Expired Continuing the Conversation; Revisiting Systems Thinking

Systems Theory is the guiding map for family therapists. Despite this epistemology, family therapy’s terrain has been historically difficult to travel. Given the state of our world, with its many dysfunctions and tremendous challenges [i.e. experiencing a pandemic, political polarization, social and racial justice, climate change and working virtually], there is urgency in looking at how to create real sustainable change.

This workshop is for those dedicated to and curious about reassessing what it means to be systemic. The workshop will be informed by the word “liminal” which refers to that space at the very moment of transition when there is an opportunity to look for, as Gregory Bateson would say, “a difference that will make a difference.” Through group interactive explorations, participants will critically examine what those differences might be. We will gather information from a multitude of perspectives and resources such as Coherent Breathing, Improvisation, Qigong, Poetic Expression and Warm Data.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand and work towards interdependency in a complex world
• To revise what it means to be systemic
• To utilize contextual mutual learning in creating new perspectives

Presenter:

Kenneth Silvestri, EdD, LMFT is a Family Therapist and Homeopath in practice for 35 years, Clinical Professor at Daybreak University, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the New York Medical College. He is the author of A Wider Lens: How to See Your Life Differently and a monthly Psychology Today Blog, in addition to being a Black Belt student of Aikido and a Tai chi practitioner. Dr. Silvestri received his Doctorate in Family Cultural Studies from Columbia University.

Brielle Silvestri, MA is Ken’s daughter and she is interested in facilitating courageous conversations and productive dialogue. Her unique approach utilizes participatory activities and reflection in service of social justice, community-building, and education. Brielle has facilitated workshops at colleges and universities in New York, Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina and Rwanda. She is a co-founder of Theatre in Tandem, a company that offers reflective, experiential learning through theatre and is a teaching artist with The Moth Storytelling Community and Education Programs. Brielle received her Master of Arts in Applied Theatre at CUNY School of Professional Studies.

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