Our Speakers

Dr. Robert J. Ackerman, Ph. D Known for his engaging and warm style he brings his expertise in “family therapy and family of origin issues;” Known for his work with families and children of all ages. Dr. Robert J. Ackerman is Professor and Director of the Mid-Atlantic Addiction Research & Training Institute at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a co-founder of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics and is known for writing the first book ever on children of alcoholics. Some of his books include, Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul; Perfect Daughters; Silent Sons; Children of Alcoholics; and Before It’s Too Late.

Kathleen Parrish, MAMFC, MARE, LPC is Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Cottonwood Tucson.  Kathleen is author of The Essence of Resilience:  Stories of Triumph over Trauma (HCI Books, 2016).

Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D. is an author of three books, the most recent being Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials. A psychologist in private practice who has taught the integration of Buddhist principles and psychotherapy as a professor at Naropa University since 1981.

Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. has more than 40 years’ experience as an educator, clinical trainer and lecturer.  He has appeared on Oprah 17 times. Creator of Imago Relationship Theory & Therapy, vision to shift the culture from the primacy of the individual to the primacy of relationship.  Three NY Times best sellers including Getting the Love You Want are among the ten books he has produced.

Dr. Pamela Harmell, Ph. D. is a professor at Pepperdine University and author of professional publications on ethical practice.  She serves as Co-Chair of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association Ethics Committee and maintains a private practice in Brentwood, CA.

John Arden, Ph.D., ABPP – Recently retired from Kaiser Permanente where he served as the Northern California Regional Director of Training. Author of 15 books including his new book Mind-Brain-Gene: Toward the Integration of Psychotherapy.