ISCSW Open Session Part Two: Anxiety, Friend or Foe? Signal or Symptom? Redux

Anxiety: Friend or Foe? Signal or Symptom?

In May we began to look at various aspects of anxiety as both a potentially energizing force and/ or a debilitating force in out client’s lives as well as our own. However, d/t the richness of the discussion, we only got part way through the agenda and objectives. There seemed to be considerable interest in continuing the conversation and we have scheduled a follow up on the topic on July 25th on Zoom from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. It will begin with a recap of the first meeting as a refresher and for those who didn’t make the first Open Session and will continue with the topic. Hope to see you there!

Description from May Session: 

The term “anxiety” seems to automatically suggest it is a problem, a disorder. The dictionary definition focuses on the unpleasant qualities of the experience. If one follows the general idea of the DSM, it would appear that our primary job is to decrease the level of anxiety. However, is it possible that at times this assumption be a misstep if indeed it is a friendly signal intended to inform us of our lives not sitting quite right. Perhaps there is a schism between our internal selves and the lives we are leading in the world? Or there is a gap between the person we are and the person we aspire to be, perhaps becoming a solid and respected clinician? If so, it can be a valuable asset in our understanding of ourselves and our client’s experiences. Perhaps personal change requires some anxiety.

This open session will allow participants to explore these issues and more with breakout groups and open discussion with prompts by the facilitator.

Learning Objectives coming soon. 

The session will be conducted by Charles S Pohl LCSW who has been a clinical social worker for the past 45 years. He has supervised many MSW interns and LMSWs and teaches the fundamentals of psychotherapy to psychiatry residents. He is also a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) for the past 30 years and is a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. You can see Charlie's CV here: CSP Curriculum Vita 4_6_2026.

Registration will be limited to the first 35 enrollees. TWO clinical CEU hours will be awarded to all who participate in the entire session.