About INPMThe mission of the INPM is to advance the vision of Dr. Viktor Frankl and Dr. Paul T. P. Wong through meaning research, meaning-centered practice, and meaningful living groups. More specifically, the INPM advocates the big-tent approach of extending logotherapy and integrating it with the positive psychology research on meaning through collaborative efforts.The INPM affirms the potential of personal and societal transformation through the impact of websites, publications, education, meaningful living groups, and meaning-centered counseling, coaching, and consultationInternational Network of Personal MeaningINPM_72c7f61e-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea00Dr. Viktor FranklMental Health ProfessionalsThe INPM welcomes professionals in mental health, organizational psychology, business coaching, and education. We are the home for the meaning-centred approach to facilitating personal and organizational growth. ^^ We provide (1) a directory of meaning-centered therapists, counsellors, and coaches for the purpose of advertising and referral; (2) workshops, courses, and a diploma program related to the meaning-centered approach; (3) consultation and opportunities for collaboration; and (4) resources related to the meaning-centered approach in addition to our Learning Library.Organizational PsychologistsBusiness CoachesEducatorsTherapistsCounsellorsResearchersThe INPM welcomes researchers from various disciplines, such as psychology, management, philosophy, medicine, and education. ^^ We provide (1) a directory of researchers interested in meaning research and second wave positive psychology (PP 2.0) to facilitate collaborative research; (2) opportunities for participation and publication in the International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology; (3) access to Dr. Paul T. P. Wong’s research ideas related to existential positive psychology or PP 2.0 for collaboration or outsourcing; (4) free access to all the instruments developed by Dr. Wong; and (5) resources related to meaning research and PP 2.0.Community MembersWe invite members from the community to become non-professional members of our INPM family -- we welcome people from all walks of life, including retirees! ^^ We provide (1) the opportunity to contribute to the Positive Living Newsletter; (2) waived participation fees for the Meaningful Living Meetup Groups; (3) opportunities for attending the Meaning Conferences and workshops with a membership discount; (4) access to our resources, such as archives from the lessons at previous Meaningful Living Meetup Groups, the Learning Library, and self-assessment instruments; and (5) access to our directory of meaning-oriented therapists and coaches.INPM Board of DirectorsPaul T. P. Wong, Pd.D., C.PsychCo-Founder | Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D. (University of Toronto), C.Psych, is Professor Emeritus of Trent University and Trinity Western University. He is a Fellow of APA, APS, and CPA, and the founding President of the International Network on Personal Meaning and the Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute. He is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology and Consulting Editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology. ^^ As a research psychologist, he is well known as a leading authority on Viktor Frankl and Logotherapy. As a pioneer of the positive psychology of suffering, he is responsible for a major paradigm shift from positive psychology to the existential positive psychology of flourishing through suffering. ^^ He has published 8 books and more than 300 articles and book chapters, with increasing impact according to Google Scholar. He is also shortlisted by AcademicInfluence.com as one of the most "noteworthy and influential psychologists," with a world ranking of No. 155. He has been invited to give keynotes, webinars, workshops and lectures on all 7 continents. ^^ As a clinical psychologist, his spiritual mission is to spread the good news of self-transcendence -- the hope of awakening people to their potential to see the light and be the light in darkness through faith in God. The struggle of turning suffering into highest achievement will make people strong and whole with a sense of peace and harmony. ^^ His brand of Integrative Meaning therapy (IMT) aims at unlocking the transforming power of suffering. It incorporates various therapeutic modalities, such as CBT, narrative therapy, and cross-cultural therapy, with meaning as the central integrating construct. Rather than focusing on symptom reduction, IMT emphasizes that both healing and flourishing can be achieved by meeting the basic human need for meaning, relationships, and faith. ^^ The motto of IMT is "Meaning is all we have; relationship is all we need." The ideal client is someone who feels trapped in a living hell or thinks that it is futile to strive and life is meaningless. ^^ As a Christian leader, he was the founding pastor of Toronto’s first Chinese Gospel Church and founder of the Peterborough Chinese Christian Fellowship. His other leadership positions include the Founding Director of the Graduate Counselling Program at Trinity Western University, and Head of Social Science Division at Tyndale University.Lilian C. J. Wong, B.Sc, M.A., Ph.D, RPCo-Founder | Lilian C. J. Wong received her training in psychology from: ^^ * University of British Columbia (Ph.D., Counselling Psychology) ^ * University of California in Los Angeles (Courses in Family Systems, Psychopathology, and Learning Disabilities) ^ * University of Texas at Austin (M.A., Educational Psychology) ^^ Dr. Wong was Associate Professor and School Counselling Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University, Langley, BC (2001-2006), and Associate Professor of Psychology at Tyndale University, Toronto, ON (2006-2009). ^^ She served as Psycho-Educational Consultant, School Psychologist, and Special Education Specialist for several school boards in Ontario and British Columbia (1973-2001). ^^ Dr. Wong is internationally recognized for her research on multicultural competencies in clinical supervision. Her other areas of research include cross-cultural psychological assessment, multicultural counselling, play therapy, resilience, moral and character development, emotional and social intelligence, ethical issues in counselling, and clinical supervision. ^^ She is co-editor of the Handbook of Multicultural Perspectives on Stress and Coping (2006), The Positive Psychology of Meaning and Spirituality (2007/2012), A Brief Handbook on Meaning-Centered Counseling and Therapy (2010), The Positive Psychology of Meaning and Addiction Recovery (2013), and Inspirations for Difficult Times (2019). ^^ She has been invited to lecture and conduct workshops in the U.S., Canada, and overseas, including at universities in Europe, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, on Meaning-Centered Approach to Grief Therapy, Play Therapy, and counselling children, adolescents, and families. She travels worldwide with her husband, Dr. Paul T. P. Wong, speaking on Meaning Therapy. ^^ Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Wong has been actively involved in local communities and international psychological associations.Daniel JordanDaniel Jordan is a proud member and long-time supporter of INPM since 2006. Daniel and his family operate a 44-bed residential mental health and addiction treatment facility, Sunshine Coast Health Centre, which incorporates an meaning-centered treatment model. Program Director Geoff Thompson, Ph.D., is a former student of Dr. Paul Wong and has been actively developing our model since 2009. In addition to his current responsibility of board member, Daniel has been active in past INPM conferences, particularly 2010 when he took on the role of Conference Manager. ^^ Personal Commitment Statement: ^^ I am committed to INPM's vision of promoting an existential positive psychology model that promotes meaning and acknowledges the important role of human suffering in transforming the lives of those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. My family's company remains a committed partner that provides ongoing financial support so that INPM can continue to make an important contribution to psychological research and psychotherapy practice. ^^ Dr. Paul Wong’s “big tent" approach to psychotherapy is what inspires me to be an INPM board member. I continue to learn from his integrative approach. I am proud to be part of a learned society that embraces cultural diversity, philosophy, evidence-based research, and, above all, compassion for humanity and the human condition. ^^ Personal Commitment Statement: ^^ Dr. Paul Wong’s "big tent" approach to psychotherapy is what inspires me to be an INPM board member. I continue to be amazed at the diversity of the attendees that attend the biennial conferences. I am proud to be part of a learned society that stands for making sense of the human condition in these times of rapid, global change.Don LairdAs a board member since 2022 and serving as the INPM Chair for Professional Development and Education, Don continues to dedicate himself to advancing INPM's mission by promoting meaning, flourishing, and existential positive psychology through education, writing, and conferences. Don has had the honor of co-authoring several published papers with Dr. Wong as well as contributing articles to the INPM newsletter and journal. ^^ As a Licensed Professional Counselor and adjunct professor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Don firmly believes the journey to good mental health starts with a meaningful conversation and ends with helping others create a life worth living. With over 22 years of clinical experience, Don's approach to therapy is guided by the pursuit of wellness, creativity, flourishing, and meaning. He is interested in the client’s story -- how they arrived at this point in life -- and where they go from here. ^^ "For me, psychology and therapy have always been about finding meaning through the understanding of suffering and fostering creative action, which is why positive existential psychology and INPM’s mission in particular appeals to me." ^^ In addition to providing existential psychotherapy and professional counseling, Don is also the clinical director at eTalkTherapy, LLC where he offers existential life coaching, wellness seminars, and LPC supervision. As an adjunct professor at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, he leads graduate students through the illuminating worlds of integrative existential psychotherapy, psychology of film, and counseling theory.Dr. Geoffrey R. ThompsonDr. Thompson is Program Director at the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, where he established a meaning-centered program to help those suffering from mental health and addictions issues. ^^ He has published journal articles, book chapters, and a book interpreting addictions as a problem of meaning, as well as reviewed journal articles on addiction. He is currently completing a book for the public on addiction and meaning. ^^ Since 2002, he has been involved with the International Network on Personal Meaning, volunteering as a board member, helping organize its biennial international meaning conferences, and co-editing its newsletter.Christina PettinatoChristina Pettinato (NCC, LPC, LBS) began promoting INPM's mission of existential positive psychology, its "big tent" approach, and meaning-based approaches to therapy in her own clinical practice in 2017. As a recently appointed board member to INPM, she has dedicated herself to supporting the organization's mission through community building and membership. ^^ As a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board-Certified Counselor, offering individual therapy at eTalkTherapy, LLC, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Christina believes that through meaningful conversation and mindful exploration, one can cultivate opportunities for growth, self-reflection, trust, purpose, and meaning in their lives. With over 12 years of clinical experience, Christina's approach to therapy begins with building a therapeutic relationship first and then guiding a client with nonjudgmental and support to live a life worth living. In addition to providing individual counseling in private practice, Christina is the Program Director at one of Pennsylvania's premier mental health facilities serving children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. She is also an LPC clinical supervisor.Tim Yu, B.Sc.Tim has been the INPM's Student Representative since 2021. He received his BSc in Psychology at the University of Toronto in 2022. ^^ He began working closely with Drs. Paul and Lilian Wong in 2018, and has helped them with various projects, such as putting together two books (Made for Resilience and Happiness and Inspirations for Difficult Times), and two journal special issues (Counseling Psychology Quarterly and Frontiers). Additionally, he helped organize the INPM’s 2019 Summer Institute and 2021 Meaning Conference. ^^ Tim is interested in research focused on death attitudes, responsibility, self-transcendence, meaning, and spirituality. He is often working on several projects at once, aimed at applying the main tenets of Existential Positive Psychology in new territories. After graduate school, he plans to work either in a hospice or palliative care setting, or set up a private practice dedicated to end-of-life counselling. ^^ During his spare time, Tim could be seen playing his guitar or reading philosophical books. If not, then he is probably dreaming about the future.International Socieity for Existential Positive Psychology (ISEPP)_72c7f83a-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea00To advance the vision of Dr. Viktor Frankl and Dr. Paul T. P. Wong_72c7fa06-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea00ScienceAs a learned society, the INPM believes that high-quality scientific research on the positive psychology of meaning in major life domains can contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities.Well-BeingThe INPM also believes that the most effective way to advance human knowledge and well-being is through pluralism and interdisciplinary research.PluralismInterdisciplinarityResearchInterventionsPromote existential therapy and integrative models which address existential and spiritual issues_72c7fa56-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea001MEANING-FOCUSED INTERVENTIONS ~ INPM promotes existential therapy and integrative models which address existential and spiritual issues. ^^ There is increasing recognition of the importance of addressing existential and spiritual issues in counselling and therapy. This new trend could change the landscape of psychotherapy in the new millennium. ^^ We believe that the best way forward, is through sharing of resources and concepts, and the INPM seeks to provide a vehicle for that sharing. We have a four-part purpose, to this end:NetworkingNetwork with individuals and institutes interested existential and/or spiritual issues in their practice_72c7faba-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea001.1ForumProvide a forum for exchange of ideas on professional issues and integrating spiritual, existential issues in counselling and therapy_72c7fb14-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea001.2BibliographyProvide the most comprehensive and up-to-date bibliography on various meaning centered counselling and therapies, such as existential therapy, logotherapy, etc._72c7fb6e-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea001.3ReferralsFacilitate referrals of existential, meaning centered counselors, therapists and psychologists._72c7fbbe-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea001.4CounselorsTherapistsPsychologistsMeaningful LivingEducate the general public about the science and art of meaning in life_72c7fc22-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea002The Meaningful Living Project is designed to educate the general public about the science and art of meaning in life through Meetup groups and social media. ^^ What is the greatest need in these uncertain times? What are people’s deepest yearnings? What is your most cherished dream? Yes, I know the popular answers: Good economy, good paying jobs, happiness, success, and all things that people typically strive for. But have you considered the unlikely answer that meaningful living might be what people really need? ^^ Giving Positive Psychology Away as a Grassroots Movement to Resolve the Mental Health Crisis ~ Teaching people the positive psychology of meaning, resilience and well being is the most economic and empirically supported way to resolve the mental health crisis, according to renowned psychologist Dr. Paul T.P. Wong.MeetupsConduct meetups_72c7fc7c-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea002.1Toronto Meaningful Living (M4L) MeetupSince 2011 Dr. Paul Wong has organized the Toronto Meaningful Living (M4L) Meetup as a grassroots mental health movement. "Simply put, M4L represents my effort to provide road signs for all those who feel discouraged, confused, or stressed out in their quest for a more meaningful and rewarding life. It is also intended for all individuals who have the noble vision of making life better for all people" (http://www.inpm.org/m4l /). ^^ Participants came from all walks of life with many cultural backgrounds meet together to learn the principles and practices of meaningful living. A more detailed description of the Meetup can be found in the Positive Psychology Newsletter . This meetup was also captured live in this video. Wong mentions several benefits of M4L Meetups. These include: (a) providing a safe and trusting environment for people to learn new ways to relating and helping each other, (b) overcoming their fear of stigma in sharing each other’s struggles and successes, and (c) receiving free support and help from group interventions from a meaning therapist or facilitator. For those needing additional professional help would schedule individual sessions after the Meetup. Over the years, numerous individuals have benefit from the meetup according to many unsolicited feedback. Some times, over 30 people came to the M4L meetup.Paul T. P. WongIn his old age (82) and suffering from cancer, Wong still offers meetups, workshops and online courses. The theme of this new series of Meetup is "The 12 keys to unlock the power of meaning in healing and flourishing." ^^ His last wish is to train a thousand meaning therapists and facilitators so that they can promote positive mental health in many cities all over the world. He offers Meaning Therapy workshop in Toronto July 20-21 (www.meaning.ca/summer-institute/), but it can also be accessed through lifestreaming. This is part of the certificate course on existential positive psychology and meaning therapy. ^^ This wish can be easily fulfilled, if it is supported by the positive psychology community, Government and granting agencies. "Why can’t they give Meaning Therapy a chance to help fight the mental health crisis of addiction, depression and suicide?" Wong asks.VideosProvide videos_72c7fcd6-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea003INPM PROVIDES FREE AND MEMBER ONLY VIDEOS Check out our YouTube channels!Main ChannelMain Channel Paul T. P. Wong_72c7fd44-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea003.1https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulTPWongMeaningful LivingMeaningful Living Project INPM_72c7fda8-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea003.2https://www.youtube.com/c/MeaningfulLivingProjectINPMConferenceMeaning Conference INPM_72c7fe0c-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea003.3https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4aozgnUVvaIx3IZJC9Qx2AConferences & EventsHost conferences and events_72c7ff60-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea004Certificate ProgramConduct an applied existential positive pschology and integrative meaning therapy certificate program_72c7ffce-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea004.1Online Certificate Course, Asynchronous ^ Optional 8.0 CPA-Approved CE Credits ^ Date: Starting on November 6, 2023 ^ Time: Asynchronous ^ Location: Online ^^ We are excited to launch this long-awaited Certificate Course! It is a unique course taught by the founder of both Applied Existential Positive Psychology (AEPP) and Integrative Meaning Therapy (IMT). This Certification is jointly offered by International Network on Personal Meaning (INPM) and the Meaning-Centred Counselling Institute (MCCI).ConferencesConduct international meaning conferences_72c80028-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea004.211TH BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL MEANING CONFERENCE 2021 FROM VULNERABILITY TO RESILIENCE & WELLBEING DURING THE PANDEMIC: ADVANCES IN EXISTENTIAL POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (PP 2.0) ^ August 6-8, 2021* ^ Virtual Meaning Conference ^^ It is unfortunate that we had to postpone the 2020 Biennial International Meaning Conference to August 6-8, 2021 because of COVID-19-related travel restrictions and health concerns. The conference theme remains the same but with more focus on the pandemic.WebinarsOffer webinars_72c800aa-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea004.3FREE DR. PAUL T.P. WONG WEBINARS ~ Webinars announcement: ^^ These two virtual webinars constitute the Introduction to a Certificate Course on Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0) and Meaning-Focused Interventions, which will be offered later. You may participate in both webinars at no cost.Professional DevelopmentSupport professional development_72c8010e-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea005JournalPublish papers involving the integration of existential philosophy/psychology and the positive psychology of happiness and wellbeing_72c80172-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea005.1International Society for Existential Positive PsychologyPaul T. P. WongEditor-in-ChiefThe International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology, ISSN: 2817-5018 (online) ^^ This journal is a publication of the International Society for Existential Positive Psychology. ^^ The International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology (formerly called the International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy) is the official publication of the International Society for Existential Positive Psychology. It is a peer-reviewed, full-text scholarly journal that provides fast, online publications. IJEPP is the official organ of the International Society for Existential Positive Psychology (ISEPP). It is published online on this site (see below) and is available only to Regular members of INPM. Individual articles may be purchased online by non-members and non-subscribers. Once a year IJEPP publishes selected papers in hardcopy format. Aim ^^ The aim of the IJEPP is to publish papers involving the integration of existential philosophy/psychology and the positive psychology of happiness and wellbeing. This is the only journal that publishes papers either with an existential orientation or positive psychology orientation. ^^ Scope ~ The International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology welcomes all original articles relevant to the study and application of meaning from different perspectives and different cultures. More specifically, we accept original articles related to research, theory, literature review, case studies, book reviews, and brief reports. Although the journal is the official publication of the International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology, it is not restricted to only the existential or positive psychology perspective. In fact, we welcome authors from all theoretical stripes and disciplines.MembershipsOffer memberships in INPM_72c801f4-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea006Regular INPM MembersAs a regular professional member, you have direct access to new research ideas on how to flourish through suffering and new intervention ideas on integrative meaning therapy and coaching. You will also have training and network opportunities and be able to contribute to our journal and conferences. ^^ It is open to all individuals who hold a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology or related fields (e.g., education, philosophy, nursing, medicine, business). Regular members can choose to be included in our online Therapists Directory or Integrative Meaning Therapy Network. They can also choose to be included in our Research Institute on Flourishing and Suffering (RIFS) and get involved in collaborative research.Associate INPM MembersThe associate membership is for individuals who are interested in the INPM’s mission but do not have the required professional qualifications. It is for all people interested in learning the ABCs of positive mental health based on leading a deeper and more resilient life. ^^ As an associative member, you will have access to a great deal of resources and training materials on meaningful living as a grassroots mental health movement. You can participate in our meaningful living meetups and access a vast library of keynotes and videos related to meaningful living.Senior INPM MembersThe senior membership is for individuals over the age of 65. Senior members have access to the same benefits and resources as regular members.Student INPM MemberThe student membership is for graduate or undergraduate students. Proof of current student status is required at the time of registration.The International Network on Personal Meaning (INPM)'s mission is to advance meaning-centered research, interventions, and meaningful living. Its professional branch for researchers and practitioners is known as the International Society of Existential Positive Psychology (ISEPP) -- an exciting new approach to integrating existential psychology and positive psychology (PP2.0). ^^ WHY BECOME A MEMBER? ^^ * Become part of a meaning movement and a new existential psychology paradigm. ^ * Free subscription to the Quarterly Positive Living Newsletter. ^ * Access to the Meaningful Living Group and its materials. ^ * 20% discounts on INPM workshop, conference, and Summer Institute registration. ^ * 20% discount on INPM Publications. ^ * Free subscription and submission to our peer-reviewed online Journal. ^ * Expert consultation on meaning-focused research and clinical applications. ^ * Access to the INPM's online learning library archive of previous workshop and conference recordings._72c80276-2103-11ef-8a34-44510e83ea00Paul T. P. WongEditor-in-Chief2024-06-02https://www.meaning.ca/about/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net