Overview
Traditional therapeutic models often rely—sometimes implicitly—on a Cartesian view of the self as a detached subject, an inner observer who analyses thoughts and feelings in order to gain control or understanding. In contrast, this workshop invites participants to explore the Heideggerian view of the self as always already situated—formed in relation to the world, shaped by moods, and embedded in cultural conventions. Here, the self is not an isolated subject to be understood from within, but a being-in-the-world whose possibilities emerge through attuned presence and contextual action. Therapy, in this light, becomes less about interpreting the inner world and more about inhabiting new ways of being, in relationship to what the world discloses.
Key Themes
- Working with moods such as anxiety, shame, and vulnerability—not as symptoms, but as signposts to what matters.
- Moving from talking about experience to disclosing possibilities through presence and action.
- Cultivating therapeutic presence not as technique, but as a mooded, attuned way of being-with.
- Understanding care and curiosity as therapeutic moods that invite change.
- Embracing uncertainty and ambiguity as the space where meaning and transformation emerge.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise how moods shape therapeutic space and disclose what matters to the client.
- Reflect on their own use of presence, care, and curiosity as forms of therapeutic attunement.
- Distinguish between insight-based interventions and those that integrate attuned action.
- Explore moments of uncertainty as openings for new possibilities, not problems to solve.
- Identify practical ways to support clients in inhabiting new ways of being-in-the-world.
Structure
Two 2-hour sessions, including:
- Short, practical presentations
- Reflective discussion
- Practitioner case examples
- Small group dialogue
- Optional guided experiential exercises
APS / NZPsS member: $200 ex GST
PACFA member: $200 ex GST
ACA member $200 ex GST
Non-member: $220 ex GST
4.00 CPD Hours
APS CPD – Approved
Who Should Attend?
Psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors interested in deepening their therapeutic presence and exploring how mood and action can transform client work—regardless of modality.
Testimonials
You have a gift of making complex philosophical thinking easier to understand and apply to daily life.
I thoroughly recommend Steven’s workshops. His ability to illuminate the link between philosophy and psychological practice has enriched and deepened my work as a psychologist.
I would love to know if you are offering anymore PD related or group work in the future.. have thoroughly enjoyed the Thursday night content over the last month, thank you!
I enjoy every minute of your 'lecturing' I wouldn't refer to it as lecturing. I think you have a lovely conversational style.
I absolutely loved the course and to say it has given me new perspectives is a gross understatement. It is has started me on a long, fascinating journey that I will continue throughout my career. Thank you.
I so much enjoyed the opportunity to do this seminar . It was fascinating, affirming and integrative for me.
Condensing all of these philosophical reflections into 10 meaningful hours of insights is impressive. It has been a blessing for me to have been able to learn from you. Thank you so much for your wisdom.
Thank you so much again for an absolutely lovely opportunity to dive in deep. … Such a blessing to have been taught through such an experiential program. This was also my most enjoyable PD sessions to date!
Dr Steven Segal
Dr Steven Segal is a registered and practising Psychologist. He was appointed Associate Professor of Management at Macquarie University, Sydney where he taught psychology and philosophy in the context of management and leadership.
Dr Segal has conducted professional development workshops in a range of areas including leadership, education, psychology and psychotherapy. He brings a unique combination of psychology, philosophy, management education and leadership to enable professionals at all levels to develop their practice.
Themes which have driven his interest in psychology and philosophy include anxiety and depression. He has always been focused on the practical application of philosophy which gives him an additional and helpful lens in his practice as a psychologist. Utilising philosophy, he enables clients to gain insight into themselves and the social context in which they live. He has an action orientated view of philosophical reflection and believes that action and reflection form an ongoing cycle on the psychotherapeutic journey.
Dr Segal’s Masters and PhD focus on educational frameworks for working with anxiety and despair. His most recent research project focused on the challenging psychological experiences involved in management and leadership development.
He has published two books which both deal with anxiety and emotion in the context of management:
- Business Feel and Management Practice, and
- Creative Destruction: Existential Skills for Inquiring Managers, Researchers and Educators.
He has edited books including Face to Face with Management Practice and been the section editor of the Handbook on Managerial Philosophy. Dr Segal has published over 30 peer-reviewed scholarly articles in a range of disciplines including philosophy, psychology, and management.
Dr Segal has two books due for release in 2026, reflecting his expertise and unique perspective:
- The Emotional and Existential Wisdom of Nelson Mandela, Routledge 2026
- The Value of Philosophical Reflection for Psychologists and Psychotherapists, Routledge 2026
Format
6.30pm-8.30pm AEDT
Thursday 13, 20 November