NASW-NJ Annual Conference 2024

Life in a Traumatic World:
Implications for Social Work Practice

Conference April 14 - 16

Download The Conference Program

Sunday April 14th, 2:30 pm

Harnessing the Power of Myth: Healing Trauma Through Narrative Circles with Dunia M. Garcia, DSW, LSW & Kwame Scruggs, PhD

Boulder Friends of Jung

Many of the myths, traditions, and rituals that once guided us on our shared journey of the human experience ---and helped give purpose to our lives ---are lacking in our modern world. As a result, we often wander hopelessly while our spirit aches for a safe place where we can face our fears and explore our true calling. We will learn how myth can be applied in any setting, with anyone, to assist in the development of one's soul.

Join us for an evening lecture on this topic with Dr. Scruggs via Zoom.

CG Jung Cleveland

Program Description:

Myths have been around for thousands of years and are road maps designed to assist us on our journeys; all we must do is take the time to decipher the codes. Myths were often told to assist individuals through their initiations. Through the lens of a myth, told to the beat of a djembe drum, the participants will do a myth while the myth does them. Stopping at critical points in the myth, we will explore what resonates within the myth and answer questions designed to stimulate discussion, reflection, create community, have more fulfilling lives, and inspire life-changing core moments.

Details:

Saturday, February 5th 1:00 pm - 3:00pm (10am - 12am PST)
$20 Member | $30 Non-members

This is a hybrid Zoom and limited in-person participation at
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
21600 Shaker Blvd, Shaker Heights OH 44122
Zoom link will be sent the morning of the event

CG Jung Cleveland

Program Description:

Myths have been around for thousands of years and are road maps designed to assist us on our journeys; all we must do is take the time to decipher the codes. Myths were often told to assist individuals through their initiations. Through the lens of a myth, told to the beat of a djembe drum, the participants will do a myth while the myth does them. Stopping at critical points in the myth, we will explore what resonates within the myth and answer questions designed to stimulate discussion, reflection, create community, have more fulfilling lives and inspire life changing core moments.

Details:

Friday, December 10, 1:00 pm - 3:00pm (10am - 12am PST)

This event will occur on zoom, you will receive a link the morning of the event

C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles | Videoconference

Prepaid Cost: $55.00 – $70.00

Presented by Kwame Scruggs, Ph.D.

Jung understood myths to be expressions of what he called the pre-conscious psyche, which reflect the archetypal nature of the collective unconscious. In this experiential seminar, Dr. Scruggs will present a myth, utilizing a method which integrates storytelling and drumming as a means of inviting an internal exploration of both archetypal and personal material in the service of developing social and emotional learning (SEL). The exploration and use of myth in the context of psychotherapy will be discussed both as a form of containment and structure for unconscious material, as well as presenting ways of dealing with emotional issues symbolically.

Details

Date: October 2 Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (PST) | 1:00 pm - 4:00pm (EST)

Cost: $55.00 – $70.00 Event Categories:

Venue

Zoom Meeting – Link will be emailed to participants.

Organizer

C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles

Phone: (310) 556-1193 ext. 2210 Email: administration@junginla.org Website: https://junginla.org

Additional Information

Continuing Education: 3 Basic Cost: 60

Mentor Agility | Alchemy Method Certification

Mentor Agility is proud to introduce an exclusive new certification, featuring the Alchemy Method™, the breakthrough method of combining the use of the power of myth and powerful questions to help clients explore their Shadow Stories that interfere with their performance and the achievement of life goals.

The Alchemy Method, created by Dr. Kwame Scruggs, and practiced by Alchemy, the organization he founded, has been used to assist more than a thousand young men understand and deal with their often-challenging lives. The method and Alchemy’s work was the backdrop in a compelling documentary, “Finding the Gold Within.”

The Alchemy Method is a powerful group coaching technique for advanced coaches and we are proud to make it available for the first time. 

Sign up for The Inaugural Alchemy Method™ Certification Cohort

August 26th – October 14th Thursdays 12 pm PST (3 EST)

4 hour classes 32 CCE Units NBHWC & ICF

Sunday August 8 / 7pm - 8:30 pm EDT (4:00 - 5:30 PDT)

The Salome Institute of Jungian Studies

Kwame Scruggs identifies reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X as his “turning point,” the event that kicked-off his “process of individuation.” This encounter with the revolutionary ideas, activism, self-respect, and evolution of Malcolm X ultimately sent Kwame Scruggs on a path towards a Ph.D. in Mythology and a life engaged with myth and depth psychology. Along the way, Kwame began to understand more about the individuation journey of Malcolm X as well.

In this 90min salon + Q&A, Kwame Scruggs, Ph.D., will explore the biography of Malcolm X through a depth psychological lens, highlighting the ways in which he detoxed from the dominant cultural narratives of white supremacy and patriarchy and ultimately integrated his once projected anima, shadow, and Wise Old Man.

Course Begins: July 13, 2021 2:00 – 3:30 pm MST
Session Dates: July 13, 20, 27 and August 3rd

Mentor Agility | Coaching

The Magic of Myth In Coaching: A Series by Award-Winning Instructor Kwame Scruggs, PhD., with Co-Host Julie Elledge, PhD.

In this series, Kwame Scruggs teaches storytelling and group coaching skills through the use of myth, powerful questions and critical reflection. Kwame and Julie will take you on an adventure that builds your coaching skills and tool kit.

To unlock the secrets of this award winning method, join Kwame and Julie in discovering group coaching at its finest, the potency of storytelling to dial down resistance and open up clients heart and mind for growth. These classes are personally and professionally transforming.

Each myth carries important themes related to human transformation and coaching core competencies. Together, we will crack open each mythical theme and decode the shrouded messages of transformation that humans have passed on through storytelling for centuries.

You may sign up for multiple myths and receive ICF and NBC-HWC credit for each course that features a myth.

“The City Where People are Mended”

This myth explores the challenges of trust, confusion and wariness when making decisions that impact one’s life in significant ways.

Course Begins: July 13, 2021 2:00 – 3:30 pm MST
Session Dates: July 13, 20, 27 and August 3rd

Pacifica Graduate Institute | Retreat

An Online 6-Week Course with Craig Chalquist, Kelly Carlin, Kwame Scruggs, Erik Davis, David Odorisio, Mary Wood, and Devon Deimler.

“If you live with the myths in your mind, you will find yourself always in mythological situations. They cover everything that can happen to you. And that enables you to interpret the myth in relation to life, as well as life in relation to myth.” —Joseph Campbell

The online Certificate in Applied Mythology brings together master teachers with participants eager to enter the magical world of mythology, where deep sources of wisdom can illuminate contemporary turns of life and fate.

Drawing on the sacred stories of many times and places, the Certificate invites you to apply what you learn to a variety of life areas, including self-development, love and family life, work and career, spirituality, consciousness, and personal creativity. You will also learn and practice the crafts of storytelling—including the science behind why it’s so effective—and ceremony creation for workshops and professional presentations.

Explore the inner, storied dynamics of current events: politics and power, science and technology, the media, the environment, religious and spiritual traditions from around the world, all from the standpoint of ready comprehension (no academic expertise required), everyday relevance, and practical application.

This online, 6-week Certificate is designed so that story lovers from any location or time zone can participate.

For more information, course overview (including dates) and to learn more about the featured presenters, visit the program website here.

Course Begins: June 1, 2021 2:00 – 3:30 pm MST | Session Dates: 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22

Mentor Agility | Coaching

The Magic of Myth In Coaching: A Series by Award-Winning Instructor Kwame Scruggs, PhD., with Co-Host Julie Elledge, PhD.

In this series, Kwame Scruggs teaches storytelling and group coaching skills through the use of myth, powerful questions and critical reflection. Kwame and Julie will take you on an adventure that builds your coaching skills and tool kit.

To unlock the secrets of this award winning method, join Kwame and Julie in discovering group coaching at its finest, the potency of storytelling to dial down resistance and open up clients heart and mind for growth. These classes are personally and professionally transforming.

Each myth carries important themes related to human transformation and coaching core competencies. Together, we will crack open each mythical theme and decode the shrouded messages of transformation that humans have passed on through storytelling for centuries.

You may sign up for multiple myths and receive ICF and NBC-HWC credit for each course that features a myth.

“The Water of Life”

This myth addresses the inherent motivational conflicts between family, wealth, power and life and death and the often difficult challenges in navigating them.

Objectives

• Engage clients in an evaluation of their options including the avoidance of self-destructive behaviors such as avoiding substance abuse including tobacco use and moderate or no alcohol consumption

• Develop clients use of guiding resources including coaching, social support, other professionals

• Support clients re-framing their perspective

• Invite clients to consider how to move forward, including resources, support and potential barriers

Continuing Education Credit: 6 units
ICF: 2 Core Competency/ 4 Resource Development
Cost: $125

Course Begins: June 1, 2021 2:00 – 3:30 pm MST
Session Dates: 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22

Saturday, May 22 | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (CST)

CG Jung Society of St. Louis

Live Only Online Workshop! | No Recording Available
Registration price: Friends – $17; Others – $20; Full time students – $2

Myths have been around for thousands of years and are road maps designed to assist us on our journeys; all we must do is take the time to decipher the codes. Myths were often told to assist individuals through their initiations. Through the lens of a myth, told to the beat of a djembe drum, the participants will do a myth while the myth does them. Stopping at critical points in the myth, we will explore what resonates within the myth and answer questions designed to stimulate discussion, reflection, create community, have more fulfilling lives, and inspire life-changing core moments.

During this workshop, participants will:

• Enhance self-reflection and self-discovery via discussion and journaling

• Broaden perspectives through reflection, discussion, and journaling

• Improve listening skills through discussion

Kwame suggests the following reading materials:

Campbell, Joseph. The Power of Myth. New York: Doubleday, 1988.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 1973.

Johnson, Robert, A. He: Understanding Masculine Psychology. New York: Harper & Row, 1989

She: Understanding Feminine Psychology. New York: Harper & Row, 1989.

May, Rollo. The Cry For Myth. New York: Dell, 1991.

Walker, Steven, F. Jung and the Jungians on Myth: An Introduction. New York & London: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1995.

Bond, Stephenson, D. Living Myth: Personal Meaning as a Way of Life. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1993.

Friday May 21st t 10 am PT / 1pm ET

The Call & Purpose Summit | Jung Platform

In this talk, Kwame Scruggs shares his way of using mythology to work with adolescents. Adolescence is known for numerous characteristics; it has often been referred to as a period of “an infinite array of possibilities”. It is a time filled with intense libido, imagination, and growth. But it is also a time of frustration for both the mentor and the mentee as it involves risk-taking, confusion, and search for acceptance, identity, rebelliousness, and an inability to listen.

These traits reappear during the middle age. During our second stage of life, we receive a second opportunity to touch the Grail, which represents the fulfillment of the highest human potentiality. In this talk ‘The Search for Meaning in Adolescence’, Kwame explores adolescence and adulthood through the telling, discussion, and analysis of mythological stories, equipping us to become the hero in our own stories.

During this session you’ll discover:

• How mythology can help to become our own hero,

• The practical application of myth, and

• How to see the world in a new way and to communicate with an open mind.

The Jung Platform is an online educational organization with some of the best teachers in Jungian and depth psychology in the world. Join Kwame in this soulful free summit, and enroll below.

Starts April 27, 2021 2:00 – 3:30 pm MST | Session Dates: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

Mentor Agility | Coaching

The Magic of Myth In Coaching: A Series by Award-Winning Instructor Kwame Scruggs, PhD., with Co-Host Julie Elledge, PhD.

In this series, Kwame Scruggs teaches storytelling and group coaching skills through the use of myth, powerful questions and critical reflection. Kwame and Julie will take you on an adventure that builds your coaching skills and tool kit.

To unlock the secrets of this award winning method, join Kwame and Julie in discovering group coaching at its finest, the potency of storytelling to dial down resistance and open up clients heart and mind for growth. These classes are personally and professionally transforming.

Each myth carries important themes related to human transformation and coaching core competencies. Together, we will crack open each mythical theme and decode the shrouded messages of transformation that humans have passed on through storytelling for centuries.

You may sign up for multiple myths and receive ICF and NBC-HWC credit for each course that features a myth.

“Love Caused It All”

This myth explores the power of true love to give and save life. But when love is shared with many, as if a currency instead of a gift, it can cause conflict and disappointment.

Objectives

• Engage clients in an exploration of broader perspectives and their interest in new possibilities

• Elicit clients perspective including reasons for change, solutions, ideas, desires and incentive for transformation

• Develop clients ability to evaluate and utilize their guiding resources

• Examine with clients their options in light of their short and long term action steps and goals

Continuing Education Credit: 6 units
ICF: 2 Core Competency/ 4 Resource Development
Cost: $125

Course Begins: April 27, 2021 2:00 – 3:30 pm MST
Session Dates: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

Saturdays, April 3 - APril 24/ 1pm - 2:30 pm EST (10am - 11:30am PST)

The Salome Institute of Jungian Studies In this group, spanning Saturdays in April, mythologist Kwame Scruggs, Ph.D. will guide participants in self-inquiry, listening, and sharing within a group environment.

Each week, for four sessions, Kwame will share a portion of a myth, working through it piece by piece from start to finish. Throughout each 90min gathering, participants will be invited to bring their understanding of the story to life. Whether vocalizing their reactions in group or silently in a notebook, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own life as an epic tale, with trials that can take our whole being to overcome. This unique, proven, and timeless process is designed to increase awareness of one's "life behind the life" and promote a sense of connection and empathy.

Kwame has been guiding youth and men of all ages through self-inquiry via mythology for over twenty years. He was introduced to the healing properties of myth through the work of Michael Meade, with whom he has since worked through Alchemy Inc. half a dozen times. Kwame is adept at using mythic stories to guide participants into a greater understanding of their place in the world, activating the knowledge that provides the impetus for living with meaning and purpose, becoming the heroes in our stories.

This May seminar series is open to new participants and anyone who participated in our February group. Kwame will select a new myth for personal exploration in a community environment.

Black men discuss their influence as guides, teachers, advocates, and nurturers in forming our next generation of leaders.

Our ancestors Coretta Scott King and Huey Newton (among others) have emphasized the seminal role of our youth in affecting social change and influencing our people to act, particularly around issues of equality and justice. Far from the cliche' of the 'absent Black father,' our communities have always had men who have been guides, teachers, disciplinarians, nurturers, and examples for our young people. Hear from a panel of men whose work bears witness to these truths in this timely, relevant, resonant panel discussion.

Featured Panelists (in alphabetical order):

Gregory O. Ajose, Esq. , Rev. jeff obafemi carr , Dr. Anthony L. Pinder , Dr. Kwame Scruggs , Dr. Sharon D. Johnson (Host, Moderator)

Mentor Agility

Dates: February  9, 16, 23, and March 2, 2021.

Four live 105-minute meetings, 2:00 – 3:45 PM MST (Denver)

In July of 2020, 24 coaches experienced a transformational course, demonstrating the power of myth to change lives for their clients. Dr. Kwame Scruggs’ work formed the backdrop to the heralded film documentary “Finding the Gold Within.” He now teaches coaches the same techniques demonstrated in the film to move urban adolescents toward meaningful lives with storytelling and myth.

For course details, CEU information or to enroll in this course, click “Learn More” bellow.

Saturdays, February 6 - February 27 / 1pm - 2:30 pm EST (10am - 11:30am PST)

The Salome Institute of Jungian Studies

What does it mean to be a man today? How is this definition created, let alone grasped? Can each man define it for himself?

This four-week group seminar with Kwame Scruggs, Ph.D., will offer men and male-identified participants the opportunity to gather together to explore their personal and collective experiences through myth.

Each week, Kwame will share a portion of a myth. Participants will then be invited to bring their understanding of the story to life and in the process, reflect on their own life as an epic tale full of heroes, mentors, victories, and trials that take our whole being to overcome. This unique, proven, and timeless process is designed to increase awareness of one's "life behind the life" and promote a sense of connection and empathy.

The Salome Institute of Jungian Studies

Saturday, September 5, 12, 19 from 1:00 - 2:30 EDT / 10-11:30am PDT

Over the course of these three live, online, events, participants will become immersed in mythic storytelling and drumming as they work through a single African myth in three parts. As he tells us the myth, Kwame will pause the storytelling and seek responses and dialogue from the audience. This method keeps alive the transformative power of myth.

For more details or to register for these Salons, click the link below.