2015-2016
The Real World of Forensic Psychology
Do Visual Artists See The World Differently?
Jeff Kieliszewski, Ph.D.
Mon., Oct. 19
1-2:30 p.m., 168 ATC
Leon Lou, Ph.D.
Thurs., Feb. 18
1-2:30 p.m., 168 ATC
Dr. Jeff Kieliszewski is a licensed psychologist and forensic psychologist
practicing in Grand Rapids. Dr. Kieliszewski is also an adjunct professor
at Grand Rapids Community College and has worked in popular media,
consulting on television programs and with film production companies as
well as appearing on the Discovery and the National Geographic channels.
His presentation will provide an extensive overview of the fascinating field
of forensic psychology, the application of psychology to the law and the
legal system. This presentation will discuss the research and scientific basis
utilized in forensic psychology. He will also present the technical aspects
of forensic psychology intermixed with real life cases and accounts he has
encountered through his practice.
Dr. Leon Lou is an associate professor of psychology at Grand Valley State
University and a working artist with oil paintings displayed in various juried
shows. In this presentation, he will build upon a question that appeals to his
interests in both the science of vision and art - “How do visual artists see
differently from non-artists during the creative process and, more specifically,
in observational drawing and painting?” Interspersed with many visual
illusions, he will survey psychological and neuropsychological studies on visual
information processing capacities that underlie proficient and exceptional
drawing skills. In the last part of the talk, he will discuss the implications of
these studies and what they mean to anyone who loves viewing pictures that
are artful or not.
Social Support and Mental Health:
It’s Not What You Think.
No Child Is An Island: Integrating Family Systems
Perspectives into Children’s Mental Health Treatment
Brian Lakey, Ph.D.
Tues., Nov. 17
1-2:30 p.m., 168 ATC
Ann Heerde, MSW
Weds., March 16
1-2:30 p.m., 168 ATC
Dr. Brian Lakey is a professor of psychology at Grand Valley State University.
In this presentation, he will introduce key finding on how an individual’s
support network affects his or her wellbeing. In particular, how low perceived
support is linked to a wide range of mental disorders. A particular emphasis
will be placed on relational regulation theory (RRT) which hypothesizes that
the link between perceived support and mental health primarily reflects
ordinary conversation and shared activities. RRT incorporates the unexpected
finding that who and what is supportive is primarily a matter of personal taste
and there is little in the way of objectively supportive people. This will be
presented in contrast to the dominant theoretical perspective in social
support research hypothesizes that specific supportive actions (e.g., advice)
protect people from the bad effects of stress.
Ann Heerde is a clinical social worker whose primary practice has been
working with children in a variety of settings. She is currently Program
Supervisor for Family Services at Community Mental Health of Ottawa
County while also pursuing her doctorate in Social Work. This presentation
is based on the premise that family, schools, and peer interactions affect the
development of children. Given the impact of the environment upon children,
it is imperative to utilize a broader systems approach to provide supportive
treatment for children with mental health concerns. A model that provides a
framework for understanding these relationships is Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological
Systems Theory. This presentation will provide an overview of Brofenbrenner’s
Ecological Systems Theory and identify strategies for incorporating a Family
System Perspective into children’s mental health treatment.
All presentations are free.
168 Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center
For more information, contact Dr. Frank Conner
at [email protected] or (616) 234-3612, or visit grcc.edu/psychology
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