Delegation Leader: Linda Lower, LMFT
Founding member and current President, Conejo Valley
Mental Health Professionals Association
Clinical member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Program Dates: August 22-31, 2008
 

RUSSIA

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures and cities, from the stately capital of Moscow to the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg. One of the most notable features of present-day Russia is a renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and its potential for the future. Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality.
 

Friday, Day 1: Los Angeles to St. Petersburg
Depart to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Saturday, Day 2: St. Petersburg
Program briefing: Discuss the political and cultural diversity of Russia and receive further information on the delegation

Sunday, Day 3: St. Petersburg
Visit Peterhof, the world-famous palace, fountain and park ensemble, and an outstanding landmark of Russian artistic culture of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Marvel at the frescos and mosaics inside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.

Monday, Day 4: St. Petersburg
Professional program focusing on:

• The role of private practice in Russia and Poland
• The role of government and non-government agencies in mental health treatment

Venture through Pavlovsk, one of the most prominent historical imperial estates in St. Petersburg.

Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress and the adjacent cathedral, as well as a visit to St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Take in a cultural performance later today.

Tuesday, Day 5: St. Petersburg
Professional program focusing on:

• Education and licensing of marriage and family therapists
• Domestic abuse strategies

Guest program:
Walk around Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, the former summer residence of the Russian imperial family.

Experience the Hermitage Museum. The museum was founded by Catherine II as a home for her art collection and a retreat connected to her private apartments, the Winter Palace.

POLAND

Situated in the heart of Europe, Poland has long been both a bridge and a front line between eastern and western Europe. Today’s Poland has successfully transitioned from nearly 40 years of Soviet occupation ending in the early 1990s into a capitalist democracy. Consequently, the country has transformed its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland is a multifaceted country where medieval towns co-exist with modern high-tech buildings.

Wednesday, Day 6: St. Petersburg to Warsaw
Depart for Warsaw, Poland.

Thursday, Day 7: Warsaw
Professional program focusing on:

• Inpatient treatment programs
• Mental health treatment in jail and prison

Guest program:
Receive a guided orientation of Warsaw’s local flea markets to get a sense of everyday life in Poland.

Friday, Day 8: Warsaw
Professional program focusing on:

• The treatment of eating disorders
• Divorce law and mediation

Guest program:
Spend time in the Wilanów Palace, which serves as a branch of the National Museum.

Saturday, Day 9: Warsaw
Discover the beauty of Warsaw during visits to Old Town and Castle Square, the house of Madame Curie, St. John Cathedral and Market Square.

Visit the Ghetto Memorial, the Royal Lazienki Park, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Chopin’s Monument, and Belvedere Palace.

Share your memories and experiences with other delegates during your last dinner in Poland.

Sunday, Day 10: Warsaw to Los Angeles
 

Optional Extension to Auschwitz and Krakow

Please inquire for further information upon registration

We work diligently to ensure that the activities described here are available on your program. In rare cases, scheduling conflicts, delays, weather or circumstances beyond our control may result in program changes. If substitution is required, we make every effort to feature comparable events to retain the content and quality of the program.