Joan Borysenko

Joan Borysenko Speaking Topics

It’s Not the End of the World: Developing Resilience in Times of Change

Resilience is more than the ability to bounce back from adversity. It is a transformative process that reveals our inherent nobility, a rite of passage from pieces to peace. Resilient people face reality head-on, take action, find deeper meaning in life, laugh often, and are masters of improvisation. The good news is that resilience isn’t a genetic gift for the lucky few. Modern psychology and neuroscience have clearly identified the attitudes and practices that support resilience. Both adults and children can learn these skills and help bring one another and our planet through the challenging times we live in. Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the lecture participants will be able to: • Define resilience as a transformative process • Explain liminality as the time between no longer and not yet. • List 7 skills that foster the development of resilience in liminal time • Teach 5 techniques that increase activity in the left prefrontal cortex, supporting emotional balance.

The Art and Science of Resilience: The Role of Mindful Compassion, Empathy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology

Resilience is an embodied state of mind, compassionate attention to the needs of self and others. It creates an interpersonal field of open mind and heart, in which information and intuition flow organically, cultivating excellence. Empathy, the forerunner to compassion, can be either positive (caring); or negative (merging). The former activates the reward circuits of the brain. The latter activates pain circuits, setting the stage for compassion fatigue. In this workshop, participants will learn skills, both for themselves and clients, that promote positive empathy, mindfulness, and the installation of positive experience, leading to increased resilience and happiness. Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the workshop participants will be able to: • Describe the effects of compassion training on the brain and nervous system • Compare and contrast caring empathy from empathic distress • Use an imagery exercise to decrease empathic distress • Teach 3 skills related to self-directed neuroplasticity • Teach 3 skills that increase self-compassion

Where Mind Body Medicine Meets Mental Health: An Update on the Science of Wellbeing

The most important determinant of physical health is mental health. While we’ve known that for years, new findings in neuroscience, nutrition, immunology, and epigenetics on the one hand, coupled with a growing emphasis on somatic therapies and energy medicine on the other, have opened new doors to healing and wholeness. In this research-based practical presentation, participants will learn how adverse childhood experiences set the stage for chronic illness and substance abuse later in life through epigenetic changes, neurochemistry and immune function. Dr. Borysenko will examine how approaches based in interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, meditation, somatic techniques and narrative medicine can help restore physical and mental balance. Learning Objectives: • Describe the relationship between stress, inflammation, and affective disorders • Explain how trauma can be inherited epigenetically • Use narrative repair to help clients change their grievance stories • Combine positive psychology with new findings in neuroscience to enhance neuroplasticity

Neuroscience and the Practice of Compassion

Compassion is the awareness of suffering, and the desire to alleviate it. Compassion activates the reward circuits of the brain, inhibits stress response, and increases psychological and physical wellbeing. Research in interpersonal neurobiology describes how the mind is both embodied in the brain and nervous system, while also embedded in relationships. The quality of relationship affects the release of informational molecules by the brain and gut. These signaling molecules turn genes on and off and predispose health or disease, anxiety, depression or equanimity. Loving relationships to self and others is the crucible from which health and healing emerge. Fortunately, compassion can be cultivated with simple mental tools derived from meditation practice, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the program participants will be able to: • Describe the effects of compassion training on the brain and nervous system • Explain self-directed neuroplasticity • Teach 2 methods to increase self-compassion • Use lovingkindness meditation to increase compassion for self and others

Tending the Soul of Healthcare: Beyond Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

One of the most widespread problems in healthcare today is the alienation created by burnout and compassion fatigue. In the Healing Arts- and in any client relationship- the relationship itself is part of medicine, a field of trust and care that forms the fabric of excellence. When the relational field is strong, trust is built, symptoms are reduced and patients become more mindful, skillful, and empowered as do the clinicians themselves. Re-inspiring staff to care for themselves is a critical component of patient care and satisfaction. This fascinating and practical keynote or workshop provides a close up and personal tour of burnout- how to recognize it; how to prevent it; and how to reverse it.

Mindfulness and Beyond

Joan has created a variety of corporate programs in mindfulness, health, trauma, and the biology of perception and how to get out of the box. These are tailored to the needs of the group.

Joan Borysenko Videos

Joan Borysenko Articles

• STAY THE COURSE – Top Resilience Speakers for 2025 at Speakers.com
• CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN – Top Resilience Speakers for 2025 at Speakers.com
• Top 10 Keynote Speaking Topics in 2025

Joan Borysenko Speaker Testimonials

“Dr. Borysenko is a wonderful speaker! She incorporates evidence, life stories, and practical tips in a way that is meaningful and inspiring. We could not be happier with her as our keynote.”

- Carole A. Bartoletto, MA, RD | Kaiser Permanente, Regional Heath Education

---

“Joan was amazing. Really. Having her on the panel (with 9 other speakers) was a remarkable compliment to other points of view and specialties. Our accountants found her analytical approach and science based studies comforting (for lack of a better term); they really appreciated that the information she was providing was based upon facts. Her workshop has gotten good feedback as well; while we have not yet issued our formal survey, I’ve had many conversations myself and a number of people have shared how her ‘power of positive thinking’ and comments on ‘gratitude’ resonated with them and that they are much more conscientious about how they are thinking and interacting with people as a result.”

- Kristin Duncan | The Siegfried Group, Corporate Trainer

---

“Joan Borysenko has that rare ability to reach people—no matter where they are on their journey. Her presentations blend science and real-life experiences that leave the audience thinking, laughing, cheering. Joan is a beautiful, gentle spirit with a wisdom for a world so badly in need of healing.”

- Kathy Tilot | A Woman’s Place, St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

---

“Joan’s presentation at our conference was outstanding! Her warm presence and the depth of her knowledge were a remarkable combination. The experiential aspects of the workshop were beautifully woven into the teaching and her personal stories were a gift. Joan is extremely sensitive to the needs of the audience and our attendees left the workshop feeling inspired and enriched.”

- The Renfrew Center Foundation | Judi Goldstein, LSW, Conference Chair