Dr Willard Ashley -Pancakes, Waffles or French Toast: What We Define as Psychosis Makes A Difference

This presentation was a session at the ISPS-US 2023 National Conference in Newark, DE. Thank you to our sponsors, Advocacy Unlimited (advocacyunlimited.org/) and CORAS Wellbeing and Behavioral Health (coraswellness.org/).
ISPS-US promotes psychological and social approaches to states of mind often called "psychosis" by providing education, training, advocacy, and opportunities for dialogue between service providers, people with lived experience, family members, activists, and researchers. Get involved by attending our educational events or joining us as a member to access our network of support, discussion and peer supervision groups, creative sharing spaces, our journal, and more.
Description:
This keynote explores the impact of socialization and hidden bias on our understanding and treatment of psychosis. Drawing parallels between the varied preferences for pancakes, waffles, and French toast, we examine how subjective definitions of psychosis shape diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches. Social constructs and biases influence our perceptions, leading to disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Acknowledging these influences is crucial in developing more equitable and effective approaches to psychosis
About the Presenter:
Dr. Willard Walden Christopher Ashley, Sr. is the CEO of Dr. Willard Ashley, Sr., LLC, Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Ashley is in high demand to conduct webinars, consultations, counseling, and coaching. Dr. Ashley is a trustee and faculty member of the New Jersey Institute for the Training in Psychoanalysis, an advisory board member at the Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, and a vocational coach with the Center for Career Development & Ministry. Ashley teaches Marriage & Family Therapy at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and Antiracism Clinical Practice at Rutgers University School of Social Work. Dr. Ashley is a trainer for the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond and a senior pastor for 42 years at four different congregations. He is married to Tanya Pagan Raggio, MD, and they cherish their 11-pound Shih Tzu, Serafina.