UCLA Extension and Lifespan Learning Institute Present: 'The Cultural Lens in Psychotherapy' Identity, Power and Context

The Annual Interpersonal Neurobiology Conference

Distinguished Researchers and Clinicians Explore Impact of Culture in Psychotherapy, March 4-6, 2016, UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom


LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 26, 2016) - UCLA Extension and Lifespan Learning Institute present "The Cultural Lens in Psychotherapy: Identity, Empowerment and Context," at the Annual Interpersonal Neurobiology Conference, March 4-6, 2016. Distinguished researchers and clinicians present new findings in neuroscience as mental health professionals learn specific strategies to integrate culture and context into the therapeutic relationship.

"Clinicians are called upon to understand the influence of diverse historical, social, and economic backgrounds of clients," said Marion F. Solomon, PhD, Director of Clinical Training at the Lifespan Learning Institute and conference co-coordinator. "The Interpersonal Neurobiology Conference provides specific strategies and tools for mental health practitioners to connect with and empower clients."

Thematically, "The Cultural Lens in Psychotherapy" conference is focused on:

  • Brain, Mind, and Cultural Foundations of our Social Lives (March 4)
  • Identity, Power, and Diversity in a Changing World (March 5)
  • Compassion and Cultural Evolution (March 6)

Presentation highlights include: "Mental Illness: Outcome and Recovery in a Cultural Context," with Robert Lemelson, PhD, research anthropologist, Semel Institute of Neuroscience at UCLA, and adjunct professor, Department of Anthropology at UCLA. Lemelson is also a critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker. His 2015 film "Bitter Honey," is the portrait of three polygamous families in Indonesia. "Practicing "PEaCE": Culture, Community and Psychotherapy," with Shelly P. Harrell, PhD, professor at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology and visiting professor at UCLA; and "Healing Cultures: How Cancer Support Groups Affect Mood, Coping and Disease Progression" with David Spiegel, MD, Willson Professor & associate chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine.

Find a complete list of speakers and topics here.

The conference is notable for the thought-provoking dialogue between researchers and clinicians. Over 600 mental health practitioners -- psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, family and marriage therapists, counselors, and others -- attend the annual interpersonal neurobiology conference.

Convened by UCLA Extension and the Lifespan Learning Institute, the Interpersonal Neurobiology Conference meets on March 4-6, 2016, at Ackerman Grand Ballroom, UCLA Campus. Read the full program.

Up to 20.25 hours of continuing education credits are available for mental health professionals attending this conference.

There are registration fee options for early/after enrollment: 1-day ($185/205); 2- day ($325/345); or 3-day ($495/515). Early enrollment ends on Feb 4 and pre-registration closes March 2. See conference details and online registration here. For information about mental health and counseling programs at UCLA Extension, call (310) 825-7093, email at mentalhealth@uclaextension.edu.

About LIFESPAN LEARNING INSTITUTE
Lifespan Learning Institute is a 501(C)3 nonprofit institute that was originated by Los Angeles psychiatrists, psychologists, MFTs and Social Workers to develop and sponsor cutting edge continuing education (CE) programs for mental health professionals. Email at info@lifespanlearn.org.

About UCLA EXTENSION
UCLA Extension is the continuing education division of the University of California at Los Angeles. We offer courses evenings and weekends in Westwood and Downtown L.A., plus online classes available around the globe. Courses range from business, arts, engineering, and IT to entertainment studies, public policy, sciences, public health, the humanities and more. Explore UCLA Extension at www.uclaexension.edu

Contact Information:

Amy Prenner
310-709-1101