Dr. Gregory Canillas

"What you seek is seeking you."  - Rumi

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ABOUT ME


I am the CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global (S2S) a mission driven company that provides “Simple Relationship Solutions for Busy People.”

I am also the creator of the Love Wins! LGBTQ+ Weekend Couples Retreat, a fun and intensive couple retreat that combines LGBTQ+ specific coaching with a luxurious resort experience. S2S also offers the SYMBIS Assessment (“Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts”) for all couples.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology and American History from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and hold an M.A. and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology @ Alliant University. I have made more than two hundred keynote and invited seminar presentations at conferences on four continents on dating and relationship issues; working with LGBTQ+ clients; diversity and mental health; substance abuse issues; and treatment with children, adolescents, and families.

With more than three decades of experience in the mental health field, I most recently served as an Associate Professor in the graduate Clinical-Forensic psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles). I have also taught at several other academic institutions including Pepperdine University, National University, the California School of Professional Psychology @ Alliant University, Loyola Marymount University, Antioch University and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, I served as a Program Director at several community agencies overseeing programs in adult mental health, child/adolescent mental health and family perseveration. Additionally, I served as a Clinical Psychologist (LAC Department of Mental Health),  a Children’s Social Worker (LAC Department of Children & Family Services) and as Foster Family Social Worker (Drew Child Development Corporation). I also served as the Chair of the Commission for Youth and Families in Long Beach, California, where I was charged with developing services for children and families and advising the mayor and city council on services for these populations. I also served on the board of directors of the UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association.

Last year, I was honored to serve a contributing author of the American Psychological Association’s “Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons”, writing the sections on diverse romantic relationships (Guideline 9) and families (Guideline 11). I have been published in academic journals such as the American Psychologist and Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, as well as in the popular press, in periodicals such as Ebony Magazine. Most recently, I appeared as a subject matter expert in the award-winning documentary “Beyond Ed Buck (2021)”.

An avid traveler, I am also a published poet and playwright. My autobiographic work “The Monkey Chronicles”: a journey about love, infidelity and forgiveness told through a blend of poetry and storytelling, premiered at the Son of Semele Solo Creation Festival in 2018.

To learn more about my work or for more information about S2S’s services or to make a consultation appointment, please visit www.soul2soulglobal.com.

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MY APPROACH

           "I value human connection and recognize its importance in creating a happy, fulfilling relationships. I understand first hand some of the challenges and opportunities for growth that come with romantic and familial relationships. Through my work and lived experience, I have gained knowledge about myself and my relationship with others. I have a deep knowledge of people, their pain points and the factors that contribute to growth and transformation. I use my experience with individuals, couples and families to help people to co-create more satisfying relationships."

Previous Speaking Engagements include…

Academic & Cultural Institutions

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CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Multicultural and Community-Clinical Proficiency), California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles

M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Multicultural and Community-Clinical Proficiency), California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles

B.A. in Psychology and American History, University of California, Santa Cruz


CLINICAL ADMINISTRATIVE

President & CEO, Soul 2 Soul Global (www.Soul2SoulGlobal.com)

Program Director, PROTOTYPES, Pasadena.

Clinical Psychologist II, Roybal Family Mental Health Center/Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles.

Program Coordinator, Pregnant & Parenting Teens, Foothill Family Services, El Monte, California. (add Pregnant & Parenting Teens).

Clinical Director, Guidance Community Development  Center/Crenshaw Family Preservation Network, Los Angeles.

Clinical Psychologist II, MacLaren Children’s Center/Department of Mental Health, El Monte, California.

Clinical Social Worker II/ In-Service Training Coordinator, Drew Child Development, Foster Family Agency, Los Angeles.

Children’s Social Worker II, Department of Children and Family Services, Hawthorne, California.

Counseling Psychologist, Student Development, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Carson, California.

Psychological Intern, Occidental College, Los Angeles.

Psychological Intern, Airport Marina Counseling Service.

Practicum Intern, Los Angeles Youth Network.


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Psychoanalytic Association

American Psychological Association

Asian American Psychological Association

Association of Black Psychologists

Los Angeles World Affairs Council

Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity & Race, a Division of the American Psychological Association (Division 45)

Southern California Association of Black Psychologists

University of California, Santa Cruz Alumni Association


ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Candidate & Campaign Training, Victory Institute

Chrysler/California Latino Caucus Institute Elected Officials Leadership Academy XVII

Conflict Resolution Training, Loyola Marymount University School of Law


RESEARCH AND TEACHING

Member, Task Force to Revise the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons, American Psychological Association

Associate Professor, Clinical-Forensic Psychology (MA & PsyD programs), The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.

Associate Faculty, National University, Los Angeles

Adjunct Faculty, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education & Psychology, Los Angeles.

Faculty, Regional Occupational Program/Firebaugh High School, Lynwood.

Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.  

Adjunct Faculty, Antioch University, Los Angeles.


BOARD SERVICE

Board of Director/Chair, Oversight Committee, This Is Jane Project.

Co-Chair/Commissioner, Commission on Youth & Families, Long Beach, California

Alumni Councilor, Board of Directors, University of California-Santa Cruz Alumni Association


HONORS AND AWARDS

Service-Learning Faculty Award (3-time winner), The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Curriculum Enhancement & Scholarship of Teaching and Faculty Learning Award, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Champion Award, Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles College Service Citation, Cowell College, University of California, Santa Cruz

Multicultural Service Award, Cowell College, University of California, Santa Cruz

Psi Chi: The National Honor Society in Psychology

COURSE VITAE

EDUCATION

PhD, Clinical Psychology (1996), California School of Professional Psychology-Los Angeles

M.A., Clinical Psychology (1993), California School of Professional Psychology-Los Angeles

B.A., Psychology and American History (1990), University of California-Santa Cruz


The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles)

FO612A Human Growth & Development - This course examines the developmental processes across the lifespan from infancy through advanced age, focusing on the perceptual, cognitive and social-emotional factors. Through the examination of theoretical frameworks and empirical research, students become familiar with the developmental psychology literature. The exploration of individual and cultural differences also receives considerable emphasis as these variations create the diversity in humankind across the lifespan. In addition, the course explores the applicability of developmental psychology literature to individuals within the forensic setting.

FO627: Forensic Documentation, Report Writing & Testifying - This course examines various aspects of communication within a forensic psychological context. Appropriate methods of documentation, report writing, and expert witness testimony are discussed. Students participate in experiential activities in order to demonstrate proficiency in the above-mentioned areas. In addition to numerous writing exercises, students are oriented to the expectations and the psychological and emotional experiences of preparing written material for court and expert witness testimony.

FO638: Career Development & Counseling - This course examines theories of career development and counseling and career interventions across the lifespan including within forensic settings. Issues such as career decision making; sources of occupational information; the assessment of vocational interests, needs, and abilities; and the career development of women and culturally diverse populations are addressed.

FO677: Human Sexuality & Sexual Deviance - This course provided foundational knowledge concerning biophysical and psychological aspects of human sexual functioning.  Issues related to sexual diseases, sexual variance, and sexual dysfunction are explored.  Students receive an overview of basic sex therapy techniques.  Ethical and legal issues involved in sex therapy are discussed.

FO679: Family and Partner Violence - This course emphasizes the dynamics of domestic violence in intimate relationships. Assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies for both the victim and perpetrator of domestic violence are examined. Ethical and legal concerns related to reporting of domestic violence are made explicit.

FO707: Assessment in Counseling - This course introduces students to the strategies for the selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of contemporary assessment and testing procedures used by professional counselors. Students will learn methods of effectively preparing for and conducting initial assessment meetings; the use of assessments relevant to educational, career, personal, and interpersonal development; the use of assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes; and the foundation in understanding and communicating assessment data in the counseling relationship. Basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing in individual and group assessments, including the use of behavioral observations, will be introduced. Statistical concepts will be highlighted, including scales of measurement; reliability, validity, and correlation; test development; and measures of central tendency and variability in the use of assessments. Ethical, legal, social, and multicultural considerations in assessment will be discussed.

IO557: Managing Organizational Diversity - In today’s global marketplace, the idea of diversity is a valued commodity—so valued that when Fortune magazine names the top 100 companies for minority workers each year, which impacts the stock value of those organizations. To be competitive, many companies have a diversity officer who is responsible to create diversity awareness, promoting the idea of a diverse workforce, recruiting women and minorities, and ensuring that the organization operates within all applicable Equal Opportunity Laws. But what is “diversity”? What is the role of the diversity officer? How is this role evolving, and where will it be in the future? What are the “land mines” for a person in such a position? What does it take to do this job well, both from an interpersonal and from an administrative point of view? This course is designed to answer those questions and prepare the participant to fill such a role or to advise those who do.

IS610: Power of One: South Africa - The course explores psychology within an international context. Applies theoretical, practical, and professional knowledge related to working with diverse populations. The purpose of the proposed study abroad is to provide students with an opportunity to observe and examine the functioning of community-based organizations and systems with an international context, focused on the topic of domestic violence and trauma. Students will be exposed to the history, culture, and mental health systems within South Africa, as well as develop skills in critical observation, communication, and community collaboration.

MM552: Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning - This course assists students in the application of individual and family theories with regard to case conceptualization and treatment planning. Students will learn to create treatment plans that are consistent with Department of Mental Health requirements using empirically validated approaches and interventions.

PA715A: Psychological Assessment & Intervention - This course covers a variety of topics in psychological assessment and intervention in clinical psychology. Topics covered in the course will focus on evidence-based practice, comparing, and contrasting different options, the basis for clinical choice between them, and efficacy of same. Case study examples are used throughout the course to provide a basis for understanding and application. 

PF618: Violence & Risk Assessment - This course provides students with the fundamental aspects of conducting violence and risk assessment evaluations and the manner in which opinions are communicated. Students’ gain an understanding of empirically based risk factors and assessment tools used to conduct violence and risk evaluations, as well as management strategies employed to ameliorate risk/risk conditions. Practical exercises drawn from actual cases are used to illustrate key concepts.

PM 642: Counseling in Community Settings -This course presents a new paradigm in mental health and wellness. It presents contemporary counseling theory, such as brief therapy as it relates to theories of prevention, as contrasted with rehabilitation theory. Early identification and early intervention therapeutic models are studied. The focus of the course is on Recovery and Resilience models. 

PP 461: Clinical Practicum Seminar I: This is the first course in the Clinical Practicum sequence. This course provides a small consultation group in which students examine relevant clinical and professional development issues that arise as the result of participation in the Clinical Practicum. Students present practicum cases to gain mastery in the integration of theory and practice. Case conceptualizations consider rapport development, broad system issues (e.g., family, school, community, court, political, other treatment professionals/programs), and areas of diversity and difference (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status) as contextual variables. (3 credits) 

PP515: Advanced Legal & Ethical Principles: Analysis of the application of advanced legal and ethical issues in clinical psychology to such topics as clinical interventions, research, and teaching.  This course will address the role and process of developing clinically competent decision-making skills in all aspects of a clinical psychologist’s role.

PP622: Diversity & Special Populations: This course examines the social and cultural bases of human behavior, including ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class and religion.  Research and theories within the context of providing psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and clinical research to a diverse population will be examined. 

PY423L: Psychopathology I - This course surveys the major theories of the etiology of mental disorders emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach and familiarizes students with the DSM approach to diagnosis and classification. Disorders of childhood and adolescence are covered, as well as dementias, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and substance abuse. Cultural and developmental factors related to mental illness are emphasized. 

PY424L: Psychopathology II - This course surveys additional components of psychopathology emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach. Mood, anxiety, personality, dissociative, and adjustment disorders, as well as other Axis I and V code conditions are covered. Issues of child and elder abuse and neglect are included. The DSM approach to diagnosis and classification is utilized and cultural factors related to mental illness are emphasized.

PY429L: Diagnostic and Clinical Interviewing - Techniques of clinical and diagnostic interviewing will be presented. Students will learn several techniques for interviewing, including listening skills, aids for giving and receiving feedback, and establishing a relationship with a client. Students also will learn ways of incorporating these techniques into models of diagnostic interviewing. Consideration of cultural differences in establishing a relationship and conducting an interview is integral to this course

PY450L: Professional Issues & Ethics -Professional, ethical, and legal issues related to the practice of clinical psychology and the psychologist as clinician, consultant, educator, and researcher are critically examined in this course.  Issues considered include privacy, privilege, confidentiality and its limitations, informed consent, patients' rights, malpractice, patient-therapist relationships, collegial relationships, and other regulations influencing the practice of psychology.

PY614L: Seminar in Treatment of Child & Adolescent Trauma - This course will examine the psychological and physiological impact of trauma on children, adolescents, and their families. Particular consideration will be paid to issues of acute reaction, adaptations to trauma, memory mechanisms and processes, and practical applications in therapy. Developmental, social, cultural, and multicultural issues in assessment and treatment of trauma and traumatic stress will be considered. Multiple types of trauma and a variety of treatment models will be explored.

PY468L: Family Systems - This course helps students learn basic conceptualization skills to recognize the impact of various forces on a system, differentiate problematic and normal functioning in a context, and clinical intervention skills to integrate systematic factors into effective and culturally sensitive treatment plans. 

PY483L: Seminar in Professional Practice - This course addresses issues related to the emerging role of professional psychologists in diverse settings. Areas addressed include the practice and techniques of consultation, teaching, models and techniques of supervision, administration, practice management, documentation and marketing methods.

PY500L: Supervision, Consultation & Professional Practice - This course for advanced students introduces them to a range of supervision and consultation models to augment and complement their work as professional psychologists.  Supervision theory and techniques are considered to monitor performance, facilitate supervisee growth, and improve the quality of therapeutic and assessment services.  Consultation theory and techniques are reviewed for work with both individuals and organizations, including in a “consultee-centered” approach. Ethical issues and legal obligations will also be addressed. 

PY587L: Advanced Child & Adolescent Treatment - This course builds on the basic child and adolescent course by providing students with more specific training in the application of cognitive behavioral approach with youth, as well as interpersonal and parent training approaches.  This course will also provide students with training related to crisis intervention and trauma related interventions with children, adolescents, and families.  Additionally, an integrated and treatment approach will be emphasized, in which the home, school, and community are integrated into case conceptualization(s).  As such, working with parents/guardians, school, and community agencies are also emphasized. 

PY591L: Pediatric Behavioral Health - This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of pediatric (child health) psychology, including underlying historical foundations.  Course topics will include an introduction to the specialty area in psychology, incorporating theoretical perspectives and research, as well as evidence-based assessments and interventions.  Students will also explore overarching psychosocial and contextual factors relevant to pediatric behavioral health assessment and intervention.  An overview of different presenting issues, disorders, and diseases within the specialty area will be provided (via presentation of clinical case studies).  Finally, issues such as comorbidity and legal and ethical concerns will be discussed for topics as appropriate. 

PY604L/PY605L/PY606L: Advanced Practicum Seminar I, II & III - The Advanced Practicum is designed to offer students advanced experience in a particular area of interest. This course provides a small consultation group in which students examine relevant clinical and professional development issues that arise as the result of participation in Advanced Practicum. Students present practicum cases to gain mastery in the integration of theory and practice. Case conceptualizations consider client/therapist relationship, broad system issues (e.g., family, school, community, court, political, other treatment professionals/programs), and areas of diversity and difference (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status) as contextual variables.

PY620L: Human Development Across the Lifespan - This course explores developmental issues from infancy through advanced age. Topics include perceptual and cognitive processes, psychosexual roles and familial interpersonal processes. Additionally, this course will review the process of consolidation of the middle years and the psychosocial, social, and biological issues surrounding late life adjustment, aging and long-term care. Current clinical considerations will be examined from diverse theoretical viewpoints and within the context of research findings. Cultural diversity and individual differences are integral to the course. 

PY630L: Proposal Development Seminar -  Through weekly meetings with peers and their dissertation chair, students complete their dissertation proposal in this course. Students present their dissertation ideas to their chair and their peers and, through feedback and independent work, craft a high-quality dissertation proposal. Students that register for this class must complete their dissertation within the articulated areas of expertise and within the methodologies/types of dissertations approved by their chair. Successful completion of the course requires producing a complete proposal that meets instructor approval. 

PY641L/PY642L/PY643L/PY644L/PY645L: Dissertation Maintenance Series (DM I-DM V) - Students meet regularly with their dissertation chair in small groups to monitor their ongoing progress on their dissertations. Specific deadlines are set for the completion of committee approval of the proposal, and IRB application (Dissertation Maintenance I), steps for completion of the sections of the dissertation (Dissertation Maintenance II and III), completion of an 85% complete approved draft (Dissertation Maintenance III), submittal of the dissertation draft to the committee (Dissertation Maintenance IV), and oral defense (Dissertation Maintenance V).

PY701: Alcohol & Chemical Substance Abuse and Dependency - This course is designed to increase the individual’s understanding of etiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of alcohol and chemical substance abuse and dependence. DSM and other frequently used diagnostic systems are explored. Effective treatment modalities are explored. Ethical and legal prevention strategies are considered. 


Pepperdine University

PSY606: Interpersonal Skills and Group Psychotherapy - This course examines group formats for therapeutic change, personal development, interpersonal skills training and relationship enhancement.  A comprehensive study of the major approaches, techniques, and interventions used in group psychotherapy.  Also emphasizes dynamics of group process including the types, stages and formation of groups.  An experimental laboratory is included. 

PSY622: Cross Cultural Counseling - The goal of the course is to increase one’s competence in working with diverse populations through the exploration of cross-cultural counseling techniques, self-reflection/analysis and research on various ethnic groups.  The course will prepare students to deliver culturally appropriate, sensitive, ethical and effective services to an increasingly diverse population.  The course will focus on specific ethnic groups, as well as issues of gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, privilege, immigration status and how these factors might impact clients who present for treatment.  

PSY639 Marriage and Family Therapy I -This course covers assessment, diagnosis and intervention strategies for individuals, couples, families, and children according to the systemic application of psychodynamic, humanistic, communication, experiential and integrative models.  This course includes didactic and audiovisual presentations, role play simulations and case work ups.  

PSY642: Mental Health Systems, Practice & Advocacy -This course is designed to explore the evolving professional and economic climate for MFTs.  Opportunities for practice are examined, including private and group practice, the workplace, medical settings, managed care and community mental health, education, school psychology, together with preferred treatment modalities.  This course satisfies the BBS requirement of course work in family violence, spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection and intervention.  Topics to be discussed include: Power and control issues; the effects of domestic violence on children; treatment issues with children who have witnessed violence; and treatment strategies with the abused and the batterer and elder abuse.  

PSY658: Individual and Family Development: A Life Cycle Approach -Students study the biological, psychological and social development of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. The impact of experiences such as childbirth, adolescence, marriage, divorce and aging on individuals and families are explored.  

PSY662: Clinical Practicum-Students receive consultation from the instructor and feedback from other students on clinical cases in their field placement settings.  Students formulate and present cases using a variety of family systems and interactional models.  Clinical hours gained while enrolled in practicum count toward MFT licensure requirements.  

PSY 669: Trauma in Diverse Populations -Students are introduced to foundational and science-informed principles in trauma psychology as they are contextualized by culture.  Attention is directed to an examination of multicultural competence, trauma risk reduction, and trauma intervention.  The course will survey interpersonal trauma (including child abuse and partner and spousal abuse) as well as natural disasters and medical trauma. This course satisfies the BBS requirement for coursework in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention. 


National University

CHD640: Treatment of Addictions - A comprehensive study of the theories, etiology, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of addictions.  Also covers medical and legal aspects, education and prevention strategies; and HIV/AIDS issues for chemically dependent clients and their families.  

HUB440: Organizational Development - A study of human relations and its relationship to organizational effectiveness through planned change and technological development.

PSY426: History of Psychology - Contemporary psychology derives from two main sources: (1) the rise of the scientific method and worldview in Western Europe during the modern era and (2) perennial issues in philosophy throughout its entire history in the West. This course reviews influences from both sources on the development of psychology, especially in America.

PSY427: Biological Psychology - A study of the way in which the brain mediates behavior, emotion, and cognition. Topics include sensory systems, neural development, emotion, learning, memory, consciousness, reproduction, and neurological and psychological disorders.

PSY428: Developmental Psychology - An examination of the developing personality, including personal identity, cognition, language, social skills, relational capacities, gender and role learning and socialization for the entire life span.

PSY608: Evidence Based Practice -Examination of the concepts and controversies in evidence-based practice approaches to the evaluation of the effectiveness of psychotherapy. It covers the methods of assessing effectiveness, information research skills, and integration of various kinds of evidence relevant to the conduct of psychotherapy using critical thinking skills.

PSY612A: Clinical Assessment I - This course discusses clinical assessment from the bio-psycho-social-spiritual, resiliency, recovery and medical models. Interviewing skills and the use of assessment instruments are covered. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment approaches for anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. 

PSY612B: Clinical Assessment II - Explores the realm of mental illness from the perspectives of etiology, diagnosis, classification, and treatment. Covers relevant contextual issues often considered to be related to etiology and treatment. These include neurobiology, culture, family, and development. The second part of this two-course series introduces students to central features of psychotherapy and assessment, with a particular focus on adult psychotherapy. Students are expected to acquire and practice knowledge and skills related to development of a good therapeutic relationship; assessment, including DSM diagnoses and case formulation; treatment planning which links case formulation, theory, and clinical research outcomes to the methods and goals of psychotherapy; and the therapist's role in promoting communication, insight, and behavior change within the therapeutic setting. This course covers the assessment and diagnosis for Depressive, Anxiety, Psychotic, Personality, Dissociative, Schizophrenia Spectrum, Substance and Sexual Disorders in the DSM and other assessment systems. Students will practice assessment skills and development of treatment plans during the course. Outcomes assessment and case conceptualization processes will be discussed. 

PSY623A: Individual Psychotherapy and Clinical Assessment I - Explores the realm of mental illness from the perspectives of etiology, diagnosis, classification, and treatment.  Covers relevant contextual issues often considered to be related to etiology and treatment.  These include neurobiology, culture, family, and development.  Also covers post-modern considerations regarding pathology and treatment.  This two-part course introduces students to central features of psychotherapy and assessment, with a particular focus on adult psychotherapy.  Students are expected to acquire and practice knowledge and skills related to development of a good therapeutic relationship; assessment, including DSM diagnoses and case formulation; treatment planning which links case formulation, theory and clinical research outcomes to the methods and goals of psychotherapy, and the therapist’s role in promoting communication, insight, and behavior change within the therapeutic setting. 

PSY623B: Individual Psychotherapy and Clinical Assessment II - Explores the realm of mental illness from the perspectives of etiology, diagnosis, classification, and treatment.  Covers relevant contextual issues often considered to be related to etiology and treatment.  These include neurobiology, culture, family, and development.  Also covers post-modern considerations regarding pathology and treatment.  This two-part course introduces students to central features of psychotherapy and assessment, with a particular focus on adult psychotherapy.  Students are expected to acquire and practice knowledge and skills related to development of a good therapeutic relationship; assessment, including DSM diagnoses and case formulation; treatment planning which links case formulation, theory and clinical research outcomes to the methods and goals of psychotherapy, and the therapist’s role in promoting communication, insight, and behavior change within the therapeutic setting. 

PSY626: Human Sexuality - An exploration of human anatomy, physiology, sexual response cycle and the current theories used to treat sexual dysfunction.  Provides students with an opportunity to develop skills with these techniques and confront personal biases.  Covers issues such as lifestyle, gender identity, gender roles, stereotyping, religion, contraception, HIV/AIDS and physical challenges. 

PSY627: Legal and Ethical Issues: This course examines the laws and professional codes of ethics pertaining to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. How legal and ethical issues impact the profession of counseling with an emphasis on current California law is discussed.

PSY631A: Practicum I: Marriage and Family Therapy for MFT Trainees-Part one of a two-part sequence.  Part one of the sequence is designed to provide a comprehensive look at the theories, strategies, techniques, problems and critical issues involved in working with individuals, couples and families.  This course will provide a historical overview of the theoretical approaches to treatment of these groups of clients.  Additionally, the course will highlight methods of assessment and treatment of client’s who present in crisis situations, legal and ethical issues involved in the practice of therapy, and the integration of relevant research.  

PSY631B: Practicum for MFT Trainees - A two-part field practicum in which students work as MFT Trainees under the supervision of a licensed therapist.  Students also participate in an academic seminar at the University. Students select an approved practicum site and accumulate 200 hours of psychotherapy experience that includes 150 hours of face-to-face work with clients during a six-month period.  Seminar work focuses on professional and training issues, including process issues, case conceptualization, oral and written presentations and the integration of relevant research.  The purpose of this course is to provide practicum students with an opportunity to integrate their theoretical knowledge of family systems with their clinical practice experiences. Students enrolled in this course receive consultation from the practicum instructor and feedback from their peers on cases assigned by their field placements.  Students are required to formulate clinical cases with an emphasis on family systems theory, to present cases in class and to provide feedback to their peers on their cases.  Onsite psychotherapy and supervision hours can be used as partial fulfillment of MFT licensing hours.  

PSY632A: Family Therapy - Part one of a two-part sequence.  Part one of the sequences is designed to provide a comprehensive look at the theories, strategies, techniques, problems and critical issues involved in working with families.  This course will provide an historical overview and a focus on theoretical approaches to the treatment of families.  

PSY632B: Couple Therapy - Part two of a two-part sequence. Part-two of the sequence is designed to provide a comprehensive look at the theories, strategies, techniques, problems and critical issues involved in working with couples. This course will provide a historical overview and a focus on theoretical approaches to the treatment of couples. Teaching strategies for this course will include lectures, demonstrations, discussions, films and role plays.

PSY635: Developmental Context in Psychotherapy-Childhood and Adolescence - An examination of theories of development as applied to the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents.  Areas considered will include diversity, gender and multicultural issues as well as identifying normative developmental transitions and their differentiation from deviant developmental patterns.  

PSY637: Principles of Psychotherapy V: Cultural Competence - An exploration of the role of ethnicity and culture in psychotherapy and in the therapeutic psychotherapy by integrating multicultural awareness, knowledge and skills into assessment, diagnosis and treatment. 

PSY642: Relational Violence - Child abuse, battering partners and abuse of the elderly are issues rooted in relationships of one form or another. This course covers the identification, assessment, and treatment of relational violence from a variety of perspectives including relational, emotional, psychological and cultural.  Assessing for relational violence and types of interventions which are unique to this problem in living is the focus of this course. 

PSY655: Psychopharmacology - An examination of the biological basis of major psychoactive drugs used in the treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders. Special consideration is given to the integration of drugs and psychological therapies, the identification of drug interactions, and empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of psychotropic drug therapies.

PSY678: Clinical Biopsychology - An examination of the biological basis of major psychoactive drugs used in the treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders. Special consideration is given to the integration of drugs and psychological therapies, the identification of drug interactions, and empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of psychotropic drug therapies.

PSY679: Psychology of Trauma - This course is an examination of trauma with a focus on the sources of trauma and the distinctions between them. Relational violence is studied as a specific example of trauma. An emphasis is placed on empirically based assessment and intervention of the different trauma-related disorders. Crisis counseling and multi-disciplinary treatment is also covered. 


Loyola Marymount University

PSY100: General Psychology - Introduction to Psychology: historical origins, methods of investigation; topics such as sensation, perception, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion; fields such as physiological, developmental, personality, social, abnormal, testing, applied psychology, and psychotherapy.  

PSY332: Psychological Disorders - An introduction to the biological, psychological and social determinants of psychopathology and maladaptive behaviors.  Focus on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.  This course is designed for students not majoring in Psychology. 


Argosy University, Los Angeles

PC6230: Theories of Counseling Families and Individuals - This course assist students in developing a foundational knowledge of the major theories of counseling.  Through the use of didactic instruction, small group discussions, practice interview sessions and video presentations, students will become acquainted with the essential characteristics of each approach.  Students will also apply some of these theories to case analyses by developing a treatment plan in which, in addition to treatment interventions, will include ethical considerations and diversity issues.

PC6511: Social and Cultural Diversity - The goal of the course is to increase one’s competence in working with diverse populations through the exploration of cross-cultural counseling techniques, self-reflection/analysis and research on various ethnic groups.  The course will prepare students to deliver culturally appropriate, sensitive, ethical and effective services to an increasingly diverse population.  The course will focus on specific ethnic groups, as well as issues of gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, privilege, immigration status and how these factors might impact clients who present for treatment. 


Antioch University

PSY535Y: Working with Latino Families - The course is designed to introduce students to treatment of Latino children, adolescents, and families.  Students enrolled in the course will learn about acculturation, migration, cultural worldviews, family organization and developmental issues across the lifespan, and how these issues impact the assessment and treatment of Latino clients.  

PSY545K: Community Based Services for Children, Adolescents and Families - A survey of some community-based services for children, adolescents and families with particular emphasis on those programs and resources offered in Los Angeles county.  Additionally, the course focuses on how diversity issues may impact assessment, case management and therapeutic interventions with this population.  

PSY567: Treatment of Children and Adolescents - This course introduces students to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders commonly found in children and adolescents.  Students enrolled in this course will also learn about healthy development for children and adolescents, risk and protective factors for psychopathology with this population and behaviorally oriented models of assessment and treatment planning.  


Los Angeles Southwest College

PSY1: Introduction to Psychology - Students will become familiar with a variety of psychological topics (e.g., personality theories, social psychology, psychological interventions, biological and cognitive influences on behavior, cultural issues and psychotherapy).  During the course of the semester, we will also examine how cultural, economic, historical and social factors impact individual and group psychological processes and behavior.

PUBLICATIONS


American Psychological Association, APA Task Force on Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons (2021). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons. Retrieved from www.apa.org/about/policy/psychological-practice-sexual-minority-persons.pdf.

Nakamura, N., Dispenza, F., Abreu, R., Ollen, E., Pantalone, D., Canillas, G., Gormley, B., & Vencill, J. (2022). The APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons: An Executive Summary of the 2021 Revisions. American Psychologist.

Ollen, E. & Canillas, G. (2021). Relationship functioning among sexual minority people of color: Considerations of the 2021 APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 8(3), 382-383.


Canillas, G. (2017, January/February). Treating Attachment Issues with Children in Foster Care. Fostering Families Today, 16(6), 28-30.

Canillas, G. (2015, November/December).  Stress Management for Foster Parents. Fostering Families Today, 15(5), 56-59.

Canillas, G. (2015, July). Rise and Fall. Ebony, 70 (9), 35.

Canillas, G. (2013, June 7). “Essence Readers on Career Success”, www.essence.com

Canillas, G. (2003, April/May). Camille Winbush. Dysonna: The Magazine, 9 (1), 6.

Canillas, G. (2003). Keina Davis: The Sole Proprietor of Sivadart Studio. Dysonna: The Magazine, 9 (1),70-71.

Jackson, L., Turner, L, Ring, J, Canillas, G., & Wells, T. (1997). Multicultural Training in Psychology: New Challenges for Institutions, Instructors and Students. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. CG027645). Greensboro, NC: ERIC Counseling and Student Services Clearinghouse.

Canillas, G. (1996). The Effects of Parental Racial Identity, Africentric Parenting Behavior and an Africentric Workshop on the Racial Self Concept of African American Pre-School Aged Children Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.

Canillas, G. (1992). African American Men: Psychotherapeutic Process as a Coping Style. (Report No. CG-025-260). Alhambra, CA: California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.  (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 367918).

UPCOMING PANELS, CONFERENCES AND LECTURES

PAST PANELS, CONFERENCES AND LECTURES

Relationship issues & Children and Families.

Canillas, G. (2021, October). We are Here, We are Queer: Affirmative Treatment with LGBTQ+ Clients. Closing Keynote to be presented at the annual Edgy Conference, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California.

Canillas, G., Duncan, M., & Smith, E. (2022, February). Radical LGBTQ+ Affirmative Practice: The 2021 Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minorities. Workshop presented at the 39th annual Winter Roundtable, Columbia University, New York, New York.

Dispenza, F., Nakamura, N., Abreru, R. Canillas, G., Gormley, B., Ollen, E.W., Pantalone, D.W., & Vencill, J.A. (2021, August). Updates on Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. (2021, July). Love Wins: Protective Factors in the Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ+ Couples. Poster session presented at the 32nd International Congress of Psychology, Prague, Czech Republic.

Canillas, G. (2021, July). Success Factors in LGBTQ+ Marriages. Poster session presented at the 32nd International Congress of Psychology, Prague, Czech Republic.

Crisp, C., Castaneda-Sound, C., Harrell, S., & Canillas, G. (2021, July). Beyond Tolerance: LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence in Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. Paper presented at the 6th Biennial APA Division 45 Research Conference. 

Canillas, G. (2021, May) Therapeutic Issues with Queer Couples, Invited Lecture, Couples Therapy, Antioch University. 

Canillas, G., & Emanuel, C. (2021, February). Representation Matters: Using Media to Train Psychology Graduate Students in Racial Justice and LGBTQ Issues. Lecture presented at the 38th annual Winter Roundtable, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, New York, New York. 

Canillas, G. (2020, November).The Impact of Minority Stress on LGBTQ+ Couples: Challenges & Opportunities for Growth.  Keynote speech, presented at the annual meeting of the Arkansas Counseling Association, Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Canillas, G. (2019, November). Dating and LGBTQ+ Youth. Invited lecture at the annual Edgy Conference, Skirball Center, Los Angeles, California. 

Dispenza, F., Nakamura, N., Abreru, R., Canillas, G., Gormley, B., Ollen, E.W., Pantalone, D.W., & Vencill, J.A. (2019, August). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with LGB Clients-A Conversation with the Revisions Task Force. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Chicago, Illinois.  

Canillas, G. (2019, August). LGBTQ+ Couples, Invited Lecture, Couples Therapy, Antioch University

Canillas, G. & Duncan, M. (2019, July). Exploring the Role of Religion in Therapy with Same-Sex Attracted Men. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Orlando, Florida. 

Canillas, G., Duncan, M., Crisp, C. & Behar, M. (2019, July). Agents of Change: The Use of Service-Learning Projects in the Training of Psychology Graduated Students. Invited Lecture presented at the annual Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention and Training (SCRIPT), Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2018, November). Faith, Spirituality & Coming Out in Caribbean Communities. Poster session presented at the biannual meeting of the Caribbean Regional Psychology Conference, Kingston, Jamaica. 

Canillas, G. (2018, September).The Role of Spirituality in Treating Trauma with LGBT Clients. Workshop session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California.

Canillas, G. (2018, April). Living Your Truth: Embracing an LGBTQIA-Affirmative Identity Workshop presented at the annual BlaqOUT conference, University of California, Riverside. 

Canillas, G. (2018, April). Black LGBT & Woke: Self Care in the 21st Century. Workshop presented at the annual BlaqOUT conference, University of California, Riverside. 

Canillas, G. & Metz, J. (2018, March). Healing the Spirit: Coming Out in Communities of Color. Workshop presented at the annual Queer Conference, California State University-East Bay, Hayward, California. 

Canillas, G., Crisp, C., & Duncan, M. (2018, February). Sex, Love & Marriage: Treatment Issues with LGBT Clients. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Canillas, G. & Metz, Jennifer (2018, February). Coming Out in Communities of Color: Challenges and Opportunities.  Conversation Hour presented at the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Canillas, G. (2017, October). Sex, Love & Marriage: Dating in the 21st Century.  Workshop presented at the annual Models of Pride Conference, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G. (2017, April). Faith, Spirituality and Coming Out in the Black LGBT Community. Roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.

Canillas, G. (2017, April). Kink: Exploring Sex and Sexuality with African American Clients.  Roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.

Canillas, G. (2017, April). I Go to the Rock: Faith, Spirituality & African American LGBT. Workshop presented at the annual BlaqOUT Conference, University of California, Davis. 

Canillas, G. (2017, April). Let’s Talk About Sex: Dating & Relationships in the 21st Century.  Workshop presented at the annual BlaqOut Conference, University of California, Davis. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Faith, Spirituality and Coming Out in Communities of Color. Workshop presented at the annual CSUEB Queer Conference, California State University-East Bay, Hayward, California. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Contemporary Dating Issues for LGBTQ: Online Dating and Beyond. Workshop presented at the annual CSUEB Queer Conference, California State University-East Bay, Hayward, California. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). The Coming Out Process in the Latino American Community. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Silva, C., Behar, M., & Canillas, G. (2017, March). Reducing STD Rates through Sex Education: Sri Lanka. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. & Canillas, E. (2017, February). Wade in the Water: Faith, Spirituality and Coming Out in the Black Community.  Workshop presented at the Southern California LGBT Health Conference, University of California, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G., Negin, L., & Behar, M. (2016, February). Dating in the Digital Age: Treatment Issues with Heterosexual and LGBT Clients.  Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the Winter Roundtable, Columbia University, New York, New York. 

Canillas, G. (2016, February). Barriers & Treatment Strategies for Working with Filipino American LGBT Clients.  Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Portland, Oregon. 

Canillas, G. (2015, October).  Treating Intimate Partner Violence: LGBT Couples. Workshop presented at the annual Center for Scholastic Inquiry’s International Research Conference, Charleston, South Carolina. 

Canillas, G. (2014, June). Sexuality & Culture: APA Guidelines for Working with LGBTQ Clients. Invited course lecture, Human Sexuality, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2013, April). Effective Treatment Strategies: Working with LGBT Clients in Therapy. Invited Lecture, Panel session presented at California Lutheran University Cultural Diversity Seminar, Thousand Oaks, California.

Duncan, M., Canillas, G., Howard-Wright, A., & Behar, M., & Silva, C.S. (2018, September). Male Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Treatment Issues and Recommendations. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California.

Behar, M., Balice, G., & Canillas, G. (2017, June). Personality and Sexual Predictors of Infidelity in Marital Relationships.  Poster presented at the Graduate Research Forum, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. 

Behar, M. & Canillas, G. (2016, June). Personality & Sexual Predictors of Infidelity. Poster session presented at the Graduate Research Forum, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G. (2016, February). Understanding Intimate Partner Violence with LGBT Clients: Assessment and Treatment Issues. Workshop presented at the annual Southern California LGBT Health Conference, University of California, Irvine, California.

Canillas, G. & Behar, M. (2016, February). Machismo & Marianismo: Intimacy & Infidelity in the Latino Culture. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Portland, Oregon. 

Canillas, G. (2016, January).  Sticks and Stones: Treating Verbal Abuse in Couple Therapy. Workshop presented at the annual Hawaii University International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Canillas, G. (2015, November). Assessment and Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence with Gay Male Survivors. Poster session presented at the 8th International Congress and 13th National of Clinical Psychology, Granada, Spain. 

Canillas, G., Behar, M., Silva, C. & Ramsey, K. (2015, August). Intimate Partner Violence: Treatment Issues with Male Survivors. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit and Training on Violence, Abuse and Trauma, San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. & Brinkley, M. (2015, August). Assessment and Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence with LGBT Clients. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit and Training on Violence, Abuse and Trauma, San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. (2015, June). Theories of Violence & Aggression: Treating Spousal/Partner Abuse. Invited course lecture, Human Sexuality, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G., Behar, M. & Shalaby, M. (2015, January). Infidelity: Possible Causes and Treatment. Chair/Discussant, Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the Hawaii International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Canillas, G. (2014, June). Domestic Violence: Issues and Treatment. Invited course lecture, Human Sexuality, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G.  & Wadlington, S. (1999, December). L-O-V-E Is?: Understanding Love and Relationships. Workshop presented at the Hydeia Broadbent Conference on HIV & AIDS, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2023, March). They Love Me, They Love Me Not: The Impact of Childhood Trauma in Shaping Adult Outcomes in Romantic Relationships. Workshop session to be presented at the annual meeting of ICAN Nexus, Los Angeles, California.

Crisp, C. & Canillas, G. (2021, October). Beyond Tolerance: LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence with Queer Youth in Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. Workshop to be presented at the annual Edgy Conference, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California.

Canillas, G. (2019, November). Flipping the Script: Using Narrative Therapy with At-Risk Adolescents. Invited lecture at the annual NEXUS conference, Universal City, California. 

Fong, B., Gomez, C., Becerra, J, Beck, J., Le, T., Gregory, A. Mejia, V., & Canillas, G. (2019. May). Coming Home: Reconnecting Formerly Incarcerated Fathers with Family and Community. Invited Lecture presented at Dad’s Back Academy, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G. (2019, March). Songs in the Key of Life: Using Music Therapy in the Treatment of Adolescents. Invited Lecture presented at End Abuse, Alpert Jewish Community Center, Long Beach.

Zervoulakos, L., Canillas, G. & Escobar, A. (2018, September).  Fostering Healthy Parent-Child Communication: A Workshop Model. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California.

Alvarez, R., Canillas, G., & Machado, R. (2018, September). Application of Narrative Therapy with Female Adolescents in Los Angeles County High Schools. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California.

Canillas, G. (2017, October). Preventing Verbal Abuse with Youth and Children. Workshop presented at the annual NEXUS XXII Training Conference, Universal City, California. 

Canillas, G. (2017, June). The Invisible Wound: Treating Verbal Abuse in Children. Roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Portland, Maine.  

Canillas, G. (2017, June). The ABCs of Parenting Psychologically Healthy Children of Color. Workshop presented at the California African American Museum, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2017, June). Parenting Psychologically Healthy Children of Color. Workshop presented at the annual Fatherhood Solutions Conference, Los Angeles, California. 

Behar, M., Canillas, G., & Silva, C. (2016, August). The Ritualistically Abused Child: Effective Treatment Strategies.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. (2016, July). Treatment of Family of Origin Issues with Children and Adolescents.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress on Psychology, Yokohama, Japan. 

Canillas, G. (2016, May). Kids are Not for Sale: A Workshop for Youth & Parents on the Domestic Trafficking of Minors. Workshop presented at Dignity/St. Mary’s Medical Center, Long Beach, California. 

Canillas, G. (2016, March). Psychodiagnostic Assessment and the Adolescent Client.  Invited course lecture, Personality Assessment, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2016, November). The Invisible Wound: Treating Verbal Abuse in Children. Poster session presented at the 8th International Congress and 13th National of Clinical Psychology, Granada, Spain. 

Canillas, G. (2015, October).  Treating the Psychological Effects of Verbal Abuse in Children and Adolescents. Workshop presented at the annual Center for Scholastic Inquiry’s International Research Conference, Charleston, South Carolina. 

Canillas, G. (2015, September). Sticks and Stones: Identifying and Treating Verbal Abuse in Children and Adolescents. Workshop presented at the annual Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse & Neglect (ICAN)Nexus XX conference, Universal City, California. 

Canillas, G. (2015, August). Sticks and Stones: Treatment of Verbal Abuse in Children.   Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit and Training on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California.   

Canillas, G. (2014, October). Prevention of Trafficking in High-Risk Males: Issues in Working with Gay Youth Involved in Sex Trafficking. Invited symposium presented at SAFE Conference, Oak Lawn, Illinois. 

Canillas, G. (1999, March).  Adolescent Sexuality. In-Service Training, T.H.E. Clinic, Los Angeles.

Canillas, G. (1993, April). Developmental Issues with Pre-School Aged Children. In-Service Training, North Hollywood Montessori, North Hollywood, California.  

PAST INVITED LECTURES, PANELS & CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Additional areas of specialization.

Canillas, G. (2023, February). The Use of Cannabis in Treating Mental Health and Physical Health Issues in Women of Color. Workshop session to be presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Cross Cultural Research, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Canillas, G. (2023, February). In the Spirit: The Role of Spirituality in Treating Trauma. Workshop session to be presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Cross Cultural Research, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Canillas, G. (2017, February).  Community Violence & Trauma: Treating Grief and Loss with Children and Adolescents. Workshop presented at the annual Childhood Grief and Traumatic Loss Conference, Los Angeles, California.

Canillas, G. (2016, October). Childhood Trauma: The Risk and Protective Factors in Shaping Adult Outcomes. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse & Neglect (ICAN) Nexus XXI, Pasadena, California. 

Whiteside, C., Abughazaleh, T. & Canillas, G. (2016, March).  The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Outcomes: Risk and Resiliency Factors. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Hawaii International Summit on Preventing, Assessing and Treating Trauma across the Lifespan, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Harris, M. & Canillas, G. (2015, August). Community Violence & Trauma: Addressing the Elephant in the Room. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit and Training on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California

Canillas, G., Harris, M., & Meyer, M. (2015, March). Addressing Violence and Death in the Community: A Clinical Perspective. (Two-Part Webinar). The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G., Sanei, A. & Hamlett, T.  (2011, September). Therapeutic Considerations for Latino Children and Women Who Have Endured Political Imprisonment and Torture. Panel session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies (NAHLS), San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. & King, R. T. (2023, February). Cocktail Noire: A Historical Look at the Impact of African American in the Spirit of Industry. Poster session to be presented at the annual meeting of the Society Cross Cultural Research, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Canillas, G. (2020, December).  Implicit Bias: Tools to Heal, Build and Connect in the Therapeutic Community.  San Fernando Valley California Marriage and Family Therapists. 

Canillas, G. (2020, November). Are Unrealistic Expectations taxing Our Mental Health? Invited lecture. Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G. (2018, November). Grief and Bereavement in Caribbean Communities. Poster session presented at the biennial meeting Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology, Kingston, Jamaica. 

Canillas, G. & Duncan, M. (2018, July). African American Men and the Invisibility Syndrome.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Oakland, California.  

Canillas, G. (2018, June). Treating African American Men: Family Systems Approaches. Poster session presented at the annual International Conference on Applied Psychology, Montreal, Canada. 

Canillas, G., Duncan, M., Behar, M. & Silva, S. (2018, February). The Impact of Historical Trauma in Treating African American Clients. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Duncan, M. & Canillas, G. (2018, February). The Impact of Cultural Beliefs and Stereotypes on Black Women’s Mental Health. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Canillas, G. (2017, September). The Holistic Interview: Integrating the Mental Health and Health Care Assessment. Workshop presented to the Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2017, July). African American Men: Trauma, Legal & Treatment Issues. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention & Training (SCRIPT), Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2017, April). Working with LGBT Clients: Guidelines for Healthcare Practitioners. Workshop presented at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California.

Canillas, G. & Duncan, M. (2017, March). Effective Treatment Strategies to Address Mental Health Disparities and Racial Discrimination with African American Men. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. (2016, December). Stress Relief for Underrepresented Families. In-Service Training, Viewpoint School, Calabasas, California. 

Canillas, G. (2016, November).  Integrating Church-Affiliated & Mental Health Strategies to Address Grief and Bereavement in Caribbean Communities.  Roundtable presented at the biennial meeting of the Caribbean Regional Conference on Psychology, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

Canillas, G. (2016, November). Best Practices with Puerto Rican Clients: Barriers and Treatment Strategies. Poster session presented at the biennial meeting of the Caribbean Regional Conference on Psychology, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Canillas, G. (2016, September). Understanding Mental Health: Strategies for Healthcare Professionals. Workshop presented to Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G., Silva, C., & Behar, M. (2016, August). The Impact of Historical Trauma on the Help-Seeking Behavior of Clients of Color. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. (2016, July). African American Men and Trauma: Effective Treatment Strategies. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention and Training (SCRIPT), Los Angeles, California.  

Pisara, D., Canillas, G., Costine, L., Watson, N., & Route, A. (2016, July). LGBTQ and Male Survivor Issues. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention and Training (SCRIPT), Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2015, November). Mental Health 101 for Healthcare Professionals. Workshop presented to Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G., Zendejas, M. & McClain, D. (2015, October). The Inclusive Workplace: Employees with Disabilities.  Workshop presented at the annual Diversity IN Leadership Conference, Long Beach, California.  

Canillas, G. & Ramsey, K. (2015, October). The Inclusive Workplace: LGBTQ Employees.  Workshop presented at the annual Diversity IN Leadership Conference, Long Beach, California.

Canillas, G. (2015, August). Social Justice Movements and Mental Health: BlackLivesMatter. Invited lecture, Psychology Roundtable Series, National University, Woodland Hills, California. 

Belgrave, F. Z. &Canillas, G. (2015, July). Culture and Health. Invited roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Canillas, G., McDonald, J., Canillas-Dufau, T. & Harris, M. (2015, July).  Objective Self-Monitoring and Community Coaching to Encourage Lifestyle Change and Stress Reduction in African American Women. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Harris, M. & Canillas, G. (2015, July). Childhood and Adolescent Obesity: A Community Intervention Strategy.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Canillas, G. (2015, June). Single Latino Dads: Challenges and Opportunities for Working with this Population.  Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of Latino and Hispanic Studies, Tampa, Florida. 

Sitzer, D. (Co-Chair), Canillas, G. (Co-Chair), Harris, M., (Discussant), Belur, A., Hoffman, K., Kuranishi, M. & Shalaby, M. (2015, April). Beyond Oncology: Families Coping with Pediatric Cancer (Webinar). The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G.& Harris, M. (2015, February). Balm in Gilead: Addressing Problematic Eating Behaviors among Black Women. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of African American Studies, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. (2015, February). Single African American Fathers: Challenges and Opportunities for Working with this Population. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of African American Studies, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. (2015, January). Best Practices for Working with African American Fathers in Mental Health and Educational Settings. Symposium presented at the Hawaii University International Conference on the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Canillas, G. (2014, November). This Too Shall Pass The Role of Spirituality in Grief and Loss with Black Women.  Panel session presented at Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles, California.

Meyer, M., Canillas, G., Silva, C.S. & Shalaby, M.  (2014, October). Best Practices with Filipino and Vietnamese American Clients: Barriers, Treatment Strategies and Policy Implications for Working with these Populations. Symposium presented at the biennial meeting of the Race, Place and Ethnicity Conference, Fort Worth, Texas. 

Canillas, G. & Rocchio, M.O. (2014, July). Latino and Afro-Latino Fathers: Best Practices for Working with Fathers in Mental Health and School Settings. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies, Tampa, Florida.

Canillas, G. & Harris, M. (2014, July). Leaning on the Everlasting Arm: Integrating Church-Affiliated & Mental Health Strategies to address Grief and Bereavement. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Canillas, G. (2004, July). Lost in Translation: The Use of Translators in Clinical Practice. In-Service Training, Roybal Family Mental Health, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2003, October). Bias and Cultural Diversity. In-Service Training, Foothill Family Service, El Monte, California. 

Canillas, G. (1992, August). African American Men: Psychotherapeutic Process as a Coping Style. In L. C. Jackson (Chair), Coping Styles of African American Populations: Ideas for Future Research.  Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

Canillas, G. (2019, July). Aging Out: Addressing Grief & Loss Issues with Emancipating Youth. Invited lecture at the annual Childhood Grief and Traumatic Loss Conference, ICAN, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G., & Lockwood, P. (2018, June). Aging Out of the Child Welfare System: Guidelines for Working with LGBTQIA Youth in Foster Care. Workshop presented at the 18th annual Hershel Swinger Partnership Conference for Children and Families, California State University, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G., Duncan, M., & Crisp, C. (2018, June). Aging Out: Treating Grief and Loss with Emancipating Youth. Poster session presented at the 18th annual Hershel Swinger Partnership Conference for Children and Families, California State University, Los Angeles. 

Canillas, G. (2016, August). Children for Sell: Preventing the Sex Trafficking of Children in Foster Care. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California.

Canillas, G. (2016, July). Sex Trafficking of Minors: Prevention & Treatment Strategies for Children in Foster Care. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the Foster Family Treatment Association, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. & Duncan, M. (2016, June). Attachment &Family of Origin Issues: Strategies for Caring for Youth. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Las Vegas, Nevada.   

Canillas, G. (2016, June). Transitioning into Adults: Strategies for Helping Our Youth. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Canillas, G. & Sadler, J. (2016, June). The Use of Narrative & Music Therapies in Treatment of Black Youth. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Canillas, G. (2016, March). Treating Issues of Grief and Loss with Children in Foster Care. Workshop presented at the annual Childhood Grief and Traumatic Loss Conference, Los Angeles, California.

Canillas, G. (2016, January). LGBTQ Adolescents in Foster Care: Strategies for Emancipating from the Child Welfare System. Poster session presented at the annual Hawaii University International Conference on Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Canillas, G. (2015, September). Sticks and Stones: Treating Verbal Abuse in Children in Foster Care. Poster session presented at the annual Herschel Swinger Memorial Partnership Conference, California State University, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G., Ramsey, K., & Bellete, N. (2015, September). Aging Out: Effective Treatment Strategies for Emancipating Youth.  Poster session presented at the annual Herschel Swinger Memorial Partnership Conference, California State University, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G., Ramsey, K., & Bellete, N. (2015, July). Children and Adolescents in Foster Care: Effective Treatment Strategies.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Canillas, G. (2015, June). Stress Management Techniques for Caregivers. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Canillas, G. (2015, June). Youth Who Identify as LGBTQ: Improving Outcomes through Partnership. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Canillas, G. & Duncan, M. (2018, July). Treating Trauma in Couple Therapy with African American Clients. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Black Psychologists, Oakland, California. 

Canillas, G. (2015, June). Emancipating Youth: Keys to their Success and Identity. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Canillas, G. (2014, June). Sex Trafficking of Youth in Foster Care: Risk Factors and Prevention. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parents Association, Orlando, Florida.

Canillas, G. (2014, June). LGBTQ Adolescents: Helping them to Fulfill their Promise.  Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parents Association, Orlando, Florida. 

Canillas, G. (2011, September). Improving Outcomes for Latino Children in Foster Care.  Panel session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies, San Diego, California.

Canillas, G. (2011, June). Stress Management for Foster Parents. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parents Association, Montgomery, Alabama. 

Canillas, G., Goodarzi, M., Mills, L. & Sherrell, G. (2011, February).  Improving Outcomes for African American Children in Foster Care. Panel session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of African American Studies, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Canillas, G. (2010, February). Improving Educational Outcomes for African American Children in Foster Care. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of African American Studies, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Canillas, G. (2009, January). Improving Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the Association of California School Administrators, Monterey, California.

Canillas, G. (2008, May). Strategies for Successfully Emancipating Adolescents from the Foster Care System. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Atlanta, Georgia

Canillas, G. (2007, June). Treatment Considerations with Foster Children. In-Service Training, PROTOTYPES, Pasadena, California. 

Canillas, G. (2007, May). Working with Children in Foster Care: Treatment Considerations. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Foster Parent Association, Washington, D.C.

Canillas, G. (2007, February). Working with Children in Foster Care: Treatment Considerations with African American Clients.  Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of African American Studies, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. (2002, October). Working with Birth Parents.  In-Service Training, Aspira Foster and Family Services, Culver City, California.

Canillas, G. (2001, August). Stress Management Techniques for Residential Staff. In-Service Training, MacLaren Children’s Center, El Monte, California.  

Canillas, G. (2001, May). Team Building. In-Service Training, MacLaren Children’s Center, El Monte, California. 

Allen, R., Langley, C., Meaway, M. & Canillas, G. (2000, December). Stress and Health.  In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California. 

Baxter, A., & Canillas, G. (2000, August). Educational Issues and Racial Identity: What Every Foster Parent Should Know. In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G. (2000, April). Accessing Community Resources. In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California. 

Canillas, G. (2000, March). Strategies for Effectively Completing Homework Assignments.  In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G. (1999, October). Stress and Health: Strategies for Foster Parents. In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G. (1999, August). Working with Adolescents: Making a Positive Impact on Young People in Foster Care. In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California. 

Baxter, A., & Canillas, G. (1999, August). Educational Issues with Foster Children. In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G. (1999, June). Investigation of Certified Home Complaints by Community Care Licensing: New Regulations and Procedures.  In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Meaway, M., & Canillas, G. (1998. October). Documentation and Record-Keeping.  In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Baxter, A., Canillas, G., Bess, R., & Yu, K.  (1998, September). Educational Issues and Foster Children: Creating Life-Long Learners. In-Service Training, Foster Family Agency, Drew Child Development Corporation, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G. (2017, June). Careers in Psychology. Workshop presented at NCPA Success Career Day, Nava College Preparatory Academy, Los Angeles, California.  

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Study Abroad: Opportunities for Student Learning in International Psychology. Poster session presented at the biennial meeting of the International Convention of Psychological Science, Vienna, Austria.

Canillas, G. & Harris, M. (2016, February). Service Learning, International Psychology & Study Abroad: Opportunities for Student Learning. Conversation hour presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Portland, Oregon. 

Negin, G.A., Negin, L.A., Canillas, G. & Harris, M. (2015, August). To PowerPoint or Not?: Arguments for and Against PowerPoint. In G.A. Negin (Chair) “Powerful or Powerless? Dilemmas of Using PowerPoint in the Classroom.”  Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

Arredondo, P., Machizawa, S., Harris, M., Canillas, G., Meyer, M., & Shields, C.O. (2014, August). Service Learning and Psychology Graduate Training: Opportunities and Challenges.  Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC. 

Jackson, L.C., Turner, L.K., Ring, J., Canillas, G., Wells, T. (1996, August). Multicultural Training in Psychology: New Challenges for Institutions, Instructors and Students.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

Canillas, G. (2018, November). Treating Substance Abuse Issues with LGBT Youth. Workshop session presented at the annual meeting of the Edgy Conference, Los Angeles, California

Canillas, G. (2018, June). Treating LGBT Youth of Color with Substance Abuse Issues. Poster session presented at the annual International Conference on Applied Psychology, Montreal, Canada. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Treating Substance Abuse Disorders: A Holistic Approach. Poster session presented at the biennial meeting of the International Convention of Psychological Science, Vienna, Austria. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Substance-Related Disorders and Latino Clients: Holistic Treatment Strategies. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Substance-Related Disorders & Latino Clients: Holistic Treatment Strategies. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. (2017, March). Identifying and Treating Substance Abuse Disorders with Adolescents in Foster Care. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Canillas, G. & Duncan, M. (2016, August). Substance Abuse as Coping Mechanism for Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.  Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT), San Diego, California. 

Canillas, G. (2016, July). Identifying and Treating Substance Abuse Disorders with Adolescents. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress on Psychology, Yokohama, Japan. 

Canillas, G., Canillas-Dufau, T., McDonald, J. & Canillas, C. (2016, January). A Holistic Approach to Treating Substance Abuse Disorders. Workshop presented at the annual Hawaii University International Conference on the Arts, Social Sciences & Education, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Canillas, G. (2015, April). Cultural Issues and Substance Abuse: A Case Study. Invited course lecture, Alcohol, and Dependency, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, California.  

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