Speaking Engagements

As part of Magnolia Creek's community outreach efforts, our Executive Director, Clinical Director, and other staff members are available for speaking engagements and presentations at conferences, schools and universities, non-profit organizations, and other groups on various topics relating to eating disorders. Frequently requested topics are listed below, and topics may be modified to fit context and time constraints.

Please contact us if you are interested in having a member of our staff speak to your organization.

Presentations by Nicole Siegfried, Ph.D.

With her engaging personality and teaching background as a college professor, clinical director Dr. Nicole Siegfried is a popular speaker with audiences of all kinds. She has lectured and given presentations about eating disorders at numerous universities, workshops, organizations, and conferences across the country.

Below is a list of some of the frequent topics Dr. Siegfried has been asked to speak about:

• Families and Eating Disorders: addresses family dynamics, family risk factors, and what family members can do to reach out to a loved one affected by an eating disorder
• Diet is a Four-Letter Word: focuses on the risk factors associated with dieting, the dangers of dieting, and how attitudes toward dieting can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors
• When a Friend Has An Eating Disorder: discusses signs of unhealthy eating behaviors, information on preventing eating disorders, and how to reach out to a peer affected by an eating disorder
• Media and Body Image: analyzes the portrayal of bodies in various popular media - magazines, film, web, the impact the media has on body image, and ways to counteract the influence of media
• Listening Skills for Beginning Counselors: introduces listening skills and techniques to communicate effectively as a counselor
• Motivational Interviewing – Dealing with Difficult Patients: introduces the counseling approach of "motivational interviewing" with examples and discusses how MI can establish rapport with clients

Presentations by Mary L. Bartlett, Ph.D.

As a presenter on the topic of suicide, suicide prevention and risk consultant Dr. Mary Bartlett travels at the invitation of state, regional, national, and international organizations to discuss this challenging topic in a compassionate manner that audiences find compelling. A combination of clinical experience, varied teaching appointments, and passion for the prevention of suicide make her a sought after speaker.

Following is a brief listing of topics Dr. Bartlett is often asked to speak about:

• Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, & Suicide: explains why those with eating disorders often engage in self-harm and suicidal tendencies, and how families can interact with loved ones who do.
• Understanding and Helping a Suicidal Person: focuses on reasons why suicide must be discussed as a public health issue, and how to best assist a person who is depressed and vulnerable.
• Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention in Action: discusses what mental health and community members need to know to prevent and intervene during a suicidal crisis, as well as how to respond when a person dies by suicide.
• An Overview of the Suicidal Crisis: introduces audiences to the suicidal mind, core concepts to understand the crisis, and how to interact with the suicidal person, providers, and community during this crucial psychological crisis.
• Working with Suicidal Clients and Families: addresses myths, risk factors, warning signs and evidenced-based treatment strategies mental health professionals can use when working with families who have a suicidal member.