This September, Wayne State University’s School of Social Work and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology will host the 2024 James and Janice Prochaska Lecture, an event that honors the impact of a family deeply rooted in behavioral health research and practice. This year’s keynote speaker, Judith “Jodi” Prochaska, a professor of medicine at Stanford University, will discuss the "Stages of Change" model—an influential framework co-developed by her father, James O. Prochaska, that has transformed how clinicians approach behavioral health. This lecture not only commemorates her parents’ contributions to psychology and social work but also continues their legacy of advancing mental health treatment.

Social Work Dean Sheryl Kubiak noted “This lecture presents a unique opportunity for professionals and students in social work, psychology, and related fields to learn from one of the foremost experts in behavioral health. Prochaska’s talk will not only honor her parents’ legacy but also push the boundaries of current thinking on behavioral change and its practical applications.

The Prochaska family's ties to Wayne State run deep. James O. Prochaska, a Detroit native, earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the university before embarking on a distinguished career in psychology. He was founder of ProChange Behavior Solutions, a research-based company that uses his Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (also known as the Stages of Change model) to help clients work toward happier and healthier lives as they move through different stages of decision-making. James, who passed away in 2023, spent more than 50 years at the University of Rhode Island, where he was a professor of psychology and director of the Cancer Prevention Research Center.

His work transformed the way professionals approach addiction treatment, smoking cessation, weight management, and many other areas of behavior change. His work has been cited over 130,000 times making him one of the most cited authors in psychology, and he was named one of the top three preeminent clinical psychologists of the modern era.

Janice M. Prochaska, PhD, James’ wife and an alumna of Wayne State’s School of Social Work, has also contributed to the development of behavior change programs that have helped countless individuals. She was a clinical social worker who worked in a United Way Family Services agency for nearly 30 years and is one of the most published authors in the field of social work. Janice led research and development teams for health behavior and organizational change programs as CEO at ProChange Behavior Systems from 1997 – 2015. She continues her work as an adjunct instructor at the University of Rhode Island.

The James and Janice Prochaska Annual Lecture Series was established through a generous gift from the Prochaska family. The couple believed in the power of combining their fields to create more holistic approaches to health and well-being. Their generous gift to the university made this annual event possible, ensuring that their vision of integrated behavioral health would continue to inspire new generations of professionals.

Judith J. Prochaska, PhD, MPH is a professor of medicine and deputy director of the Stanford Prevention Research Center and senior associate vice provost of clinical research governance at Stanford University. Her work embodies the innovative spirit of her parents' legacy. A licensed clinical health psychologist with addiction medicine privileges at Stanford Health Care, she specializes in applying the Stages of Change model in her research and clinical practice. Judith focuses on leveraging technology to address risk behaviors in marginalized populations, offering new perspectives on how to approach behavioral health in today's complex social landscape.

In her lecture slated for September 12^th, Judith will explore how the Stages of Change model can be applied to modern behavioral health challenges, particularly in treating conditions such as addiction and chronic disease. Attendees will gain insights into how this model can be used to create effective interventions that promote lasting change.

“I am honored to present at Wayne State, an educational institution that profoundly shaped my parents’ career contributions, which in turn inspired my dedication to advancing the science of behavior change through broader reach and engagement." -  Keynote Speaker Judith J. Prochaska, PhD, MPH

The 2024 James and Janice Prochaska Annual Lecture “A Stages of Change approach for treating behavioral health conditions “ will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm EST at the Wayne State University Student Center, Hilberry A/B. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. Attendees may receive two free psychology or social work continuing education credits with pre-registration. Please visit the event page for more information and to register.

---

Writer: Sarah Freeman and Editor: Betsy Vanderstelt