Keynote Presentation

   Dr Jane Montague

   Head of Psychology, University of Derby

“The Development of Compassion Focused Therapy”

Research has shown that during their engagement with psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) although individuals understand logically why interventions should work they don’t always ‘feel’ the same about them (Gale, 2012). This distinction between cognitions and emotions is described in the psychological literature as a rational-emotive dissociation (Stott, 2007). In noting this dissociation within the clinical populations he has worked with, Professor Paul Gilbert began to encourage individuals to imagine a warm, kind and compassionate voice to help them successfully progress with their therapeutic engagement. This was a novel adaptation of a concept – compassion – that has a long history in relation to well-being and is often cited as being at the core of working successfully with others (e.g. Gilbert, 2009, 2010).  Extending these long-standing ideas, the development of a self-compassionate focus during therapy aimed to promote successful transition to mental well-being. It was discovered, however, that although some individuals responded to this approach others found it unhelpful and, in some cases, distressing. Identifying and understanding these individual differences led to the development of compassion focused therapy (CFT), an approach specifically aimed at those individuals who exhibit difficulties in engaging in self-reassurance and self-soothing. This presentation will outline the main theoretical ideas underpinning the development of CFT, particularly its relationship with evolutionary psychology, attachment theory and affect regulation.

Gale, C. (2012). An Exploration of Compassion and Eating Disorders. (Unpublished thesis). Derby: University of Derby.

Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15, 199-208.

Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion Focused Therapy. Hove, East Sussex: Routledge.

Stott, C. (2007). When head and heart do not agree: A theoretical and clinical analysis of rational-emotional dissociation (RED) in cognitive therapy. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 21(1), 37-50.

   Associate Professor Konstadina Griva, PhD, C Psychol

   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore

“Opportunities Challenges and Future perspectives in implementing effective support programs for patients with chronic disease in health care settings”

During this keynote presentation, A.P K Griva will highlight and contrast the main challenges faced by patients with chronic disease and the pressures on health care systems. Focusing on what we know and do in context of chronic disease, new models to deliver to engage and empower patients will be explored highlighting the need to center care around patients and not disease. Drawing upon her recent research on cognition, psychological distress, and health behavior in diabetes and end stage renal disease, she will demonstrate the effectiveness of interventions on clinical outcomes to show how to interpret patients’ experience so as to map needs, develop support and improve on models of care.

    Ms Eileen Seah

    Organizational Psychologist, MSc Industrial & Organizational Psychology, City University of New York

“Power of Positive Psychology @ work”

Research has proven that happy people with positive emotions and traits are more productive. Positive behaviors encourage managers and leaders to build on peoples’ strengths, rather than focus on fixing weaknesses. Positive psychology at work focus on connectivity , engagement and creating a dynamic positive energy in work groups and organizations. Improve staff retention, staff engagement and  job satisfaction with the Happiness Tool.

    Dr Luke Van Der Laan

    Director, Professional Studies, University of Southern Queensland,

    Principal of VANFUTURES Strategy Solutions

“Entering the Conceptual Age: Asia Pacific leaders and the imperative of ‘fit-for-the-future’ cognitive competencies”

The Information Age is probably the most short-lived age in the history of humanity. Unlike the Bronze Age, Iron Age or even the preceding Industrial Age, the Information Age has arrived and been displaced by the Conceptual Age in a matter of less than 40 years. What does this mean in terms of the shift in the development imperatives of human cognitive competencies critical in the future? With the global shift of economic, market and political influence, are Asia Pacific leaders capable of recognising these significant shifts and enable their organisations, communities and countries in reaching the human potential of the region?

This address will investigate the human cognitive notions of time and anticipation within the context of an age typified by the importance of the conceptual worker. In particular the address focuses on individual differences in generative thought processes and creativity. A central premise of the address is that collaborative co-creation will be the differentiating hallmark of a successful workforce. Yet, based on valid and reliable empirical research we notice that “creativity theft” and “negative creativity” is prevalent in the education and organisational systems of society which develop and enable future capacities of the workforce. The address concludes by contrasting the importance of foresight competence with generative thought processes and how this is likely to influence the futures of the Asia Pacific region within the context of current leader paradigms and capacity.

   W.Quin Yow Ph.D

   Director, Language and Social Cognition Lab, Assistant Professor (Psychology), Singapore University of Technology and Design

 “Language And Mindsets”

As babies, we have an intrinsic desire to learn. Somewhere along the developmental path, some of us lose this desire.  One important set of framework for motivation is called “implicit theories”. Implicit beliefs about one’s ability, or mindsets, can have a profound impact on achievement, motivation to learning, and individual well-being. Attributing our ability as fixed (entity theory), rather than malleable (incremental theory), may lead to helplessness, disengagement and self-handicapping. This talk will review the contexts in which implicit theories have been examined, such as intelligence, stereotype threats, athletics, and group dynamics, and extend the application of the theories to language learning from a developmental perspective.

    Associate Professor Tan, Gabriel

    Director, Clinical Psychology Programmes, Ph.D.,ABPP, National University of Singapore

“A new model for pain management”

To the lay public, pain is commonly perceived as “hurt” due to physical damage to the body and therefore, something for the doctors to take care of. This may be true for acute pain but for chronic pain, depending entirely on the medical profession to manage has, more often than not, resulted in a disappointing and unsatisfactory outcome. New research findings and clinical experience for the past few decades have led to a better understanding of pain and its management; particularly in the management of chronic pain conditions. In the United State of America, pain has become the most costly healthcare problem, far exceeding any chronic medical conditions including cancer, heart disease depression, and diabetes combined. Not only is chronic pain costly, it has caused untold sufferings and distress, and disability to the sufferers and their loved ones.  New models and pain management approaches are needed.

This key note address will present a new and empirically validated perspective to pain management that has already been adopted and put in practice in many regions in the world. The basis of this perspective is that, although activity in the periphery can have some influence on pain, this influence is far less than has traditionally been assumed.   In fact, research tells us that ALL pain experience is processed and modulated in the brain.  Therefore, in order to be effective, pain management needs to take the form of neuro-modulation.  This modulation can be accomplished via medical procedures, pharmacological interventions, or non-pharmacological approaches.  Basically, anything that can impact brain activity has the potential to effectively produce pain relief.  The good news is that many of the non-pharmacological approaches can be taught to and learned by patients themselves, giving them much more control and power over their own pain experience.  This lecture will focus on the non-pharmacological approaches that appear to have the most potential for providing pain relief and empowering patients.  Two of these modalities, hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy, will be highlighted to illustrate non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. Implications of this model will be further discussed to show how the human brain changes in response to trauma, how chronic pain ages the brain, and how chronic pain as a form of chronic stress, if not stopped, would lead to untold damage to the human body and organ system.