Evening Lectures for Fall 2008:

Monday, September 22, 2008, 7:00p - 9:00p

Joyce H. Vesper, Ph.D.

“Dissociative Identity Disorder: Identification and Treatment”

   This workshop will discuss the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of individuals suffering with Dissociative Identity Disorder as well as the recovery process and what the DID client can expect when treatment is completed. The Power Point presentation will contain factual information regarding causes of DID including (potentially disturbing) case histories of abusive treatment of children. There will be actual music, artwork and written work created by the clients who have undergone treatment.

   Joyce Vesper has been in practice for 33 years and specializes in trauma and abuse. She provides individual and group therapy to individuals with DID and guides spouses and children of these individuals to assist them in living with and loving the Dissociative. Dr. Vesper, a psychologist, is also trained in adjunctive therapies and weaves art, music, Bibliotherapy, yoga, and exercise into the psychotherapeutic process.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 7:00p - 9:00p

Patricia I. Johnson, Ph.D.

“Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychological Trauma”

   Once regarded as caused only by combat experiences, the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more recently recognized as a frequent consequence following natural catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina, victims of violent crime, and even severe emotional loss in everyday life. This presentation will explore the variety of diagnostic symptoms, differentiating between normal feelings of loss and PTSD, and the psychotherapeutic treatment of this increasingly common disorder.

   Patricia Johnson is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Scottsdale. She has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of physical and psychological trauma and has been a consultant to the trauma centers at several Phoenix hospitals. Dr. Johnson has lectured throughout the southwestern United States on trauma recovery. In addition to her practice, Dr. Johnson has served in multiple volunteer positions with the Arizona Psychological Association, including president, and has represented Arizona on the Council of Representatives for the American Psychological Association and also serves as Federal Advocacy Coordinator.

Back to the top.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 7:00p - 9:00p

Brent B. Geary, Ph.D.

“Values and Their Meaning in Your Life”

   Personal values are the prime motivational dynamics in human existence. Research in Social Psychology during the past two decades has greatly advanced our understanding of values as universal variables common to all people. This seminar will allow you to learn current concepts regarding values and their role in life. You will discover your own value priorities by completing and scoring a sruvey that will be thought-proviking as well as personally meaningful. Please bring a pocket calculator with you for help in scoring. The impressions you take with you will far transcend the numbers.

   Brent Geary is a licensed psychologist in private practice in the Valley. He teaches domestically and internationally on a variety of subjects, including values, clinical hypnosis, and substance abuse assessment. Dr. Geary has coedited two respected books about hypnosis and hterapy and is an approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and is on the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.

Back to the top.

   C.E. Credits - Two hours of Category II Credit are available to psychologists. A Document of Attendance will be given to professionals upon request. There will be a $5.00 fee for professionals requesting a Document of Attendance. Please make checks payable to "MCC Psi Beta". All proceeds will go to the MCC Psi Beta Chapter and will be used for club activities and the sponsoring of future events.

   Presentations will be held at Mesa Community College, Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room, 7:00p-9:00p. Registration and seating begin at 6:40p. Seating is limited.

   If you are a mental health professional and are interested in presenting at our forum or for more information, please contact the MCC Psychology Department by email or phone: 480-461-7032.