Psychology

*theme:* **DIY Group Psychoanalysis "Mirror Function vs Projection & Sameness"** Psychoanalysis "unlocks the past, informs the present, and expands the future. video clips: **Psychoanalytic SPIDER framework for listening 23min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znUgyRsN0nk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znUgyRsN0nk) **Psychoanalytic theory in 3 minutes** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k) **Psychoanalysis A Curiosity about the mind 6min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ) Psychoanalysis = a theory and practice treating symptoms and personality as **disguised compromises** around unconscious conflicts, using a structured relationship (transference) to make those patterns visible so you can **repeat less blindly** and **choose a bit more freely**. "Until you ***make the unconscious conscious***, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Interpersonal Process Group** **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Reduced anxiety and stress:** Finding support and coping mechanisms for social challenges. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an exciting meeting of personal growth as we delve deep into the realm of self-development. This meetup is designed for personal growth addicts like you who are eager to unlock their hidden potential and take charge of their lives. Don't miss this chance to meet fellow personal growth enthusiasts, share experiences, and learn from one another. Step into a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Come prepared to engage in provocative conversations, share your opinions, wrestle with challenging ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of deeper meaning and learning. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish Light snacks, water & hot tea provided. Tysons-Pimmit Library is on Leesburg Pike (Rt 7) in Falls Church, VA off I-495 beltway exit 47. **Meeting room #2** is down 1st left hallway, on left side across from the bathrooms.

\*We do have registered guests for this meeting via Facebook. Hello! This book club gathering is a guided discussion of *The Untethered Soul* by Michael A. Singer. The conversation will center on awareness, the inner voice, emotional attachment, and what it actually means to let go in everyday life. **What we will cover** * The difference between you and the voice in your head * Why resisting emotions keeps them stuck * How personal stories and identity create unnecessary suffering * Letting go as an active practice, not a mindset * Openness versus control and why control fuels anxiety * What real inner freedom looks like, independent of circumstances **Agenda** * Casual arrival and drinks * Brief framing of the book and its main themes * Open discussion guided by core questions Come even if you did not finish every chapter. The value comes from the discussion, not perfection. ### Sample Discussion Questions We will use a short set of guiding questions to keep the conversation grounded and practical. No preparation is required. —Which parts of your identity feel most tied to competence, reliability, or being the one who holds things together? How might those identities limit rest, spontaneity, or openness without you noticing? —What would “letting go” look like if it did not mean lowering standards or disengaging from life? —How often do you try to improve an experience instead of fully experiencing it? —What happens when you allow discomfort without mentally preparing for the next step? —What would shift if awareness replaced self correction in one small area of your life? —What does the book mean by “the voice in your head,” and when do you notice it running your day? —Which emotions are hardest for you to let pass without resisting or fixing them? —How do personal stories about the past quietly shape current reactions? —What does control look like in everyday life, and where does it create tension instead of safety? —What would it mean to stay open during discomfort rather than closing down? —In what areas of life does “letting go” feel most threatening or unrealistic? —How might awareness alone change a habit without force or self-criticism? ### Key Takeaways from *The Untethered Soul* * You are the observer of your thoughts, not the thoughts themselves * Emotional pain lingers because of resistance, not because of the event * Identity built on memory keeps the mind reactive and guarded * Control is a major source of anxiety and inner tension * Openness is a skill that can be practiced moment by moment * Awareness dissolves patterns more effectively than self-fixing * Inner freedom is independent of circumstances or outcomes **Book Summary:** https://www.sloww.co/untethered-soul/

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – March 11th Business Presentation** **Featuring Q Studio** **Wednesday \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking presentation as we welcome **Q Studio** to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage. *** ## **About the Business** Q Studio operates on the belief that **peak mental performance** is a state of optimal functioning — where individuals intentionally control their thoughts, understand their emotions, and respond with clarity and wisdom to opportunities and challenges. Through science-backed **Mind Skills**, Q Studio helps individuals strengthen focus, resilience, emotional regulation, and performance. Their digital platform, the **MyQStudio app**, provides unlimited access to micro-learning courses, personalized assessments, practical techniques, habit-building tools, progress tracking, and a supportive member community — all designed to build sustainable mental excellence. Beyond individual development, Q Studio partners with organizations to help teams integrate Mind Skills into everyday work. With customizable tools, reporting, and expert guidance, companies gain insight into how developing Mind Skills as a core competency drives engagement and performance at every level. *** ## **Target Markets** Q Studio serves: * Organizations seeking workforce upskilling * HR and talent development leaders * Corporate teams focused on engagement and performance * Businesses looking to strengthen leadership and team resilience *** ## **Current Business Focus & Barrier** As Q Studio continues to expand, they are seeking feedback around: * Hiring strategic personnel * Expanding market reach * Scaling sustainably * Strengthening positioning in B2B markets Insight from leaders who have scaled teams, grown SaaS or app-based platforms, or expanded into new markets would be especially valuable. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Learn how mental performance directly impacts workforce success * Offer insight to a growing, innovation-driven company * Connect with business leaders focused on growth and development * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-oriented conversation **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a powerful conversation about unlocking peak performance in individuals and organizations. We look forward to seeing you there.

This group is for anyone who wants to explore Buddhist meditation in a relaxed and supportive setting. Each session includes a short meditation, a simple teaching from Buddhist psychology, and an open discussion about how these ideas show up in everyday life. While our foundation is Buddhist practice, we love weaving in wisdom from other traditions whenever it helps us grow, find peace, and support each other. Members of our community come from many different backgrounds, and you do not need to consider yourself a Buddhist to attend. All are welcome. The session runs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with doors open from 6:30 to 9:00. Come early or stay after if you’d like to enjoy some quiet reflection or casual conversation with the community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a potluck meal. Bring a dish if you’d like, but the most important thing you can bring is yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

**About The Peer Integration Circle** The peer psychedelic integration circle is in collaboration with Keith Miller, LCSW-C and [Calliope Health](https://calliope.health/). This group is for those who have already had experiences with psychedelics. Other groups would be more suitable for those that have not had psychedelic experiences. ***Please note!!! RSVP is required for this event.*** Psychedelic integration is a way of turning the insights and experiences we have when we use psychedelics into lasting behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s a process of becoming whole, moving from altered states to altered traits. A Peer Integration Circle is a group meeting where people take turns listening to and sharing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings relating to psychedelic integration. **Cost** Free **Co-Facilitators** Keith Miller, LCSW-C and Katie **This group may be right for you if you:** * Have past experience using psychedelics * Want to talk through your psychedelic experiences openly with supportive people * Seek additional strategies for continuing your integration process * Wish to support others in their personal growth within an inclusive and judgment-free space **This group may NOT be right for you if you:** * Hope that attending might replace your need for professional treatment of any mental health problems you might have * Are looking for group psychotherapy, medical care, or psychiatric treatment or advice * Had a challenging experience with psychedelics that continues to cause you distress * Want to find out where to access illegal substances or guides or practitioners working “underground” **How it Works** Here are a few things to know about how our peer psychedelic integration group works: * Tea and water will be provided * Please plan to attend the full duration of the event. Late arrivals and early departures disrupt the safety of our space. Doors will close at 6:55pm * There is a 15-person limit for this event, so that everyone will have the chance to speak and be heard. You must register via our MeetUp page. **Our Expectations of all Participants** To help keep our time together focused, meaningful, and safe for everyone, we ask that you abide by these expectations: * We treat all people within our circle with courtesy, compassion, and respect, regardless of age, ability, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. * We do not encourage or condone any illegal activities, the purchase, sale, transfer, or use of any illegal substances, or partaking in any unlawful activities related to illegal substances. For those who choose to partake, we encourage safety and awareness from a harm reduction standpoint. * We do not use illegal substances during our meetings. * Please do not use the group for references to ceremonies or where/how to find illegal substances, online and/or in person. * Do not bring, buy, sell, transfer, or arrive under the influence of any illegal substances, or swap information on how to acquire them through the group, online and/or in person. * Anyone who disregards these basic requests will be asked to leave the group and not be permitted to return. Thank you for respecting the safety of the space we are co-creating. **Finally** * *We ask you not to show up without registration.* * Attending these meetings does not create a treatment relationship. Any attendees requiring medical or psychiatric treatment will be offered referrals to professional care. * If you have concerns about accessibility, please contact the facilitator at the email below. * If you wish to speak to somebody about difficult psychedelic experiences and are unsure where to turn, immediate and free peer support is available from the psychedelic helpline [Fireside Project](https://firesideproject.org/).

Women are constantly giving, at work, at home, in relationships, and in service to their communities. But who supports the woman behind it all? This session invites women to pause, reflect, and reset. We’ll explore how to move beyond burnout and into balance, not by doing more, but by being more intentional. Together we will: * Identify hidden stress patterns and energy drains * Learn mindfulness practices to restore calm in real time * Create a personalized “inner balance” plan Join us to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring your own well-being! Leave feeling clearer, lighter, and empowered to thrive, not just survive. Sunday, March 15th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. | | | --- | |