Strengthening Usable Intuition - Professionally and Personally

Intuitive decision-making or 'gut instinct' is your ability to instantly get an understanding of something without needing to use  conscious reasoning. There are a variety of lenses through which intuition is evaluated, theorized and defined. Some of those lenses this workshop will use as a point of reference are:

1. Under stress, the brain is quickly gathering and processing many facts, much of which is happening unconsciously or outside of overt awareness. This information quickly informs higher brain processing areas and compare information to past experiences, providing an "instinctual" response.
2. Psychologists generally believe that intuition relies on powers of pattern-matching, from experiences stored in long-term memory and presents in-the-moment judgments based on them. Researchers have theorized four kinds of intuitive thinking, each distinct and unique yet easily identifiable in most situations.
3. Biochemistry (like oxytocin and serotonin), are present/measurable, when individuals experience that “gut feeling” of safety, acceptance, security, anxiety and/or discomfort. There are those that interpret these gut feelings as impressions and intuition that shape decisions and influence relationship responses. "Scientists believe intuition operates through the entire right side of our brain, the brain's hippocampus and through our gut (digestive system has neurons as well)," Dr. Judith Orloff
4. Spiritual intuition has been referred to as an ability to hear, understand or respond to something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. This might include insights from nature, a higher power, god or another deity.

Within a guided discussion and presentation of functional intuition within differing theories, interpretations and references the following objectives further outline our time together:

• Exploration of how intuition fits within clinical and personal skills, values, and belief systems
• Recognition of discernable differences between Intuition and Impulsiveness
• Identification of a dozen skills for strengthening intuition
• A construct for intuitive decision making
• Recognition of common sabotage inherent in acting intuitively

Presenter: Tracy L. Hutchinson, LPC, MAC, LAC 

Tracy has been working in the field of Addictions and Mental Health for the past 40 years. Currently, through her Counseling and Consulting private practice, Tracy is a facilitator of professional growth and development for team building. See more information about Tracy HERE.

Eligible for 3 hours Certificate of Completion