Keynotes & Workshops

A Brief Look at Loren's Inspiring
Keynotes & Workshops

Your Mental Health Matters: Living Well to Serve Well

Educators and school professionals spend their days supporting the growth and well-being of others, often while neglecting their own.  This uplifting and interactive keynote provides practical strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and cultivating resilience.  Participants leave with renewed perspective and actionable tools to maintain their well-being, sustain their passion, and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families.

A Song for You: Vulnerability, Purpose, and the Heart of Education

One caring adult can change the trajectory of a student's life.  In this deeply moving keynote, Dr. Loren combines personal storytelling, authentic vulnerability, and original music to celebrate the profound influence educators have every day.  Attendees will be reminded of the lasting difference they make, reconnect with their purpose, and leave feeling inspired, encouraged, and energized to continue the important work of serving students and school communities.

Lean Into The Discomfort: Seeing Students Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

Today's students face challenges that often extend far beyond the classroom.  This impactful presentation helps educators better understand the connection between trauma, behavior, learning, and emotional well-being.  Dr. Loren provides practical, trauma-informed strategies that help school professionals respond with empathy, reduce conflict, strengthen relationships, and create learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

Conversations That Inspire Change: Building Connection Through Motivational Interviewing

Meaningful change begins with meaningful conversations.  This engaging session introduces practical Motivational Interviewing techniques that educators, counselors, administrators, and support staff can immediately apply in their daily interactions with students.  Participants will learn how to reduce resistance, strengthen relationships, encourage student ownership, and foster conversations that support growth, motivation, and positive decision-making.

Breaking the Silence: Hope, Help & A Future Worth Fighting For (Keynote for Youth)

A powerful keynote designed to inspire youth to believe in themselves, seek help when they need it, build supportive relationships, and take ownership of their future with courage and confidence.  This age‑appropriate presentation combines storytelling, music, and honest conversation to help students understand the impact of their choices, recognize their worth, and know they are not alone.  The message is emotional yet uplifting, focused on courage, empathy, and hope.

Connect Boldly: Finding Your People, Expanding Your Purpose (All Ages)

Discover how purpose-filled relationships ignite confidence, clarity, and opportunity.  This uplifting session invites participants to step out with courage, cultivate meaningful community, and build the connections that expand impact, strengthen well-being, and move purpose forward.

Sessions for School Counselors &
other Mental Health Professionals:

The Vulnerability of Helping Professionals: How Life’s Tragedies Shape & Refine Our Work

Supporting others can be deeply meaningful—and deeply exhausting—especially when personal hardships collide with professional demands. In this powerful session, Loren explores how vulnerability can fuel resilience, deepen connection, and renew your sense of purpose. Walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how life’s toughest moments can strengthen both your work and your well-being.

Groups, Groups, Groups!!! The Key to Comprehensive School Counseling!

Counseling Groups are the most effective way of providing our services to the maximum number of students every week, yet there are many counselors, who miss the opportunity to implement them regularly (or at all). What prevents you from providing groups?  Time?  Preparation?  Fear?  Whatever has been your barrier, let’s break through that today!  Join Dr. Dittmar to learn how you can maximize your effectiveness!

A Song for You: The Crucial Roles of Counselors in School Mental Health

The impact of the pandemic is ongoing and our students (and families) need more support for their mental health than ever before.  Attendees who are willing to dig deep, and possibly get a bit emotional, are invited to join this session to engage in a valuable discussion about the school counselor’s leading role in these preventative efforts, by exploring current research and best practices.

Lean Into The Discomfort: Seeing Students Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

Student mental health needs are rising, and those who work with youth must be equipped to look beyond behavior and recognize what students are really communicating. A trauma-informed lens helps us respond with clarity, empathy, and intention. In this powerful session, Loren shares practical strategies for understanding challenging behaviors, supporting student needs, and creating calm, connected learning environments—while empowering all staff to truly see every student.

From Stuck to Ready: Motivational Interviewing for Conversations That Heal

Too often, our instinct is to fix, persuade, or push, especially when someone we care about is struggling. But real change rarely begins with advice.  In this interactive training, Dr. Loren Dittmar blends powerful storytelling with evidence-based Motivational Interviewing practices to support meaningful conversations with students across their academic, college/career, and social/emotional needs.  Shaped by decades of counseling experience and the personal loss of his brother to suicide, this session focuses on engaging students who feel stuck, resistant, or overwhelmed.  Through reflective practice, skill-building, and real-world application, participants will deepen their ability to help students feel truly seen and supported in finding their own motivation and next healthy step.

Leading Without Losing Yourself: Sustaining Wellbeing and Purpose in Leadership

You stepped into SCA leadership because you believe in the work school counselors do and the difference they make for students. But between serving your members, working with your board, and managing the demands of your own life and career, it can be easy to lose sight of your own needs. Through personal stories, meaningful reflection, and practical strategies, Dr. Loren Dittmar will invite you to reconnect with your purpose, protect your peace, and lead in a way that supports both your association and your own wellbeing.