The topics for keynotes and workshops can be developed so that they are congruent with the theme of a professional meeting or conference or sponsors can choose from one of the following topics:

 

The Many Facets of Grief

Keynotes and workshops on this topic provide participants with information that is pertinent to counseling those who are adjusting to losses due to changing economics, death, career changes, job loss, moving to a new community, aging, and changes in health status or other life transitions. Topics such as the stages of grief and loss, the four tasks of mourning, the difference between normal and dysfunctional responses to transitions and loss, blocks to successful grieving, helpful responses to bereaved clients, signs of recovery and guidelines for facilitating loss support groups are discussed, illustrated, or demonstrated.

 

Group Work for Practitioners

The participants investigate practical and theoretical concepts of group dynamics and group counseling to acquire skills in leading and facilitating various kinds of group interaction. Although some foundational principles of group work are reviewed, emphasis during the keynote or workshop is placed on helping the participants sharpen their skills for group work. Demonstrations by Dr Capuzzi with volunteers, training videos, and lecture/discussion topics are designed to promote skill enhancement in areas such as establishing ground rules, facilitating initial sessions, development and articulation of group members' agendas, supporting group members as they work through their agendas, and providing closure as the group terminates.

 

Suicide Prevention in the Schools

This topic addresses the significant concerns of suicide and suicide prevention in school settings and provides information needed by school counselors, crisis team members, teachers, administrators, and staff to effectively assist those at risk for attempting suicide. It includes information on myths connected with suicide, risk and protective factors for suicide; the signs and symptoms connected with the potentially suicidal youth, suicide assessment, guidelines for prevention, crisis management and postvention in schools, and ethical and legal issues surrounding suicide. Emphasis is placed on needed counseling techniques with children, adolescents, and survivors and their families.

 

Using Meditation and Mindfulness to Increase Therapeutic Presence in Counseling

The purpose of this experientially focused topic is to enhance participant ability to establish therapeutic presence with clients. Research suggests that the quality of the helping relationship and the counselor's ability to be "present" as counseling progresses is highly related to successful outcomes. Presence can be enhanced and learned as a skill by using various techniques. After discussion and a thorough examination of counselor presence is made, techniques are taught so that counselors leave with plenty of resources for future progress and growth. This topic is co-presented with a colleague whether in a keynote or workshop format.

 

Youth at Risk: The Suicidal Child and Adolescent

This topic addresses the significant concerns of suicide and suicide prevention and provides training needed by counselors, social workers and other helping professionals to effectively assist those at risk for attempting suicide. It includes the history of suicide in various cultures; myths connected with suicide, risk and protective factors for suicide; signs and symptoms, suicidal assessment; ethical and legal issues surrounding suicide; and counseling techniques with children, adolescents, survivors, and their families. Guidelines for prevention, crisis management, and post-vention are all presented. A varied format including experiential exercises will be used to introduce concepts and illustrate assessment and counseling techniques.

Retreats

Renewal experiences are pertinent to the prevention of burnout and continued productivity for members of the helping and teaching professions. Retreats can be designed for various groups and can be of one, two, or three days in length depending on the needs of a particular group. Emphasis is placed on a strength-based, supportive atmosphere and small group interaction. Formats are highly experiential in nature, and are focused on stress reduction and opportunity for sharing and personal growth. Retreats designed for more than six individuals are co-facilitated with a colleague. Settings vary based on the resources of the sponsoring group.

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