Registration Link: https://wbcp.memberclicks.net/reg_2025_colloquium

Program Flyer: HERE

Registration Deadline: January 8, 2025

Presentation Description:

Mekdes Asha Hope, PsyD – The Faces of Power:

This program explores the concept of power, developed over years of reflection on its true depth. Power is considered in the context of key relationships, such as supervisor-trainee and therapist-patient, and how it influences interactions and behavior. It encompasses what humans are capable of—beyond the roles they take on or are assigned.

The program delves into how those in positions of authority engage with others, whether through their roles or their mere presence in a shared space. It emphasizes that when power is exercised with the heart and mind aligned, it has the potential to create fairness for others. This fairness allows for freedom of choice, a capacity that is both innate and influenced by the presence or absence of power dynamics.

At its core, the program defines power as the ability to exercise choice—whether in words or actions—without it becoming contingent on whether those in authority allow or restrict it. Through this exploration, participants will gain insight into how power shapes relationships and decision-making in profound ways.

Tarpley Long, MSW – I Put a Spell on You:

During and post Covid, internet scams have proliferated. This paper will 1) investigate the dynamics of need and greed that bind the isolated dyad in a scam 2) elaborate how two senses need to be

activated to make the scam possible 3) review decades of literature on scammers that confirm the requisite personal qualities of a successful scammer and 4) raise awareness about how under certain circumstances, we humans can be exploited.