Most cultures employ practices for helping and healing when people encounter difficulties in human living. Psychotherapy stems from European and North American theories and corresponding techniques for utilizing both language and non-verbal communication to promote increased well-being. Healing rituals and traditions in Indigenous or non-Western cultures may look different, yet many incorporate both words (in chants or songs) and actions (like gestures, drum beats or dance moves). This event will explore human efforts with therapeutic aims to shape mindful expression and rhythmic movement for the wellbeing of individuals and the benefit of communities, drawing from various cultural teachings. Cindi Glidden-Tracey will describe the concepts and methods of Rhythmic Cognitive Restructuring, with consideration of individual and group formats. Cindi will then lead a group demonstration of stress management techniques with audience participation, all reinforced with percussive activities. Techniques include mindful breathing, thought stopping with thought replacement, and entraining self-messages with matched cadence on a drum or using body percussion.
Currently a licensed psychologist at the University of South Florida, Dr. Cindi Glidden-Tracey previously taught Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Arizona State University, Southern Illinois University, and Illinois State University. Cindi has also worked at university counseling centers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and at Illinois State University, as well as in a community substance use treatment center in Illinois and a group private practice in Arizona. As an interpersonal psychologist, ze pays close attention to the reciprocal impact of the messages people give each other along to track and guide conversations in therapy and supervision. Interpersonal connections are full of meaning! Ze enjoys the challenge of working through concerns and conflicts that people bring to therapy, identifying strengths and goals, and finding strategies to improve the person’s situation. Cindi explores personal and cultural dynamics shaping a client’s story, and--when a client is interested--movement, rhythm, writing, drawing, and psychodrama activities are incorporated into sessions as well as talk therapy methods. Dr. Glidden-Tracey is the Associate Editor of the international journal Addiction Theory and Research, and has published the book Counseling and Therapy with People who Abuse Alcohol and Other Drugs. Fun Fact: Cindi has been a member of African drum ensembles in Arizona and British Columbia, and and loves participating in drum circles recently discovered in Florida.
