Keynotes

Whether online or in-person, the most healing element is your presence and connection with your clients. Connect from your heart’s mind to your client’s with clinically appropriate, evidence-based practices that work on your online platform and in your office. When you guide a yoga skill in a session, you will find your client has greater focus, access to feelings, and is ready to dive deeper into the work of therapy. Discover yoga skills that offer you an energy boost and a calm and focused mind, even as you teach them to your clients.

This year’s conference theme, Integrating the Interbeing, speaks to something profoundly important: the way our interconnectedness shapes and impacts mental health. It reminds us that we do not exist in isolation, and that the health of our relationships—particularly within the family—can be a powerful source of healing, growth, and refuge.

Belongingness, in the context of mental health, is more than just being in the same space as others. It’s about deep, authentic connection—feeling seen, understood, accepted, and valued for who we truly are. Research shows that a sense of belonging is crucial for emotional well-being, self-esteem, and resilience in the face of adversity. And yet, many of the individuals we serve come from environments where this sense of belonging was never fully realized.”

The family, ideally, should be a sanctuary—a place where we are rooted in acceptance, love, and support. It is here that the foundation of our self-worth is often built. But, as we know, the dynamics within families can be complex. Some families may be sources of incredible strength, while others may unintentionally perpetuate cycles of trauma, misunderstanding, or alienation. Our challenge, as mental health professionals, is to help foster healthier, more supportive family environments where belongingness can truly thrive.