Presented by Mel Vincent, M.D. and Ronald Potter-Efron, Ph.D., CADCIII, LICSW and John Arden, Ph.D., ABPP and Jamie Marich, Ph.D. and Lisa Ferentz, LCSW, DAPA and Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D. and Donald Meichenbaum, Ph.D. and John Preston, Psy.D., A.B.P.P. and Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.
Monday, November 30, 2015 – Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | Richmond, bc
You are on the in-person registration page for this event. If you would like to attend online (live webinar or on-demand), please register through our Online Learning website.
Important Notice:*Please note: There has been a change to our speaker lineup. Dr. John Preston will be presenting on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, in place of Dr. Cardwell Nuckols.*
Online registration is now closed. Registration will be open on the day of the conference at the door.
*NEW* Group rates for groups of 15 or more!
*Individual evening sessions are complimentary
Monday, November 30, 2015 – Wednesday, December 2, 2015
8:30am – 5:00pm
ADDITIONAL EVENING SESSIONS 6:30pm – 8:30pm
*Individual evening sessions are complimentary
November 30 Dancing Mindfulness Jamie Marich, Ph.D.
December 1 Addiction Treatment Lorne Hildebrand
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604.331.1000
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrws-sheraton-vancouver-wall-centre/
Dear Colleague,
I am pleased to announce Canada’s Premier Psychotherapy Conference: Healing and Treating Trauma, Addictions and Related Disorders will be hosted in three cities this year: Richmond, British Columbia, on November 30, December 1 and 2, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, on November 19 and 20, 2015; and Toronto, Ontario, on November 4, 5 and 6, 2015. Whether you are coming for the first time or attend this conference every year, all of us here at Jack Hirose and Associates would like to extend a warm welcome!
Once again, we are honoured to co-sponsor this annual event in partnership with the Edgewood Health Network and the Edgewood Foundation. The Edgewood Health Network is the leader in alcohol and drug treatment and the only national network of adult inpatient and outpatient services across Canada. We are extremely grateful to have aligned with an organization that values quality training for mental health professionals.
Over the past five years, our conference has trained over 2,500 mental health and education professionals. We value your feedback and have incorporated your ideas in order to assemble North America’s leading experts, who will provide practical, useful and cutting edge keynotes and workshops. Our distinguished lineup of speakers will present on a wide of range of topics including: addiction update and current trends, angry and aggressive brain, traumatic grief, PTSD, mindfulness, contemplative psychotherapy, bolstering resilience, improving client outcomes, creativity and the healing process, concurrent disorders, treating cannabis and opioid addiction and many more.
It is my hope that this conference will allow you to catch up with your fellow clinicians, acquire new skills, learn new techniques and rejuvenate your passion for this field of work. I am confident that this year’s conference will meet, or exceed, your high expectations. Please mark this event on your calendar, and I look forward to seeing you at our flagship event of the year!
Kind Regards,
Jack Hirose, MA, CCC.
Jack Hirose and Associates Inc.
Clinical Professionals: All mental health professionals including, but not limited to Clinical Counsellors, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Social Workers, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Hospice and Palliative Care Workers, School Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Addiction Specialists, Marital & Family Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants and all professionals looking to enhance their therapeutic skills.
1ST KEYNOTE 8:45am – 9:45am
Dr. Vincent will review our current understanding of the disease model of addiction and highlight changes in the most recent revision from DSM IV to DSM V. This will be followed by an overview of the different classes of drugs which are commonly being used, including issues related to withdrawal management. This will be followed by a more in-depth review of some of the “hot topics” in addiction medicine that are showing up in popular media and news sites, including changing drug use patterns, bath salts, medical marijuana and “synthetic marijuana”.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
This session will provide an overview of concurrent disorders. We will look at the predominant addiction issues related to the spectrum of DSM V disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, psychosis, personality disorders and ADHD. Group discussion will provide an opportunity for sharing of challenges with these clinical areas.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
This session is designed to enhance familiarity with screening questionnaires which we have been using to assist in our diagnostic assessment of concurrent disorders. Case studies will be reviewed in small groups.
MEL VINCENT, M.D. is the Director of Psychiatric Services at EDGEWOOD. He is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry, UBC, where he has been involved in the training of medical students, family practice, and psychiatry residents in the area of addiction medicine. He is co-director of a community physician training program and is a certified Medical Review Officer. He recently published a textbook entitledDiagnosing and Treating Addictions.
2ND KEYNOTE 9:45am – 10:45am
The impulse to anger develops deep within the human brain, mostly at the unconscious level. It is then inhibited, modified or even increased consciously. The entire program can take place almost instantaneously, making it difficult to contain or control. Recent research in neuroscience has helped scientists better understand these processes. This information is also now being used to help clients become more skilled in anger management.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
The centerpiece of this session is a six-phase anger and aggression cycle: activation, modulation, preparation, action, feedback and deactivation. We will detail each of these phases from a brain process perspective. Specific practical treatment options will be described for each phase. In addition, differences between the phenomena of rage vs. anger and the treatment for rage will be studied as well as the usefulness of anger management tools within a domestic violence offender treatment setting.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
RONALD POTTER-EFRON, Ph.D.is a clinical psychotherapist, director of the Anger Management Program at First Things First Counseling and Consulting Center in Altoona, WI, and an internationally recognized anger expert. He has over 30 years of clinical experience and he specializes in the treatment of individuals with aggression and domestic violence concerns. Ron is also author of 15 books, includingHealing The Angry Brain, a self-help book for chronically angry and aggressive persons.
3RD KEYNOTE 11:00am – 12:00noon
In addressing the wounds of trauma and addiction, taking action is imperative to heal the brain at the emotional, somatic, spiritual, and energetic levels. Creative outlets like dancing, drumming, making and listening to music, the visual arts, and play are particularly powerful and engaging. In this keynote Dr. Jamie Marich discusses how cultures since the dawn of time have implemented the expressive arts into the healing process. She provides a practical framework for how clinicians can use creativity in the helping process in modern times.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
Attend this workshop and leave with a brand new toolkit of skills, interventions, and principles for rapid success with traumatized clients. Learn the standard of care for treatment in the field of traumatic stress – and its key ingredients. Implement evidence-based treatment protocols and interventions for establishing safety, desensitizing and reprocessing trauma memories, metabolizing and resolving grief/loss and finally, assisting clients in reconnecting to lives full of hope, connection, and achievement.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
EVENING SESSION 6:30pm – 8:30pm
JAMIE MARICH, Ph.D, will lead you through this experiential session; participants will be expected to get up and dance, or at the very least, observe mindfully. Developed by Dr. Marich, Dancing Mindfulness uses the art form of dance as the primary medium of discovering mindful awareness. Participants are led through seven primary areas of mindfulness in motion: breath, sound, body, story, mind, spirit, and integrated experience.
1ST KEYNOTE 8:45am – 9:45am
Much has been written about the long-term adverse affects of traumatic life experiences. This keynote will focus on an exciting and encouraging alternative byproduct to traumatic events that takes clients through the pain and grief of trauma but eventually brings them to a place of newfound hope, resiliency, and healing. We will explore the tangible markers of post-traumatic growth, why the meaning clients attach to trauma is so important, and how clinicians can plant the seeds of hope early on in therapy, helping clients to eventually rebound from trauma and thrive.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
So many clients with abuse, neglect, or pain narratives struggle with addictions, eating disorders, or self-mutilation as a means to communicate, self-medicate, or self-soothe. In this session we will de-pathologize these behaviours, connect them to family of origin experiences, and explain why clients use these behaviours to cope. We will then explore a variety of creative and effective ways to restore hope and healing into the treatment process. These strategies give therapists and clients ways to work with and extinguish self-destructive acts.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
LISA FERENTZ, LCSW, DAPA is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of trauma and has been in practice for over 30 years. She presents workshops and keynotes throughout the US and Canada, and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several Universities, and is the Founder of The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education. She is the author of Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors.
2ND KEYNOTE 9:45am – 10:45am
Recent advances in neuroscience have increased our knowledge of how and why people change. Brain-based therapy synthesizes neuroscience, evidence-based treatment, psychotherapy research, and attachment theory into a hybrid therapeutic model. This model helps identify which elements of psychotherapeutic schools are effective and which may be countertherapeutic. Brain-based therapy envisions the therapeutic process as brain changing as necessary to change mood and behaviour.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
(Continuation)
In this session you will develop a new way of looking at the therapeutic process enabling you to move beyond the traditional theoretical school approach. You will learn how to use the Brain-Based Therapy approach to educate your clients and make the goals of treatment understandable. We’ll examine the use of brain-based therapy to enhance outcome with people who have been traumatized. Special attention will be given to addressing the neurodynamics of PTSD.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
JOHN ARDEN, Ph.D. is the Director of Training in Mental Health for Kaiser Permanente in the Northern California region. He oversees the training programs in 24 medical centers where over 100 postdoctoral residents and interns are trained each year. Dr. Arden also provides individual, group and family therapy and chemical dependency counseling. He presents workshops on brain-based therapy internationally, and is also the author of 14 books, including Brain2Brain, The Brain Bible and Rewire Your Brain.
3RD KEYNOTE 11:00am – 12:00noon
Contemplative Psychotherapy is an integration of key psychological principles of Buddhism and the practice of psychotherapy. Its root teaching is “brilliant sanity”, the notion our nature is fundamentally wise and compassionate. We are not always in touch with this inherent nature. In this keynote we will look at how we lose touch with our brilliant sanity and explore some of the ways in which a genuine relationship with a therapist can help clients to reconnect with this natural compassionate wakefulness.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
In this session, participants will have the opportunity to explore and experience some Contemplative Psychotherapy approaches more deeply. Our emphasis will be on how to build genuine therapeutic relationships. Practices which cultivate mindfulnessawareness and compassion will be introduced. The notion of “exchange” or “radical empathy” will be explored, and participants will have the chance to apply their understandings to their work with a current client or family member.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
KAREN KISSEL WEGELA, Ph.D.is a psychologist in private practice and a professor at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where she has been on the faculty of the M.A. Contemplative Counseling Psychology program since 1981. She is the author of What Really Helps, The Courage to Be Present, and Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials: Enriching Your Practice with Buddhist Psychology. She has been practicing Buddhist meditation in the Tibetan tradition for more than 35 years.
EVENING SESSION 6:30pm – 8:30pm
In this evening session, Lorne Hildebrand will discuss the nature of the disease of addiction, the difference between drug and/or alcohol abuse and dependence, how you identify the problem and different treatment methods.
LORNE HILDEBRAND, Executive Director of EDGEWOOD, has over 20 years of management experience with various companies and organizations. Lorne has dedicated much of his time to helping others better understand the science of addiction and has become a well-respected presenter.
1ST KEYNOTE 8:45am – 9:45am
In the aftermath of traumatic and victimizing experiences, some 75% of individuals will be impacted, but they go onto evidence resilience – and in some instances evidence post-traumatic growth. In contrast, some 25% of individuals will evidence PTSD, co-occurring psychiatric disorders and adjustment difficulties. This keynote begins with a discussion of what differentiates these two groups, and the implications for both treatment and prevention. The nature of resilience and the neurobiological correlates will be considered, as well as specific ways to bolster resilience in six domains (physical, interpersonal, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and spiritual).
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
A Constructive Narrative Perspective of PTSD and Complex PTSD will be offered that highlights that individuals are “homo narrans”, or “story-tellers”, and that the nature of the stories that individuals tell themselves and others is critical in determining the adjustment process in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. A number of specific psychotherapeutic interventions are offered that are designed to alter the client’s trauma narrative, including ways to incorporate spirituality in the treatment program. A case example will be offered in the treatment of individuals who experience Prolonged and Complicated Grief Disorders. How to treat individuals with comorbid disorders will be highlighted.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
DON MEICHENBAUM, Ph.D. is Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, Ontario. He is presently Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention in Miami, Florida (melissainstitute.org). Dr. Meichenbaum is one of the founders of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and was voted “one of the ten most influential psychotherapists of the 20th century” by American Psychologist.
2ND KEYNOTE 9:45am – 10:45am
This talk focuses on two important and often neglected aspects of trauma recovery, adaptation and healing: developing positive emotional habits and identifying common, underlying medical and drug related conditions that undermine affect regulation and aliveness. The focus is on optimizing restorative sleep, how to identify common, hidden medical conditions that invariably increase suffering (e.g. mild thyroid disorder, primary sleep disorders, etc…something that all counselors and psychotherapists need to know) , common substances that destroy deep sleep, and a number of research-supported emotional habits that are associated with increased stress resilience . No quick fixes, but strategies that compliment standard treatments and help regulate strong emotions, achieve some balance even during very difficult times, and ways to maintain realistic perspective.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
Psychological trauma: single events or enduring trauma leave an impact personally, emotionally, interpersonally and spiritually. They also change brain functioning; sometimes forever. In this two part talk we will explore specifically how brains change, the lasting impact and how treatments can have a positive effect. In large part this is due to neuroplasticity that can be facilitated by psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and sometimes medical interventions.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
These include non-medical ways to enhance brain functioning (e.g. circadian regulation, sleep enhancement, exercise, and dietary interventions). In addition will be a discussion of psychopharmacology (for better and for worse)…looking at limitations and controversies as well as effective interventions designed to complement psychological interventions. Included will be experimental treatments for rapid anxiety symptom reduction and the reduction of nightmares.
JOHN PRESTON, Psy.D., A.B.P.P., is a board certified neuropsychologist, and ABPP in counseling psychology. His Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists was the year’s number one best seller with the Behavioral Science Book Club. His self-help book, You Can Beat Depression, has been endorsed by the National Mental Health Association for use in their nation wide campaign to combat clinical depression.
3RD KEYNOTE 11:00am – 12:00noon
Over the last decade, Scott Miller, Ph.D., together with colleagues at the International Center for Clinical Excellence, have been tracking the outcomes of thousands of clinicians around the world. They have identified specific practices that separate highly effective from average clinicians. You will learn three specific strategies that separate the good from the great. Attendees will not only learn a simple method for determining their effectiveness but also how to develop a profile of their most and least effective practices – what works and what doesn’t. Step-by-step, evidence-based instructions will be given for using the profile to identify and eliminate weak spots while enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency.
1ST AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 1:15pm – 3:00pm
Treatment failures. Every therapist encounters them. Few books, scholarly articles, or workshops focus on identifying and preventing their occurrence. Although actually small in number, available evidence indicates that such cases accumulate on clinician’s caseloads and account for 60-70% of expenditures in behavioural health. In this workshop, participants will learn the simple and practical method for identifying cases at risk for failure early in the treatment process. Results from a number of clinical trials show that using this approach reduces drop out rates by half while improving the outcomes of the most challenging cases by 65%.
2ND AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION 3:15pm – 5:00pm
(Continuation)
SCOTT MILLER, Ph.D. is the founder of the International Center for Clinical Excellence, an international consortium of clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to promoting excellence in behavioural health services. Dr. Miller conducts workshops and training in the United States and abroad, helping hundreds of agencies and organizations to achieve superior results. His humorous and engaging presentation style inspires practitioners to make effective changes in service delivery.
Mel Vincent, M.D. was raised in Guelph Ontario. He received his BSC in Nutrition from the University of Guelph and MSC in Nutrition from the University of Toronto. He received his Medical Degree from McMaster 1984 and completed Psychiatry training in 1988. He worked at Homewood Health Center in Guelph for 5 years, 3 of which were full time addictions and passed American Society Addiction Medicine exam in 1992. Dr. Vincent then moved to Comox Valley where worked at St. Joseph Hospital psychiatry unit, provided consultation to mood disorder/schizophrenia clinic and provided psychiatric consultation in private office. In 2002 became Director of Psychiatric Services at EDGEWOOD, an 84-bed residential treatment program for addictions and 40 extended care beds. He has done multiple presentations on addiction/concurrent disorders, initiated a 5 Day Addiction Training for Physicians, and initiated an annual addiction/concurrent disorders conference at EDGEWOOD. He is also a clinical Instructor for Dept. Psychiatry UBC in the newly approved Addiction Division.
Ronald Potter-Efron, Ph.D., CADCIII, LICSW is a clinical pyschotherapist, director of the Anger Management Program at First Things First Counseling and Consulting Center in Altoona, WI, and an internationally recognized anger expert.
He has more than 30 years of clinical experience and in his private practice he specializes in the treatment of individuals with severe aggression and domestic violence concerns. Ron is also author of 15 books, including Handbook of Anger Management (for professional readers); Angry All the Time; Letting Go of Anger and Letting Go of Shame (both with Patricia Potter-Efron), and his newest release, Healing The Angry Brain (New Harbinger, 2012) – a self-help book intended for chronically angry and aggressive persons. Dr. Potter-Efron is also Diplomate of the National Anger Management Association.
Dr. Potter-Efron currently facilitates a 50 session domestic violence prevention program that utilizes the principles of neuroplastic change (long-term potential) to help clients devise and implement individualized brain-based behavioral change plans. He has trained thousands in professional seminars throughout the United States and abroad. Ron is known for his ability to make difficult material easier to understand and utilize, as well as for his good sense of humor and practical orientation towards therapeutic change.
“The ‘Healing the Angry Brain Workshop’ was the most informative and current information I have been taught on this subject. It helped me understand how the brain’s electrical and chemical systems work and how this affects people who handle anger poorly. Dr. Ron also includes empirically-supported techniques and practical case scenarios for helping clients who are struggling with anger and aggression issues. Dr. Ron’s engaging presentation is helpful, humorous and will benefit anyone who wants to understand and provide effective anger management services.”
– Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC, BCPCC, CAMS-IV | Oak Brook, IL
“It would have been excellent to have a full day with Ronald Potter-Efron.”
– Shelley Willier | Winnipeg, MB | November 19, 2015
“The workshop was fantastic! I could see where it could be applied to work and personal lives. Thank you!”
– Richmond, BC | November 30, 2015
“Excellent talks and knowledge. Very good clinical tools shared.”
– Richmond, BC | November 30, 2015
John Arden, Ph.D, ABPP is the author of 15 books, including his most recent, Mind-Brain-Gene: Toward Psychotherapy Integration. His other books include: Brain2Brain, The Brain Bible, as well as Rewire Your Brain 2.0, and Brain-Based Therapy with Adults and Brain-Based Therapy with Children and Adolescents. He previously served as Director of Training in Mental Health for Kaiser Permanente in the Northern California region where now over 300 postdoctoral residents and interns are trained each year in 24 medical centers. He has presented seminars in over 30 countries and in all US States.
“This was the best workshop I have been to. Dr. Arden is so engaging. He makes complex information accessible and available.”
– Alyssa Ryan | Edmonton, AB | November 16 & 17, 2015“Great use of video to emphasize a concept. Emphasis on amygdala and hippocampus interactions. I have been on the right track working with clients with PTSD and anxiety. The research is reassuring. I liked assimilating the old research. Part of celebrating their research and how we can prove it. His personal experiences were entertaining, thoughtful, and relative.”
– Angie Smith-McMenemy | Oakville, ON | November 5, 2015“John was a very engaging speaker.”
– Oakville, ON | November 5, 2015
“Dynamic speaker. Relevant information. Covered old info (DSMIII) to new techniques and studies (small & large scale). Went to his afternoon lecture – wonderful speaker, a variety of topics, relevant studies, examples and slides.”
– Oakville, ON | November 5, 2015
“Outstanding, engaging, challenging, and useful!”
– Janet Ryan-Newell | Edmonton, AB | November 16 & 17, 2015“I look forward to reading his books and articles! Great presentations, very satisfied.”
– Oakville, ON | November 5, 2015“Great speaker – relevant info with great ability to create an understanding and make it useful. John makes understanding neuroplasticity fun and easy to understand and more importantly to apply.”
– Oakville, ON | November 5, 2015“He was a fantastic speaker who used personal stories, a sense of humour and experience to create a purposeful and live use of information.”
– Edmonton, AB | November 16 & 17, 2015“I enjoyed the workshop/ conference. It served as confirmation of how to practice my profession. John Arden is extremely knowledgeable and has helped me to connect a number of dots/ gaps in my knowledge regarding cellular level. Excellent, excellent job!”
– Edmonton, AB | November 16 & 17, 2015
Jamie Marich, Ph.D., is a dancer, musician, performer, writer, recovery ambassador, and clinical counselor, Dr. Marich unites these elements of her experience to achieve an ultimate mission: bringing the art and joy of healing to others. Marich travels internationally speaking on topics related to EMDR, trauma, addiction, and mindfulness while maintaining a private practice (Mindful Ohio) in her home base of Warren, OH. She is the developer of the Dancing Mindfulness practice.
Lisa Ferentz, LCSW, DAPA, is a recognized expert in the strengths based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma and self-harm and has been in private practice since 1984. She presents workshops and keynote addresses nationally and internationally, and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies in the United States, Canada, England and Ireland. She has been an adjunct faculty member at several universities, and in 2007 founded “The Ferentz Institute,” which provides continuing education and state of the art training in trauma treatment to mental health professionals.
In 2009 she was voted the “Social Worker of Year” by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work. Lisa is the author of “Treating Self-Destructive Behaviours in Traumatized Clients: A Clinician’s Guide” (Routledge), now in its second edition, “Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviours: A Workbook of Hope and Healing” (Routledge), and “Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapists’ Couch.” (PESI)
Lisa hosted a weekly radio talk show, writes blogs and articles for websites on trauma, self-harm, and self-care, teaches on many webinars, and is a weekly contributor to Psychologytoday.com. You can follow Lisa’s work at www.theferentzinstitute.com, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
“I really enjoyed this training. I thought the presenter was very knowledgeable about the topic, taught it well, and modelled some of the skills while teaching it. Very useful information that I believe I will be able to incorporate into my practice.”
– Fall 2017
“I enjoyed all of the lessons. Very useful information that will help me with my clients.”
– Brennan Lane | Fall 2017
“The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and I am able to take away many new techniques to use with my clients and try to incorporate them into my practice.”
– Aleisha Ross | Fall 2017
“I find Lisa to be empathetic and compassionate to treatment of individuals with trauma. I really liked her comments about no safety contracts and taking time pace to contain clients.”
– T Nelson | Fall 2017
“This was one of the best and most useful workshops I have ever experienced!”
– Fall 2017
Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice and a professor at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where she has been on the faculty of the M.A. Contemplative Counseling Psychology program since 1981. She is the author of What Really Helps, The Courage to Be Present, and Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials: Enriching Your Practice with Buddhist Psychology. She has been practicing Buddhist meditation in the Tibetan tradition for more than 35 years.
Don Meichenbaum, Ph.D., is Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the University of Waterloo. Ontario from which he took early retirement 20 years ago. He is presently Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention in Miami (Please see www.melissainstitute.org). He is one of the founders of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
In a survey of clinicians reported in the American Psychologist, he was voted “one of the ten most influential psychotherapists of the 20th century.” He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association and he was Honorary President of the Canadian Psychological Association. He has presented in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. He has published extensively and most recently published Roadmap to Resilience: A Guide for Military Trauma Victims and Their Families (visit www.roadmaptoresilience. org). His other books include The Evolution of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Personal and Professional Journey with Don Meichenbaum, Treatment of Individuals with Anger Control Problems and Aggressive Behaviour; Stress Inoculation Training; Facilitating Treatment Adherence; and The Unconscious Reconsidered.
He has consulted for various populations including veterans’ hospitals, the National Guard, psychiatric treatment centres for children, adolescents and adults, treatment centre for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, torture victims, Native populations, deaf populations and school boards. See papers by Dr. Meichenbaum on www.melissainstitute.org (go to home page and click on Author’s Index and scroll to Meichenbaum).
“Don is the most interesting, dynamic, and hilarious presenter. I could listen to him/learn from him all day.”
– CBT & DBT Conference | Calgary, AB | December 3, 2015
“Dr. M – very good presenter; great topic and very knowledgeable.”
– Paula Caines | Calgary, AB | December 3, 2015
“A master’s voice! Second time hearing him. I have already studied Don’s work.”
– Richmond, BC | December 2, 2015
“This was fabulous! Dr. Meichenbaum was very engaging, skilled, and able to convey the information in an organized fashion that was easy to understand. I loved his use of anecdotes and the presentation of DVD clips of clinical work. I sincerely believe that the information I learned will enhance my clinical work.”
– Sarah | Vancouver, BC | November 7, 2014
“A very engaging, informative and entertaining speaker.”
– Vancouver, BC | November 7, 2014
“Dr. Meichenbaum is a legend.”
– 2014 Trauma Conference | Calgary, AB | November 19, 2014
“Best learning experience I’ve had in years! I graduated in ’87 (Ph.D.). Great new info and research, AND entertaining presentation!”
– Toni (Private Practice) | Vancouver, BC | November 6, 2014
“Two days very well spent. I feel satisfied that I learned new information, but also have new resources to draw on in my clinical work, as well as providing leadership with the staff at my centre. Thank you.”
– Dana | Vancouver, BC | November 6 & 7, 2014
“The material was presented well. Interesting from a clinical perspective. I will share notes with colleagues.”
-Barb | Vancouver, BC | November 7, 2014
“Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. Your use of materials (videos and handouts) made the presentation very engaging and applicable to my professional setting (an outpatient counseling centre for individuals with substance use issues).”
– Vancouver, BC | November 6 & 7, 2014
“I loved Dr. Meichenbaum. He uses humour, and his workshop was very fun, engaging and very informative. I will be very interested in other workshops by Dr. Meichenbaum – thank you very much.”
– Vancouver, BC | November 6, 2014
“Excellent workshop, good examples, sense of humour kept me engaged and attentive.”
– Vancouver, BC | November 6, 2014
John Preston, Psy.D., A.B.P.P. is a board certified neuropsychologist, and ABPP in counseling psychology. He is the author or co-auther of twenty one books on various topics including psychopharmacology, psychological assessment, neurobiology and psychotherapy. His books have been translated into 14 foreign languages. He has been in clinical practice for 30 years and a workshop presenter for the past 25 years. He has lectured in many locations throughout the North America, as well as in Africa, Europe and Russia.
Dr. Preston’s strength as a presenter is his ability to present complex material in a clear, understandable and lively fashion. His presentations are filled with numerous clinical vignettes, interesting videos, and a focus that is always practical and applied. And, he has a sense of humor.
His “Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists” was the year’s number one best seller with the Behavioral Science Book Club. His self-help book, “You Can Beat Depression”, has been endorsed by the National Mental Health Association for use in their nation wide campaign to combat clinical depression.
“A fabulous workshop! Dr. Preston’s extensive knowledge and skills were demonstrated every minute of the workshop. I am so glad I had the opportunity to attend.”
– Carla (Centennial College) | Toronto, ON | October 24, 2014
“Dr Preston’s knowledge, supported by scientific findings, was phenomenal. He has a wonderful and effective ability to convey information.”
– 2014 Alberta Conference on Children and Adolescents | Edmonton, AB | November 3 & 4, 2014
“Very knowledgeable and passionate speaker. Great experienced wisdom. Very caring. Thanks!”
– Ottawa, ON | October 22, 2014
“One of the best presentations I have ever attended – so approachable, clear, and funny. Loved that he shared personal experiences and was open to questions. A real expert in his field – the day flew by! He was a real gift – thank you.”
-Debbie (Occupational Therapist) | Toronto, ON | October 24, 2014
“John Preston was very informative and entertaining. The use of personal stories and experiences engages the audience, and the examples provided made the information relevant. Preston provided an amazing experience. He was very easy to follow and his use of stories / experiences was very helpful. Great presenter – I loved it!”
– 2014 Alberta Conference on Children and Adolescents | Edmonton, AB | November 3 & 4, 2014
“I enjoyed his style, friendliness, ability to cover the material flexibly and not sound scripted. I liked his real-life stories and applications with clients.”
– Ottawa, ON | October 22, 2014
“I’ve been to many, many workshops and this was by far my favourite. Dr. Preston, you are an amazing speaker. Thank you for sharing your personal stories. I came to learn how to help my clients and I learned about myself and loved ones. Thank you so much for keeping it real.”
– Namilee | Toronto, ON | October 24, 2014
“Preston was dynamic and engaging. He made his information relevant and useful.”
– 2014 Alberta Conference on Children and Adolescents | Edmonton, AB | November 3 & 4, 2014
“Great mix of research, personal stories, humour and understated opinion. I walked away with tons of useful information. Very practical tools and I will also use some of the stories with clients to deepen learning. Thank you!”
– Rian V. | Vancouver, BC | December 3, 2014
“One of the best speakers / workshops I’ve been to in a while. He was knowledgeable, interesting and able to keep our attention.”
– Ottawa, ON | October 21, 2014
“This course gave me a better understanding of myself and why I do what I do.”
-Rita F. | Vancouver, BC | December 3, 2014
“I really enjoyed John Preston. He had an excellent message, which was unique and I haven’t heard very often at other conferences. He was humorous and kind.”
– 2014 Alberta Conference on Children and Adolescents | Edmonton, AB | November 3 & 4, 2014
“Knowledgeable presenter who uses multiple systems to integrate information with the use of slides, humour and professional stories. Would leap at the opportunity to attend further CEs with him.”
– Carolyn | 25 Advanced Strategies to Promote Positive Emotional Habits with Your Clients | Saskatoon, SK | November 21, 2014
“Dr. Preston is one of the finest instructors. He received top scores from 100% of participants during an intensive three-day training program. Dr. Preston is extremely personable, engaging and able to maintain the highest levels of interest for extended periods of time. His use of excellent audio-visual materials in combination with his wealth of knowledge and experience yielded the highest marks from the most demanding of participants. We would have him back in a New York minute.” – Raymond Folen, Ph.D., ABPP., American School of Professional Psychology, Hawaii Campus
“Recently, we were fortunate to have John Preston, Psy.D. present a full day workshop for us. The workshop as a whole rated the highest we have had in the eleven years I have been with the program. As organizer of the program, I found Dr. Preston to be well organized, extremely knowledgeable, responsive to the specific needs of our organization and adept at engaging a sizeable audience. I would highly recommend him as a workshop presenter.” – Marlene Gavens, M.S., University of Connecticut, School of Medicine
“Dr. Preston was a workshop presenter for my organization for the 6th Annual Seminars by the Shore this past summer. Dr. Preston obtained the highest rating of all the presenters that summer (12 internationally renowned psychologists and psychiatrists). I sat in on his workshop and I can attest to his thoroughness, his conscientiousness, and his comprehensiveness in conducting the workshop. It is with the very highest praise that I recommend Dr. Preston to you as a workshop presenter. You won’t be disappointed!” – Ronald J. Pekala, Ph.D., President, Mid-Atlantic Educational Institute
“Dr. Preston’s symposium was an extremely important addition to our annual summer symposia, his talk was superb…very stimulating.” – Robert C. Guerette, M.D., Symposia Director
Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. is a co-founder of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, a private group of clinicians and researchers dedicated to studying “what works” in treatment. He also works as a therapist providing all clinical services pro bono to traditionally under-served clients. Dr. Miller conducts workshops and training in the United States, Canada and Europe and is known for his engaging and humorous presentation style. He has presented to many audiences including the American Psychological Association, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, and the National Association of Social Workers.
He is the author of numerous articles and co-author of Working with the Problem Drinker: A Solution Focused Approach (Norton, 1992), The “Miracle” Method: A Radically New Approach to Problem Drinking (with Insoo Kim Berg, Norton, 1995), Finding the Adult Within: A Solution-Focused Self-Help Guide (with Barbara McFarland, Brief Therapy Centre Press, 1995), Handbook of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Foundations, Applications, and Research (with Mark Hubble, Jossey-Bass, 1996), Escape from Babel: Toward a Unifying Language for Psychotherapy Practice (with Barry Duncan and Mark Hubble, Norton, 1997), Psychotherapy with Impossible Cases: Efficient Treatment of Therapy Veterans (with Barry Duncan and Mark Hubble, Norton, 1997), The Heart and Soul of Change: Common Factors in Human Services (APA Press, 1999), The Heroic Client: Principles of Client-Directed, Outcome-Informed Clinical Work (Jossey-Bass, 2000), and Creating Hope: “What Works” with Borderline-Diagnosed Clients (with Kay Vaughn and Linda Willits).
Fees do not include applicable taxes (5% GST).
Early bird cutoff date: November 27, 2015
The early bird date has passed. Regular rates apply.
Please review our Registration Terms and Conditions for information on our cancellation policy, payment policies, rebates, and more. You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to register for a workshop or conference.
All brochures and forms are provided in .PDF format.
If you are unable to open our files, we recommend downloading Adobe Reader for free.
Exhibitors are welcome at this event. We are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities to businesses and organizations that provide services related to nursing, psychotherapy, addictions treatment, counselling, marriage & family therapy, psychology and other related fields.
→ More information
1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
phone: 604.331.1000
website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrws-sheraton-vancouver-wall-centre/
Our rates:
* Please check back at a later time as this information will be updated when corporate/group rates are secured.
Please check back closer to the event date for more information.
There are no related events at this time.
