5 KEYNOTE LECTURES
Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes served as the President of the British Psychological Society from 2015–2016 and the former Head of Healthcare Psychology at the UK’s MoD. He was Founder Director of both the UK Psychological Trauma Society and the Veterans and Families Institute at Anglia Ruskin University and its Veterans and Families Research Hub. He is former director of EMDR UK and Ireland Association. Jamie is Visiting Professor of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, and at Northumbria University.
Keynote on Psychology
Working with Victims and Survivors of Disasters, Terrorism, War, Abuse and Accident both Individually and Systemically: A 25-year Perspective
The past quarter of a century has seen a multiplicity of wars, disasters and terrorist incidents around the globe. In addition, and very sadly, the daily cycles of serious accidents, crime, and abuse continue in every country around the world. The author qualified as a clinical psychologist 25 years ago and has been working as a clinical psychologist specialising in trauma throughout that period, a period in which there have been many innovations and significant developments in psychological and psychotherapeutic approaches to intervening with and treating survivors of war, accident, disaster, terrorism, and abuse. Such developments will be reviewed, illustrated by case examples gained from the author’s clinical experience gained in working with individual survivors of crime, abuse, war, disaster and terrorist incidents and through working systemically with the military, organisations involved in disaster relief and those working with the refugees and asylum seekers. Although the examples cited will come predominantly from the author’s personal clinical and organisational experience in the UK, it is hoped that the lessons which may be drawn can be applied in and international context.
Dr Harris Shah Abd Hamid is the President-Elect of the Asian Psychological Association (APsyA ) and Vice President of Malaysian Psychological Association. He obtained a PhD in ergonomics from Loughborough University. He has over 18 years of teaching experience at various universities in Malaysia. He is currently with University of Malaya. He is also actively involved in professional training programmes in both psychology and ergonomics. He is the co-Editor- in-Chief of Malaysian Journal of Psychology and had recently been appointed as a member of the Editorial Board of The Malaysian Journal of Psychology and Counselling.
Keynote on Psychology
Threats to Self-care: Who’s Interested in Personal Health?
The management of personal health is becoming more complex in terms of options and procedures. The healthcare systems are expanding to accommodate various pressures and constraints to their operations. Competing healthcare modes are also pervasive; sometimes with direct confrontation against the science-based medical care. A sociotechnical model on patient work had identified systemic elements that may influence the effectiveness of self-care. However, the influences are expressed more as barriers to self-care. In health psychology, the research on adherence to medication has also identified the barriers. These lines of research should be expanded to account for the elements external to the healthcare systems that may jeopardise self-care. Possible research directions are the taxonomy of the external threat elements, the mechanism whereby the external threats influence self-care, and the design of the internal system to counter the external threats.
Dr Berney Wilkinson is co-host of Psychreg Podcast. Dr Wilkinson earned his PhD in school psychology from the University of South Florida in 2005, specialising in paediatric psychology. He went on to complete a postgraduate programme and is a Diplomate with the American Board of School Neuropsychology. He is a licensed psychologist in Florida and owns a private practice that includes other psychologists and counsellors. He is the Associate Editor of Psychreg Journal of Psychology.
Keynote on Education
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Parent-Teacher Partnerships
Homeschool collaboration has long been recognised as a valuable tool for student education and development. As one group of researchers put it, ‘Indeed, family-school relations and parental involvement in education have been identified as a way to close demographic gaps in achievement and maximise student’ potential (Hill & Tyson, 2009).’ Unfortunately, despite the well-known benefits of homeschool collaboration, multiple factors impede its implementation. Poor and inconsistent communication, variations in expectations, and differing values among the most common barriers to homeschool collaboration. The execution of an effective homeschool collaborative plan necessitates the acknowledgement and resolution of these barriers.
Dr Richard Marshall is co-host of Psychreg Podcast. Dr Marshall earned an EdD in reading and learning disabilities at West Virginia University (WVU) in 1982. Upon completion of his degree he became an Assistant Professor of Paediatrics at the WVU Medical School. After moving to Florida in 1983, he joined the faculty in the Department of Paediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of South Florida and worked for five years in the Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Programme. He is the Associate Editor of Psychreg Journal of Psychology.
Keynote on Education
Applying Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice
As we approach the third decade of a new millennium, educational psychology seems precariously perched between significant between significant contributions and extinction. From the professional community, there are calls for evidence-based practices and more rigorous research. At the same time, however, other segments demand that we eliminate evolution from the curriculum, that we ignore scientific evidence and slash funding for scientific research, that we measure educational achievement and teacher effectiveness with grossly inadequate tests, and that we accept the suspension and expulsion of disproportionately large numbers of students of colour. And yet, we remain optimistic, as the need for evidence-based research, new instructional formats, and emerging finding from neurosciences offer new and exciting challenges. Surely, the role of the educational psychologist will change, but the goal of translating theory into practice remains.
Dr Dahlia Domingo is the President of the Global Psychology and Language Research Association (GPLRA). Dr Domingo has been teaching at New Era University for 18 years. She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the Philippine Normal University. She also holds Master in Education: Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of the Philippines. In May 2016, she delivered a keynote address at the 6th International Conference on Teaching, Education and Learning held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Keynote on Counselling
21st Century Skills for Educators and Counsellors in Dealing With the Millennials: Basis for Counselling Programme
Today, information and communications technologies (ICTs) infiltrate classrooms around the world at an exceedingly rapid pace. In the wake of this influx, both educators and counsellors face growing challenges as they deal with a very ‘wired’ — and more and more ‘wireless’ —generation of students using technology that is evolving every day. Therefore, as practising professionals, in order to effectively communicate with the millennial generation, we need to be better equipped with 21st century skills. These skills does not only involve keeping abreast with the latest resource, but more importantly it involves promotion of a collaborative learner‐centred environment to which students will relate and respond effectively. This keynote will highlight real-world scenarios in the 21st century classroom, with the overarching aim of using this discussion as a basis for a counselling programme.
6 SESSION PRESENTATIONS
Recognised as the world’s first blog psychologist, Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg and is the Editor-in-Chief of Psychreg Journal of Psychology. Aside from PJP, he sits on the editorial boards of international peer-reviewed journals, and is a Commissioning Editor for the International Society of Critical Health Psychology. Dennis is a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society and holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Hertfordshire. His research interest lies in the intersection of psychology and blogging. You can read more about him from his website.
Session on Mental Health
Putting the Spotlight on Mental Health Through Blogging
Taking into account the features of blogging, it is arguably one of the effective medium to raise awareness about mental health. Blogs have the capability to demonstrate that people with mental health problems are cared about, understood, and listened to. Through the use of blogs, the powerful lived-experience narratives are reaching far more people. With the increasing popularity of blogs, it is only sensible that they should be adapted in order to change the way people think and act about health psychology, and ultimately about mental health. It is comforting to know is that across the world, people use blogs as an effective medium to share their narratives and experiences, to increase awareness and understanding, and to offer comfort and support. And not only that, blogs in similar genres are now being given recognition similar to those of mainstream blogs.
Professor Laura Caulfield is the Chair of the Institute for Community Research at the University of Wolverhampton. Her research expertise lies primarily within the criminal justice system, and she is skilled in bridging the gap between evidence, policy, and practice. She has received funding from the UK Government, Economic and Social Research Council, the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance, the National Health Service, the Youth Offending Service, and several third-sector organisations. Her latest book, Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners was published in April 2018.
Session on Psychology
The role of the arts in the criminal justice system: Innovative approaches to prisoner rehabilitation
Arts-based interventions have a long and complex history of work within the justice system. From fine art, to drama, creative writing and poetry, dance, to music – the art forms are many and varied. The arts in prison settings have provided an alternative or complimentary component to rehabilitation, and there is significant evidence that participation in the arts has a positive impact: increasing confidence and social skills; promoting engagement with education and treatment programmes; improving attitudes and behaviours; and a positive impact on well-being. While much useful and insightful research has been produced on the role of the arts in criminal justice, the evidence base has been subject to criticism. For example, the focus of much research in this area has been based on self-reported measures, there has been a lack of robust quantitative data, and it is rare to see evaluations that use pre-test and post-test scores. This lecture will explore the history and role of the arts in prisoner rehabilitation, discuss current research and criticisms of the existing evidence base, and propose new and robust approaches towards understanding the impact of the arts on prisoner rehabilitation.
Dr Dean Wilkinson is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Worcester. He has experience of conducting research using qualitative and quantita
Session on Psychology
Responding to an ageing population: Exploring the use of innovative arts-based interventions with older prisoners
The number of older people in prison has increased dramatically in recent years. Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows that the proportion of people in prison in England and Wales aged 50 or older increased by 150% between 2002 and 2017. A similar pattern has been seen in many countries around the world. The rising number of older people in prison brings with it a host of health and well-being challenges for psychologists and other professionals. Indeed, the scale of the challenge posed by an ageing population has been recognised as an international concern. For example, in early 2018 the UK government announced £300 million of investment to develop technologies and industries that can help the UK prepare for an ageing society. As society begins to respond to an ageing population, so too must the criminal justice system. There is a need to explore innovative ways of working with older people in prison. This lecture will present findings from research into a novel, arts-based intervention with older men in prison. .
A counselling psychologist in training and a Tutor at Glasgow Caledonian University, Fraser Smith conducts qualitative analysis in sexual health and antibiotic resistance. Fraser is the host of GetPsyched, a YouTube channel which explores numerous topics in psychology relevant for psychology students and graduates. He is the Counselling Representative of PsyPAG, the national organisation of psychology postgraduates in the UK.
Session on Counselling
What ‘Manning Up’ Really Means? The Stigma Around Mental Health of Men
Men’s mental health lacks empirical research and established understanding. Men are more likely to die from suicide and yet less likely to seek therapeutic assistance. The issue of men’s mental health is a growing public health concern and one that needs deeper appreciation if it to be in anyway mediated. Still, little is known about why men experience greater mental health challenges and what barriers men experience in terms of accessing psychological therapy. The barriers experienced by men had led to many refusing to seek help for their challenges with mental health. Masculinity and stigma are huge contributing factors to this lack of therapeutic uptake. This session will attempt to shed light on the complexity of stigma and masculinity experienced by men, and how this contributes to the lack of men who access therapy. The developing issue in overall men’s mental health and how therapists and psychologists can positively impact the way in which men deal with their mental health difficulties and seek therapy, will also be discussed.
Rohit Sagoo, MRes is Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. Rohit teaches the BSc programme in Children’s Nursing. Previously, he taught at City and Islington College, London for several years around study programmes relating to Health and Social Care, Access to Nursing and Social Work and preparing students for university. He is also an editorial board member for Psychreg Journal of Psychology.
Session on Psychology
The Impact of Sport Psychology on Mental Health and Goal Attainment: Future Directions and Implications
The game of snooker is very much seen as a soloist sport like tennis and darts. Nonetheless, the mental cognition and toughness surrounding such solo sports can often be an isolated journey for the player who is in the pursuit of sporting elitism. During this path mental cognition around a particular sporting ability increases a high level of knowledge and skills. Snooker as a game plays into that form of cognitive development and in turn can be considered a benefit in supporting an angle of positive mental health and mental cognition for any individual who plays snooker. With this borne in mind, an opportunity for discussion arises in relation to the mental health and cognitive benefits of playing snooker as an ‘everyday player’.
Dr Nida Roncesvalles is an Associate Professor from Texas Tech University where she teaches life span motor development, motor behaviour, kinesiology, among others. Her primary research expertise lies within biomechanics and sports psychology. She holds a PhD in Motor Development from the University of Oregon where she also finished her master’s degree. Dr Roncesvalles is an active member of the North American Society of the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.
Session on Psychology
Bridging the Mind and the Body: Will Increased Efficacy Translate to Optimal Movement?
Previous research has revealed that older women are more vulnerable to injury and falls than men. Hence, fears arising from falls and threat of falls are real. Before it grabs a firm grip on women, it is worth investigating if this state is malleable or even preventable. Documentation of health, mental state, heart rate, activity levels, and other demographic data were conducted during baseline screening. Inclusion to the final participant pool required low to moderate concern for falling. Results were attributed to having participants not yet vulnerable to fear (low to moderate concerns). Follow-up on those with greater fear is recommended. Furthermore, fall prevention strategies should be comprehensive and multifaceted. As a form of prevention, stakeholders should prioritise research and public health initiatives to further define the burden, explore variable risk factors and utilise effective prevention strategies.
5 WORKSHOPS
As an international human rights activist, since 1990, Mandy Sanghera has been supporting victims and survivors of honour-based violence and cultural abuse such as female genital mutilation, and forced marriages. At present, she is currently working with the European Parliament on forced marriages, to prepare a report based on the information from the 28 EU Member States and the selected associated countries.
Workshop on Mental Health
Psychological Trauma of Abuse, Harm, and Violence Around the World: What Can Psychologists and Counsellors Do?
According to the United Nations, around the world at least one woman in every three has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Most often the abuser is a member of her own family. Moreover, every year, two million people experience domestic abuse. There are 100,000 people at risk of being murdered or seriously harmed; 130,000 children live in those households. For every person being abused, there is someone else responsible for that abuse: the perpetrator. And all too often, children are in the home and living with the impact. Increasingly, both gender-based and gender-based violence is recognised as a major public health concern and a violation of human rights. The effects of violence can be devastating to a woman’s reproductive health as well as to other aspects of her physical and mental well-being. Taking these into account, what can psychologist and counsellors do?
Dr Imelda Virginia Villar is a board member for the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Chairperson for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Psychology at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). She finished a postdoctoral course in counselling psychology from the University of Oregon and holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Santo Tomas. Dr Villar finished her master’s degree in from De La Salle University. Prior to working at PRC she was the Executive Director of Women’s Crisis Center and taught at St Scholastica’s College.
Keynote on Psychology
Unleashing the power: Neurolinguistic programming techniques and positive psychology
All human actions are positive. For instance, if a plan fails or the unexpected happens, that experience can be judged as neither good nor bad – it simply offers us a useful information. Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that involves analysing strategies used by successful individuals and applying them to reach a personal goal.This session will cover concepts of positive psychology and neurolinguistic programming. Using sample cases, it will illustrate how NLP techniques are utilised to bring about the positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments (collectively known as PERMA, which sits at the core of positive psychology). If time permits, a brief demonstration can be done.
Isabel Ghisolfi is a Psychology student at Columbia University in New York, a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Programme Assistant at the Child Mind Institute and a Research Assistant at the the Child Psychiatry unit of the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI). Isabel works NYSPI, where she is investigating the neurological implications of ADHD and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. She is also pursuing a research study examining racial bias in the diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in children.
Workshop on Special Education
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Treatment Effectiveness and Implementation
PCIT is a research-supported parent coaching and child-focused intervention that has been found to be highly effective for behavioural disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). Young children with autism often present with a range of behavioural problems similar to ODD and CD including aggression, tantrums, and difficulty transitioning between activities. Therefore, PCIT holds considerable promise as a potentially effective treatment for children with autism. Studies reveal that PCIT interventions for children with autism lead to a decrease in the intensity and frequency of child disruptive behaviours as measured by the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory™; as well as a decrease in the intensity of parental distress related to such behaviors. However, the decrease in parental distress exceeds the decrease in the intensity and frequency of child disruptive behaviours.
Dr Jonathan Macayan is an educator, practitioner, researcher and an education leader. He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from De La Salle University. Dr Macayan has over 20 years in the academe and serves as the Dean of School of Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences at Mapua University and the Interim President of the Association of Education Researchers and Trainers (ASSERT). As a Registered Psychologist (RPsy), he has been doing private consultation projects in various areas involving behavioural intervention programmes, psychological assessment, and organisational development. In addition, he has been an active researcher, particularly in the area of educational psychology and education.
Workshop on Education
Decoding Outcome-Based Education
Outcome-Based Education (OBE) has been a widely known education framework that has captured the interest of numerous educational institutions in the world. Many countries have attempted to implement OBE, but many have failed in their attempts at educational reforms using this framework. OBE was borne out of a positive philosophy that underscores success for all learners. But how has such a framework deeply anchored on learners’ success failed? Did OBE really fail? Or, did the implementers of the education reform fail OBE? This workshop will revolve around thorough discussions on the important elements and principles of OBE that will address why and how many institutions failed in implementing OBE. In the process, the workshop will decode the essential aspects of OBE, particularly the five pillars of OBE and the overarching ‘laws of alignment’ that will ensure successful implementation of education framework.
Owing to her expertise in counselling, Cherrie Ragunton, RPm has appeared in CNN Philippines several times. Cherrie is a registered psychometrician in the Philippines and behavioural specialist at Interspect Training Services. She earned her master’s degree in psychology from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and soon after she taught at Our Lady of Fatima University and Central Colleges of the Philippines. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and of the Philippine Association for Counsellor Education, Research and Supervision (PACERS. More recently, she was one of the speakers at International Conference in Counselling Psychology held in Osaka Japan last October 2017.
Workshop on Counselling
Self-Compassion and Mindfulness for Helping Professionals
It is often easy and quite natural for helping professionals to be kind and compassionate towards their clients. Unfortunately, as some point, helping professionals may struggle in extending the same kindness towards themselves. They were trained to be empathic and sympathetic to their clients and to feel how their clients feel amid life struggles, but also to help them to see the value of their own suffering in their own lives. As helping professionals do this, they are likewise teaching them to gain resilience and confidence whenever they find themselves facing life’s adversities. Their job is fulfilling and rewarding, yet admittedly, oftentimes draining (emotionally, psychologically, and physically). It is therefore rather essential for them to practise self-compassion such that they may continuously serve their client and avoid burning themselves out.
