In 2018, with the help of generous donations, Utah State University founded the I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, for the purpose of providing a public service to USU students and to larger communities and social units through the broadest outreach of education, training, and research using the I-System Model.
The I-System Model, which provides the foundation for Mind-Body Bridging and all I-System based programs, was developed by the Blocks in the late 1990s to optimize heath, wellness, and human performance. The I-System Model presents a view of individual and collective psychosocial human functioning and embraces a holistic approach to healing and wellness.
USU is thrilled to host the I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Home of the I-System Model and Mind-Body Bridging.
Two Laws of the I-System Model
- All human beings are endowed with an I-System, which, when active, interferes with individual and group functioning.
- All aberrant human behavior is due to the activity of the I-System.
New Publication: Social Unrest
The I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies is proud to present its newest publication, Social Unrest: Resolving the Dichotomies of Me/You and Us/Them, written by Stanley H. Block, MD and Carolyn Bryant Block, along with Derrik Tollefson, PhD and Guy du Plessis, MA.
Donations to the institute of $20 or more qualify for a free copy of Social Unrest: Resolving the Dichotomies of Me/You/Us/Them.
Upcoming MBB® Building Resilience Workshop
As a student, you know that life can be pretty tough sometimes. Why is it that some people can go through really rough times and still bounce back? The difference is that those who bounce back have resilience. Resilience is our ability to adapt successfully in the face of stress, trauma, or adversity and then bounce back to our normal state of functioning and well-being. The good news is that resilience isn't something you're born with or not. The skills of resilience can be learned.
This 3-session Building Resilience Program will provide you with skills to increase resilience during and after stressful life events, improve general well-being and enhance performance in demanding activities such as academics and sports. Research indicates that increased resilience can positively affect school and life outcomes for students, including academic achievement.
This program will introduce you to Mind-Body Bridging, an evidence-based intervention that alleviates psychological distress and enhances psychological resilience and general well-being. You will be taught skills to cultivate present-focused awareness of your body, thoughts and emotions and develop an understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind maladaptive mind-body states and behaviors. You will learn techniques that enhance awareness and understanding of your own thought processes, as well as to re-evaluate or reframe both negative and positive experiences, and adjust non-productive and limiting expectations of yourself, others and the world that restrict your potential.
Kevin Webb, MSW, LCSW
Associate DirectorI-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies
Presenter Profile
Kevin Webb, MSW, LCSW is the Associate Director of the I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies at Utah State University. Kevin has over thirty years experience helping people, including those with disabilities, behavioral and mental health challenges, domestic violence, trauma, addiction and substance abuse. He has over 25 years experience as a clinical consultant and child and family therapist.
Sign-up for Building Resilience Program
Institute News
$3.5 Million Gift to Utah State Will Accelerate Cutting Edge Mind-Body Wellness Work
01/12/2021
A generous gift of $3.5 million from Stanley H. Block, M.D., and his wife, Carolyn Bryant Block, strengthens the I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies and makes possible the first named professorship for the Social Work program.
Mind-Body Bridging®: A Bridge to Self Discovery
06/24/2020
Donor’s gift establishing the I-System Institute for Mind-Body Bridging will help therapy clients find their answers within themselves
A podcast featuring Dr. Derrik and Cassie Tollefson
04/26/2020
Listen to the Teaching Literacy Podcast episode where Dr. Tollefson and his wife Cassie share the benefits of Mind-Body Bridging® and Building Resilience in elementary aged children.
