2023 Convention Sponsors – Exhibitors – Advertisements

As the premier event for psychologists and researchers in the region, CPA’s Annual Convention draws over 200 attendees from across the state. The event offers a unique opportunity to network with key decision-makers in the field and showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience.

We offer several sponsorship opportunities for your company, including:

– Exhibitor Booth: Display your products and services, and network with attendees by setting up an exhibitor booth at the event.

– Sponsorship Packages: Choose from various sponsorship packages that offer a range of benefits, including breakfast, lunch, coffee, and social hour sponsorship, acknowledgement, and logo placement.

– Advertising Opportunities: Promote your brand through various advertising options, including event program ads and email marketing.

Our sponsorship packages are designed to fit your budget and marketing objectives. By sponsoring the CPA Annual Convention, you will be supporting the professional development of psychologists and mental health professionals while increasing your brand awareness.

Poster Presentation Applications

The Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA), invites students and researchers to submit poster presentation proposals for the upcoming CPA 2023 Convention, which will take place on Friday, November 3rd, 2023.  Please distributed widely among your networks!

The CPA Convention is an esteemed gathering of professionals and scholars in the field of psychology, offering an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge, research findings, and networking opportunities. We are excited to welcome your valuable contributions to this event, and we believe your work can greatly enrich the conference experience.

Submission Guidelines

We invite you to submit your poster presentation proposals, which should align with psychology related themes and topics. Please ensure that your submission includes the following:

1. Title: A clear title for your presentation.

2. Abstract: An concise abstract (50 words) summarizing your research and its significance.

3. Author Information: Names, affiliations, and contact information for all contributing authors.

4. Learning Objectives: Three clear and measurable learning objectives that attendees can expect to achieve by viewing your poster.

5. Research Citations: Provide three research citations (dated within the last 10 years) that support or inform your work.

6. Curriculum Vitae: Attach a curriculum vitae (CV) for each presenter, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.

Important Dates

Proposal Submission Deadline: September 29th, 2023

Notification of Acceptance: October 15th, 2023

Registration Deadline: October 31st, 2023

Convention Registration Information

To attend the CPA 2023 Convention and present your poster, all authors must register for the event. Registration details, fees, and further information can be found on our convention website at https://connpsych.org/event/cpacon2023/.

Convention Workshops

1. Bringing Dissociation Treatment Techniques to the Modern Era: Webinars and Online Content.Presented by Rocio Chang M.A., Psy.D., Meadow Pallein, Caitlin Sullivan.

Dissociation is a common symptom of PTSD; therefore, proper techniques must be readily available for clinicians treating these symptoms. This presentation demonstrates techniques used by therapists of different backgrounds and approaches to respond to dissociative episodes, using films of therapy sessions with actor clients produced by the Center for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network

2. Weight, Let’s Review: Assessing the American Academy of Pediatrics New Obesity Treatment Guidelines.Presented by Elizabeth Rathbun, Psy.D., & Joy Zelikovsky, Psy.D.

In January, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) presented revised guidelines of treating obesity in youth. Suggested are the use of weight loss medication and bariatric surgery for those as young as 12 years. Many eating disorder advocates note concerns as guidelines could contribute to weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors.

3. Diagnostic Assessment Using the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders (DIAMOND) and DIAMOND-KID for children and adolescents. Presented by Kimberly Sain, Ph.D.

The Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders (DIAMOND) and Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders for children and adolescents (DIAMOND-KID) are promising semi-structured diagnostic interviews for DSM-5 disorders. This workshop will discuss administration and psychometrics of these new interviewing tools.

4. Keynote Presentation: Transformative Leadership and Strategic Advocacy. Presented by Jan Owens-Lane, Ph.D. featuring, Nadi Paranamana, M.A., a mentee to a Transformative Leadership In Action.

Dr. Jan Owens-Lane will define and give examples of transformative leadership with organizational and community focus. Effective strategic advocacy approaches will be highlighted as well as emphasis on development of allyships, partnerships, networking, mentoring and the power of role-modeling to graduate students and early career psychologists. The presentation will feature: Nadi Paranamana, M.A., a mentee to a Transformative Leadership In Action to speak about her personal journey to mentoring, leadership & advocacy.

5. Psychologists as Medical School Educators: Opportunities to Impact Future Physicians.Presented by Cassandra Holinka, Psy.D.

With medical students’ interest in psychology and focus on person-centered medicine, psychologists have unique opportunities to contribute to the development of future physicians. This talk reviews the wide variety of roles psychologists can play in medical schools with specific case examples, and will elicit discussion of suggestions for future directions.

6. Mis-use of Fire: By Children and Adolescents. Presented by Anthony F. Campagna, Ph.D.

Mis-use of fire by children and adolescents is universal, injuring and killing people, pets, and wildlife, and damaging property. This presentation will describe the scope of the problem, explore the causes, and present a widely used typology. A promising screening tool for case-identification will be presented.

7. Targeting Racial Trauma & Stigma in Psychosis: Findings from Community-Based Participatory Research (Diversity Track).Presented by Joseph S. DeLuca, Ph.D.

Most minoritized youth report experiencing racial discrimination, which can cause or exacerbate psychosis-spectrum experiences. However, few clinicians are trained in how to identify and target racial trauma & other stigmas. We report on the development of a provider training program in this area, co-developed with three young people who have experienced psychosis (supported by an American Psychological Association Early Career Service Grant).

8. Transformative Leadership Practices in School Counseling: Emerging Model for Social Justice and Academic Excellence (Diversity Track). Presented by Mkpoikanke Sunday Otu, Ph.D.

The study explored how the eight principles of transformative leadership support social justice, and academic excellence. Also, the study demonstrated how an all-inclusive school counseling program would use the eight principles of transformative leadership to achieve social justice and academic excellence. Fully integrated mixed methods design use is explained.

9. Bringing Vulnerability into the Supervisory Relationship. Presented by Kathryn A. Patterson, Psy.D., & Chelsea R. McIntosh, Psy.D.

This workshop will review recent literature on the role of vulnerability in the supervisory relationship and barriers that trainees or supervisors may experience in bringing vulnerability into the supervisory space. Presenters will facilitate a discussion on participants’ experiences with supervision and how they can address concerns in this area.

10. Clinical Considerations for Affirmative Care for Neurodiverse Populations. Presented by Sarah Hardy, Ph.D., and Leanne Price, Psy.D.

This workshop provides a balanced perspective on the characterization of neurodiversity and autism and addresses traditional and complementary approaches to the clinical treatment of autism spectrum disorders. This workshop describes various approaches for mental health providers unfamiliar with neurodivergent patients to understand better how to approach neurodiversity-affirming care and work within this population.

11. Moderating the Link Between Discrimination and Adverse Mental Health Outcomes: Examining the Protective Effects of Cognitive Flexibility and Emotion Regulation (Diversity Track). Presented by Yutong Zhu, B.S.

Discrimination affects mental health. The study investigated the role of cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation in discrimination-related anxiety among sexual/racial minorities. Participants (N = 221) completed an online questionnaire. Results revealed that emotion regulation difficulty (ERD) mediated the relationship between discrimination and anxiety, and cognitive flexibility moderated the relationship between ERD and anxiety. Findings suggest the importance of enhancing cognitive flexibility with emotion regulation training to mitigate the impact of anxiety on marginalized groups.

12. Psychology, Soul, and God: Integrating Psychology and Spirituality. Presented by Steven Prasinos, Ph.D.

Thoughtfully studying experience reveals that persons are subjectivity fields (souls) residing in transpersonal subjectivity fields. Souls seek harmony. Mental health is the soul’s degree of harmony. Love, a learning receptivity, harmonizes souls. Love promotes connection with the grand subjectivity field which can be personified as ally or God.

13. A Multidimensional Model of Well-Being. Presented by Traci Cipriano, Ph.D.

This workshop provides an overview of a science-based framework for understanding the many intersecting individual and organizational factors which influence well-being, and how they are all related, yet separate and distinct, with particular attention given to: 1) Why do we care about well-being?; and, 2) The role of leadership in influencing organizational culture as it relates to burnout, trust, commitment and motivation. Psychologists will be introduced to the utilization of psychological science outside of the therapy room to promote well-being and healthy work environments.

14. Learning From Lived Experience: A Guided Visualization to Increase Empathy Around Experiences of Psychiatric Hospitalization. Presented by Rebecca Miller, Ph.D and Erika R. Carr Ph.D.

This session provides an experiential learning exercise designed to increase awareness and better understand the experience of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Using a guided imagery exercise, the session focuses on personal reflection and building empathic bridges with a description of the process of admission onto a psychiatric unit. A brief introduction to the historical context of psychiatric hospitalization will be followed by an experiential exercise, a written reflection, breakout group discussion, and looking at possible implications and recommendations for further use of this modality in supporting advocacy work in behavioral health.

15. Abortion Access and Reproductive Care in a Post-Roe Era: Racial/Ethnic Disparities (Diversity Track). Presented by Sarayu Iyengar, LPC.

Historically, marginalized individuals have faced more obstacles in their fight for reproductive rights. With Roe v. Wade being overturned, access to reproductive care and abortion for these individuals has become more limited perpetuating racial/ethnic disparities. This presentation highlights post-Roe implications, socio-economic barriers, and impact on mental health for marginalized individuals.

16. Working with LGBTQ+ Adolescents, Young Adults, and their Families : A Systems Approach (Diversity Track).  Presented by Derek A Fenwick, Psy.D., and Laura M.I. Saunders, Psy.D., ABPP.

This workshop will give anecdotal evidence to potential barriers when working directly with families and their gender diverse adolescents and young adults. In addition, key concepts will be presented to help other professionals and/or caregivers develop skills needed to foster support and resilience within this population from a systems perspective.

2023 Convention Request For Proposals – Due March 31, 2023

We are looking forward to an exciting, high-quality Conference with a multitude of activities. This year’s Convention will focus on Transformative Leadership, Advocacy, and the Psychologist’s Role as an Agent of change for individuals, groups, communities, and society at large.  Programs from Academicians, Clinicians, Researchers and Students are welcomed.

CPA demonstrates our commitment to educating the psychology community about matters of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.  We are proud to offer Diversity Track Programming throughout Convention.  Our esteemed colleagues will present thought provoking work and research and will engage in critical dialogues around issues of race, social justice, neurodiversity, gender identity, disability, allyship, and more.  Professionals of color are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.

The CPA’s Convention is an opportunity to learn about your professional organization, exchange ideas, gain visibility, share successes and insights, enjoy being creative and renew professional relationships.

There will be a variety of themes and learning opportunities to address these interests with clinical, academic, and community-based colleagues encouraged to present. All submissions are welcomed to include issues related to diversity, treatment and intervention approaches broad to specific, research/academic questions, integrative care models, population health, forensic & neuropsychological issues, professional responsibilities, ethics and much more.

Guidelines for submitting a presentation proposal:

When submitting a proposal, please note the following:

1. The curriculum vitae of all presenters must be included.
2. The proposal form must be filled out in its entirety with a preference for emailed submission directly to the Convention Chair (see below).
3. All presenters need to pre-register for the Convention and pay the registration fee prior to the Convention. Please reach out to the Convention Chair (see below) for exceptions.
4. Final decisions regarding acceptance of programs, time allocated to each presentation and time of day for presentations will be made by the Convention Committee.
5. All submissions will be acknowledged. If you do NOT receive a confirmation receipt, please contact Convention Chair (see below).
6. Proposal decisions will be determined by 5/01/23.

Given the large number of excellent proposals submitted in recent years we anticipate that not all proposals will be accepted. Proposals will be selected based on relevance to professional psychology and their “fit” with the overall program framework.

Proposals must be submitted before March 31, 2023.

All proposals must be emailed to CPA’s Convention Chair: Dr. Stephanie Pennington at stephanielpennington@gmail.com.

Proposal Application Form

Please complete the attached proposal application (Word doc or PDF):

Word Doc Application:   https://mcusercontent.com/51e1d24e4c94c289904db26d1/files/4662aaa3-1a61-289f-f5be-cf286855bfc8/2023_Call_for_Proposals.docx

Editable PDF Application:
https://mcusercontent.com/51e1d24e4c94c289904db26d1/files/a435097a-c765-6226-02f2-d60674b2a18b/2023_Call_for_Proposals.pdf

Email your completed application form along with your CV to CPA’s ConventionChair: Dr. Stephanie Pennington at stephanielpennington@gmail.com.

Proposals DUE: March 31, 2023.