Knowing, Not-Knowing, and Muddling Throught: Clinical Knowledge at the Edges of Expereience

Saturday, November 18, 2017
6 CEU’s

We take pride in our training, education, experience, and clinical skills. We actively and consistently endeavor to grow and deepen our skill-sets. We strive to be of best service to our clients. Yet, no matter how

effective we are, the reality of what we know—and do not know—places us in the arena of uncertainty.  The many realities of clinical practice can lead to feelings of frustration, uncertainty, and confusion.  Ironically, such feelings not only hold great utility, but are necessary to the therapeutic process.    

This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to sit with the uncertainty of “not-knowing” and celebrate the confidence and empowerment of “knowing.”  We will analyze the value of “muddling through.”   We will embrace these boundaries of experiences, challenge our knowledge base, and explore how we can deepen and enliven our clinical practice.  Through both didactic and experiential learning, participants will be invited to explore their clinical skills in a uniquely creative and inspiring way.  Case studies will be reviewed to highlight the interventions presented.  Special attention will be given to therapist-client differences/similarities, and their meaning, impact, and usefulness in our work.   


Learning Objectives:

1.       Participants will analyze the relevance of “knowing” vs. “not-knowing,” and the value of “muddling through.”

2.      Participants will be able to identify personal areas of clinical strength and weakness.

3.      Participants will gain practical intervention skills to help the client/clinician explore the meaning and utility of clinical vulnerability, ambiguity, and uncertainty.

4.      Participants will examine techniques related to exploring countertransference dynamics.

5.      Participants will learn the value and relevance of “emotional listening.”

6.      Participants will analyze dynamics of “difference” to foster a deepening of the clinical experience and bring vitality to our work.


  • Date: Saturday, November 18, 2017

    Location: Seminar is held at the beautiful Monterey Pines Golf Course, 1250 Garden Rd, Monterey, CA 93940.  Located next to the Monterey Fairgrounds, the facility offers ample street parking and a fully accessible building.

    Fee: General: $125 ♦ Licensed: $115 ♦ Prelicensed/Retired: $95 ♦ Discounted rate for 3 or more collegues registering at the same time: $90 each (registration must be mailed in together).

    Time: Doors opens at 8:30 am.  Workshop begins promptly at 9 am and ends at 4:30 pm.  Please allow 15-minutes for CEU processing at the conclusion of the program.  Full buffet lunch and beverages included.

    Refund Policy: No refunds given less than 14 days prior to the event.  Manfred Melcher reserves the right to cancel or postpone any training due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.  If the training is cancelled or postponed, registrants will be notified and a full refund will be issued.

    CEU’s:  6 CEU’s approved through CAMFT.

    Important Notice: Per CAMFT regulation, in order to receive CEU hours, participant must meet requirement of 80% physical attendance.  Those arriving more than 15 minutes after designated start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CEU credits.      

    Manfred Melcher, MSW, LCSW, (CEU provider #133219) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFT’s, LCSW’s, LCPP’s, EP’s.  Manfred Melcher, MSW, LCSW maintains full responsibility for this program/course and its content.