Presented by Pamela J Power, Ph.D. & Sheryl Corchnoy, L.M.F.T.

This presentation will introduce two video games, The Last of Us and Stray, both set in post-apocalyptic times and which involve searching for something that will cure the condition of the world.  In each, there is a search for what the Alchemists called the “arcane substance”.  We will examine psychological perspectives on video games as art, and describe the physiological studies of the effects of gaming on the brain.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe two ways gaming evokes creativity
• Describe two neurological effects of gaming
• Describe two potential dangers of gaming

Pamela Power, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst with a private practice in Santa Monica. She is a past Clinic Director and past Training Director at the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles. Before becoming a psychologist, she trained as a classical musician and studied the theory and history of music.  She has been gaming for almost a year.

Sheryl Corchnoy, L.M.F.T., is a Jungian analyst in private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  She is a graduate of the Inter-regional Society of Jungian Analysts with her graduating thesis entitled, I am my Avatar:  The world of Gamers and the World of Warcraft in Jungian Analysis. Prior to becoming a clinician, she worked in professional theater arts.  She has been gaming for several years.