Authenticity and Accountability in Self-Care

Lifelong Learning | Registration opens 5/1/2025 9:00 AM EDT

9000 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15237 United States
PSC 109
5/20/2025-6/17/2025
1:00 PM-2:30 PM EDT on Tue
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Authenticity and Accountability in Self-Care

Lifelong Learning | Registration opens 5/1/2025 9:00 AM EDT

These interactive presentations on "Authenticity and Accountability in Self-Care" are continuous, and over a five-week period.

They provide knowledge on self-care and burnout as well as practical guidelines in how to recognize, differentiate, and proactively deal with symptoms and their impact on overall well-being. Participants are invited to come with a curious mind and a commitment to restore and/or sustain their personal overall wellbeing. 

Note: These consecutive presentations are interactive but they are in a teaching format. The presenter does not intend to provide therapy, coaching, or consultation as part of this presentation series.

Sr. Clara Kreis

Dr. Maria Clara Kreis is a Sister of Divine Providence, and a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.  Her previous ministerial experiences include an adjunct position at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and the position of the Assistant Director & Outreach Coordinator of the University Counseling and Wellbeing Center at Duquesne University (DU). Dr. Kreis has also presented on various topics locally, nationally, and internationally (e.g.; Self-care, Emotional Intelligence, Assertive Communication, Resilience, Grief/Loss, Change & Transformation, etc.). It was in Cameroon, Africa, where she has offered wellbeing programs to women religious (years 2014 & 2015). Dr. Kreis is the author of the Life Satisfaction Scale for Apostolic Women Religious (LSSAWR). With the support of DU, a generous grant, and together with the LSSAWR project team, Dr. Kreis was able to translate the LSSAWR into Spanish and German, and complete three LSSAWR Manual language versions, and to publish academic work in peer-reviewed journals. The International LSSAWR Project has also supported Dr. Kreis'  ability to present and facilitate the results of the LSSAWR Congregational Reports to religious worldwide. From 2012 to 2022, Dr. Kreis continued to see clients in her private practice in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During her Visiting Scholarship position at CTU in Chicago, Dr. Kreis was able to extend the LSSAWR to men religious. Finally, Dr. Kreis has also ministered as a psychologist in the residential program at The Southdown Institute in Canada, where she conducted work in the area of psychological assessments, therapy, and consultations with priests and women/men religious. Currently, Dr. Kreis is an independent contractor, offering presentations, facilitation, consultation, and coaching when requested by organizations and congregations (locally, nationally, and internationally).