In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Micheal Emmart, Ed.D and Laura Torres, LCMHC who co-authored Conversations Worth Having for Clinicians, Case Workers, & Coaches: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Foster Wellbeing by Michael Emmart, Laura Torres, Cheri Torres, and Jackie Stavros.  

Laura and Michael shared how the books is based off of two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices- generative questions and positive framing which allows for important conversations to happen.  

We also discuss the importance of tuning into ourselves while working with clients and asking what is happening to me if I am feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, etc.  

Laura and Michael also shared the importance of being in a place of curiosity and we can get back to curiosity while with our clients.  

Conversations Worth Having Website

Biographies

Laura Torres, LCMHC

Laura has been practicing psychotherapy for more than 10 years. She is currently working in private practice in Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives with her partner and 10-year-old son. Laura has worked in a wide range of settings with various populations spanning community mental health settings, residential and outpatient settings.  Laura's therapeutic approach and background is eclectic in that it draws on a variety of different modalities including Internal Family Systems, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Hakomi, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR.  Laura is also a certified life coach and yoga instructor. 

You can connect with Laura on instagram or facebook. 

www.lauratorrescounseling.com   

www.lauratorrescoaching.com

Michael Emmart, Ed.D

Michael is often sought out as a subject matter expert on child welfare, justice involved, and cross-over youth.  He has filled a variety of roles over more than 25 years in the field, including: direct care staff, caseworker, counselor, trainer, senior administrator, nonprofit executive, and university-based consultant.  Michael is also a founding member of the Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation (IJOC), which is housed within Case Western Reserve University’s Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World benefit, currently serving as Executive Director.  He has taught and written extensively on the value of incorporating appreciative inquiry-based conversations within the human services field.

Michael lives in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Central New York where he lives with his wife and children. 

Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation: https://case.edu/weatherhead/fowler/programs/just-conversations 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelemmart/