Beyond Words: Helping Families Through Grief After Sudden Loss
An Interdisciplinary Conference Organized by the:
All Inclusive Care for Children Coalition
April 26, 2013
Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel
Vernon, NY
http://www.allinclusivecareforchildren.com/conference.htm
Dear Colleagues:
We are inviting proposals for presentations, workshops, roundtable discussions, and multi-media projects for an interdisciplinary conference on the topic of helping families through grief after a sudden loss. Topics may include traditional and non-traditional techniques, skills, and innovative strategies for coping with grief as it relates to sudden loss. The conference will incorporate topics relatable to both first responders and community professionals with topic examples including any form of sudden violent death (suicide, homicide, murder), motor vehicle accidents, death due to sudden illness, culture and spirituality, SIDS, perinatal loss, helping the helper, and the grief related to sudden life altering events (TBI or paraplegia). Experiential and demonstration based proposals are strongly encouraged. Submissions from healthcare professionals, academics, artists and students in fields such as individual, group, and family therapy, child life, expressive arts therapy, movement therapy, grief counseling, hypnotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine, psychology, sociology, cultural anthropology, comparative religion, spiritual healing, folk and indigenous healing methods, media arts, and other disciplines are ALL welcomed.
Our keynote speaker is Dr. Heidi Horsley. Heidi is a licensed psychologist and social worker in private practice in Manhattan (www.DrHeidiHorsley.com). She is also the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Open to Hope Foundation and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University. As an internationally known grief expert, author, and bereaved sibling, Heidi co-hosts the syndicated internet radio show, “Open to Hope.” She presents at National Compassionate Friends Conferences and the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), and consults with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Heidi serves on the advisory board for Our Conservatory, a national music program for at risk teens. She has appeared on ABC’s 20/20 and been quoted in the Washington Post, Time Magazine, Money Magazine and the New York Daily News, in addition to many other media venues. She also gives presentations, workshops and professional continuing education courses throughout the country for health care professionals. Since 9/11 she has worked in a research and clinical capacity for the FDNY/Columbia University Family Guidance Program; a study providing ongoing intervention and follow-up to families of firefighters killed in the World Trade Center, including workshops for bereaved siblings. She has written numerous articles for professional journals, and is co-author of the books Real Men Do Cry: A Quarterback’s Inspiring Story of Tackling Depression and Surviving Suicide Loss; Teen Grief Relief: Parenting with Understanding Support and Guidance; Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society: Bridging Research and Practice; and Open to Hope – Inspirational Stories of Life, Loss and Love. Heidi earned a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.) from the University of San Francisco; a master’s degree in social work (L.M.S.W.) from Columbia University, and a master’s degree in mental health counseling (M.S.) from Loyola University in New Orleans.
Submitted proposals for individual presentations should not exceed 500 words and should be clear on the content, objectives, and skills taught for the presentation. All sections of the form for contact information, presentation content, and description should be completed. Alongside a broad spectrum of individual presentations, we welcome submissions or panels organized around a common theme. Such sessions may comprise up to 6 individual presenters and a discussant. We regret that we are unable to offer honoraria or reimbursement for travel expenses to workshop presenters, however, free attendance to the rest of the event for those selected will be offered.
Located in the heart of Central New York’s rolling hills and overlooking historic Vernon Downs Racetrack, Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel is a uniquely fun and exciting getaway! The spacious guestrooms and suites are steps from Vernon Downs Casino and Live Racing for nonstop action and live entertainment. There’s something for everyone – from an indoor pool for relaxing and great food at the 4 on premise restaurants. Choose from local favorites with tasty appetizers, specialty salads and sandwiches, steak, seafood and pasta, plus great spirits and full card simulcast racing daily. The conference area offers flexible space and business-friendly amenities such as spacious suite accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby area and computer with 24-hour Internet access, personal service and helpful staff. Vernon Downs and Casino is also a short distance from Utica, Syracuse, and Rome and located at the center of NYS between Buffalo and Albany. It is a short drive off Interstate 90 exit 33 and offers shuttle service to the nearby amenities of the Turning Stone Resort & Casino.
