern and Western Philosophy into one modality, and what Mic...

Dr. Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, and the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, an educational organization, which focuses on how the development of mindsight in individuals, families and communities can be enhanced by examining the interface of human relationships and...

In this enlightening talk, join Dr. Anna Lembke, a renowned psychiatrist and author, as she delves into the captivating insights from her book "Dopamine Nation." Discover how our ancient brain wiring propels us to seek pleasure and avoid pain, creating a delicate balance within us. Unravel the profound role of dopamine, the neurotransmitter behind pleasure, motivation, and reward, and how its imba...

In this captivating conversation, Richard Schwartz shares his remarkable personal journey of transformation, evolving from a place of aggression and anger to discovering profound self-leadership and healing. Unraveling the depths of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Schwartz elucidates its profound goals - the liberation and harmonization of our internal parts. He thoughtfully critiques the c...

With his wealth of expertise, Dr. Solms presents an enlightening talk that explores the intricacies of why we dream and unveils the hidden meanings behind these enigmatic nocturnal experiences. Throughout the lecture, Dr. Solms navigates through cutting-edge research and timeless theories, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the neuroscience behind dreaming. Drawing on his own...

In this thought-provoking episode, Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett delves into the intricate workings of the brain, and its primary role in regulating bodily systems for overall well-being. Unravel the concept of affect, the ever-present feelings we experience, influencing our responses to life's challenges. Discover the transformative power of emotional granularity, as it enables us to discern and...

Welcome to an enlightening exploration of the current state of the science of spirituality, featuring three esteemed pioneers in the field: Dan Siegel, Rupert Sheldrake, and Andrew Newberg. In this captivating video, these renowned experts individually present their groundbreaking research and insights, offering a deep dive into the intersection of science and spirituality. Join us as we embark on...

In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss: — Why it's important that we become more trauma-informed; both individually and collectively — How trauma impacts the body and nervous system — Why trauma exists on a continuum, and how the same experiences can affect people in different ways — The power of authenticity in the therapeutic relationship — The dangers of unrecognised trauma, and some sympto...

Freud's claims about why we dream were largely refuted with the discovery of the brain mechanisms of REM sleep (between the 1950s and 70s). This lecture will present findings which show that dreaming is not in fact isomorphic with REM sleep, and that it is generated by a part of the brain that is deeply implicated in emotion, motivation, and memory. Recent findings will also be presented from an o...

Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett is in the top one percent of the most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior. In...

This episode provides a detailed explanation of the 2nd organising principle of Polyvagal Theory: Neuroception. Learn how the nervous system detects whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life threatening. Where do these states leave us on the Autonomic Ladder? And how does it fit into the "Safety/Danger Equation? --- The autonomic nervous system is at the heart of daily living power...

Dr Fisher is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor at Harvard Medical School. Having trained directly with the likes of Bessel van der Kolk and Pat Ogden, she is now widely recognised as an international expert on the treatment of trauma. Janina is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books including, Healing the Fragmented Selves of...

Imagination has a valued place in psychotherapy. The images found in memories, relationship entanglements and future fantasies are the raw material of therapeutic work. And yet, faced with a significant dream or transference projection it can be difficult to resist the temptation of a clever interpretation. In this way, imagining is often eclipsed by thinking and the transformative potential of im...

In this captivating video, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, TIST, parts work, and the healing of our fragmented selves. Featuring insightful interviews with renowned psychologists Dr. Richard Schwartz, Phd and Dr. Janina Fisher, this compilation offers a comprehensive exploration of parts work and its transformative potential. Don't miss out o...

Professor Jeremy Holmes - a clinician, author, leading Attachment expert and three time speaker at The Weekend University. In this interview, we discuss the fascinating science of attachment theory, and how it can be applied to enhance therapeutic practice. You’ll learn: — Why it’s vital for anyone working in the helping professions to have a basic understanding of attachment dynamics — The concep...

The autonomic nervous system is at the heart of daily living powerfully shaping experiences of safety and influencing the capacity for connection. Polyvagal Theory, through the organizing principles of hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation, has revolutionized our understanding of how this system works. We now know that trauma interrupts the development of autonomic regulation and shapes the s...

Dr Fisher is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor at Harvard Medical School. Having trained directly with the likes of Bessel van der Kolk and Pat Ogden, she is now widely recognised as an international expert on the treatment of trauma. Janina is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books including, Healing the Fragmented Selves of...

There’s an old AA saying: Hurt people hurt people. This presentation looks at the difficult men who present themselves for therapy either on their own or brought in by their partners. We will look at common themes of trauma in many men’s lives and how best to handle men’s wounds therapeutically; how trauma often translates into overt and covert depression which in turn fuels many typically male is...

This compilation explores some of the fascinating mysteries of the science of consciousness with four of the leading thinkers in the field: Dr Bernardo Kastrup, Dr Iain McGilchrist, Prof. Donald Hoffman, and Dr Rupert Sheldrake.

Rupert is one of the world’s leading teachers on the nondual understanding of consciousness and its application to improving our everyday quality of life. He gives talks internationally and has written several books, including: Being Myself, The Nature of Consciousness, and You Are The Happiness You Seek. In this conversation, you’ll learn: — What the nondual understanding is and how it’s at the c...