Profectum's March 2026 Conference

Deepening the DIR® Perspective:

A Focus on Families

March 6 & 8, 2026

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Conference overview

From its inception, the DIR model has defined development through attuned relationships. Finding, strengthening, and sustaining these relationships is central to practicing DIR and other relational approaches. This requires a nuanced consideration of families’ contexts, capacities, values, and lived experiences. What do families really need and how can they be supported? This March, Profectum’s Deepening the DIR perspective conference asks that question and calls clinicians, educators, policy-makers, and parents into a Focus on Families.

Many professionals build their work around an individual client and their evident needs. It is critical that this approach recognizes that any given child is situated in the context of some kind of family story. They may have siblings or live with grandparents. They may have one dedicated caregiver with minimal resources and support or a host of caregivers with multiple perspectives. They may live in complex communities with diverse strengths and needs. They may think, play, communicate, and develop in ways that mirror, or do not mirror, their broader family environment. These factors create significant impacts on children and their development and therapeutic frameworks must take them into account. In DIR we know that families are sustained through care, connection, and the relationships that help children and caregivers grow together. The conference offers a series of exciting sessions grounded in the recognition that relationships are not simply one influence among many, but the core condition through which families thrive. Over two days, participants will join leaders, practitioners, and caregivers to reflect on their work with families and to deepen their appreciation of how care and connection shape development.

Day one centers on families as sources of emotional safety, belonging, and meaning, and explores how experiences of being loved, valued, and understood create cascading developmental effects for children and caregivers alike. Perspectives from parents, advocates, clinicians, and researchers will invite participants to reflect on how relational presence, responsiveness, and trust are cultivated in everyday interactions with families.

Day two emphasizes applied, relationship-based practices, with a focus on building and sustaining therapeutic alliances with families. Participants will explore practical approaches that support emotionally rich, connected family environments, illustrated through case vignettes that highlight the transformative power of relationships in clinical and community contexts.

Through interactive sessions and reflective dialogue, the conference supports professionals and community members in strengthening the relational foundations that allow children and families to flourish.

As of result of this conference participants will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of connection, safety, and attuned relationships in family wellbeing.
  • Apply practical tools to support families and their needs through therapeutic assessment and intervention.


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.

Geoffrey H. Bracken & Shelley Bracken
Honorary Conference Co-Chairs

Profectum is proud to announce Geoffrey H. Bracken and Shelley Bracken as the Honorary Co-Chairs of this year’s conference. Longtime supporters of Profectum’s mission, Geoffrey and Shelley share a deep commitment to advancing relationship-based, developmentally informed approaches that place children and families at the center. Their leadership, generosity, and dedication to strengthening communities reflect the values that guide Profectum’s work, and we are honored to have their support and partnership for this conference.

Profectum in Conversation: Focus on the Family

This conversation marks the first in a new interview series, Profectum in Conversation: Focus on the Family. We are honored to share the Brackens' story—and grateful for their partnership and support of this year’s conference.

Friday, March 6

William M. Singletary, MD

Debbie Reber, MA

Sunday, March 8

Martha E. Edwards, PhD

Diane Selinger, PhD

Serena Wieder, PhD

Co-creator of the DIR Model
Profectum Co-founder

Program details

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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.

Thank you to our sponsors

and to our promotion partners

Special thanks to the Conference Planning Committee

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

and to Serena Wieder, PhD

The conference planning committee and Profectum Faculty wish to express profound gratitude to our Co-founder, Dr. Serena Wieder, for her continuous inspiration and dedication to our expanding quality work for children and their families.

Frequently asked questions

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.