WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. \u2014 (Oct. 13, 2017) \u2014 Monmouth University\u2019s department of Professional Counseling will present the \u201cCurrent Topics in Counseling Conference\u201d on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017. The day-long conference is facilitated by the department\u2019s alumni organization, Counseling Alumni Connection, and will take place on Monmouth\u2019s main campus.<\/p>\n
The conference\u2019s keynote speaker will be Catherine Roland, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, the past president of the American Counseling Association (2016-2017). Roland holds a doctorate in counselor education and a master\u2019s degree in school counseling from the University of Cincinnati. Her clinical specialties include counseling with adults in trauma, older adults, couples and families, and counseling LGBTQ and diverse communities. Her address is \u201cAdvocating for Mental Health: Current Challenges and Ethical Responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additionally, former New Jersey governor Richard J. Codey, Monmouth University\u2019s 2017-18 Public Servant-in-Residence, will address the forum. His talk, \u201cMental Health and Public Policy,\u201d will focus on how he became interested in making mental health a focal point of his public service, including stories of going undercover in psychiatric institutions and nursing facilities and doing frequent unannounced inspections of boarding homes, both of which exposed the poor treatment of patients. Codey and his wife also have been open about their struggles with post-partum depression. These experiences led Codey to pass legislation which have made improvements to mental health public policy.<\/p>\n
He is scheduled to speak from 12:45-1:30 p.m. in Wilson Auditorium. A part of the conference program, Codey\u2019s address is also open to the general public and campus community at no charge.<\/p>\n
The conference will consist of two morning and two afternoon workshop sessions. Each attendee will choose one workshop per session and will attend a total of four sessions exclusive of the general addresses by Roland and Codey, according to Lisa Himelman, the department\u2019s professional development coordinator. Five continuing education (CE) hours will be provided.<\/p>\n
The cost to attend this conference is: $125 (professional rate), $100 (Monmouth University alumni rate) or $50 (current student rate). Conference registration includes continental breakfast and CE hours certificate.<\/p>\n
Complete information and online registration for the Current Topics in Counseling Conference is available on our website:<\/p>\n