Profectum's 2026 Deepening the DIR Perspective Conference

A Focus on Families

March 6 & March 8, 2026
Early Bird rate $195
expires Feb 1st

Conference overview

How do families operate

What do they struggle with

What makes them resilient

Families today exist in diverse forms, shaped by cultural, social, and ecological forces that influence how children and caregivers grow together. When scaffolded by strong social support, positive relationships, a sense of community, and access to quality education and healthcare, families thrive. Families are impacted by stressors: mental health challenges, interpersonal and community conflict, economic hardship, and isolation, to name just a few. This year’s conference calls clinicians, educators, policy-makers, and parents into a Focus on Families.

From its inception, the DIR model has situated growth and development in the context of healthy, attuned relationships. Finding, connecting to, and reinforcing those relationships is a critical component of practicing DIR and other relationship-centered approaches. Over two days, participants will engage with thought leaders, practitioners, and caregivers to examine both theory and practice.


  • Day one focuses on the importance of centering families in our care with insights from parents, clinicians, researchers, and advocates.
  • Day two emphasizes applied strategies, including building therapeutic alliances with families and case-based exploration, offering attendees opportunities to explore practical approaches that foster connected, emotionally rich family environments.

Through interactive sessions and reflective discussions, the conference supports professionals and community members in creating environments that uplift every member of the family unit.

Who should attend?

Professionals in Speech and Language, Occupational and Physical Therapies, Education, Mental Health (Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy), Medicine, Play Therapy, Creative Arts, Parents and Caregivers.

Get ALL the details! Click on the + to expand the sections below.

Registration information

Profectum is committed to providing equitable access to our conferences across a wide span of constituencies, including across our many international stakeholders and attendees. In an effort to remove barriers to attendance, we are pleased to offer a sliding scale of registration fees. The “Community Supported” fee is available for anyone with financial or other hardships. The “Standard” fee is the set cost. The “Pay It Forward” fee enables you to assist in covering costs for others. There are no separate forms or processes; each registrant should choose the amount they are comfortable paying, and register at that price.

Registration Fee Schedule: Your registration includes 2 conference days, access to recordings for 45 days post conference (April 22, 2026) and CEs if applicable.

2 Day Registration (including recordings and CEs) Rate
Early Bird (until Feb 1st) $195
Standard (after Feb 1st) $295
Community Supported $125
Pay it Forward $325
Parents and Students (no CEs) $95

Recordings: Recordings will be available for 45 days post conference (April 22, 2026) with a conference registration.

Continuing Education: Visit the the CEs section for details regarding available continuing education credits. Live online attendance of all sessions is mandatory for CE credits. Learners must attend the entire scheduled day to be eligible for credits. No partial credits available.

Conference Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 10 working days (Mon-Fri) before the start date of this program will result in a refund less a $25.00 cancellation fee. No refund can be given for a cancellation 10 or fewer working days (Mon-Fri) before this program start date. [February 20, 2026] Requests for refunds must be received in writing via email to conferences@profectum.org. In the event that this program is cancelled, you will be notified immediately via email and a credit will be issued toward a rescheduled program, or the entire submitted fee will be refunded without further liability on the part of the organizer.

Conference Special Accommodations Requests: If you require ADA accommodations or have a special needs request, please email conferences@profectum.org at least two weeks before the program start date so arrangements can be made.

Friday, March 6

William M. Singletary, MD

Debbie Reber, MA

TBD

Sunday, March 8

Martha E. Edwards, PhD

Diane Selinger, PhD

Serena Wieder, PhD

This conference will be held live online via Zoom.

All times are presented in eastern time. https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter

Recordings will be available post conference 45 days (April 22, 2026.)

Continuing Education: Live online attendance of all sessions is mandatory for CE credits.

Frequently asked questions

This conference is for

Professionals in Speech and Language, Occupational and Physical Therapies, Education, Mental Health (Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy), Medicine, Play Therapy, Creative Arts, Parents and Caregivers.

Attendance and requirements for completion

General Certificates of Attendance will be available in the conference dashboard post conference. Learners who attended the conference sessions live online will receive an email with a password to unlock their certificate of attendance. Make sure you enter your first and last name in Zoom, so we can identify you and so that your attendance can be tracked. If we cannot identify you or track your attendance we cannot provide a certificate of attendance or a Continuing Education certificate.

For those wanting to earn Continuing Education credits, you must complete the requirements
listed in the CE section. 

Payment, withdrawal and refund policy

Payment in full is required.

Cancellations more than 10 working days (Mon-Fri) before the start date of this program will result in a refund less a $25.00 cancellation fee. No refund can be given for a cancellation 10 or fewer working days (Mon-Fri) before this program start date. [February 20, 2026] Requests for refunds must be received in writing via email to conferences@profectum.org. 

Cancelation policy

In the event that this program is canceled, you will be notified immediately via email and a credit will be issued toward a rescheduled program, or the entire submitted fee will be refunded without further liability on the part of the organizer.

Special accommodation requests

If you require ADA accommodations or have a special needs request, please email conferences@profectum.org at least two weeks before the program start date so arrangements can be made.

Technology considerations

Profectum uses video streaming and video conferencing as our standard technology tools. The conference relies on joining live online using Zoom. A strong internet connection is needed. Directly connect to your internet router or be as close to your wireless router as possible. Internet connection, computer power and/or Zoom may cause delays or out-of-sync videos.

Thank you to our sponsors

Special thanks to the Conference Committee

Ruby Salazar, LCSW, BCD; Conference Chair
Tyler P. Choate, MS, CCC-SLP; IECMH-E® - Director of Clinical Programs
Sima Gerber, PhD, CCC-SLP
Gilbert Foley, EdD, IMH-E
Elisa Chrem, MS, CCC-SLP, MA Ed
Jennifer Hein, OTR/L
Steve Glazier, MA