TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — What drives addiction? How do we move beyond anguish and nourish ourselves in a healthy and enriching way? There are many ways of looking at the root causes of addiction. Dr. Kim Bateman, who holds a Ph.D. in Psychology will explore the humanistic view of addiction on May 10.

“This approach is about pursuing a passionate life of your own design and not living an over domesticated one — which creates a famine of soul that causes people to dance out of control,” said Dr. Bateman. The event is part of Sierra College Insights, an academic Friday evening series on the Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee campus, open to the community at no cost.

There are obvious addictions — alcohol, drugs, binge eating, gambling — and the less obvious — perfectionism, co-dependence and anger, to name a few.

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The humanistic approach to addiction theorizes that unhealthy choices are made from of a sense of woundedness. We all have a hunger for a life that has meaning and, as Bateman describes, “is in tune with our creative cycles.”

Dr. Bateman, the executive dean of the Tahoe-Truckee campus of Sierra College, is known for her engaging and entertaining presenting style. These skills earned her teaching awards at both Sierra Nevada and Sierra Colleges and several notable keynote addresses. Recently, she delivered: “There’s a Fox Under my Bed and Pixie Dust in my Hair” at The Developmental Psychology Conference; “The Psychology of Humor” at Women’s Wellness Weekend and “Creating CommUnity” at the college-wide Sierra College Convocation in Rocklin.

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Dr. Bateman’s research interests include bereavement, humor, and organizational psychology. Her approach draws from both interdisciplinary and depth psychological perspectives and her signature courses include “A Mythological Guide to Grief Work” and “Ecopsychology.”

She has presented 64 projects at regional and national conferences and was recently asked to be the keynote speaker at the Community College League of California in the San Francisco Bay Area this fall.

RSVP for May 10 to hear “The Red Shoes” folktale and gain a renewed sense of valuing your particular soulfulness. The session includes discussion, story telling and relating images from the story to life. The evening begins with refreshments and socializing at 6:30 p.m. and the program will take place from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Seating is limited to 60 and is available based on reservations. Call 530-550-2290 to RSVP.

About Sierra College Insights

Sierra College Insights is an interactive educational event series designed for inquisitive community members. Each month an academic expert will facilitate an out-of-the-ordinary presentation on the Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee campus located at 11001 College Trail in Truckee. Students, residents and visitors are welcome to attend. Complimentary refreshments and time for socializing precede each event. For more information, visit sierracollege.edu or e-mail kbateman@sierracollege.edu.