Description

For too long the stigma around mental health has hindered workplace productivity and morale, leading to poor job performance and low talent retention. Much like someone’s physical health, the brain is one of the body’s largest organs and needs to be prioritized as such. This session extends the topic of mental health as a core human concern. Explore how the lack of language and dialogue around mental health can be harmful and how to inspire participants to break the cycle of shame and begin to heal.

Speaker

• Dr. Keith Dempsey

  Dr. Keith Dempsey earned a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Oregon State University (OSU) in 2009. He is the former Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. He is the first African American to receive tenure at the Institution. He has conducted national presentations and trainings regarding issues of diversity and racial trauma. Dr. Dempsey is the past President of the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES).

  Dr. Dempsey has 25+ years of professional experience in the helping field. He served as a multi-systemic therapist at Self Enhancement Inc. He was also a clinical social worker at the Casey Family Programs. He later went on to develop substantial programs at the African American Health Coalition (AAHC) designed to combat physical and mental health disparities. He currently operates a private practice in Portland and conducts individual, couple & family therapy.

  Dr. Dempsey’s accomplishments have not gone un-noticed. He received the Oregon Youth Authority Outstanding Service Award; Alpha Kappa Alpha Emerald Award for excellence in education; Portland Community College Social Justice Comrade Award; Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) outstanding leadership award; Martin Luther King Jr. lifetime achievement award; Oregon State University Black Achievement Award.