2021
DBSA Boston Speakers’ Series Friday, Dec 3, 2021, 6 p.m. EDT
Our speaker for December was Kimberly Berry, founder of Being UnNormal.
“How to Parent When You Have a Mood Disorder”
Click here or on her picture to watch a recording of her talk.
Kimberly Berry is the founder of Being UnNormal, a coaching and consulting group that assists people navigating the world of mental health. She also hosts the Being UnNormal podcast, which explores various topics within the mental health community. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in the corporate, non-profit, leadership, and small business arenas.
She is a sought-after public speaker who has spoken in front of a wide range of audiences about a variety of mental health topics. She has been on various television segments, interviewed on podcasts, and featured in news articles focusing on spreading her mission of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness.
DBSA Boston Speakers’ Series Friday, Oct 22, 2021, 7:30 p.m. EDT
“Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and behavioral interventions for bipolar disorder”. Click here or the image to view the recording.
Kristen K. Ellard, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and Director of Dimensional Neuroimaging Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Neuropsychiatry.
She completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Boston University and completed her clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Ellard’s research uses transdiagnostic, dimension-based neuroscience, and behavioral approaches to understand the roots of severe symptoms in psychiatric disorders, and to find more efficient and effective treatments, combining behavioral approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Her research focuses on bridging neuroscience, transdiagnostic functional assessment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches to improve patient outcomes in neuropsychiatric disorders, and particularly bipolar mood and anxiety disorders.
Speakers’ Series: 
Friday, September 24, 2021, 7:30 p.m. EDT
“Accelerated Healing with EMDR Therapy”
Deborah Korn, PsyD, and Michael Baldwin.
You or someone you care about has probably experienced trauma, whether “big-T” trauma, such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or the more common but no less significant “little-t” trauma that can result from divorce, job loss, painful childhood experiences, or any situation where you felt worthless, afraid, or powerless. Untreated trauma can lead to long-lasting effects such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulties maintaining intimate relationships. But the good news is that we can heal—and it doesn’t have to take a lifetime.
This presentation will provide an overview of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a unique type of psychotherapy proven to help people recover from trauma and improve the quality of their lives. Deborah Korn, PsyD, maintains a private practice in Cambridge, MA, is a training faculty member at the Trauma Research Foundation, and is a senior faculty member at the EMDR Institute. Dr. Korn has authored numerous articles and chapters focused on EMDR therapy, including reviews of EMDR applications with Complex PTSD. She is an EMDR International Association-approved consultant and is also on the Editorial Board of the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research. She presents and consults internationally on the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.
Every Memory Deserves Respect, her new book about EMDR therapy—co-authored with Michael Baldwin and written for the layperson—is now available in bookstores and online.
Zoom URL: https://zoom.us/j/6178550006
Password: Email ZoomInfo@dbsaboston.org for the most updated password. You will receive an auto-response.
Click here to watch the recording of the talk with Debbie and Michael.
Friday, June 25, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
“Classical Music for Mental Health: Creating a Stigma-Free Zone,”
Ronald Braunstein and Caroline Whiddon
Ronald Braunstein and Caroline Whiddon are the co-founders of Me2/ (“me, too”), the world’s only classical music organization created for people living with mental illness. They will join DBSA Boston to talk about their own experiences with mental illness (he has bipolar disorder; she has anxiety & depression), how they started the Me2/ organization, and how they create a stigma-free zone for their musicians. To learn more about Me2/ prior to the discussion, please visit www.me2orchestra.org.
Ronald Braunstein (Music Director & Conductor) and Caroline Whiddon (Executive Director) co-founded Me2/ (“me, too”) out of a shared desire to utilize classical music to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. The organization is based in Boston, MA, and currently oversees ensembles in four states, including orchestras, chamber music groups, and a flute choir. Me2/ does not require any auditions or fees for participation. Approximately 50% of the musicians involved are living with a diagnosed mental illness. Every Me2/ performance includes great music along with compelling stories from the musicians about the realities of living well with mental illness.
Click here to watch the recording
Friday, May 28, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
“Psychiatry in Translation,” R’el Rodriguez, MD
R’el Rodriguez is an inpatient psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. She completed medical school at Ross University School of Medicine, residency at the University of Connecticut, and a public psychiatry fellowship at New York University.
She is Mary Johnston’s oldest daughter and is currently unit chief of the Latino Unit at Bellevue, director of the inpatient psychiatry after-hours service at Bellevue, and director of the NYU Public Psychiatry Fellowship.
She will be discussing her experiences working with Spanish-speaking patients throughout her medical training and career. Click here to see her talk.
Cynthia Piltch – ECT, her journey
Friday, April 23, 7:30 PM on Zoom.
ECT: My Personal Journey
Cynthia will be speaking about her experiences with ECT and how they have impacted her mental health and her life in general during the last 25 years.
Cynthia is a Reiki master teacher, a health educator, a massage therapist, and a certified peer specialist. She works at the MGH Center for Excellence in Psychosocial and Systemic Research as a peer consultant. She is a DBSA Boston facilitator.
March 26, 2021, Anne Harrington, DPhil, “Mind Fixers”
In her recent book, Mind Fixers: Psychiatry’s Troubled Search for The Biology of Mental Illness, Dr. Harrington presents a fascinating history of psychiatry’s search for causes of and cures for mental illness. She discusses the various theories presented over the years and how social, political, and economic forces have shaped the way mental illness is treated. She reveals that the ‘biological revolution’ of the 1970s has not turned out to be the revolution that was touted. It’s a thought-provoking study and analysis of where psychiatry has been and where it is going.
Anne Harrington is the Franklin L. Ford Professor of the History of Science and Director of Undergraduate Studies, specializing in the history of psychiatry, neuroscience, and the other mind and behavioral sciences at Harvard University. For six years, she co-directed Harvard’s Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative. She also was a consultant for the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Mind-Body Interaction, and served for 12 years on the Board of the Mind and Life Institute, dedicated to cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between the sciences and various contemplative traditions. She was a founding co-editor of Biosocieties, a journal concerned with social science approaches to the life sciences.
Watch Anne Harrington’s videos here: Part 1 and Part 2
February 26, 2021, John Budin, MD, “Psychiatrist as Patient: Caring for the Caregiver”
Documentary film presented by the National Depression Bipolar Support Alliance
For decades, John Budin maintained a thriving psychiatric practice in New York City, caring for hundreds of patients. He taught medical students at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital and directed a mental health program at Montefiore Medical Center. Yet he revealed his own bipolar disorder to no one.
Now retired, John is engaging his colleagues in a conversation he hopes will transform the climate of secrecy that exists in many workplaces. Mental health stigma can be overcome, making it safe for medical professionals — and all of us — to find affirmation and support.
There will be a group discussion after the documentary.
2020
Feb 12, 2020, Robert Meisner, “Ketamine: Separating Fact from Fiction”
Ketamine was once used mainly as an anesthetic on battlefields and in operating rooms. Now, this medication is gaining ground as a promising treatment for some cases of major depression. Because of its rapid action, ketamine could have a role to play in helping to prevent suicide.
If a person responds to ketamine, it can rapidly reduce suicidality (life-threatening thoughts and acts) and relieve other serious symptoms of depression. Ketamine also can be effective for treating depression combined with anxiety. Other treatments for suicidal thoughts and depression often take weeks or even months to take effect, and some people need to try several medications or approaches to gain relief.
Robert C. Meisner, MD, is the medical director of the Ketamine Service in the Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics Program at McLean Hospital and an attending psychiatrist in the Acute Psychiatric Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. He graduated from Princeton and attended Harvard Medical School. His academic interests included graduate study in cultural anthropology, with early clinical training in internal medicine and anesthesia, critical care, and pain. Dr. Meisner has written and lectured on a wide range of topics, including the safe translation of ketamine research into evidence-based clinical practice, ebola and the psychiatric consequences of quarantine, depression and existential distress in palliative care.
2019
November 13, 2019: “Tai Chi,” Aisling O’Shea.
As a Tai Chi Qigong practitioner and coach, Aisling’s goal is to help others develop a regular practice that promotes relaxation, improves energy and strengthens the mind and body’s capacity for stress management and self-healing. Aisling has been learning and practicing various forms of Tai Chi and Qigong for more than twenty years. She completed a Tai Chi EasyTM Practice Leader training with Roger Janke at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY and currently teaches a bi-monthly Tai Chi class at the Belmont Public Library. Aisling’s work as an environmental practitioner focuses on restoring and preserving healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Tai Chi is a valuable self-care practice, which enhances the body’s natural capacity to heal itself and has been shown to reduce stress, improve energy, balance, and flexibility and support an overall sense of well-being. During this presentation, Aisling will provide an overview of Tai Chi, including the main elements of this mind-body practice, research findings on the health benefits of Tai Chi, and observations based on personal experience and student feedback. There will be time for questions, discussion, and information on additional resources to learn more about the practice and benefits of Tai Chi.
October 09, 2019: “Recreational and Medical Marijuana: Potential Implications for Adolescent and Psychiatric Populations,” Jodi Gilman, PhD, and Randi Schuster, PhD.
This lecture presents a broad overview of the science of cannabis, focusing on the evidence of risks associated with cannabis use. We discuss key issues, such as the effects of cannabis on the brain, why early age of initiation of cannabis use is detrimental, the effects of cannabis on cognition and IQ, the relationship between cannabis use and mental illness, and whether or not cannabis should be considered “medicine.” We also address key issues raised by the changing legal status of cannabis in the United States.
Dr. Jodi M. Gilman is a neuroscientist with expertise in the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain, especially in young adults, and is currently conducting a clinical trial of medical marijuana. Dr. Randi Schuster is a clinically trained neuropsychologist with a range of expertise in cognitive testing and on the effects of cannabis and other substances on the adolescent brain.
September 11, 2019: “Talk Saves Lives,” Michele Lee
Michele Lee is the Associate Area Director for the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In this position she oversees four of the Out of the Darkness Community Walks (Central MA/Worcester, Easton, MetroWest, and South Shore/Cape Cod) the Out of the Darkness Campus Walks in Eastern MA, as well as AFSP programming and mental health/suicide prevention initiatives in communities throughout the region. She has been at AFSP for two years and was a volunteer for the organization prior to that – as an Out of the Darkness Walker, Boston Walk Committee member, and Team AFSP Marathon runner. To donate or sign up for the ASFP Boston walk on October 26th, 2019 go to the ASFP Boston Walk Page
Program description: Talk Saves Lives is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide. Attendees will learn the risk and warning signs of suicide, and how together, we can help prevent it. Click here, or on the picture for slides of Michele’s presentation.
May 08, 2019: “Derailed on the Bipolar Express” author Joie Edson
Raising a child with a mood disorder presents challenges that are difficult and grueling. Joie Edson, the author of Derailed on the Bipolar Express, discusses her goals for writing and publishing her memoir while frankly sharing her challenges of raising two sons with mental illness and substance abuse.
During her talk, Ms. Edson will conduct two readings from her book. Her readings will reflect on the emotional 15-year journey of raising her two sons with Bipolar Disorder. She also will share advice and the tools she has developed for coping, navigating the mental health system, and advocating for her sons’ well-being.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
April 10, 2019: Cynthia Pitch; “The Role of Self-determination in Mental Health Recovery”
Cynthia Piltch, PhD., MPH, LCMT, Reiki Master and Peer Specialist, is an educator, consultant and clinical practitioner trained in a variety of integrative healing modalities including therapeutic massage, Reiki, reflexology and craniosacral and myofascial release therapies. She received her PhD from Boston University. Dr. Piltch is an adjunct instructor at the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, where she teaches wellness and Photovoice courses. In addition, she serves as a research consultant for the Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systematic Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Piltch maintains a private clinical practice in Lexington, Massachusetts.
This presentation will focus on a description of five factors that enhance self-determination as a critical part of mental health recovery using examples from her own recovery journey.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
Feb. 13, 2019: “How and when does mental illness stigma impact treatment seeking?” Annie B. Fox, PhD.
Mental illness stigma has been identified as a critical barrier to treatment seeking. However, despite a large body of research examining the relationship between mental illness stigma and treatment seeking, we know very little about how and when stigma impacts the decision to seek care. Mental illness stigma is complex and multi-faceted, and different aspects of stigma may impact people differently.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
2018
Dec. 12, 2018: “Take Control of Your Depression: Strategies to help you feel better now” Susan Noonan, MD
Dr. Susan Noonan is a medical doctor, author of three books on depression, a consultant, patient, and certified Peer Specialist. She regularly blogs for Psychology Today and facilitates peer groups at McLean.
As a physician who has treated, supported, and educated those living with a mood disorder, and as one who has personal experience in living with depression, Dr. Susan Noonan has firsthand knowledge of what is most helpful, backed by medical evidence. She will discuss three topics of interest to those who have a mood disorder, from her new book: the fear of getting better, wellness as the goal of treatment, and how to survive the holidays with friends and families.
↑ Click on the ► symbol, above left, to play the audio portion of the talk.
Nov 14, 2018: “Imaging in Psychiatric Disorders,” John Gabrieli, Ph.D., PhD.
John Gabrieli and his wife Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli have a mission is to understand the brain basis of psychiatric disorders and to promote translation of this knowledge into clinical practice. Towards this end, they employ multimodal neuroimaging techniques to investigate the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. Their goal is to discover biomarkers for improved diagnosis, early detection and prediction of therapeutic response. The future quality of health care in psychiatry will benefit from a timely translation of basic research findings into more effective patient care.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
October 10, 2018: Oct 10, 2018, “Surviving Survival: You Are Still In Control!,” Tonisha M. Pinckney, PhD, MSCJ, MAFF, CFE aka Dr. Toni.
Toni presents clear and easy suggestions for dealing with life. Based on her own life experiences and anecdotes from client and mentee exchanges, Dr. Toni reminds attendees that we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond and who we let life challenges impact us. A survivor of sexual assault, domestic violence, and many other physical and mental health challenges, Dr. Toni gives tools to help you (1) survive survival, (2) allow yourself time to get through it rather than get over it, and (3) gain perspective as to your role in a healthy future.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
September 12, 2018: “Portraits of Resilience,” Daniel Jackson, PhD.
Daniel Jackson is a Professor of Computer Science at MIT, a MacVicar teaching fellow, and an Associate Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He is also a landscape and portrait photographer, whose most recent project is Portraits of Resilience, a collection of portraits and stories about members of the MIT community who have experienced depression, anxiety and related challenges.
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May 9 2018: Volunteer Musicians for the Arts -Led by Jonathan Yasuda
The cherished Danish poet, Hans Christian Andersen, once wrote “where words fail, music speaks.”. The professional musicians of the Volunteer Musicians for the Arts (VMA) believe live, classical music performances, especially in hospital settings, promote wellness of the mind and body. We hope the healing sounds of live classical music welcome you into a shared, positive experience of mindfulness and relief from everyday challenges.
↑ Click on the ► symbol, above left, to play the audio portion of the talk.
April 18, 2018: An evening 4 DBSA Speakers
- Wendy read portions of her new book and talked about her past experiences
- Joanne Talked about her past mental health experiences. She is also the Executive Director for the Cole Resource Center. She talked briefly about the new programs. There will be new opening times for the Center.
- Ray talked about his prior experiences. He is a frequent member of the Friends & Family group. His humor was greatly appreciated.
- Nancy is a long time and respected member of DBSA. She told the audience about her experiences with her family.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
March 14, 2018: An evening with Senator Cindy Friedman
Cindy F. Friedman was elected to the Massachusetts Senate on July 25, 2017. She represents five communities in the Fourth Middlesex District, including Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Woburn, and parts of Lexington. Senator Friedman’s legislative agenda focuses on several important issues, including better treatment for those suffering from mental illness or substance use disorder, workers’ rights and wages, greater funding for local schools and governments, and improved access to transportation. Cindy will talk about her experiences with mental health and her attempts to change our laws and attitudes.
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Steve L. is continuing the Oral History of DBSA
Steve has for many years dedicated himself to fighting the stigma of mental illness. He was one of the original participants in the National Institute of Mental Health’s “Real Men, Real Depression” campaign. Steve is a past president of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Boston where he maintains an active role as member and facilitator. Today he continues to guest lecture at colleges and universities as an advocate for mental health and wellness. He’s also a published poet and essayist.
↑ Click on the ► symbol, above left, to play the audio portion of the talk.
2017
Sept. 13, 2017: “Strength Spotting is a Happiness Booster!” Pam Garramone
Pam Garramone, MEd teaches Positive Psychology – the Science of Happiness to middle and high school students, teachers and corporate employees and is a Positive Psychology Life Coach and Certified Laughter Yoga Leader.
Thousands of stressed out and over-burdened youth and adults have learned that feeling happier is simple when you know and practice happiness habits.
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August 9, 2017
Resilience
4 of our young adults share their experiences and resilience in the face of challenges and obstacles.
Meach introduced the 4 speakers. They are John, April, Sam and Christian.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
May 10, 2017
Volunteer Musicians for the Arts
Finding Wellness through music
Led by Jonathan Yasuda
The Volunteer Musicians for the Arts is a not-for-profit classical music performance organization. Their mission is to perform the finest classical music repertoire and to make those performances widely accessible to the Boston community.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
April 12, 2017: “A Mindful Way Through Emotions: Newer Approaches to Treating Mood,” Benjamin G. Shapero
Dr. Benjamin G. Shapero is a clinical psychologist at the Depression Clinical and Research Program in the Psychiatry Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Shapero completed his graduate training at Temple University and post-doctoral fellowship at MGH/Harvard Medical School. He provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to children, adolescents, and adults at MGH. His research focuses on stress-related vulnerability factors that impact the development and maintenance of mood disorders throughout the lifespan. He is currently working on several studies including one focused on Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy as a treatment for depression.
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Click on the slides below for more information
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| Mindfulness | What brings it on? | Resources | Final Thoughts |
DBSA proudly announces an Oral History of our organization. Everett P. will start the dialogue by telling us about the roots of MDDA/DBSA. Everett has been with MDDA/DBSA for over 34 years. He has a unique way of telling his story.
We hope that other members of DBSA will join Everett in telling us the organization’s history from their own view.
Click on the Play symbol to play the audio portion of the talk.
Click on this link for Everett’s full story
February 08, 2017: “Families for Depression Awareness”
Susan Weinstein
Susan Weinstein is Co-Executive Director of Families for Depression Awareness that helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides. Their programs and activities are designed to empower caregivers and their families on their path to wellness.
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January 11, 2017: “The Irritable Child,”
James Palmer, DO
James Palmer, DO, is currently a second-year child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School. He completed general psychiatry training in Arizona and prior to that completed medical school in Iowa. He is pleased with the opportunity to present regarding this topic that is so important to children, adolescents, and their families.
Child mental health has varied in its diagnosis and approach to children that are angry or irritable. This presentation will be an introduction to topics of childhood bipolar disorder and the new diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD).
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2016
December 14. 2016: “Moments in Time,”
Wendy Woodfield
Wendy Woodfield was born and delivered, by her grandfather, on October 24th 1943. Her typical day begins bright and early with the local morning news with Amy Goodman. Before the afternoon settles in, she enjoys a cappuccino and croissant with a healthy dose of writing. Between her moments in time, Wendy loves to swim at the Wellbridge pool near Harvard Square and take nature walks with her novio, Syd. When she can, she frequents the saltwater river of Medomack of Maine, for calm and rejuvenation. Wendy will have copies of her book for sale after her presentation.
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November 09, 2016: “Clubhouses in the Boston Area,”
Nancy Berger
Nancy Berger has a great passion for helping others. With the help of Center Club Boston, she now works full-time as Peer Specialist at Baycove BEST (Boston emergency services team).
Nancy will discuss clubhouses, their history in the Peer movement, and what types of services they can provide to Peers.
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October 12 2016: “Depression as a Muse: Music by Sir Christian,”
Christian Tiongson
Christian Tiongson (also known as Sir Christian) is a member of the DBSA-Boston Board of Directors. He also volunteers at the Welcome Table and facilitates the Young Adults Group. Christian is a guitarist who has been playing for 15 years. During his career, he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, which greatly changed his perspective on his music and life. Instead of treating depression as an enemy, he looks at the illness as a muse and a teacher, who inspires his creativity and guides him to recovery. By treating his illness as a positive factor to his music, Christian was able to bounce back from the depths of his depression and overall improve his overall well-being. Music is life for Christian and he wants to share his music and story with DBSA-Boston.
For more information about Christian Tiongson Visit the archive
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May 11, 2016: Mark J. Dutra
“Empathic Crisis Intervention,”
Mark J. Dutra has been committed to the respectful protection of people for all of his adult life. Mark has worked in a variety of management and consulting roles in both healthcare and higher education environments. He has authored and contributed to multiple professional articles and training publications. One of his primary professional focuses throughout his career has been developing and implementing effective empathic crisis intervention mitigation techniques. Currently, Mark holds the position of Director of Safety and Security at the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton, Ma.
For more information about Mark J. Dutra Visit the archive
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April 13, 2016: Jason Scolnick
“The Groove & the Thrive” CD launch, concert and talk.
Jason Scolnick has been a professional guitarist and singer/songwriter for nearly 25 years. He has performed as both a solo artist and with the bands Shakyfoot and Brilliant Chill during his career. With his latest release, “The Groove & The Thrive,” he’s carrying the message that “Recovery is real” for people with mental health diagnoses everywhere.
For more information about Jason Scolnick Visit the archive
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Last Updated: 9/6/2022
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