Keynote/plenary topics

Plenary and Keynote Topics



Here are some possible plenary/keynote topics. Usually these are one to two hour talks.

The Science of What Works:
Using Research from Various Fields (Positive Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychotherapy Outcomes, Behavioral Economics and Resilience) in Changework


Recently emerging in many fields is evidence of what works in life. But it isn’t always obvious how to translate this research into clinical work. This talk will give a whirlwind tour through the highlights of the latest research and what insights and methods we can use in our work with clients and patients that derive from this research.

Introduction to the latest in “What Works” Research
The Science of Happiness: Results from Positive Psychology Research
The Science of Cooperation: Social Influence research (How people’s actions, perceptions and beliefs are influenced by others)
The Science of Change: Psychotherapy Outcomes Research (What helps people change)
The Science of Choice: Behavioral Economics (The non-rational influences on people’s choices)
The Science of Bouncing Back: Resilience (What helps people bounce back from trauma, tragedy and difficult childhoods)
The Science of Relationships: Connections and Relationships
The Science of Spirituality (How having spiritual beliefs and practices can affect health and mental health)

Objectives:
1. To use at least 3 research findings in clinical work
2. To list at least 3 factors that increase happiness and life satisfaction
3. To detail the importance of social following in influencing people’s behavior
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Breathing “Soul” Back Into Psychotherapy
Soul and spirituality has often been left out of therapeutic work primarily because therapists haven't been shown a respectful, non-intrusive way to bring it in to change work. But leaving out this important resource in people's lives is impositional in another way. This session will provide a clear overview, definition of spirituality and provide easy to understand and use tools for spiritual assessment and intervention.

Objectives
1. List the three components of spirituality
2. Name at least four of the seven pathways to connection
3. Use spiritual assessment methods
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The Science of Happiness: Using Positive Psychology research to can increase your life satisfaction and happiness levels now and in the future
Bill O’Hanlon, author of 28 books and guest on Oprah

Positive Psychology is the study of human happiness and life satisfaction – what works in life as demonstrated through research. But it isn’t always obvious how to translate this research into your life. This talk, by noted author and speaker Bill O’Hanlon, delivered with humor and compassion, will offer a solid research base and ways to put this research into practice.

You’ll learn:
*Why we’re almost always wrong about what will make us happy
*Four things you can do in the next month to increase your happiness level
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Solution-Oriented Approaches to Rapid Change:
Drawing on Positive Psychology and the New Brain Science to Make Your Work More Joyful and Effective

Recent years have seen a shift in focus from what is wrong with people (diagnosis of deficits and damage) to what is right with people (strengths, competence and abilities). This approach has been validated by recent research findings about the plasticity of the brain and on what makes us happy and gives our lives meaning.

Translating this research into practical interventions isn't always obvious. This talk, inspiring as well as informative, by Bill O'Hanlon, author or 28 books including Change 101 and Do One Thing Different (featured on Oprah), will help professionals by providing the tools to more rapidly join with clients and help them change. It can make your work easier, more cooperative and more joyful.

Objectives:
1. List three findings from Positive Psychology that can help make EAP work more effective
2. Use five methods of dissolving resistance
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Thriving Through Crisis: Turning Post-Traumatic Stress into Post-Traumatic Success

In this talk, you'll discover the three crucial ways, drawn from research and clinical experience, to transform trauma and life crises into positive benefits. This inspiring talk, by Bill O'Hanlon, psychotherapist and author of 28 books, including two on trauma, will change the way you think about trauma and PTSD and give hope for those clients who are seriously affected by post-traumatic symptoms.

Objectives:
1. List the three elements of post-traumatic growth;
2. Discuss how wounds can be tunred into blessings and contributions.
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Keeping Your Soul Alive:
Personal, Professional and Spiritual Renewal
“I get up every morning determined both to change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes, this makes planning the day difficult.” –E.B. White

The purpose of this talk is to recharge your personal and professional batteries and put the fun and meaning back into your work. You are invited to listen, but there is a warning: This presentation may cause severe laughter, self-examination, peace and aliveness.

  • Recover from burnout and compassion fatigue
  • Recharge your professional batteries
  • Re-examine your work: Why did you enter your field and why are you still in it?
  • Two simple ways to identify what work you are meant to be doing and if you are off course in your work
  • Follow your wound: Finding your meaning from life’s injuries and disappointments
Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to recognize two life energies that decrease burnout;
2. Participants will be able to use hurts and anger to fuel positive change;
3. Participants will be able to apply the insights gained to enhance current therapy/medical/nursing/teaching relationship skills.

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Get a Clue: The four signals for finding your passion and purpose in life
This presentation will offer an in-depth look at the four soul signals that provide a compass for people to determine what direction is next for you. Through audio clips, movie clips, poetry and stories, you will leave energized and inspired. Bill O’Hanlon is one of the top speakers in the mental health field.

Learning Objectives
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    Mid-Course Corrections:
    Re-finding Passion and Purpose in Mid-Life

    In mid-life, people often find they feel lost or dissatisfied. As they face aging and come nearer to death, they begin to rethink their life and work. This session will examine typical mid-life issues of work, relationships and life purpose and give guidelines for how to help people rework their lives and find new passion and purpose.

    Objectives:
    1. To recognize common mid-life issues
    2. To identify where people have gone off course in their lives
    3. To learn at least three ways to help people re-connect with passion and purpose