Esther Perel has devoted her entire professional life to helping people build thriving relationships. She believes that the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives. Since arriving as a graduate student in the United States, Perel has examined the concept from myriad angles: the nature of cultural and religious identity, the negotiation between tradition and modernity, the ebb and flow between individualism and collectivism. She observed interracial and interreligious couples; the cultural forces that affect gender roles; practices of childrearing; and ultimately, the tensions, obstacles, and anxieties that arise when our quest for love and security conflicts with our pursuit of adventure and freedom.
Today, Perel is best known as the host of the wildly popular podcast Where Should We Begin? This fascinating, inside look at Perel’s sessions with real-life couples has unlocked a deep-seated cultural interest in hashing these issues out openly in order to live better lives. However, it has also unlocked within Perel the understanding that her years of study and practice go beyond the romantic, and that the lessons she has learned can be applied to relationships of all kinds, in all environments. The same principles used to create an open, balanced relationship with one’s significant other can be applied to our co-workers, our bosses, and our world at large.
New York Times best-selling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. As a psychotherapist, Perel has helmed a therapy practice in New York City for more than 35 years. In parallel, she serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Fluent in nine languages, Perel’s celebrated TED talks have garnered more than 40 million views and her best-selling books have been translated into 31 languages. Perel is an executive producer and host of the award-winning podcast Where Should We Begin? Her new podcast How’s Work? focuses on workplace dynamics and can be enjoyed on Spotify or other podcast providers.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Esther Perel maintains a private practice. She has employment relationships with Columbia University, Ackerman Institute for the Family, Norwegian Institute for the Expressive Arts Therapies, The Minuchin center for the Family, and 92nd Street Y. She receives royalties as a published author. Esther Perel receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Esther Perel is a member of the American Family Therapy Academy, The Society for Sex Therapy and Research, and the American Association for Sex Educators, Counsellors and Therapists.
Featured in Bill Moyer's PBS Special, "Healing and the Mind", Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., is executive director at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He is the founder and former director of the UMMC Stress Reduction Clinic and an associate professor of medicine in the division of preventive and behavioral medicine. Using mindfulness meditation, Kabat-Zinn works to help people reduce stress and deal with chronic pain, and a variety of illnesses, particularly breast cancer. He was a trainer for the 1984 U.S. Men's Olympic Rowing Team and is especially interested in reducing the stress-related problems in the inner city and in prison populations.
Kabat-Zinn's books include: Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness (1991); Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life (1994) and Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting (1997), which was co-authored with his wife, Myla.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a licensed clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, and the Founder and CEO of LUNA Education, Training & Consulting, a company that offers a range of programs focused on educating survivors, clinicians, coaches and businesses on the impacts of narcissism on health, wellness and functioning. She’s the author of Don’t You Know Who I Am: How to Stay Sane in the Era of Narcissism, Entitlement and Incivility, Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship With A Narcissist. Dr. Ramani also has a popular YouTube channel that focuses on narcissism and difficult relationships, mental health, and societal expectations. Her work has been featured at SxSW, TEDx and on a wide range of media platforms including, Red Table Talk, the Today Show, Oxygen, Investigation Discovery and Bravo. She is also a featured expert on the digital media mental health platform MedCircle. Dr. Durvasula’s research on personality disorders has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and she is a Consulting Editor of the scientific journal Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Durvasula is a brutally honest voice on the struggles raised by narcissism in the US and globally.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Ramani Durvasula is the founder and CEO of LUNA Education, Training, and Consulting. She maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with the California State University Los Angeles and the University of Johannesburg. Ramani Durvasula receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Ramani Durvasula is an associate editor for Behavioral Medicine and a consulting editor for Psychology of Women Quarterly and Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Mental Health. She is an ad hoc reviewer for the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, AIDS and Behavior, and Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. Ramani Durvasula is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science Society for Behavioral Medicine, and the International Association of Applied Psychology.
Daniel J. Siegel, MD, is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in pediatrics and child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He is currently a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, founding co-director of UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center, founding co-investigator at the UCLA Center for Culture, Brain and Development, and executive director of the Mindsight Institute, an educational center devoted to promoting insight, compassion, and empathy in individuals, families, institutions, and communities.
Dr. Siegel's psychotherapy practice spans thirty years, and he has published extensively for the professional audience. He serves as the Founding Editor for the Norton Professional Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology which includes over 70 textbooks. Dr. Siegel's books include his five New York Times bestsellers: Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence; Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, and two books with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D, The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline. His other books include:The Power of Showing Up also with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., The Developing Mind, The Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology, Mindsight, The Mindful Brain, The Mindful Therapist, Parenting from the Inside Out (with Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.), and The Yes Brain (also with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D). He has been invited to lecture for the King of Thailand, Pope John Paul II, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Google University, and TEDx.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Daniel Siegel is the clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine, the medical director of Lifespan Learning Institute, the executive director of Center for Human Development and Mindsight Institute, and the founding editor of Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Daniel Siegel receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Daniel Siegel serves on the advisory board for Gloo and Convergence in Washington, D.C.
Frank Anderson, MD, completed his residency and was a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He specializes in the treatment of trauma and dissociation and is passionate about teaching brain-based psychotherapy and integrating current neuroscience knowledge with the IFS model of therapy.
Dr. Anderson is a lead trainer at the IFS Institute with Richard Schwartz and maintains a long affiliation with, and trains for, Bessel van der Kolk’s Trauma Center. He serves as an advisor to the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP) and was the former chair and director of the Foundation for Self-Leadership.
Dr. Anderson has lectured extensively on the Neurobiology of PTSD and Dissociation and wrote the chapter “Who’s Taking What” Connecting Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology and Internal Family Systems for Trauma in Internal Family Systems Therapy – New Dimensions. He co-authored a chapter on What IFS Brings to Trauma Treatment in Innovations and Elaborations in Internal Family Systems Therapy, and recently co-authored Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual.
His most recent book, entitled Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems was released on May 19, 2021.
His memoir, To Be Loved, released on May 7, 2024.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Frank Anderson maintains a private practice. He is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Self Leadership and has employment relationships with The Trauma Center and The Center for Self Leadership. Dr. Anderson receives royalties as a published author. He receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Frank Anderson is a member of the New England Society Studying Trauma and Dissociation and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
Kenneth V. Hardy, PhD, is a Clinical and Organizational Consultant at the Eikenberg Institute for Relationships in New York, NY where he also serves a director.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kenneth Hardy has employment relationships with Eikenberg Institute for Relationships and Eikenberg Academy for Social Justice . He receives royalties as a published author. Kenneth Hardy receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kenneth Hardy has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Janina Fisher, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and former instructor at The Trauma Center, a research and treatment center founded by Bessel van der Kolk. Known as an expert on the treatment of trauma, Dr. Fisher has also been treating individuals, couples, and families since 1980.
She is past president of the New England Society for the Treatment of Trauma and Dissociation, an EMDR International Association Credit Provider, Assistant Educational Director of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, and a former Instructor, at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fisher lectures and teaches nationally and internationally on topics related to the integration of the neurobiological research and newer trauma treatment paradigms into traditional therapeutic modalities.
She is co-author with Pat Ogden of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Attachment and Trauma (2015) and author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation (2017) and the forthcoming book, Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma (in press).
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Janina Fisher has an employment relationship with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. She is a consultant for Khiron House Clinics and the Massachusetts Department of MH Restraint and Seclusion Initiative. Dr. Fisher receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. Dr. Fisher has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Janina Fisher is on the advisory board for the Trauma Research Foundation. She is a patron of the Bowlby Center.
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss. His decades of experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He is the author of six books, including his latest bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He coauthored two books with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. His new online model of grief support, Tender Hearts, offers over twenty-five groups. Additionally, David leads one of the most respected Grief Educator Certification programs. He is the founder of Grief.com.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: David Kessler is the is the co-founder and President Emeritus of Project Angel Food. He is a published author and receives royalties. David Kessler receives a speaking honorarium and recording and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: David Kessler is a board member for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. He is a team member of the Health Care Executives of Southern California, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Red Cross.
Diana Fosha, PhD, is the developer of AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), a healing-based, transformation-oriented model of psychotherapeutic treatment and she is founder and director of the AEDP Institute. For the last 20 years, Diana has been active in promoting a scientific basis for a healing-oriented, attachment-emotion-transformation focused trauma treatment model. Fosha’s work focuses on integrating positive neuroplasticity, recognition science and developmental dyadic research into experiential and transformational clinical work with patients. Her most recent work focuses on promoting flourishing as a seamless part of AEDP’s therapeutic process of transforming emotional suffering. Drawing on affective neuroscience, attachment theory, mother-infant developmental research, and research documenting the undreamed-of plasticity in the adult brain, AEDP has developed an experiential clinical practice, which reflects the integration of science, research and practice in psychotherapy.
Based in New York City, where she lives and practices, Fosha has been on the faculties of the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology of NYU and St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Medical Centers (now Mount Sinai) in NYC, and of the doctoral programs in clinical psychology at the Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University and at The City University of New York.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Diana Fosha is the Director and Founder of the AEDP Institute and maintains a private practice. She receives royalties as a published author. Diana Fosha receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Diana Fosha is on the advisory board of GAINS and the Society for Constructivism in the Human Science. She is on the Planning Committee and Advisory Board of by the Lifespan Learning Institute and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, DAPA, is a recognized expert in the strengths-based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma and has been in private practice for over 35 years. 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, the UK and Ireland.
She has been an adjunct faculty member at several Universities, and is the Founder of “The Ferentz Institute,” now in its 11th year of providing continuing education to mental health professionals and graduating over 1,200 clinicians from her two certificate programs in Advanced Trauma Treatment.
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 Behaviors in Trauma Survivors: A Clinician’s Guide, 2nd Edition (Routledge, 2014), Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors: A Workbook of Hope and Healing (Routledge, 2014), and Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapist’s Couch (PESI, 2017). Lisa also hosted a weekly radio talk show, writes blogs and articles for websites on self-harm and self-care, and teaches on many webinars.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Lisa Ferentz maintains a private practice and is the Founder and President of the Ferentz Institute. She receives royalties as a published author and is a consultant for Northwest Hospital. Lisa Ferentz receives a speaking honorarium and product royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Lisa Ferentz is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychotherapy Association.
Ellyn Bader, Couples Institute Co-Founder
Deb Dana, Leading Polyvagal Informed Therapy Innovator
Claudia Black, Expert in Adult Children of Addiction
Diana Fosha, developer fo Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Vienna Pharaon, “The Mindful MFT” and The Origins of You author
Janina Fisher, renowned trauma expert and author
David Kessler, Grief Expert
Abi Blakeslee, Somatic Therapy Trainer
Ramani Durvasula, Narcissism expert
Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt, Developers of IMAGO Therapy
Arielle Schwartz, author of The Complex PTSD Treatment Manual
Deran Young, Founder of Black Therapists Rock
Tammy Nelson, founder of The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute
Stan Tatkin, developer of PACT and author Wired for Love
Alexia Rothman, renowned IFS practitioner
Matthias Barker, psychotherapy educator
Elliott Connie, developer of Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Martha Kauppi, author Polyamory: A Clinical Toolkit
David Grand, developer of Brainspotting
Peter Fraenkel, author Last Chance Couple Therapy
Lisa Ferentz, Founder of the Ferentz Institute
James Gordon, Founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine
Hilary Waller, Post-partum expert
The Symposium is dedicated to addressing the genuine needs of therapists like yourself.
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Matthias Barker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwest University. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Matthias specializes in treating high-acuity sexual trauma, childhood trauma, and marital issues.
Matthias is a prolific educator and content creator, having self-published two mental health journals on a trauma-informed approach to motivation and gratitude. He has developed seven workshops on a variety of topics such as trauma, anxiety, and setting boundaries with parents as well as co-creating a comprehensive course on healing from trauma with Dr. Frank Anderson, a renowned trauma expert.
As a passionate advocate for mental health, Matthias is dedicated to making psychoeducation more accessible by bridging the gap between the academic realm and the everyday experiences of the general public. As a result, he has become a sought-after authority in both the mental health and social media fields. Through his social media platforms, Matthias reaches millions, sharing psychoeducational content and building a thriving community dedicated to mental health awareness and education. With over 3 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and his podcast, which once ranked #38 on the Spotify global health and fitness charts, his impact continues to grow.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Matthias Barker maintains a private practice. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Matthias Barker has no relevant non-financial relationships. journals, for a complete list contact PESI, Inc.
Kathleen M. Chard, Ph.D., is a co-developer of CPT and director of the Trauma Recovery Center at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Serving as the VA CPT Implementation Director, Dr. Chard oversees the dissemination of CPT to mental health clinicians across the United States. She is the co-author of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Model (The Guilford Press, 2017) and author of CPT for Sexual Abuse treatment manual (2012). A sought-after speaker, Dr. Chard has personally trained over 5,000 clinicians throughout the United States on using CPT with veterans, active-duty personnel, and civilians in addition to overseeing the training of tens of thousands of others via the trainers she supervises. She is co-chair of a 17-site study comparing CPT to Prolonged Exposure in US veterans in addition to conducting a $6 million-dollar Department of Defense study on the assessment of PTSD. She served as a past editor of the Journal of Traumatic Stress and is a professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kathleen Chard has employment relationships with CPT Training Institute, the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, the University of Cincinnati, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She receives royalties as a published author. She has a research activity that is grant funded through Health Services Research and Development Service, PESI Foundation, IAA with USAMMDA and CVAMC. Kathleen Chard receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kathleen Chard is an ad hoc reviewer for several peer review journals, for a complete list contact PESI, Inc. She is a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Linda is an adjunct faculty member in the Social Work Department at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and specializes in trauma-informed care and compassion fatigue resilience skills, specializing in somatic therapies and trauma therapy. She assists internationally renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, with his private small group psychotherapy workshops aimed at healing attachment trauma. In her work at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, she is responsible for training clinicians in all departments, including psychology, nursing and medicine. She has a Master of Social Work with an emphasis on the neurobiology of attachment and trauma.
Linda has studied Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Brainspotting, Havening, Internal Family Systems, and structural dissociation of the personality Linda has worked in Fairbanks, AK with those recovering from addiction, trauma, and mental illness. She is passionate about yoga, meditation, and mindfulness and bringing those gifts to her community.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Linda Thai maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with ND Systems. She receives compensation as a presenter, and she receives a speaking honorarium from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Linda Thai is the co-founder of Yoga & Twelve-Step Recovery (Y12SR). She is a board member for Asian mental health Collective.
Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is the Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting or Self-Involved Parents (New Harbinger, 2015.) It has sold over 100,000 copies, been translated into 14 languages, and has helped thousands of people reverse their toxic psychological legacy and reclaim their lives.
Dr. Gibson’s unique contribution to the field was to recognize that the anxiety, obsessions, and depression of her clients were often rooted in distorted beliefs and emotional coercions induced by emotionally immature parents.
A psychotherapist and psychodiagnostician for over thirty years, Dr. Gibson came to realize how prevalent emotional immaturity was in the family members of her clients. Many had parents who were functional people, not extreme on the spectrum of mental health conditions, yet the destructive phenomenon of parental emotional immaturity had devastating consequences for those who grew up in its wake.
Dr. Gibson continues to work as a clinical psychologist in private practice. Her follow-up book Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents: Practical Tools to Establish Boundaries and Reclaim Your Emotional Autonomy was released in 2019. (New Harbinger).|
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Lindsay Gibson maintains a private practice. She is a published author and receives royalties. Dr. Gibson receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Lindsay Gibson has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Lynn Lyons, LICSW, is an internationally recognized psychotherapist, author, and speaker with a special interest in interrupting the generational patterns of anxiety in families. Her skill-based approach to anxiety focuses on the need to teach families about HOW anxiety works and what families can do to pull members out of the powerful “anxiety cult” that demands obedience to its need for certainty and comfort. Lynn’s approach uses humor, playful connection, and a constant focus on DOING, an umbrella strategy she has taught to thousands of professionals and families.
Lynn is the co-author with Reid Wilson of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and the companion book for kids Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids. She is the author of Using Hypnosis with Children: Creating and Delivering Effective Interventions and has two DVD programs for parents and children.
She maintains a private practice in Concord, New Hampshire where she sees families whenever she’s not on the road teaching.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Lynn Lyons maintains a private practice and receives royalties as a published author. She receives compensation as an international presenter. Lynn Lyons receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Lynn Lyons has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sabrina N’Diaye, PhD, LCSW-C, MDiv, is an integrative psychotherapist, storyteller, and peacebuilder based in Baltimore, MD. She recently completed her first book, The Laugh of Love.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Sabrina N'Diaye is the founder and clinical director of The Heart Nest Center for Peace and Healing. She has employment relationships with The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, The Ferentz Institute, Saybrook University, and the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Sabrina N'Diaye receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Sabrina N'Diaye has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD, is a social psychologist, speaker and thinking partner specializing in sexuality, relationships, and intercultural fluency. She’s authored three books, including Love By Design: 6 Ingredients for a Lifetime of Love.
Diane Poole Heller, PhD, is an internationally-recognized speaker, author, and expert in the field of attachment theory and trauma resolution. She developed a signature series on adult attachment called DARe (Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience), that facilitates more fulfilling adult relationships.
In 1989, she began working with Dr. Peter Levine, teaching for 25 years for SEI.
She's authored 3 books: Crash Course, on auto accident trauma; Healing Your Attachment Wounds: How to Create Deep and Lasting Relationships; and The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. Her film, "Surviving Columbine," supported community healing after the Columbine High School shootings.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Diane Poole Heller has an employment relationship with Trauma Solutions. She is a published author and receives royalties. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Diane Poole has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is staff clinical psychologist, member of the teaching faculty in the marriage and family therapy graduate program, and clinical assistant professor of psychology at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. In addition to her clinical work with couples and individuals, Solomon teaches graduate and undergraduate students. One of her courses is Northwestern University’s internationally renowned “Building Loving and Lasting Relationships: Marriage 101,” which combines traditional and experiential learning to educate students about key relational issues like intimacy, sex, conflict, acceptance, and forgiveness. Solomon’s work has been widely cited, and her articles on love and marriage have appeared in The Handbook of Clinical Psychology, The Handbook of Couple Therapy, Family Process, Psychotherapy Networker, and other top publications in psychology. Her work also appears in O Magazine and The Huffington Post, and she is a frequent interviewee and contributor for the Oprah Winfrey Network, Yahoo! Health, The Atlantic, CBS Early Show, NPR, Psychology Today, and WGN Morning News. She is a sought-after speaker for corporate, collegiate, and professional audiences on topics related to modern love. Solomon lives in Highland Park, IL, with her husband, Todd, and their two children, Brian and Courtney.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Alexandra Solomon maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Northwestern University. She receives royalties as a published author and is the podcast host of Reimaging Love. Dr. Solomon receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a thought leader for Heleo, a founding expert for the Mine'd app, and an ambassador for The Relationship School. She is an ad hoc for several peer review journals, for a complete list contact PESI, Inc. Dr. Solomon is a member of the American Psychological Association, and the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.
Shadeen Francis, LMFT, is a therapist, professor, and author specializing in sex therapy and social justice. She trains organizations and is a guest expert for various media outlets, including CBC, NBC, and Fox.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Shadeen Francis has employment relationships with The People's Therapy Group and Council for Relationships. She serves as a clinical advisor for Actually Wellness and is a co-founding expert for Mine'd. Shadeen Francis receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Shadeen Francis is a member of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, Women of Color Sexual Health Network, the Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians, the Family Therapist Education & Advocacy Movement, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She is an ad-hoc reviewer with Routledge Press.
Tasha Oswald, PhD, is a neurodivergent therapist and developer of the Autism Clinical Specialist Certification. Previously with the University of California, Davis’s MIND Institute, she’s the founder and director of Neurodiversity Wellness Center and Neurodiversity Training Institute.
Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C, is an award-winning community healer, speaker, and Liberation-Focused Psychotherapist. Best known for her training, Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folk, she was named by The Huffington Post as one of the “Ten Black Female Therapists You Should Know,” featured on the PBS special Mysteries of Mental Illness and a two-time guest on the popular Therapy for Black Girls podcast.
Chris Aiken, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist whose work focuses on natural and lifestyle approaches to mood disorders. He is the director of the Mood Treatment Center, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, the bipolar Section Editor for Psychiatric Times, and an instructor at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He hosts the weekly Carlat Psychiatry Podcast with Kellie Newsome, PMH-NP.
Dr. Aiken’s interest in mood disorders came from experience with close friends who suffered from depression. He began his career as a research assistant at the National Institute of Mental Health and went on to complete medical school at Yale and residency at Cornell and Duke Medical Centers. He remains active in research, and his work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and books. He lives in North Carolina with his wife Lisa and twin children, David and Eleanor.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Chris Aiken is the director and founder of the Mood Treatment Center and has employment relationships with WiseMind, Wake Forest University, and the NYUI School of Medicine. He is the Editor-in-chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report and an editor of Psychiatric Times. Dr. Aiken receives royalties as a published author. He receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Chris Aiken is a member of the North Carolina Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. He is the president of the Forsyth County Psychiatric Association and a member of the board for Transformed Minds. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Ann Kelley, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice specializing in interdisciplinary relational couples therapy. Dr. Kelley is the co-author of Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World (HarperCollins April 2024) and co-producer of the internationally recognized Therapist Uncensored podcast. She and her wife and co-author, Sue Marriott, live in Austin, Texas where they raised their three now-launched children. Her professional work and writing is motivated by her ongoing concern about the toxic strategies being used by media and political forces that provoke fear, anger and polarization, and she’s driven to promote deep and wide conversations towards secure relating.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Ann Kelley maintains a private practice and is the co-founder and host of Therapist Uncensored Podcast & Community. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Ann Kelley has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Christopher Willard, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, author and consultant based in Massachusetts. He has spoken in over 31 countries and has presented at two TEDx events. He is the author of 20 books, including Alphabreaths (2019), Growing Up Mindful (2016). and Feelings are Like Farts (2024). His thoughts on mental health have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, mindful.org, cnn.com, and elsewhere. He teaches at Harvard Medical School.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Christopher Willard receives compensation as a consultant and has employment relationships with Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, and the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Willard receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Christopher Willard is the president and board member of the Mindfulness In Education Network. He is on the advisory boards of Mindfulness First and Peace in Schools. Dr. Willard is a member of Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy.
Dr. Elizabeth Nielson, PhD, is a co-founder of Fluence and a psychologist with a focus on developing psychedelic medicines as empirically supported treatments for PTSD, substance use problems, and mood disorders. Dr. Nielson is a Site Co-Principal Investigator and therapist for an FDA approved Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and has served as a therapist on FDA approved clinical trials of psilocybin-assisted treatment of alcohol use disorder, psilocybin-assisted treatment of treatment resistant depression, and earlier phase 2 and 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Through Fluence, she provides continuing education and training programs for therapists who wish to engage in integration of psychedelic experiences in clinical settings. Her research includes qualitative and mixed-methods projects designed to further understand the phenomenology and mechanisms of change in psychedelic-assisted therapy, including the experiences of trial participants and of the therapists themselves. Having completed an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at NYU, she has published and presented on topics of psychedelic therapist training, therapists’ personal experience with psychedelics, and including psychedelic integration in group and individual psychotherapy.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Elizabeth Nielson is the co-founder of Fluence and has employment relationships with Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and MAPS NY Private Practice Research Site. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Elizabeth Nielson is the founding member and an advisory board member of the Psychedelic Medicine Association. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the International Society for Research on Psychedelics.
Prior to a career in the field of mental health, George Faller, MS, LMFT spent 20 years as a NYC Firefighter and NYC Police Officer. His experience as a FDNY Peer Counselor, particularly following the events of 9/11, sparked his passion to help those impacted by trauma.
He is a certified trainer/supervisor/therapist in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and founder of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused therapy where he serves as president. He is a supervisor with the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) and teaches classes at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in Manhattan. He is a licensed marriage & family therapist currently practicing in Connecticut and New York. George is the director of training at the Greenwich Center for Hope & Renewal in Connecticut and is on board of the Porter Cason Institute at Tulane University in New Orleans.
George brings a unique and varied experience to his practice. Whether he is providing marriage therapy to Wall Street executives, leading a conference for the United States Military or equipping therapists from around the globe, his ability to inspire is far-reaching. George is also committed to bringing EFT to underprivileged populations and pushing the leading edge of effective therapy.
George is the coauthor of the books True Connection, Sacred Stress, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and cohost of podcast Foreplay Radio. For more information go to www.georgefaller.com and checkout www.successinvulnerability.com
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: George Faller is the Director of Training for the Center For Hope & Renewal, and the President of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy. He is the co-host of the ForePlay Radio Podcast, leader of Success in Vulnerability, and adjunct professor at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. George receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: George Faller has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Dr. Ingmar Gorman is a co-founder of Fluence, a psychedelic education company training mental health providers in psychedelic treatments. As a psychologist, he shares his expertise in empirically supported psychedelic treatments with his clients and trainees alike. Dr. Gorman received his clinical training in New York City at the New School for Social Research, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, Columbia University, and Bellevue Hospital. He completed his NIH postdoctoral fellowship at New York University. He simultaneously served as site co-principal investigator on an FDA approved Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is currently a study therapist and supervisor on the same study. He is co-author on a Nature Medicine paper reporting the results of the first Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Dr. Gorman has also published on the topics of classic psychedelics, ketamine, and Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Ingmar Gorman is the co-founder and CEO of Fluence International Inc., the lead scientific advisor for Journey Clinical, and receives grants from Beckley Psytech . He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Gorman receives a speaking honorarium from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Dr. Ingmar Gorman has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Jill Stoddard, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management. She is the author of two books: Be Mighty: A Woman’s Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance and The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Stoddard is an award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. She is a frequent podcast guest, regular contributor to Psychology Today, and has had her writing appear in Scary Mommy, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, and Mindful Return. Dr. Stoddard received her PhD from Boston University in 2007.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jill Stoddard is the founder and director for The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management. She is an author and receives royalties. Dr. Stoddard receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jill Stoddard is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America; Association for Contextual and Behavioral Science; and Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy.
Judith Matz, LCSW, ACSW, is co-author of The Making Peace with Food Card Deck, The Body Positivity Card Deck, and two books on the topics of eating and weight struggles. Beyond a Shadow of a Diet: The Comprehensive Guide to Treating Binge Eating Disorder, Compulsive Eating and Emotional Overeating, has been called “the new bible” on this topic for professionals. The Diet Survivor’s Handbook: 60 Lessons in Eating, Acceptance and Self-Care was a #1 bestseller on Amazon and a favorite resource for therapists to use with clients. She is also the author of Amanda’s Big Dream, a children’s book that helps kids to pursue their dreams – at any size! Judith has a private practice in Skokie, IL where she focuses her work with clients who want to get off the diet/binge rollercoaster and learn to feel at home in their bodies. Through her individual counseling, groups, workshops, presentations and books, Judith has helped thousands of people to develop self-care skills that increase physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing without a focus on the pursuit of weight loss. Through educational programs, she is dedicated to helping people end the preoccupation with food and weight. Judith received her MSW at University of Michigan and earned her post-graduate certificate at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, where she trained in the treatment of eating disorders. Judith is a frequent contributor to the Psychotherapy Networker magazine and a popular speaker at national conferences. Descriptions of her work have appeared in the media including the New York Times, LA Times, Allure, Fitness, Self, Shape, Today’s Dietitian, Diabetes Self-Management, NBC News Chicago, Huffington Post Live, and she appears in the documentary America The Beautiful 2.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Judith Matz is the director of The Chicago Center for Overcoming Overeating, Inc. and maintains a private practice. She receives royalties as a published author. Judith Matz receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Judith Matz is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Eating Disorder Association, and the Association for Size Diversity and Health.
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Yes, both in-person and virtual attendees will have the opportunity to ask or submit their questions live to get real expert responses. We will address as many questions as time allows.
No problem. Attend whatever sessions you are interested in. Please note that you can only receive CE credit for the sessions you attend live.
Symposium relies heavily on our volunteers, and we're grateful to have their continued support each year. Starting in November, we'll have Volunteer registration available. Be sure to check back soon.
Yes! While other conferences charge extra for CE, our registration passes include live CE hours as part of your ticket. After the event, an email will be sent to you that will explain how you will complete your electronic evaluation and access your certificate of completion.
You can stay right on site at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel. Register for the conference and make your hotel reservations right away because our host hotel will fill up soon.
We love bringing in students and those new to the field to experience Symposium. We'll be announcing our student registration later in November. Be sure to check back soon.
Psychotherapy Networker is a non-profit educational organization. For over 47 years, we have featured the leading researchers, innovators, and developers in the field through our award-winning magazine, CE trainings, and our annual Symposium.
Our focus is on telling the stories of psychotherapy and being a place where clinicians of all licenses and backgrounds who practice psychotherapy can keep up on what's happening in the field, hear captivating stories from colleagues on what's really happening in their practices, learn through CE trainings from the best in the field, and enjoy the most celebrated annual gathering of psychotherapists in the world.
Earn extra CE, spend time in an intimate environment with speakers, have your meals covered, and enjoy some of the finest cuisine. Be sure to add at registration.
Visit the Psychotherapy Networker Exhibit Hall each day for exclusive opportunities to meet face-to-face with our field’s experts, win prizes, and to experience the latest products and services that will enhance your practice.
Located in one of DC's premier neighborhoods, the luxurious and historic Omni Shoreham is the ideal location to learn, unwind, be inspired, and build connection with your colleagues and yourself.
I literally grew up with the Networker, accompanying me through every stage of my career. It is a community that provides belonging, information, and keeps me on my toes.
There's nothing like the Symposium! It's special because it's where therapists can feel a sense of belonging, stimulation, and excitement. We're stronger together.
The Networker is just a large, intellectual, and clinical playground. My friends and I continue to talk about it through the year. I highly recommend that people come. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
The Symposium is how the field finds community and connection. It's a fabulous opportunity to develop ourselves as people and professionals.
The Symposium offers so many useful ideas for your practice. It's the premier psychotherapy conference in the country.
As many others are creating complicated barriers to cancellations, we're making it easier.
If at any time you aren't 100% completely satisfied with your experience, in person or as a virtual attendee, just email us at symposium@psychnetworker.org and speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives. We'll make it right, guaranteed. We're that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more.
