Evolution Blog

Keynote Speakers Kapilow and Whyte at the Evolution Conference

A tradition at the Evolution Conference is to invite keynote speakers from disciplines somewhat related, but outside the field of psychotherapy. Previous keynote speakers have included Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Mary Catherine Bateson, Elliot Aronson, Herbert Benson, Patch Adams, Robert Sapolsky, Andrew Weil, and Nobel Laureate, Gerald Edelman. In December, non-psychotherapy keynotes include Robert Sapolsky, Philip Zimbardo, and Antonio Damasio. We will also feature special addresses by Elizabeth Loftus, who will discuss human memory; Marilyn...

Think Positive Psychology with Marty Seligman

How to create a blog about Marty Seligman offering a keynote and conversation hour at the upcoming Evolution Conference? Think: “learned helplessness.” Think: “Positive Psychology.” If you Google those concepts, you’ll see they are based in Marty’s work. You will also find that Marty Seligman is one of the world’s most cited psychologists. In addition, want to know about proactive approaches to preventing depression? Building resilience? Fostering optimism? Reference Marty Seligman. His popular books on...

Change Your Brain with Daniel Amen, MD

Daniel Amen, M.D., is a dear friend and esteemed colleague. He has been a great supporter of the Erickson Foundation and keynote speaker at several conferences. In December, Daniel will once again grace our podium at the upcoming 2017 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference in Anaheim, California. Daniel Amen is a psychiatrist and author; his books have been on the New York Times best-seller list. His specialty is brain imaging, and he bases his research on...

Female Friendship in Psychotherapy with Marilyn Yalom

As a new feature at the 2017 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference, Marilyn Yalom, a prolific contributor to our field, will offer a lecture on feminist issues especially designed for psychotherapists. Marilyn, coincidentally, is married to keynote speaker, Irv Yalom. A prolific contributor, Marilyn is Marilyn Yalom, PhD, is Senior Scholar at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research, Stanford University. She has written many historic books that have been translated into 20 languages, including Blood Sisters:...

Salvador Minuchin: A Shared History

I first met Salvador Minuchin in the early 1970s when I was a student in the master’s program in clinical psychology at San Francisco State University. He was teaching a workshop in Berkeley. Since my financial means were meager and I could only attend workshops by being a student volunteer, I volunteered as Sal’s cameraman. There was a short staff meeting prior to Sal’s workshop and I remember being intimidated. Sal was intense and...

Law and Ethics with Steve Frankel

Psychotherapy ethics. OMG! I need a course for re-licensure. OMG! I need a course to protect myself so I can practice within the limits of my profession. OMG! All the classes I’ve taken on ethics have been SO boring! Fortunately, at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference there will be a Law and Ethics pre-conference workshop on December 12th, led by Steven Frankel, PhD, JD, that will not the same old, same old dull, humdrum...

Tipper Gore on Mental Health and the World We Seek

Tipper Gore, once named one of the “Ten Most Admired Women in the World,” has brought her warmth, charm and infectious energy to communities and organizations around the globe. She will be presenting a Keynote speech on the topic of “Mental Health and the World We Seek” at this year’s Evolution of Psychotherapy conference. The mental health community continues working to expand our understanding of the brain and to improve both the quality of, and...

The History of the First Evolution Conference

by Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD The first conference I organized was the 1980 International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. Shortly thereafter, I conceived of organizing the first Evolution Conference, which was held in 1985. This was in keeping with the philosophy of the newly formed Erickson Foundation since Board members agreed that we did not want to establish a school of Ericksonian therapy. Rather, our goal was to present and advance Erickson’s...

Dr. Zimbardo’s Journey to Inspire Heroism

I first met Philip Zimbardo in the mid-1970s at Stanford University when I was a volunteer researcher one summer at the hypnosis laboratory of Ernest Hilgard. Just as I was then, I continue to be mesmerized by the scope and depth of his genius. Philip is a great supporter of the Erickson Foundation, and has presented at many our conferences. His offerings have always been fresh and vibrant with entertaining audio and video clips. His...

Pioneer of Hypnosis Michael Yapko at Evolution of Psychotherapy

I have studied hypnosis for more than 40 years and it has changed my way of thinking about communication, both professionally and personally. In fact, I recommend fundamental hypnosis training to every aspiring therapist. It makes therapists better, more effective communicators, regardless of their theoretical discipline. Hypnosis can be thought of as a way of amplifying the response to therapeutic directives. One of the problems that clients unknowingly bring to therapy is compliance. Most clients...

robert sapolsky talk speech presentation

Robert Sapolsky Featured at Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference 2017

By Jeff Zeig Posted 6/23/2017 The 2017 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference this December in Anaheim, California offers therapists the opportunity to learn from luminaries in the field and earn continuing education credits. This year, we are honored to welcome back Robert Sapolsky as a keynote speaker. Years ago, when I was spending a relaxing day on the beach with my then wife, Lilian, I was thumbing through my iDevice to find an interesting lecture. I...

More Evolution Articles