This unique 1.5-hour session brings together diverse clinical voices in a rapid-fire format designed to deliver focused, evidence-informed insights across a wide range of practice areas. Each of the featured presenters will speak for seven minutes, sharing research-based perspectives and tools on topics listed below.
The session is anchored by Elan Javanfard, MA, LMFT, who will serve as the primary presenter and clinical facilitator. Elan will introduce the overarching theme of integrative, community-based, and culturally competent care, provide context for each topic, and synthesize the key clinical takeaways throughout the session. Through transitions, commentary, and reflective prompts, he will guide participants in connecting themes across disciplines and apply them to their own mental health practice.
Designed for intermediate-level professionals, this session emphasizes innovation, conciseness, and actionable learning—offering a high-yield format to close out the conference with clarity and inspiration.
Rabbi Benny Gruen, PsyD (non-clinical), LSW
Revisiting Chosson/Kallah Education and Early Divorce
Based on an informal research project examining perceived causes of early divorce, Rabbi Gruen proposes discussing findings suggesting inadequate premarital preparation as a contributing factor and exploring the potential role of mental health professionals in providing chosson and kallah education.
Bruchy Moskovics, CSW, CCLS
Helping Children Overcome Anxiety Quickly and Effectively
Drawing from her clinical work and psychodrama experience, Bruchy will present practical approaches for helping children move through anxiety efficiently, with the goal of equipping clinicians and parents with actionable tools and renewed hope.
Caroline (Chani) Silver, LPC
Preparing Therapy Interns for Clinical Practice
Chani proposes discussing the gap between graduate training and real-world clinical readiness, sharing her own experience of feeling underprepared and introducing innovative technology-based solutions to improve therapist training.
Menachem Hojda, LCSW
Defending Social Work Education and Early Professional Development
This presentation addresses misconceptions about the preparedness of early-career social workers, highlighting research on therapist effectiveness and advocating for foundational clinical development and attunement skills before advanced techniques and certifications.
Mordy Gottlieb, LCSW, CSAT
Therapist Burnout and the Power of Delegation
Mordy proposes exploring how therapists often become overwhelmed by administrative and operational responsibilities. The talk encourages clinicians to build support systems, delegate non-clinical tasks, and create more sustainable practice models.
Leigh Loffe
The Healing Power of Human Connection in Suicide Prevention
Using the story of a hotline caller who later became a hotline supervisor, Leigh will discuss suicide prevention through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology, emphasizing attunement, compassion, and the transformative impact of meaningful human connection.
Kasriel Gewirtzman, LMHC, DP
When Couples Therapy and Individual Therapy Become Entangled
Kasriel will present clinical scenarios illustrating the complexities and unintended consequences that can arise when couples work and individual therapy intersect, encouraging thoughtful and ethical clinical practice.
NO CEs