2009 National Conference
Pre-and Post-Conference Institutes

DBSA is pleased to offer several pre- and post-conference educational institutes. These 3-hour, in-depth workshops for consumers, family, employees, and peer specialists will be held the morning of Friday, September 11, and the afternoon of Sunday, September 13.

Take advantage of our Special Package Discounts and save 10-20% on BOTH your full conference registration AND your pre- and/or post-conference institutes when purchased together.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

Consumer Pre-Conference Institute "Wilderness Tips for the Comeback Trail: Reclaiming Joy & Balance" 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  Presenter: Victoria Maxwell (more about Victoria)

Victoria will use her signature humor, compassion, and personal experience to give her "insider's" view of living with, and managing, a mental illness. The seminar illuminates key roles that traditional psychiatric treatment, medication, psychotherapy, alternative approaches, and perspectives play in an individual's recovery...as well the tools and power the individual has in the recovery process. Addressing the 5 vital areas of a person’s being (emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and behavioral), Victoria offers simple yet powerful actions that will enhance the journey of recovery. The tools are low-cost and long-lasting solutions for thriving with a mental illness and reclaiming your joy. Ultimately, the session redefines the common derogatory stereotypes of mental illness to one of productiveness, empowerment and vitality.

Family Pre-Conference Institute "The Nature V. Nurture Debate: Overcoming Guilt & Stigma" 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Presenter: Jehannine Austin, PhD (more about Jehannine)  Sponsored by Rebecca's Dream

 

This interactive workshop will help family members better understand what cutting-edge research has discovered about the causes of mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder. The aim is to leave you with less guilt and stigma...and more hope and empowerment. This workshop will

• Discuss and debunk myths about the causes of these illnesses!
• Provide a clear and comprehensible explanation of recent findings about how genetics contributes to these illnesses.
• Discuss the role our experiences play in contributing to the development of these illnesses. We'll look into the future of genetic research on mental illnesses and possible consequences for family members of those affected by them.
• Explore the issues and questions individuals have about the chances that they themselves, their children, or grandchildren might develop a mental illness.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

Work Post-Conference Institute "Successfully Navigating the Complexities of the Workplace" 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  Presenter: Karen Fuqua, PHR, CSP, CCP (more about Karen)

Mental health consumers are faced with a myriad of challenges, especially in the workplace, as they navigate their way to wellness. The answers to the specific work-related questions that consumers face aren't typically covered in an employee handbook, nor can one easily walk into a Human Resources office to ask for help. So, what's the solution? In this workshop, Ms. Fuqua explains the new laws that protect individuals from discrimination at work, shares strategies for successfully asking for appropriate accommodations, and provides suggestions as to what can be done should they have a concern. She also offers pragmatic advice on communicating with coworkers and supervisors about sensitive issues relating to a mental health condition due to medication, time away from work, or emotional upsets during difficult coping periods.