On Getting Older ~ Relishing the Third Act
Story and Symbol Therapy Courses Register Community Dates Contact
Story and Symbol Therapy Courses Register Community Dates Contact
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This is a day on appreciating the unique pleasures of our later years while dealing creatively with the challenges. There is a freedom that can come from owning the role of elder. Our key illustration will be the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley from Downton Abbey, as played by Maggie Smith. We will discuss rising to the tasks of aging with wit and imagination.
Therapy strategies include supporting positive adaptations, such as: mindful reflective practices, radical self-acceptance, celebrating quirkiness, handling losses with respect, planning well for a rich inner life, and enjoying re-enchantment.
The content would be of value to persons of a certain age, those considering growing older, and those providing care to elders on a familial or professional level.
Meets state board requirement for 6 hours on aging and long-term care.
Demonstrate how studying exemplars can build self-confidence
Describe how long-term inner work leads to cumulative rewards.
Identify how valuing authenticity encourages personal integration.
Discuss how maturity can spark a blossoming of creative expression.
Analyze how plot shifts mirror developmental accomplishments.
Explain how getting older can foster improved relationships.
The material is presented at an introductory level, requiring no background in mythic studies, narrative theory, or Jungian psychology.
The following CE credits are available:
Psychology, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Ed Psych, NBCC : 6 CE hours
Nursing : 7 hours
Most teachers must get credits approved by their school administration. Center courses meet the requirements in most states. Contact us if you need more information about receiving credit in your state.
Select a seminar location from the Current Seminar Dates and Formats
Register online or call the Center
Jonathan Young, PhD is a psychologist (PSY10231) with an international online practice. He teaches at the Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. His books and articles focus on personal mythology. Dr.Young assisted mythologist Joseph Campbell at seminars and was founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives and Library. He is currently featured in several documentary series on the History Channel.
Dr. Young is the minister of the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Goleta, a suburb of Santa Barbara. Visitors are welcome Sundays at 10am in-person and on Zoom: LiveOakGoleta.org
Anne Bach, MS, MFT 38891 is a specialist in uses of writing in psychotherapy. She gives presentations on creativity as inner work at major conferences, and lectures widely on psychological dimensions of expressive writing. She also appears in memoir drama performances for various theater groups, including the Marsh Stage in Berkeley. Her clinical background includes poetry therapy with seriously mentally ill patients.
Dr. Young also gives frequent media interviews, public talks, workshops, and in-service trainings throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Zoom link goes live at 9:30 a.m., California time - Seminar 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Please return on time
This seminar is taught at the introductory level and requires no advance preparation. However, participants are provided with a recommended reading list as part of their class materials.
Bolen, Jean Shinoda (2003) Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women. York Beach, Maine: Red Wheel/Weiser
Bolen, Jean Shinoda (1998) Close to the Bone. New York: Scribner
Bolen, Jean Shinoda (1995) Crossing to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Pilgrimage. New York: Harper San Francisco
Brewi, Janice and Brennan, Anne (1988) Mid-Life Spirituality and Jungian Archetypes. York Beach, Maine: Nicolas-Hays
Chinen, Allan B. (1989) Once upon a Midlife: Classic Stories and Mythic Tales to Illuminate the Middle Years. Wilmette, IL: Chiron
Chinen, Allan B. (1989) In the Ever After: Fairy Tales and the Second Half of Life. Wilmette, IL: Chiron
Corlett, Eleanor Nancy B. Millner (1993) Navigating Midlife: Using Typology As a Guide. . Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black Publishing
Dass, Ram (2000) Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying. New York:Riverhead
DeSalvo, Louise (1999) Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives. New York: Harper San Francisco
Estes, Clarissa Pinkola (2011) The Power of the Crone: Myths and Stories of the Wise Woman Archetype. Sounds True, Inc.
Hillman, James (1999) The Force of Character: And the Lasting Life. New York: Random House
Hillman, James (1979) Puer Papers Putnam, CT: Spring Publications
Hollis, James (2000) Creating a Life: Finding Your Individual Path . Toronto: Inner City Books
Hollis, James (2006) Finding Meaning in the Second Half of LIfe: How to Finally, Really Grow Up . New York: Penguin
Hollis, James (1993) The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife. Toronto: Inner City Books
Hollis, James (1996) Swamplands of the Soul: New Life in Dismal Places. Toronto: Inner City Books
Luke, Helen M. (1987) Old Age: Journey into Simplicity. New York: Parabola
Millner, Nancy Bost (1998) Creative Aging: Discovering the Unexpected Joys of Later Life Through Personality Type. Palo Alto, California: Davies-Black
Metzger, Deena (1992) Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds. New York: Harper San Francisco
Moore, Thomas (2017) Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy. New York: St. Martin's
Moore, Thomas (2004) Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life's Ordeals. New York: Harper Collins
Pretat, Jane R. (1994) Coming To Age: The Croning Years and Late-Life Transformation. Toronto: Inner City Books
Stein, Murray (1983) In Midlife: A Jungian Perspective, Putnam, CT: Spring Publications
Woodman, Marion (2002) The Crown of Age: The Rewards of Conscious Aging. (audio cassette). Louisville, CO: Sounds True
Woodman, Marion (2001) Bone. New York: Penguin Books
Zweig, Connie (2021) The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul. Rochester, VT: Park Street Press