Dr. Gregory Canillas

"What you seek is seeking you."  - Rumi

Untitleddesign16

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.

GAK2

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."

Dr. Gregory Canillas

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 AND 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
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

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.  

STAY CONNECTED

Sign up for our newsletter today and receive

"The Top 6 Reasons Why People Should Do Premarital Counseling"


Plus, you'll receive:

Expert advice and tips delivered directly to you and

the latest news on upcoming VIP events!!!


First name and last name
Insert your valid Email address here.