Dr Abrar Hussain and Mr Robin Samson
This co-produced workshop will be facilitated by Abrar (Accredited CAT practitioner and consultant psychiatrist) and Robin (peer counsellor and teacher of peer counselling). Underpinned by the principles of 2 distinct models (CAT & peer counselling), the session will explore the relational mechanics of conflict in the world and how it can have a polarizing impact on us, or be held gently by us, therapists.
We will offer a brief introduction to some of the ideas and tools from the peer counselling approach to inform the discussion.
How do we stay close, deeply hear each other and heal in the context of multi-layered structural oppression, even when there is potential or actual disagreement? What does it take to really listen?
The facilitators find themselves, as two men, on the 'opposite sides' of several oppressor-oppressed characteristics, and will offer a vulnerable look at some of the dynamics and dimensions of the impact on them of comparative trans-generational pain.
The interactive workshop will include a practical exercise aimed at giving the audience the opportunity to experience healing moments, despite the potential of great pain. Audience expressions and feedback will then inform possible exits from psychologically painful places that therapists may identify with.
Pre workshop – attendees are invited to reflect on how they tend to respond to world conflict using a relational lens.
Dr Abrar Hussain https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-abrar-hussain-b2923747/ is a consultant psychiatrist and accredited CAT practitioner. He is trained and accredited in EMDR. His clinical work is primarily in the field of Functional Neurological Disorder. He is a thought leader and clinical advisor for Nervous System Economy, a confluence of science, business and wellbeing to transform human potential. He is the course director at Cognitions for CASC course training resident psychiatrists.
Robin Samson is an actor-singer by trade and is currently creating a one-man show about Marc Blitzstein. He has been learning and teaching peer counselling for over 40 years and regularly leads both gay men's and Jewish support groups in this context, as well as teaching it to newcomers. Robin has been working with Abrar for over a decade, as lead 'role-player' and co-trainer on the Cognitions for CASC course. He is warmed by the knowledge that he was delivered at birth by one Dr Tony Ryle, who remained the family's GP, friend and comrade until he left London for Sussex in the mid-1960s.
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2025 Conference Workshops