Originally published: . Volume 5, No. 9. Source pages: 15.
The Louisiana Psychological Association will hold its Annual Convention and business meeting June 12 and 13, at the Sheraton Galleria in Metairie, Louisiana. The theme will be “Resiliency, Mindfulness, & Resolve: Coping with the Hand You’re Dealt.”
Special Invited speaker will be Abbot Thay from the Buddhist Temple in Baton Rouge, starting the program with his presentation on “Mindfulness Meditation.”
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, will present her work on Disaster Recovery. Dr. Kuriansky is a well-known TV/Radio celebrity, psychologist in New York City. Since one of her sub- specialties is Sex Therapy, the second half of her workshop will focus on “Couples’ Sexual Relationships Post-Disaster.”
Other Invited Speakers include two individuals who are currently running for APA President. Dr. Tony Puente will present on CPT codes. And, Dr. Jessica Daniel Henderson will present on “Moving from At Risk to At Promise: Perspectives on Child and Adolescent Development.”
Dr. Jesse Lambert will present a two-hour ethics workshop, and Dr. Kelly Pears will present a three- hour workshop on PTSD.
Dr. Lore Dickey will present on “Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender, Nonconforming Clients,” and Dr. Michelle Moore on “Utilizing Mindfulness Techniques with Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with ADHD.”
Dr. Emily Sandoz from University of Louisiana– Lafayette will chair a symposium presented by her students, with the topic “Staying Flexible in a Rigid World.”
Tulane’s Dr. Michael Cunningham will present a workshop titled, “Resilience, Vulnerability, and Defiance in Urban African American Adolescents.”
LPA President-Elect Dr. Joe Tramontana will chair the 3rd Annual Symposium for Early Career Psychologists (ECPs) and Students. “In prior years,” he said, “my panel included experienced psychologists talking about applications of psychology they are practicing that they had no clue –or training in graduate school–they would be doing. This year, we also have two ECPs on the panel to talk about the challenges they’ve faced in their early careers. Topics include hypnotically enhanced psychotherapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, prescription privileges, psychologists in leadership positions, and others.”
Also this year, the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will provide an update on Board affairs. Thursday will include the association’s business meeting, and awards for the 2014 Distinguished Psych- ologist and Early Career Psychologist.
A poster session and cocktail hour concludes the convention on Friday evening.
Dr. Joe Tramontana said, “I have had what seemed at first the daunting challenge of being Program Chair for our annual convention scheduled for June 12 & 13, 2014. But with the assistance of my committee––Drs. Nemeth, Zeanah, DeGrange, & Storer––I believe we have a “kick-ass” program scheduled, with a line-up of speakers, programs, and CEU opportunities deeper than we have had for years.”
“One change this year is that after surveying LPA members, it was determined that New Orleans was the most popular locale,” said Tramontana. “We’ll meet at the Sheraton Galleria in Metairie, providing easy access for members not wanting to go downtown, and equally easy access for convention goers who want to partake in the downtown nightlife.”
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