AGENDA

LECTURES / WORKSHOPS / EVENTS

- FRIDAY -

Starting the Congress

Grand Opening: Where Courage Meets Kindness

We warmly invite you to the official launch of the 2nd International Provocative Congress! This is more than just a greeting—it is the moment when the Board of the Provocare Foundation begins our collective journey into a world where humor becomes a tool for change and paradox serves as the shortest path to the truth.

What to expect at the start?

The Provocative Manifesto: You will receive the Manifesto of the 2nd International Provocative Congress—the core philosophy guiding our gathering.
Parade of Experts: We will introduce our speakers from all corners of the globe. This is a rare opportunity to see such a strong representation of practitioners who “unleash” potential in business, therapy, and education every day through humor and the mindful construction of challenges.
Foundation in Action: We will take you behind the scenes of our mission. Discover how the Provocare Foundation changes reality through social and educational projects, turning provocative theory into tangible support for others.
Adventure Map: We will walk you through the Congress framework so you can make the most of every workshop, lecture, and networking session.

No Barriers – Hybrid and Bilingual

We believe in accessibility, which is why the opening is held in a hybrid format. Whether you are joining us in person or connecting from the other side of the world, you will feel the energy of this meeting. To ensure every word carries its full weight, the session will be available in both Polish and English.

Steve Wells

Love, Laughter and Liberation: Lighten Up Your Life with Provocative Energy Techniques (PET)

Learn how to create transformative changes within an atmosphere of liberating laughter, open-heartedness, and fun!

This presentation will show you how to bring more love, laughter, and freedom into your life and work – And how to help others to do the same!

If you work with clients, you’ll learn new ways to see and work with energy and emotions, how to facilitate rapid emotional healing, and also learn some intriguing provocative patterns to create rapid change. You’ll learn how to improve your presence in order to create deeper connections, get quickly to the heart of issues, and release emotional pain with less suffering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT

Our Primary Topics and Focus:

Love: What the world needs now is love. Instead, we seem to have more anger, conflict, and division than ever before. In this workshop we’ll explore how acceptance and love can bring inner peace on the way to bringing peace to the outside world. Learn how heart energy brings us together, and how it can be used to heal some of our deepest emotional wounds.

Laughter: Nobody is laughing anymore, and everything seems so serious! But the tragic mask does not fully define the human condition; the comic mask does as well. Come to this workshop and learn how laughter can be liberating. Laugh at your inner demons and gain freedom to confront the outer demons. Get infected with the provocative virus and learn to take things more lightly.

Liberation: How are you stuck in your life? This workshop will give you powerful strategies to get unstuck. Are you free to achieve your goals and pursue your best interests? Are you free to live life your way, as you decide? Are you free to connect with others and have positive relationships? When you gain an inner freedom you become freer in your outside pursuits as well.

Be warned! This is not for everyone. If you do not have a working sense of humour, or wish to resurrect one, it may not be for you. If you are upset by adult language or politically incorrect language you should not attend, as PET deliberately uses adult language and exaggerates stereotypes and stuck thinking patterns to get you thinking and behaving in new ways.

“A most fantastic experience …. you have taken this work to a whole new level… your work is the therapy of the future.”

– Sharon Toole, Psychotherapist, Toronto, Canada

“PET has shattered my previous belief system in such an empowering way that i have more fun in life, more fun in sessions, and most of all, better results with clients.”

– Sebastiaan Van Der Schrier, Social Anxiety Coach, Netherlands

You’ll Learn How to:

Establish a powerful heart connection and presence with others
Get to deep issues quickly and rapidly release emotional pain
Lighten up even very heavy issues with humour, light, and paradox
Turn darkness into light, tears into laughter, and despair into delight

What Is Provocative Energy Techniques (PET)?

Provocative Energy Techniques (PET) is a unique advanced energy approach developed by Steve Wells and Dr David Lake from Australia, which combines energy tapping with humorous and paradoxical language patterns and techniques drawn from Provocative Therapy, Brief Strategic Therapy and the Therapy of Milton H Erickson. It is solidly based on heartfelt acceptance.

PET addresses the multi-level nature of problems through warmth, liberating laughter, and intuitive spontaneity – elegantly addressing both mind and body in change work. PET can make deep level changes fast, fun, and enjoyable for both clients and practitioners.

“PET makes impossible things possible… The Provocative Style was like having a sauna bath, relieving, refreshing, just great, clear thoughts, limiting beliefs gone.”

— Eva Maria Lundell, MD, Munich

PET incorporates Simple Energy Techniques (SET), a user-friendly energy tapping approach developed by Steve Wells and Dr David Lake which can provide significant relief for emotional problems and some physical problems. SET evolved from Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and is equally effective, and more user-friendly and efficient.

What others say about PET and Steve’s Trainings:

“A most fantastic experience …. You have taken this work to a whole new level… your work is the therapy of the future.” – Sharon Toole, Psychotherapist, Toronto, Canada

“After the first 2 days of PET, I knew this is something special, unlike anything I have learned in the past decade, studying many of the different tapping modalities, NLP, and so on…

PET has been life-transforming for me personally, as well as for me as a coach. It has shattered by previous belief system in such an empowering way that I have more fun in life, more fun in sessions, and most of all, better results with clients…

As a coach, PET has been amazing for working with resistant clients (working solely with social phobics, I deal with this a lot), and bring a lot of light and fun to the sessions.

If you want results, and if you care about getting the best results for your clients while having the most fun possible, this is a must have in your skill-set for life…”

– Sebastiaan van der Schrier, Social Anxiety Coach, Netherlands

“Although I had been using EFT successfully with clients for several years, the fine tuning and addition of the PET techniques profoundly expanded my effectiveness … I am amazed at how much more quickly and comfortably clients have been moving through their issues, pain and trauma. I have received several phone calls after the sessions in which I have used these techniques thanking me for, as one client said, ‘bringing me the first feeling of peace I have had in months’.”

— Lynda Malerstein, C. Ht. Power Journeys Hypnosis, USA

“I feel absolutely fantastic. Not just good or great, but more alive, content and at peace with myself than I can ever remember feeling… It’s like a heavy shroud of darkness has been lifted off me. I feel totally different in my body – bigger, stronger, lighter, more upright, full of potential and charged with energy flowing from top to bottom and bottom to top…I am so much more approving of myself with all my foibles and so much more positive in my outlook to my life… My deepest and most sincere thanks.”

— Charles Cuninghame, Sydney

“Steve’s style is really innovative, entertaining and certainly a must see for anyone who is really interested in mastering Energy Therapy. ”
– Tania Prince, EFT Master and AAMET Trainer, UK

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for the best course I’ve been on in years. There were so many aha moments, I’m still stunned. So many pieces fell into place, it was amazing.”
– Jaqui Crooks, EFT Master, UK

“Thanks Steve for being a dynamic engaging presenter who makes learning and change simple and fun. I would highly recommend anything you offer as a workshop. YOU are a life changing event.”
– Devi Ishaya, NLP Master CT., CT. Hypnosis, Adv EFT Gig Harbor, Washington

“Inspiring, educational and fun. I laughed ’till I cried. PET has transformed the way I work with clients and students.”
— Russell Cunningham, Director – Australian Institute of Self Development

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Steve Wells

Psychologist, Leadership Coach and Peak Performance Consultant
Trained extensively in Provocative Therapy with Frank Farrelly from 1986, visiting his home and private practice many times, coordinating Frank’s Australian PT workshops, and joining all 3 International Provocative Therapy Intensives.

He began training therapists in Provocative Therapy in 1991 with Frank’s approval. He trained in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) with creator Gary Craig from 1997 and conducted the first published study on EFT for treating phobias. With Dr David Lake, he developed Provocative Energy Techniques (PET), an advanced combination of PT with EFT/tapping, and they first presented their joint approach at the International Provocative Therapy meeting in Munich in 2000. Since then, PET has evolved and been taught extensively worldwide, with practitioners in many countries. Steve also developed Intention Tapping which he combines with PET. Steve and David co-authored PET: The Manual, and 3 other books. Steve is also the author of 100% YES!

https://www.eftdownunder.com/

LIBRARY

YES – the event will be recorded and made available by the Library of Congress

dr Małgorzata Torój

Closer to Yourself, Closer to Others – How to Be Authentic with Another Person While Accepting Your Own Emotional World and Understanding Others’ Different Experiences

During the lecture, participants will be invited to explore the conditions for authentic connection with another person. The facilitator will guide the audience in collectively examining their emotions and emotional patterns that may block access to genuine relational presence. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how emotions can distort their perception of the other. By responding to questions about their own emotional schemas, they will be able to observe how these patterns may inhibit their intuitive ways of relating.

Being close to another requires meeting one’s natural way of experiencing reality—without denial or constructed illusions about the other person. This will be an opportunity to deepen awareness of one’s emotional world and to consider how it shapes the quality of our relationships.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

What will participants gain?

Insight into the sources of difficulty in connecting with others, especially when distancing from the authenticity of one’s own experience
Understanding the conditions necessary for authentic presence with another person
Familiarity with contemporary concepts of emotion
Introduction to key elements of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) in the context of relational blocks to authenticity

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

dr Małgorzata Torój

psychologist and certified coach with over 20 years of experience in developmental work with individuals, teams, and organizations. She specializes in supporting people in discovering and strengthening their potential, enabling them to function in their roles with authenticity and ease, while remaining open to new challenges and change.

She holds a PhD in Humanities in the field of psychology, and is a certified coach at the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) level with the ICF, an Erickson Certified Professional Coach (ECPC), and a Senior Practitioner with the EMCC. She is also a certified FRIS® Trainer, works with Internal Family Systems (IFS), and integrates logotherapeutic and solution-focused approaches (TSR I). She completed the NOVO School of Team and Group Coaching and serves as a coaching supervisor, supporting the growth of other professionals in the field.

Her working style combines deep empathy, clarity, and attentiveness to the individual needs of each client. She helps people build lives aligned with their personal truth and inner resources. In her practice, she blends academic knowledge with practical experience, creating space for transformation, courage, and conscious leadership.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Bożena Grabowska

Close in Closeness – Where Do I End? Clean Coaching in Practice

Intimacy is the foundation of relationships, but does it always bring people closer? Or does it sometimes blur boundaries, taking away space and perspective? In which situations does intimacy reveal more than we are ready to see? What mechanisms make it possible for us to be simultaneously very close and paradoxically far apart?

During the webinar, participants will have the opportunity to explore the following topics:

Paradoxes of Intimacy – When do we lose distance, and when do we see too much?
Relational Bones – Unspoken emotions and needs that create discomfort in personal and professional relationships.
Intimacy and Boundaries – Where do I end, and where does the other person begin?

The event is interactive and uses Clean Coaching methods, allowing participants to have a deeper experience of their own boundaries and their impact on relationships. Participants will not only observe the mechanisms of intimacy but will also experience its various aspects in practice.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Bożena Grabowska

Master Certified Coach (ICF), certified ICC coach, business trainer, facilitator, and supervisor of the Clean Coaching Process method. For over two decades, she has supported leaders, teams, and organizations in discovering their potential, shaping identity, and enhancing effectiveness. Her approach blends systemic thinking, deep attentiveness, and remarkable intuition — as she puts it, she works with “an open heart and a well-trained, sensitive nose.”

Since 2002, Bożena has led training and coaching processes, specializing in personal and managerial development, executive coaching, conflict resolution (both relational and organizational), and building cultures of communication and collaboration. She supports individuals and teams through potential diagnostics, skills training, one-on-one coaching, and team coaching.

Bożena holds a degree in Media Pedagogy from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, completed the Business Trainer School in Kraków, and studied Psychology in Management. She is certified as an IP 121 Career Coach (no. 0010) and conducts personality assessments for career development. Since 2011, she has been a certified facilitator and supervisor of the Clean Coaching Process method, and since 2018, she has trained advanced coaches in this approach.

She is deeply aligned with systemic thinking — understanding change as a process that encompasses the full web of relationships and structures. As she quotes Anna Kamieńska: “You cannot strike one string without stirring the entire silence.”

Bożena creates spaces where change unfolds naturally, without resistance — “almost incidentally” — allowing clients to reconnect with their vitality, clarity, and courage.

www.bozenagrabowska.pl www.cleancoaching.pro

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Małgorzata Bora

grzegorz bora

Exploring the sources of effectiveness of the provocative approach in research within the biological and medical sciences

Practitioners of the provocative approach have more than enough evidence of its effectiveness, whether through their own experiences or the stories of their patients/clients. However, can the biological and medical sciences offer any new insights into understanding the foundations of provocation? Or perhaps scientific knowledge will help reach broader audiences with the “banner of provocation”? The intention of the speakers is to equip participants with scientific sources from the biological and medical sciences that confirm the effectiveness of the elements that make up the provocative approach. During the lecture, the latest scientific findings will be discussed, which may assist in a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind provocativeness. We will explore how neurobiology and psychophysiology can explain why provocativeness is so effective in the context of a coach or therapist’s intervention. The goal is to create a bridge between practice and science, which could contribute to greater trust and acceptance of this approach in wider social circles.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Participants of the lecture will gain:

Increased awareness of the sources of effectiveness of the techniques they use in working with their clients/patients,
Substantive arguments for discussions about provocativeness with their service recipients,
Knowledge on how to access scientific sources related to their areas of interest.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

GRZEGORZ BORA

Business consultant, coach, lecturer, and PRISM Brain Mapping trainer. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Łódź and completed postgraduate studies in Professional Coaching at Kozminski University in Warsaw. His main areas of interest include leadership and team performance—he leads development projects for leaders and teams, and provides training in these fields.

He lectures in MBA programs at AHNS (focused on building leadership potential) and in postgraduate studies at Kozminski University (applications of neuroscience). He collaborates with the Postgraduate Education Center at the Medical University of Łódź, supporting the development of competencies among staff and alumni.

He supports the growth of PRISM Brain Mapping Practitioners by providing training and consulting across all aspects of using PRISM tools (leadership and team development, recruitment, workplace effectiveness, individual and team coaching). He maintains daily contact with Practitioners and actively develops the PRISM community in Poland.

He brings 21 years of business experience, including managing sales and marketing teams in the pharmaceutical industry. Together with Dr. Marta Czerwiec and Małgorzata Bora, he forms the CleverBrains consulting team.

MAŁGORZATA BORA

Coach, trainer, lecturer, and popularizer of knowledge about the brain. She graduated from the Medical Faculty of the Medical University in Łódź and completed postgraduate studies in Professional Coaching at the Leon Koźmiński Academy in Warsaw. She conducts individual development processes for senior management and offers training, with her greatest passion being increasing clients’ self-awareness and improving their satisfaction in their professional environments. She specializes in communication in challenging situations and promotes the application of knowledge about the brain in business and personal development. She teaches neuroscience to undergraduate and postgraduate students at ALK, and also offers coaching and mentoring courses to MBA students at AHNS. She collaborates with the Postgraduate Education Center of the Medical University in Łódź, supporting the development of the competencies of employees and graduates. As a PRISM Brain Mapping trainer, she has certified over 80 PRISM Practitioners in Poland. She applies her 16 years of managerial experience in leading sales teams in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as working with patients and managing a team in palliative care. Together with Dr. Marta Czerwiec and Grzegorz Bora, she forms the CleverBrains consulting team.

https://cleverbrains.pl/

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

PIOTR MOSAK

How to apply the provocative approach in business and relationships

In the world of business and personal relationships, we often fall into the trap of excessive politeness, predictability, and “safe” messages that de facto change nothing. We fear difficult questions, avoid humor in crisis situations, and cling desperately to masks of professionalism. The provocative approach turns this order upside down. Not to hurt, but to reach the heart of the problem faster than any other method through kind humor, paradox, and challenge. This lecture is an invitation to a world where the courage to say it “as it is” becomes the foundation of the strongest bonds and the most effective teams.

This event is especially for:

Leaders and Managers who want to build teams based on honesty, not on nodding in agreement.
HR Professionals and Trainers looking for fresh, unconventional methods of working with people.
Therapists and Coaches wishing to enrich their workshop with high-impact tools.
Partners and Parents who want to turn routine and arguments into authentic presence and shared joy.
The Curious and the Brave who are not afraid to see what happens when we look at serious problems through the prism of the absurd.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

The lecture has been designed as a dynamic journey through the mechanisms of provocativeness:

Foundations of Benevolent Defiance: What Frank Farrelly’s philosophy is all about and why humor is the shortest path to the truth.
Provocativeness in the CEO’s Office: How to disarm resistance in a team, build authentic authority, and communicate difficult decisions without „beating around the bush.”
You and I Anew: Applying provocative tools in close relationships – how to stop „rehashng” the same arguments and start laughing at them together.
Reaction Workshop: Analysis of specific case studies and a demonstration of techniques such as ad absurdum, role-playing, or „devil’s advocate.”
Ethics and Boundaries: Where does effective provocativeness end and unnecessary provocation or confrontation begin?

By participating in the lecture, you will gain:

A New Perspective: You will learn to see resistance and conflicts not as a barrier, but as fuel for change.
Practical Tools: You will receive two specific communication techniques that you can apply immediately after leaving the room (at the office or at home).
Emotional Resilience: You will learn how to maintain calm and distance in high-tension situations.
Atmosphere Transformation: You will understand how to introduce lightness and humor where, until now, a heavy atmosphere prevailed.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Piotr Mosak

I have been active in the market for nearly 30 years. I have gained knowledge and experience in many fields of psychology. I started with therapy and psychotherapy. I have trained in many areas – from family mediation and conflict resolution, through development support and transpersonal psychology, to management, coaching, social psychology, business psychology, NLP, and provocative psychology. Still hungry for knowledge, I absorbed it during professional classes, but also through individual study of countless volumes. Over the years, I have gained experience as a trainer, educator, author of training programs, advisor, auditor, coach, lecturer, and therapist. Today, my scope of business interests continues to grow, yet I do not give up constant contact with individual clients through therapy, counseling, coaching, and mentoring.

Many years ago, I was noticed by the media – I am invited to various television programs as an expert, and I am also a frequent guest on the radio and in various podcasts. My statements are often featured in the press. I continuously provide advice, conduct training, lecture at universities, host conferences and business breakfasts, and deliver lectures and presentations. I am invited as an expert in promotional campaigns where the human being, their problems, and their world come first. I am constantly educating myself and developing. I conduct my primary business activity in the form of a civil law partnership named „psycholog.com.pl”. I cooperate with the best and appear alongside the best. For larger projects, I invite proven trainers and advisors.

I had the honor and privilege of delivering the inaugural lecture entitled „Emotions in Business” at the WSB University in Poznań for postgraduate students. I am the co-author of the book „Outsourcing in Practice”. I co-hosted the program „Sposób na faceta” (A Way for a Guy) broadcast on Polsat. I have appeared in and provided psychological care for many television programs, including: „Tajemnice chirurgii” (Secrets of Surgery) and „Bitwa o dom” (Battle for the House) broadcast on TVN. I have conducted castings for other programs, ensuring participants fit a given format. I was an expert in the program „Ślub od pierwszego wejrzenia” (Married at First Sight), which is broadcast on TVN. I was a lecturer at the STORY LAB PRO Professional Screenwriting School, teaching an original subject – „Creating Psychologically Credible Characters”. Currently, I am a lecturer at the WSB-NLU (National Louis University) in Nowy Sącz in the fields of Psychology and Psychotherapy. I have seen several thousand people in my private practice…

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Joanna Poremba

Authenticity - Where Is the Line Between being nice and staying true to yourself

This talk explores a key challenge in contemporary human relationships: balancing the need to be accepted with the courage to be ourselves. Authenticity is presented as a vital foundation for creating honest and healthy connections.

We’ll examine how our deep desire to be liked and accepted by others often masks an underlying lack of self-acceptance. The lecture will highlight how excessive politeness and constant adjustment to others’ expectations can lead to the loss of our identity and personal boundaries, ultimately resulting in difficulties in forming genuine relationships.

Together, we’ll ask: When does “being nice” stop working? How can we recognize the moment we’re crossing our own boundaries? How can we learn to say “no” without guilt?

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Participants will reflect on how to practice authenticity in daily life and in relationships—without sacrificing assertiveness or respect for themselves or others. The session will support attendees in the process of self-discovery, strengthening self-worth, and cultivating authentic relationships, leading to greater fulfillment and inner peace.

Benefits of attending this talk:

Understand the boundary between being nice and being authentic – Learn how to balance social conditioning with your personal truth.
Identify the mechanisms that prevent you from being yourself – Uncover the traps of excessive politeness and people-pleasing and learn how to manage your boundaries more consciously.
Learn to express yourself assertively – Gain tools for communicating your needs and emotions without fear of rejection or criticism.
Strengthen your sense of self-worth – Explore the importance of self-acceptance as a gateway to receiving love and respect from others.
Engage in practical exercises and examples – Experience how authenticity can be practiced in everyday situations and relationships.
Build more meaningful human connections – Discover how openness and honesty foster deeper, more satisfying relationships.

Structure of the talk:

In the first part, we explore what it means to “be nice,” the psychological mechanisms behind the need to be liked, and how excessive niceness can lead to a loss of self. We’ll identify the turning points where being “too nice” becomes harmful and how to set healthy boundaries.

In the second part, we look at how to integrate authenticity into everyday life, without giving up respect for others, but also without neglecting our own needs and values.

Throughout the session, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and explore how to embody authenticity even in challenging interpersonal situations. Using guided exercises, we’ll seek to find the balance between being kind and being true—fully and honestly.

Authenticity is not about being rude or harsh—it’s about being true to ourselves, living in alignment with our values and beliefs. And through this truth, our relationships can deepen, and our lives become more meaningful.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Joanna Poremba

A trainer, coach, and mentor specializing in well-being, with a background in cultural anthropology. She completed postgraduate studies in Coaching and Psychology at SWPS University, where she is currently studying Psychosomatics. She is a graduate of the VII Zen Coaching Training and Emotional-CPR based on Daniela Fisher’s methods. She has completed courses in Psychological Crisis Support (SWPS) and Mental Resilience Training.

She works daily, both individually and in groups, with experience in overcoming depressive episodes. Her mission is to help people build a fulfilling life by enhancing its quality rather than its standard. She teaches how to experience life through the body, not just through thoughts. Her heart-centered coaching focuses on training mindfulness, acceptance, support, welcoming, and compassion—allowing individuals to embrace themselves with love.

She is the author of the podcast Dialogi wewnętrzne and the Projekt Melancholia initiative on Facebook. A mother of an adult son, she is passionate about walks, sunshine, forests, and the vastness of water.

For several years, she has worked with people individually and in groups, demonstrating how to shift from the mind to feeling and make conscious decisions—not just those aligned with societal narratives but, most importantly, those in harmony with oneself. Mindfulness is the foundation of her work, and her training focuses on strengthening the „muscles” of acceptance, attitude, responsibility, engagement, and coherence.

She believes that a person’s inner strength comes from accepting life experiences as they are and developing the ability to make conscious choices.

Joanna on her work:

„Experiencing depression multiple times and benefiting from therapy across different approaches has shown me that to truly strengthen mental resilience, one must turn inward with courage and curiosity. By knowing my worth and limitations, I am closer to my true self and a more authentic life.”

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

jAREK JAKUBOWSKI

Substitution of Closeness in the Age of AI – Can Algorithms Replace Relationships?

We live in a world where artificial intelligence can talk, support, and even „love.” Companion chatbots, virtual partnerships, AI therapists – technology is increasingly entering areas once reserved for human closeness. But can digital substitutes truly fulfill our emotional needs? Or are they merely creating the illusion of connection?

Let’s take a closer look at modern forms of technological intimacy – from chatbots to social robots – and their impact on our relationships. Let’s explore whether substitutes for closeness are the future of human interaction, or a dangerous trap of alienation.

This is a topic that concerns all of us.
Join the discussion and see how AI is changing the way we love, befriend, and communicate.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

What Will You Gain by Attending This Presentation?

You will understand how AI is affecting human relationships – discovering how technology becomes a substitute for closeness and the consequences it brings.
You will get familiar with specific examples of modern substitutes for closeness.
You will learn about the benefits and dangers of digital substitutes – does technology help alleviate loneliness, or make it deeper?
You will gain a new perspective on the future of relationships – can AI support true closeness, or is it replacing it?
You will participate in an inspiring discussion – share your thoughts and listen to various perspectives on the topic.
You will receive practical tips on how to use technology consciously – to strengthen relationships rather than weaken them.

I invite you to join a deep reflection on where our connections are headed in an increasingly AI-dominated world.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Jarek Jakubowski

A master in creating effective projects and teams. A researcher of both the rational and emotional aspects. His experience provides him with a unique perspective and the ability to recognize what can support rapid and effective change and development within organizations and teams. A strategist who combines compassionate mindfulness with a clear, critical view of reality and the present circumstances.

He studied and worked as an assistant professor at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology. For 15 years, he ran a software house. He managed, among others, a 60-person team for Microsoft. He has worked as an analyst and project manager on projects for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of National Defense, Marquard Media Polska, SWPS University, Canal+, T-Mobile, PSport.

In his coaching and training work, he focuses on the development of managerial and leadership competencies for executives, as well as building teams based on Patrick Lencioni’s methodology (responsible and effective teams) and John Adair’s methodology (team leadership).

In his mediation and facilitation work, he concentrates on bringing clarity to the needs and values at stake in conflicts and turning the agreed-upon principles of cooperation or decisions into actionable steps.

Currently, he is completing his psychology studies at SWPS and is deeply immersed in AI, which allows him to take a holistic approach to his clients personal and professional development.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

dr E. Noni Höfner

Do not believe who you are! Introduction to the Provocative Approach in coaching and therapy

The Provocative Approach is a way of communication that has developed from the Provocative Therapy of Frank Farrelly. It is especially useful in situations, where you already „tried everything” and are not satisfied with the results.

The Provocative Approach works with kindness, humor and challenge. Whenever a client is stuck in their thinking / their, feeling or behavior, the coach / therapist makes a caricature of the self-damaging part of his or her attitudes and provokes changes in the client´s behavior, i.e. by paradox interventions. The provocative interventions can be combined with almost every style of consultation.

In the workshop the participants will get a cognitive framework of the Provocative Approach (how the client and consulting process is seen, basic attitude of the coach etc.) Noni Höfner and Charlotte Cordes will also demonstrate their work in life-sessions with participants and discuss and answer questions.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr. E. Noni Höfner

psychologist, therapist, trainer, and co-creator of contemporary Provocative Therapy in Europe.

For over 40 years, she has worked as a couples therapist, and for more than 30 years she has developed and applied the provocative style in her work with clients. In 1988, she co-founded the German Institute for Provocative Therapy (DIP), which she now runs together with her daughter, Dr. Charlotte Cordes. Together, they have created original approaches: Provocative System Work (ProSA®), Provocative Coaching (ProCo®), and Provocative Style (ProSt®) – integrating humor, systemic thinking, and deep relational presence.

Dr. Höfner combines the provocative style with methods such as EMDR, EFT, hypnotherapy, NLP, relaxation techniques, and HCDA (HumorCare). She maintains a private therapy and coaching practice in Munich and leads numerous workshops, lectures, and supervision sessions across Germany and internationally.

She is the author of books and articles on Provocative Therapy, and from 2005 to 2019 performed her relational cabaret “The Art of Marital Disruption” at the renowned Lach- und Schießgesellschaft in Munich—demonstrating that humor can be a powerful tool for transformation.

Dr. Höfner is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the development of Provocative Therapy in Europe, inspiring generations of therapists, coaches, and leaders to work with lightness, courage, and authenticity.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

William Hall

Unscripted Life: Theatrical Improvisation for Playful Provocation and Self-Discovery

Improvisation offers a unique pathway to self-discovery by allowing us to step into new roles, break free from habitual patterns, and engage with the unexpected. In this workshop, we’ll explore how theatrical improvisation—especially the use of masks—creates freedom, lowers inhibition, and reveals surprising aspects of ourselves. Through structured games and roleplay, participants will experience the joy of spontaneous expression while gaining tools to bring improvisation into their personal and professional practice.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

What will participants gain from attending:

Participants will step into a world where mistakes are gifts, laughter is insight, and spontaneity is a tool for deeper connection. They will engage in exercises that challenge them to embrace the unexpected, play with shifting perspectives, and use humor as a way to explore personal and interpersonal dynamics. By the end, they will leave with practical improv techniques to enrich their work, as well as a renewed sense of curiosity and creative freedom.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

William Hall

William is an improviser, theater director and mask teacher. He is also a trainer, executive coach, and facilitator.
William leverages his theater experience, unlocking collaboration, creativity, and powerful communication. He has coached and trained executives at The Singapore Stock Exchange, American Express, Siemens, Boehringer Ingelheim and Google among others.
He has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and has guest lectured at The University of Texas, University of Tokyo, the London School of Business, and others. He has presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Theatrical Improvisation for self-exploration and surprises
www.ImprovGames.com

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

JOANNA CZARNECKA

Elements of the Provocative Approach in Communication, Various Therapy Modalities, Coaching, and Art

his lecture presents original research and reflections on the presence and function of provocative elements in communicative, therapeutic, coaching, and artistic practices. The starting point is the assumption that provocativeness—understood as the intentional use of paradox, humor, challenge, and emotional tension—can serve as a catalyst for change, deepen relational engagement, and support processes of self-reflection.

Thematic Scope:

Comparative analysis of therapeutic and coaching approaches The lecture explores how provocative elements appear across various modalities—from systemic therapy, Gestalt, and ACT to narrative and provocative coaching. Shared mechanisms for working with resistance, humor, and paradox will be discussed.
Provocativeness as a communicative phenomenon Models of communication will be presented in which provocativeness plays an activating, confronting, and transformative role—both in helping relationships and in public discourse.
Artistic and performative inspirations The lecture examines the presence of the provocative style in performing arts, cabaret, improvisational theatre, and relational art, highlighting their therapeutic and social potential.
Findings from original research The speaker will share selected insights from qualitative studies and practical observations on the impact of the provocative style on processes of change, communication, and relationship-building.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Objectives and Benefits for Participants:

A deeper understanding of provocativeness as a psychological, social, and cultural phenomenon
Recognition of the potential of the provocative style in therapeutic, coaching, and educational contexts
Inspiration to explore one’s own communicative style and courage in professional and personal relationships
Reflection on the boundaries and ethics of using provocativeness in relational settings

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Joanna Czarnecka

Coach, business consultant, therapist, lecturer, and supervisor in the provocative approach. Partner at ProvoLab – a consulting and training company. President of the Provocare Foundation – Institute of Provocativeness, which emerged from over a decade of experience and achievements of the Institute of the Provocative Approach, where she focuses on developing and promoting Provocative Methods.

She brings extensive experience in:

Leading workshops, trainings, and implementation projects focused on building self-awareness and identity in individuals and teams within business environments
Consulting in organizational culture change and internal/external process transformation
Designing and facilitating reconciliation and integration projects within organizations and teams

She is the author of numerous innovative project solutions related to cultural transformation in complex organizational structures. She designs and delivers original development programs for executive, sales, medical, and creative professionals.

She creates training games and simulations, and serves as a business consultant, facilitator, and project coordinator during organizational culture change processes. She has long-standing experience in coaching, therapy, and mediation.

For over 15 years, she has conducted workshops for the business sector as well as for manufacturing, technology, banking, social support, and education industries. She lectures at the University of Poznań and the Higher School of Business in Gdańsk.

Her second specialization involves working with beliefs, attitudes, motivators, and values of individuals and teams, as well as developing psychological resilience, effective communication, and creative thinking.

She has co-created, co-led, and developed support centers. She provides coaching and training support to pedagogical, medical, and care professionals in developing soft skills and therapeutic-support competencies.

She collaborates with the Day Center for the Treatment of Neuroses as a therapist. She served as a member of the Presidium of the Polish Chamber of Coaching from 2018 to 2021, and previously as Director of the Mazovian Branch of the Chamber.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

THE PRACTITIONER COMMUNITY

The Boundaries of Provocativeness and Building Intimacy in... German, Dutch, British, Polish...

We have invited provocative practitioners, researchers, and teachers of the method from around the world to participate in this panel. We will meet to jointly examine how we understand boundaries in the provocative approach – both as professionals working with clients and as representatives of various cultural, linguistic, and educational traditions.

We will share experiences from working in different contexts: therapeutic, coaching, educational, and organizational. We will reflect on where we believe boundaries belong, when and why we choose to push them, and what values and needs lie behind their establishment. We will discuss how our background – country, language, culture – influences the way we understand relationality, humor, closeness, and challenge in provocative work.

This event is especially for you if:

you are curious about the provocative approach – its lightness, depth, and effectiveness;
you already work provocatively but want to contrast your understanding of boundaries with an international perspective;
you are interested in what constitutes a supportive challenge in one culture, while in another, it might be perceived as a flagrant violation;
you are interested in the scientific and social dimensions of provocativeness;
you are a manager, mediator, or coach working in global teams;
you ask yourself: “Where is the boundary?” to ensure you do not become aggressive under the guise of provocation;
you are fascinated by how language and culture shape our closeness and sense of humor.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Together, we will seek answers to questions such as:

Is provocativity a universal approach, or is it deeply embedded in local cultural codes?
What risks and possibilities arise when working provocatively in international settings?
How can we care for the client – and for ourselves -with kindness, while remaining courageous and authentic?

We will explore themes related to building closeness during sessions, creating space for laughter and absurdity, and embracing the responsibility that comes with working with emotions and challenging patterns. This panel offers a space for deep reflection on how provocativity can support growth -not only for individuals, but also for relationships and communities.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Researchers and practitioners of provocativeness, as well as method instructors from various parts of the world, have been invited to join the discussion panel.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

- SATURDAY -

Starting stationary part of the Congress

A New Day, New Challenges: The Grand Opening of Saturday

Saturday morning is the moment when the energy of the 2nd International Provocative Congress moves into the dimension of direct face-to-face meetings (on-site) while simultaneously continuing in the online space. We invite you to join us for the opening of the second day.

What will happen during Saturday’s opening?

Retrospection of Power: Together, we will revisit the most important moments and insights from the first day of the Congress.
The Premiere of the Future: With great joy, we will announce the birth of our latest international project, to which we were invited by our Partner, ProvoLab. This initiative sprouted from our shared conversations – and now, it is becoming a reality.
Integration of Worlds: Regardless of whether you are having coffee with us in person or connecting online from the other side of the world – this opening will unite us all in one common intention of development and experiencing with joy and mindfulness.

Artur Negri

Stoicism – How to Make Life Less Short ... and What It Can Offer to Provocativeness

Stoicism is both a philosophy and a practical way of living—still relevant today. What connects stoicism with the provocative approach? Living in the here and now. What has passed—is gone. What is to come—we do not know. What remains is the present—a time to be lived. The more fully we live it, the longer our life becomes. Life itself is not short—it is we who make it short by losing touch with the everyday. “All that you seek to reach by a roundabout path, you could already possess, if only you did not deny it to yourself,” notes Marcus Aurelius. Therefore—he adds—“Dedicate the present moment to yourself.”

During the lecture, you will explore:

• What are the foundations of stoicism?
• The five stoic perspectives: action, vocation, emotions, relationships, acceptance
• Which stoic principles can support the provocative approach?

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Artur Negri

Expert in Critical Thinking

Artur Negri – an expert in critical thinking. Academic partner and lecturer in MBA programs at Kozminski University in Warsaw, where he teaches courses on critical thinking.

He is a trainer specializing in:

Critical thinking
Argumentation
Decision-making and problem-solving
Design thinking
Stoicism

Certified CoachWise ICF coach, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner, and psychometric consultant in the following tools: Hogan Assessment, FRIS® Thinking Style, DiSC, and MTQ (Mental Toughness Questionnaire).

In the past, he worked as a journalist for Polish Radio Channel One and economic press, owner of a PR agency, Head of the Press Office at the Economic Forum in Krynica, Program Director at the Lech Wałęsa Institute, and Program Coordinator at the government think tank European Centre Natolin.

Graduate in philosophy from the University of Warsaw, traveler, and practicing Stoic. https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturnegri/

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Agnieszka Zawadzka-Jabłonowska

Self-compassion: The path to authenticity and courage in connection with oneself and others

In our daily internal dialogue, two voices can often be heard: the one that supports and the one that criticizes. This presentation is an invitation to examine how our inner critic operates – where its strength comes from, what its intentions are, and how, paradoxically, it tries to protect us. In contrast, we will explore the other side of the same coin – self-compassion as a practice of courage, kindness, and humor toward oneself and one’s own imperfections.

From the perspective of the provocative approach, we will look at how acceptance, absurdity, and authentic contact can disarm the harsh voice of the critic and restore access to one’s true, imperfect, yet vital self. Participants will experience that self-compassion is not self-indulgence, but a form of conscious provocation against their own habits of perfectionism and self-criticism.

This presentation combines the psychology of compassion with humor, depth, and a practice that restores… the human being to the human.

The presentation is dedicated to individuals who face high expectations and the pressure of perfectionism in both professional and personal environments. We invite:

Leaders and managers who want to build authentic authority based on courage and mental resilience rather than harsh self-control.
Professionals working with people (trainers, coaches, HR) looking for non-obvious methods of supporting well-being and breaking through internal blocks.
Individuals experiencing strong inner criticism who want to replace destructive thought habits with a constructive dialogue with themselves.
Participants open to unconventional working methods, ready to combine deep psychology with distance and humor.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Participation in the session allows for redefining the relationship with oneself and acquiring specific personal competencies:

Understanding the intentions of the „Inner Critic”: An analysis of the defense mechanisms behind self-criticism and learning their constructive deconstruction.
Self-Compassion in action: Understanding compassion as an active stance of kindness that becomes a source of courage and authenticity in relationships with others.
Gaining perspective through humor: The ability to use absurdity and humor to neutralize tensions arising from the fear of making a mistake.
Regaining agency: Shifting from a defensive stance (protection against criticism) to a proactive stance (acceptance of one’s own imperfection as a foundation of authenticity).

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Agnieszka Zawadzka – Jabłonowska

business psychologist, mentor, and leadership, well-being, and mental toughness trainer. HRD consultant. Individual, team, and group coach. Logotherapist.

A precursor of a systemic and strategic approach to well-being in business. Owner of Well-being Partner, a company supporting organizations, leaders, and teams in building well-being and shaping a resilient, balanced, and safe work environment.

She implements comprehensive strategies and programs that strengthen well-being, health, psychological capital, mental toughness, and psychological safety, as well as develop engagement and a sense of meaning in the work of leaders and teams. She supports organizations in building adaptive competencies necessary for effective functioning in a dynamic, volatile business environment.

Director of the Coaching and Mentoring Center at Kozminski University. Creator and head of the postgraduate studies „Positive Organization – Well-being and Health in the Workplace.” Co-head of the „Agile Leadership” studies. Board Member of the Polish Society of Positive Psychology. Member of the Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Sciences at Kozminski University. Lecturer in MBA and postgraduate programs. Researcher of well-being, personality, and organizational behavior.

Author of the Holistic Well-being in the Workplace™ model. Co-author of the PERMA™ Coaching Model, designed to strengthen human well-being in various spheres of life. Speaker at Polish and international scientific and industry conferences. Author of books and articles in the field of psychology, coaching, and management.

Certified facilitator of mental toughness MTQ48® and MTQ PLUS®, Job Crafting, and Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT). Certified consultant of HOGAN Assessments® diagnostic tools. Certified Competence Navigator™ consultant. Master of the Raven 13 Game.

Well-being Partner website: https://wellbeingpartner.pl/

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Adelka Vendl

"The Working Alliance Walks into a Bar...” And other empirical findings on humor in coaching

Interactive Exploration of Boundaries and Intimacy in Clean Coaching Practice
Intimacy is the foundation of relationships, but does it always bring people closer? Or does it sometimes blur boundaries, taking away space and perspective? In which situations does intimacy reveal more than we are ready to see? What mechanisms make it possible for us to be simultaneously very close and paradoxically far apart?

During the webinar, participants will have the opportunity to explore the following topics:

Paradoxes of Intimacy – When do we lose distance, and when do we see too much?
Relational Bones – Unspoken emotions and needs that create discomfort in personal and professional relationships.
Intimacy and Boundaries – Where do I end, and where does the other person begin?

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Adélka Vendl

is a leading provocative psychologist and coach. Her book, ‘You Seem Like a Pretty Hopeless Case’, is a standard work for beginning provocative coaches. Adélka works through her company, Vendl, in three areas: as a trainer, she designs programs for businesses and governments on how to conduct effective conversations. As a psychologist/coach in her private practice, she coaches executives and treats clients. Lastly, as a PhD student at KU Leuven, she researches the role of humor in coaching. She has turned her distinctive trait into her strength: teasing and challenging others has been in her blood from an early age. She discovered that this approach elicited many authentic reactions in her daily life. Adélka approaches people with a wise and loving perspective, particularly appreciating their quirks. In the business world, she uses humor to foster deeper human connections. She is dedicated to contributing to a world filled with lightness and joy.
[www.vendl.nl]

Linda Parys

Close to Self. Journaling as a practice for a creative mindset

Closeness begins with contact with one’s own thoughts, emotions, and tensions, which often lie behind blocks in action. In a world of constant change, this ability for self-reflection and staying in touch with oneself is becoming one of the key competencies of tomorrow, supporting the development of a creative mindset, understood as flexibility, curiosity, and readiness for conscious action.

Journaling, as a tool for regulation, self-reflection, and working with blocks, supports the daily practice of staying in touch with oneself – both in individual and workshop-based work. The second part of the meeting is an in-depth journaling practice dedicated to identifying internal barriers that hinder action and building authentic closeness with oneself and another person.

Overview of lecture content:

An introduction to journaling as a practice of working with thoughts, emotions, and internal tension, supporting self-reflection, regulation, and the development of a creative mindset.
Various forms of journaling – individual and group – and their role in deepening contact with oneself and building a mindful, creative approach to action.
Journaling in the context of global directions of change and key competencies of tomorrow.
The second part of the meeting in the form of an in-depth journaling practice, focused on identifying blocks in action and translating reflection into specific conclusions and real action.

Journaling as a tool for regulation, self-reflection, and working with blocks supports the daily practice of staying in touch with oneself – both in individual and workshop-based work. The second part of the meeting is an in-depth journaling practice dedicated to identifying internal barriers that hinder action and building authentic closeness with oneself and another person.

Overview of lecture content:

An introduction to journaling as a practice of working with thoughts, emotions, and internal tension, supporting self-reflection, regulation, and the development of a creative mindset.
Various forms of journaling – individual and group – and their role in deepening contact with oneself and building a mindful, creative approach to action.
Journaling in the context of global directions of change and key competencies of tomorrow.
The second part of the meeting in the form of an in-depth journaling practice, focused on identifying blocks in action and translating reflection into specific conclusions and real action.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Benefits of Participation:

Learning about journaling as a practice that supports self-reflection, regulation, and conscious action from both an individual and group perspective.
Positioning journaling within the context of global directions of change and key competencies of tomorrow, such as flexibility, self-awareness, and adaptability.
Gaining insight into the key aspects of a creative mindset – its characteristics and its significance in working with uncertainty, complexity, change, and daily challenges.
Experiencing an in-depth journaling workshop focused on identifying and taming blocks in action, and translating reflection into real actions and decisions.

Who it is for:

For individuals who want to learn the foundations of journaling as a practical tool for working with thoughts, emotions, and action.
For those interested in developing a creative mindset and key future competencies in the context of change and uncertainty.
For individuals who value „learning by doing” and learning through experience, reflection, and practice.
For those who support developmental processes or work with people, seeking practical and effective methods of work.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Linda Parys

Creativity Trainer | Brand & Journaling Coach | Brand Strategist | Multi-passionate Professional

Linda combines meaningful branding with future & strategic thinking, creating a space for the sustainable development of products and brands. She supports personal brands and teams in discovering their passions, developing visions, and turning ideas into concrete action. She co-creates processes at every stage—from building a creative practice to brand development, empathetic communication, project realization, and sustainable change and design management.

She believes that everyone is creative, regardless of their industry. She treats creativity as a bridge between what we feel and what we do, and as a key to continuous growth. Linda also specializes in building brand strategies—not only personal ones—rooted in values, personal storytelling, and a unique „why.”

She leads numerous workshops and training sessions based on the „learning by doing” philosophy. In her work, she utilizes tools such as LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, photography techniques in personal development, MINDSONAR®, TOP360, vision boards, and journaling.

Linda holds a coaching accreditation from the International Coaching Community (ICC). She completed the Creativity Workshop in New York and is a graduate of Photography in Therapy and Personal Development (GWSH in Katowice), Brainology and Wellbeing Management (WSAiB in Gdynia), and Innovation and Design Management (School of Form in Poznań).

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Ada Stolarczyk

The naked truth about freedom

Working with nudity in a safe context, although so provocative in Poland, is finding more and more supporters. A slow but consistent removal of the taboo from the subject of nudity reveals enormous regulatory, developmental, and therapeutic possibilities.

During this lecture, I will present a form of bodywork that is both unique and entirely natural.

The subject of nudity itself evokes strong reactions. These may include curiosity, indignation, shame, or indifference (freezing), because the body is our carrier of information about the life that shaped us and the life we can experience in the here and now.

It is the body that, through the senses, allows us to experience tastes, colors, smells, and touch… boundaries and closeness. When we take it out of the context of shame, guilt, and sin, and instead place it in a safe, non-judgmental, and friendly environment, regulatory systems are activated.

I will talk about these mechanisms that are triggered, how they affect our brain chemistry, and what they bring in a broader perspective for both the individual and the group.

We will see how our perspective on the subject of Freedom changes, which requires both boundaries and closeness to exist.

I will invite you to a micro-exercise on a mental level to get closer to the topic and to discover your own individual frames—for both closeness and boundaries, and consequently—personal freedom.

This event is for you if:

You are curious about the perspective of working with the body in a safe context of nudity.
You do not like your body and do not know how to change it, or you have clients with this issue.
You love your body and want to give it even more space for relaxation, or you have clients with this issue.
You are looking for tools to relax the body at the level of the vagus nerve in your clients.
You are curious about how nudity can affect your health and the health of your loved ones.
The subject of nudity causes stiffness and reluctance in you and you are curious about what stands behind it, or you have clients for whom the body is an accessory, something that is meant to follow orders, and you feel that this causes the coaching/therapeutic process to stand still.
You create a space for expression—you work with the body, you are a performer, theater educator, voice trainer, creator, artist, actor, improviser.
You support integration—as an intercultural trainer, educator, or person working with excluded groups.
You are a person curious about others, looking for new ways of communication and working with emotions.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Main benefits for participants:

You will understand what freedom really is in the context of the body—as a dynamic relationship between boundaries and closeness, rather than a lack of constraints.
You will learn about the neurobiological and regulatory mechanisms that are activated in safe contact with the naked body—and you will find out how they affect the nervous system, emotions, and sense of security.
You will gain a new perspective on shame, freezing, and resistance toward the body, understanding them not as a „problem to be fixed,” but as information recorded in life experience.
You will experience (on a mental level) a micro-exercise that will allow you to recognize your own individual frames of closeness and boundaries—and how they affect your sense of freedom.
You will receive inspiration and specific points of reference for working with others (clients, groups, teams), especially where the body is ignored, controlled, or treated instrumentally.
You will see how changing the context around the body—from shame and judgment to safety and curiosity—can trigger processes of relaxation, regeneration, and integration at both the individual and group level.
You will expand your language and sensitivity in the area of the body, boundaries, and closeness, which will translate into deeper, more authentic communication and relationships.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Aga Stolarczyk

Bodywork therapist, IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist, Craniosacral therapist, TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) provider, psychedelic experience integration therapist, Vedic Art teacher (art therapy).

For over 15 years, she has been working with people, accompanying them in regaining contact with the body, regulating the nervous system, and building a sense of security, agency, and a deeper relationship with themselves. She combines therapeutic approaches with the experience of workshop, process, and retreat work.

Organizer of development expeditions and retreats in various parts of the world, where inner work intertwines with nature, movement, and community. Co-creator of the nationwide social campaign „Say stop to complaining” and two international bodywork conferences SAPERE.

In 2020, a lecturer at the Józef Tischner European University. Author of the relaxation CD „Your body knows the answer.”

A precursor of working with nudity as a tool supporting the processes of self-acceptance, overcoming shame, and rebuilding the relationship with the body. She leads workshops and development trips where the body becomes a source of knowledge, pleasure, and life energy.

www.adatoniewypada.pl

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Karin Lesiak

When laughter becomes therapy - Laughter Yoga workshop

Laughter yoga is a method that supports mental, emotional, and relational health. The method was developed by Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995.

During the workshop, participants will learn the foundations of this practice, its origins, and the benefits of using laughter as a conscious therapeutic tool – without jokes or comedy, in an atmosphere of kindness and safety.

If you think that laughter is just laughter, this workshop may change your perspective. Laughter yoga changes the way we experience tension, emotions, and relationships with others, restoring lightness, distance, and the natural capacity for internal regulation.

The meeting will also show the similarities between laughter yoga and provocativeness—that is, working with humor, spontaneity, kindness, and elements of improvisation. It is an invitation to experience laughter as a path to greater mindfulness, peace, authenticity, inner freedom, and, of course, joy.

Theory, practice, and guided relaxation will make… you will find out after the workshop, and it is YOU who will finish this sentence, if you wish.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

During the laughter yoga workshop you will gain:

Natural smile and inner joy Not a forced mood improvement, but the activation of biological mechanisms that support an authentic sense of lightness and well-being.
Increase in life energy levels Thanks to the combination of laughter, breath, and movement, you will stimulate circulation, increase vitality, and feel a surge of strength – without coffee or stimulants.
Lowering of stress hormone levels (cortisol) Laughter yoga exercises effectively support the regulation of the nervous system, helping to exit the mode of tension and overload.
Increase in happiness hormone levels (endorphins, serotonin, dopamine) Laughter triggers the natural „chemistry of well-being,” improving mood, mental resilience, and the capacity for regeneration.
Oxygenation of the body Conscious breathwork increases lung capacity, improves concentration, and supports the functioning of the entire organism.
Muscle relaxation and reduction of body tension Laughter acts like a gentle internal massage – it relaxes muscles, reduces stiffness, and supports deep relaxation.
A state of peace and bliss The workshop ends with relaxation, which allows you to integrate the experience and feel calmness, harmony, and contact with yourself.

The workshop is intended for people who:

are curious about the laughter yoga method as a tool supporting mental and physical health
are looking for new, effective ways to stimulate joy of life and creativity
are interested in personal development and want to better support themselves and others
are ready to experience a method that is provocative in its simplicity and actually works

Organizational information:

Drinking water It is recommended to bring water – during intense laughter the throat can get dry, and the need for hydration increases.
Mat or blanket (optional) These will be useful during the relaxation part to ensure comfort and full relaxation.
Attire Freedom of movement and a sense of comfort are most important. It can be loose clothing, but also a suit or a dress – if that is how you feel best.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Karin Lesiak Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Well-being Coach, and Positive Communication Expert

Speaker, trainer, and creator of the original „Smile at Work” method. A graduate of Dr. Madan Kataria’s Laughter Yoga International University, she has been professionally involved since 2013 in implementing joy and optimism into the lives of private individuals and corporate structures.

She specializes in working with stress, building mental resilience, and well-being. Her experience includes appearances on prestigious stages, including TEDx conferences and the International Happiness at Work Summit. As a well-being coach, she helps leaders and teams find natural energy for action, combining laughter yoga techniques with a modern approach to emotional management. In her work, she focuses on authenticity and courage, proving that joy is a skill that each of us can develop.

Jaap hollander

The six essential pillars of provocative therapy

Jaap Hollander (1952), psychologist and author, studied with Frank Farrelly for 25 years. He developed the ‘Farrelly Factors’, an overview of 53 elements in Frank’s work. This is the basis of a two-year training program he teaches in the Netherlands, together with friend and psychologist Jeffrey Wijnberg. In 2025 they are teaching this program for the 26th year. Because 53 factors is a bit much for most people, he recently condensed the provocative style into a model with 6 essential pillars. He will be explaining the pillars and give one or two demonstrations.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Jaap Hollander

Psychologist, coach, trainer – pioneer of the provocative approach

Is a renowned clinical psychologist, coach, and trainer from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, who has been bringing innovation to the world of psychology and personal development for over four decades. A graduate of the University of Groningen (1977), he began his career as a behavioral therapist at the Venray Psychiatric Center, combining clinical practice with training activities.

From 1988 to 1998, he collaborated with Frank Farrelly—the creator of Provocative Therapy—on modeling and structuring the method. This work led to the development of the so-called “Farrelly Factors,” a set of 53 key elements of the provocative style. For over 25 years, Hollander has led workshops in provocative coaching, including with Jeffrey Wijnberg, helping to popularize the method in the Netherlands and abroad.

In 1984, together with his wife Anneke Meijer, he founded the Institute for Eclectic Psychology (IEP), whose mission is to support people in discovering and developing their inner resources. IEP has trained over 11,000 professionals in the Netherlands, England, Germany, Belgium, Russia, the USA, and Colombia. Hollander’s teaching style is marked by egalitarianism, clarity, and a generous dose of humor, making his trainings both accessible and inspiring.

He is the author of 10 books, including three dedicated to provocative coaching. His areas of specialization include:

Development of leadership, coaching, and therapeutic competencies
Strengthening soft skills in life and business
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)
Hypnosis
Provocative coaching as a tool for transformation

Jaap Hollander is also the creator of MindSonar—an online tool for analyzing thinking styles, based on NLP metaprograms and Graves’ motivational theory. For five consecutive years, he was recognized by the prestigious magazine Quote as one of the leading professionals in the Netherlands.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

Anna konan

prof. UAM dr hab. Maciej Błaszak

Why "we" is more important than "I"? The theory of the social predictive mind and its applications in coaching

Evolution prepared us to make decisions in a world of senses—where a rustle in the grass signaled a real threat. Today, however, we live in a world of “Big Data,” where decisions are abstract, driven by algorithms and unimaginable datasets. Our brains, though brilliant, fall into traps in this new environment: we place unnatural trust in machines, succumb to deceptive intuition, and lock ourselves into tunnel vision.

In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is the human element becoming redundant? Quite the opposite. This lecture will demonstrate that the key to success is not fighting technology, but integrating Natural Intelligence with the capabilities of machines. True power, however, lies not in the individual, but in the relationship—in the transition from the isolated “I” to the predictive, social “we.”

Lecture Framework

The presentation is structured around three pillars that connect the latest brain research with the practice of supporting others:

The Anatomy of Error in a Big Data World We will analyze the 10 most common deficits of the human mind (including over-reliance on intuition, binary thinking, and self-awareness deficits). We will explore why evolution is not keeping pace with the speed of digital change.
Human vs. Machine – Where is Our Advantage? We will examine what machines will never understand: social context, emotional depth, and cause-and-effect reasoning. We will show why AI only sees correlations, while humans possess the unique ability to create meaning.
The Social Mind in Coaching We will discuss the theory of the social predictive mind. You will learn how decisions are distributed across the “brains of others” and how to apply this knowledge to the process of change.

Five Dimensions of Support

We will present the specific role of the coach as a facilitator in five key areas:

Creativity
Flexibility
Critical Thinking
Tactics
Self-awareness

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Benefits for the Participant

Participating in this lecture is not just theory; it is a concrete update of your professional „software.” As a participant, you will:

Understand the „hidden software” of decisions: You will learn to recognize 10 cognitive traps in yourself and your clients, allowing for a more reliable analysis of problems.
Discover the unique value of human support: You will gain arguments and tools to build an advantage where AI cannot enter – in the areas of emotions, empathy, and social context.
Strengthen your toolkit for working with groups and individuals: You will learn the mechanism of „social learning” and find out how to build trust and responsibility in a world of dispersed information.
Integrate three intelligences: You will learn how to develop physical, social, and cultural intelligence in your clients, creating a foundation for truly creative thinking.
Receive a roadmap for modern coaching: You will leave with a clear vision of how to support a client’s critical thinking and flexibility in the face of an unpredictable future.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

ANNA KONON

Management Expert, Business Trainer, and Academic Lecturer

Anna Konon is an experienced manager and educator who has successfully combined business practice with the latest knowledge in psychology and neurobiology for years. Her career path is built on a deep understanding of management processes and the mechanisms for building effective relationships with clients and teams.

As an academic lecturer at the MILENIUM University in Gniezno, she shares expertise in project management, strategic marketing, and neuroleadership in the age of Artificial Intelligence. For over a decade, she served as Managing Director, responsible for strategic operational and financial goals, as well as organizational profitability. She developed her training and coaching competencies within international corporate structures, including Orange Polska and Bertelsmann Media.

She specializes in neuroleadership, analyzing team management from the perspective of the „manager’s brain.” Her approach is characterized by merging „hard” project management skills (she is Prince2 certified) with the „soft” aspects of supporting human potential. She is a certified business trainer and a coach currently completing postgraduate specialization at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

Expert in talent management according to the Gallup methodology (CliftonStrengths).
Graduate of Psychology in Business (WSB Merito University) with specializations in managerial psychology, organizational psychology, and business training (graduated with honors).
Certified Project Manager (Prince2 Foundation & Practitioner).

Prof. UAM dr hab. MACIEJ BŁASZAK

Cognitive Scientist, Biologist, Associate Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

Maciej Błaszak is a cognitive scientist, biologist, and Doctor of Science (Habilitation) in the humanities. He is a professor at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and a former fellow at the University of Kiel (DAAD Scholarship) and the University of Edinburgh (Tempus Scholarship). He is a lecturer at the Kozminski University in Warsaw, the Poznań University of Economics and Business, and SWPS University in Poznań.

His research interests focus on the epigenesis of the mind—the capacity to shape the human brain through environmental stimuli. He specializes in the psychology of universal design, business psychology, and brain-inspired education. For years, he has conducted training sessions and expert lectures for executive management and educational leaders. He is the author and co-author of five monographs and dozens of scientific articles.

LIBRARY

YES – the event will be recorded and shared within the Library of Congress collection. Access to the recording will be provided to ticket holders in accordance with the terms of purchase

dr Olga Knapek

Paulina Sawa - Oponowicz

Does provocativeness work when the world thinks differently? - Metaphor, humor, and flexibility in working with neurodiversity.

Speakers: Olga Knapek, Paulina Sawa‑Oponowicz.

Together, we will explore how provocative methods -metaphor, humor, and playing with context – can serve not only as a challenge but as a powerful force in therapeutic work with individuals with ADHD and on the autism spectrum. On one hand, we will address topics such as rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), cognitive rigidity, the literal interpretation of metaphors, extraordinary cognitive flexibility, and the readiness to be “knocked off balance.” On the other, we will shift to a positive field: how fantasy archetypes, Dixit cards, humor, and shared metaphors can open doors to deeper connection and change.

We will also consider whether provocativeness works “under the skin,” even when the client does not fully grasp the therapist’s language, and how to ensure safety and authenticity throughout the process. Join us for a dialogue full of imagery, reflection, and practical insights – not a traditional lecture, but a collaborative conversation-experiment.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

A New, Creative Therapeutic Workshop

Participants will discover practical ways to use tools that unlock access to visual, metaphorical, and humorous thinking—particularly valuable when working with neurodivergent individuals. The program includes:

Dixit cards as a bridge to communication beyond words.
Fantasy archetypes as a safe symbolic framework.
Humor and provocativeness as methods to break through impasses and build connection.

Deep Understanding of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Dynamics

The session provides insights into working with typical neurodivergent challenges, such as:

RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and sensitivity to judgment.
Cognitive rigidity and the literal interpretation of metaphors.
Flexibility and creativity as resources that can be consciously strengthened. Participants will learn how to apply provocative methods in a way that supports, rather than overwhelms, the client.

Safety, Ethics, and Authenticity in Provocative Work

The facilitators will demonstrate how to draw the line between a creative challenge and a breach of psychological safety. Participants will gain knowledge on:

Maintaining the therapist’s authenticity while working with humor and metaphor.
Building a relationship where the client feels stable even during „context play.”
How provocativeness works „under the skin,” even when the client does not fully grasp the metaphor.

Experience a Dialogue-Experiment Instead of a Lecture

Instead of a static presentation, participants will witness a living process—an exchange of perspectives, spontaneous metaphors, humor, and the collaborative construction of meaning. This is an opportunity to:

- Observe two practitioners working in different styles.
- See how a metaphor is created „live.”
- Gain the courage to conduct your own experiments in the therapy room.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Dr Olga Kanapek

Psychologist, Literary Scholar, and Therapist

Dr. Olga Knapek is a highly specialized psychologist, literary scholar, and therapist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She holds a professional certification in Provocative Therapy, integrating creative and unconventional methods into her clinical practice.

She earned her degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from SWPS University in Katowice. Her interdisciplinary background also includes a Master’s degree in Polish Philology from the University of Silesia, where she subsequently completed her doctoral studies in Literary Studies. For many years, she taught Analysis and Interpretation at the Faculty of Philology (University of Silesia), a tenure that significantly enhanced her diagnostic and therapeutic toolkit. She has also served as a lecturer of Emotions and Motivation at the Upper Silesian Academy.

Dr. Knapek’s extensive clinical and social experience includes:

Specialized Rehabilitation: Working with children with multiple disabilities at the Day Rehabilitation, Education, and Care Center in Piasek.
Crisis Intervention: Supporting women and children affected by violence and human trafficking through the PO-MOC Association.
Clinical Training: Completing a transformative internship at the Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Psychotherapy within the Pediatric Center in Sosnowiec.
Educational Leadership: Serving as a school psychologist at the Stanisław Staszic High School No. IV in Sosnowiec for six years. During this time, she co-developed the psychological-pedagogical department and launched numerous initiatives focused on youth mental health.

Currently, Dr. Knapek leads her private practice, „Na szlaku. Terapia i rozwój” (On the Trail: Therapy and Development), where she focuses on neurodiversity, individual therapy, and diagnostics. Her holistic approach occasionally incorporates forest therapy and canine-assisted therapy (dog therapy) to support the well-being of her clients.

Paulina Sawa -Oponowicz

Accredited EMCC Mentor, Business Trainer, and Crisis Consultant

Paulina is a certified Provocative Coach and an accredited Crisis Consultant (IPTK). She is currently studying Psychology at Varsovia University and continuing her education in coaching and strategic therapy in Warsaw.

She is a business trainer and a certified FRIS trainer (Cognitive Styles Analysis – Thinking and Acting Styles), a Mental Toughness trainer (MTQPlus), and a Leadership Styles trainer (ILM72). In her group work, she utilizes the certified „Heros Navigares” game to support teams and leaders in building collaboration, communication, and personal growth.

With over 20 years of business experience, including leadership and executive roles, she also completed a year-long study in Transactional Analysis at CAT in Poznań. During her internship at the „Psycholog dla Ciebie” clinic, she conducted workshops for youth on mental toughness and earned her certification as a Social Skills Trainer (TUS) for children and adolescents with social dysfunctions. She also completed a psychological internship at Psychomedic. In her individual practice, she focuses on somatic work (body-mind connection) and mental toughness, utilizing the provocative approach.

LIBRARY

YES – the event will be recorded and shared within the Library of Congress collection. Access to the recording will be provided to ticket holders in accordance with the terms of purchase

Marcin Skorodzień

Body Dynamics and Expression: The Mechanics of Every Human’s Primary Communication Tool

Discover the power of provocative dance and conscious communication through the body!

You’re warmly invited to a unique workshop that will open a new dimension of working with the body and connecting with others. You’ll learn to express yourself more boldly, better recognize boundaries—your own and those of others—and respond with greater flexibility to shifts in interaction.

The workshop involves movement, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to freely explore your body and doesn’t restrict your expression.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Through this experience, you will:

Read nonverbal signals more quickly and accurately
Boost your self-confidence and learn to use your body in everyday communication
Act with greater awareness and effectiveness—whether you work with people or seek deeper self-understanding
Explore the subtleties of body language, emotion, touch, and the creation of spaces for closeness and connection
Develop your intuition, spontaneity, and ability to respond in the moment

The workshop involves movement, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to freely explore your body and express yourself without restriction.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Marcin Skorodzień

Trainer, Trainer Supervisor, Business Consultant

A person full of kindness toward the world and others—a dancer between what we want, what we can, and what truly serves us.

A certified trainer and coach, mentor and supervisor of trainers, managers, and sales professionals. He values and respects the business goals behind every project, always paying attention to the synergy between the goal and the person who will carry it out. His favorite workshops are those that develop social competencies (he’s not fond of the term “soft skills”). He supports organizations in areas such as sales, change management, team leadership, communication, public speaking, and stress management—including relaxation techniques. He specializes in working with managerial staff.

A provocative coach who skillfully combines “classic” training and coaching methods with provocative interventions. He moves fluidly between absurdity, humor, and action grounded in concrete, real-world organizational contexts.

He gained extensive experience as the project manager of a training initiative involving 50 sales trainers and 8,500 workshop participants.

Founder of the training company MENTOR MIND. A professional dancer who integrates his movement and gesture expertise into the workshops he designs.

NETWORKING

Networking is not just an opportunity to exchange business cards- it’s a vibrant, dynamic space of connection where new ideas, partnerships, and friendships are born. In the Congress hall, we invite participants to engage in open conversations, spontaneous encounters, and meaningful exchanges of experience.

It’s a place where you can:

• Establish valuable connections with practitioners, experts, and enthusiasts of provocativeness
• Share knowledge, tools, and inspiration -from work methods to personal reflections
• Initiate collaborations-project-based, business, educational, or therapeutic
• Build alliances rooted in shared values and a vision for growth

From 12:30 to 13:30, the networking session will be facilitated by Dr. Maciej Chukiewicz. Outside of that time, the space remains open -no fixed hours, no formal registration. You’re welcome to join at any moment: grab a coffee, talk, listen, offer your perspective. It’s an open, inclusive, and provocatively warm space – just like the Congress itself.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

dr Maciej Chudkiewicz

Communication Expert | Journalist | University Lecturer | Provocative Coach and Trainer

Dr. Maciej Chudkiewicz is an experienced communication specialist with over 16 years of work in national media -as a print, radio, and television journalist. Holding a PhD in social sciences, he lectures at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, where he teaches courses in media marketing, client and opinion leader relations, disinformation, and journalistic craft.

He is a certified coach and group trainer, and his original workshops -rooted in the provocative approach -blend practical techniques with humor, courage, and creative challenge. His training expertise includes:

Public speaking and on-camera presence
Storytelling and persuasion
Building relationships with the media
Authentic communication in social and professional spaces

His facilitation style inspires participants to engage fully and achieve genuine, lasting results. In recognition of his exceptional teaching approach, he was awarded the “UKSW Diamonds” prize – granted by students to the university’s top lecturer.

Jeroen Stek

Get out of your chair!’ Why improvisation skills make you a better provocative coach/therapist

In this workshop we will work on improvising and make the connection with provocative coaching. We will do many exercises with the aim of getting out of your chair as a provocative coach and using images and short plays to challenge the client and get them moving.

Improvisation games and exercises during the workshop will serve to:

help participants unlock the ability to freely express themselves,
activate a sense of freedom from critical self-judgment or fear of being judged by others,
strengthen the desire to joyfully explore themselves and others through play,
build self-esteem and the courage to be authentic by acting out sometimes completely bizarre scenes.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

What can you gain from participating in the workshop?

a sense of warm and genuine connection with the client,
the ability to be close to the client and to step into their world,
the courage to “be silly” in order to better support the client,
ease and comfort, and the ability to use humor in working with clients,
the skill of acting out scenes during sessions that help clients reflect on their issues,
tools to build assertiveness and responsibility in clients, and empower them to take action,
joy in coaching or therapeutic work.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Jeroen Stek

Provocative and Systemic Therapist, Supervisor, Actor
Has been associated with Maarsigngh en Van Steijn (network of psychology experts) in Leeuwarden since 2005 and works as a provocative coach, systemic therapist and management trainer. His main focus is the application of his expertise in mental health and management development. He does his job with passion, love for his profession and with exceptional respect for the client as a human being. Additionally, he works as an improvisation teacher. He is a member of the Activities Committee and the Management Board of CCL.
www.maarsinghnenvansteijn.nl

Edyta Kwiatkowska-Pelizg

Is this my projection or is this the essence of the session? How does neuroscience inform provocative practice?

In our work with clients, we often face the question: to what extent do our own beliefs and interpretations influence the course of a session? Are we perceiving the actual dynamics of the process, or are we seeing through the lens of our own cognitive filters? During this workshop, we will explore how neuroscience can help us understand the mechanisms of perception and projection—and how these impact the effectiveness of provocative methods. We will discuss why clients sometimes struggle to achieve results, and how a conscious approach to our own mental patterns can enhance the quality of our work.

Workshop Program:

Understanding the mechanism of projection: what is projection, and how does it affect the relationship with the client?
Neuroscience in practice: how does the brain filter reality, and what cognitive mechanisms shape our reactions?
Pitfalls of provocativeness: when our interpretation of a situation becomes an obstacle rather than support for the client
Live practice: pair work, group exercises, and analysis of real cases
Tools for self-reflection: how to recognize our own projections and minimize their impact on the session

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Benefits for Participants:

Awareness of projection mechanisms and their impact on the coaching and therapeutic process
Deeper understanding of neuroscience in the context of provocative work
Ability to identify and work with one’s own cognitive filters
Practical tools for more conscious and effective client work
Opportunity to apply knowledge through exercises and case analysis

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Edyta Kwiatkowska-Pelizg

Leadership and communication trainer, entrepreneur, TEDx SGH speaker. She has trained several thousand individuals over the past 12 years.

A certified business trainer and graduate of the Jagiellonian University’s Wszechnica School in Kraków, she has been continuously developing her expertise in training since 2018, participating weekly in sessions and trainings with Maxwell Leadership in Poland and the USA—both at foundational and mentorship levels. She holds academic qualifications in management and communication, which she is currently expanding through interdisciplinary studies at ENEB – Escola de Negócios Europeia de Barcelona, pursuing MBA, marketing, and organizational communication programs. Her psychological knowledge is deepened through Clinical Psychology studies at WSB NLU in Nowy Sącz. She also participates in the Harvard Business School Online program – Harvard Manage Mentor®.

She is a certified facilitator (Jagiellonian University) and a certified Design Thinking facilitator. Her portfolio includes numerous completed trainings and courses in leadership and communication, including a Leadership Masterclass with Daniel Goleman, NVC training at NVC Academy, psychological courses, multiple Mastermind programs, Mindfulness courses, and MTQ-48 certification. She serves as a Peer Teaching Partner at Maxwell Leadership Poland.

She conducts trainings, workshops, facilitations, and coaching sessions for teams and entrepreneurs, both in-person and online. She lectures at the School for Leaders in collaboration with Kozminski University in Warsaw. Her areas of expertise include business development strategy, customer service standards, organizational communication, process design, and the creation and implementation of training programs. With 18 years of experience in sales, management, and product launches, she brings practical insight to her work.

Locally, she chairs the Woman Business HUB initiative under the Regional Chamber of Commerce, promoting inclusivity and support for children and youth. She has delivered dozens of free trainings for young people as part of the Global Youth Initiative – Youth MAX, both in-person and remotely, in collaboration with schools, associations, and foundations.

She collaborates as a speaker with Puls Biznesu and has appeared on stages at events such as Pierwiastek K!, the International Maxwell Conference in Romania, Silesian Cities for Youth, and the European SME Congress. She is a two-time recipient of the Maxwell Culture Awards (2023 and 2024) in the category Shape Coherence, and was honored with the Lioness of Business award in 2023. Her articles have been published in Rzeczpospolita, Wprost, and Forbes.

Marta Król

Gentle Breath

During the workshop, you will discover what tender breath is and the role it plays in our lives.

I will introduce different types of breath and explain the distinctions between them. You’ll explore the model of the four human zones and how they interact and interweave. We live in physical bodies, experience feelings and emotions, think, and possess a spiritual dimension.

You’ll learn how breath influences each of these zones. You’ll gain awareness of how you breathe in everyday life, how to breathe in ways that are most beneficial for you, and how to integrate emotions and effectively regulate your nervous system through breathwork.

I will also share the benefits of practicing tender breath.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

During the workshop, you will learn, explore, and discover:

What tender breath is and the role it plays in our lives
How to release the life energy you carry within, so you can live more fully
How to deepen your ability to feel your body and the signals it sends
What it means to truly experience being here and now
How to recognize emotions, integrate them through breath, and self-regulate effectively
The pleasure and depth of relaxation (breath sessions are 90% enjoyable!)

What to bring:

Comfortable clothing
A yoga mat or mattress
A blanket for covering up (optional)
A pillow or something to support your head

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Marta Król

A graduate of the State Higher School of Theatre in Kraków, she is an actress at the Dramatic Theatre in Warsaw and a respected voice-over artist. She also holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Warsaw. While still a student at PWST, she performed in The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, directed by Krystian Lupa at the Stary Theatre in Kraków (2002). She is the founder and co-creator of the TransAtlantyk Theatre and the podcast Niezła Sztuka (“Fine Art”). She has appeared in films and numerous television series. Most recently, she played the role of Rozalia in the cult series 1670. She co-creates and hosts the YouTube program Pasta Kulturalna. She leads original workshops and trainings.

In her own words:

“I believe that everyone holds within themselves the key to solving their problems and discovering their wholeness. What we carry deep in the body, in emotions, in memory, dreams, thoughts, breath, and voice can limit us -but it can also become a gateway to inner freedom. As ‘helpers,’ we have the honor of accompanying people in discovering and opening that gateway.

I’ve only recently entered the helping profession. As an actress, I’ve primarily focused on creating the inner and outer worlds of the characters I portray on stage and on film sets. Now, I ‘work with’ people from a different angle.

I am a certified Cognitive Coach (Institute of Cognitive Science), a Sociotherapist (Psychology of Subjective Experience), a Breath Integration Coach (CUUD School), and a Solution-Focused Therapist (uncertified). I support people in discovering the power of their natural voice and integrating it with the body, breath, and emotions. I lead retreat-style workshops and individual sessions, creating space for deep transformation.

I co-create Group C7-a space for personal and business development. I’m a happy wife and mother of three wonderful humans who inspire me every day. I love dancing, traveling, long conversations, and chocolate.”

EXPERTS AND PRACTITIONERS

Closeness and distance between the provocative approach and other methods through the eyes of provocative practitioners

The panel will feature practitioners of provocative coaching, as well as researchers and teachers of the method from various parts of the world. We will exchange experiences and perspectives on how, as practitioners and scholars, we perceive boundaries within the provocative approach—where we believe they belong, how and when we choose to stretch them, and why we set them, depending on the country we come from or the culture we are rooted in.

Together, we will reflect on whether provocativeness is divided by cultures, languages, and national contexts—or whether it transcends them. We will touch on themes of closeness during sessions, the space for kindness toward the client and oneself, and how these elements are held within the provocative method.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Together, we’ll seek answers to questions such as:

Is provocative coaching universal, or deeply rooted in local cultural codes?
What risks and possibilities arise when practicing provocativity in international settings?
How can we care for the client—and ourselves—with kindness, while remaining courageous and authentic?

We’ll touch on themes of building closeness during sessions, creating space for laughter and absurdity, and the responsibility that comes with working with emotions and breaking patterns. This panel offers a space for deep reflection on how provocativity can support growth—not only for individuals, but also for relationships and communities.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Researchers and practitioners of provocative coaching, as well as teachers of the method from around the world, have been invited to join the discussion panel.

LIBRARY

Yes – the event will be recorded and made available as part of the Congress Library. Access will be granted in accordance with the ticket purchased.

- Sunday -

PIOTR BARAŃŚKI

JACEK MŁYNARCZYK

Creating Provocative Fairy Tales and Metaphors Using Improvisation

Metaphors and stories are an excellent resource in provocative coaching. As narratives, they tend to resonate deeply with clients on an emotional level and allow us to reflect various aspects of experience through a distorted mirror—one that’s infused with kindness and humor.

The goals of the workshop include:

Learning how to use improvisation to craft metaphors and stories with surprising punchlines
Practicing a provocative narrative style that plays with the audience’s expectations
Developing spontaneity, creativity, and confidence in storytelling
Training in logical and emotional play with the listener through absurdity, exaggeration, and unexpected conclusions

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS GAIN?

Greater creativity and mental flexibility

Learn to quickly generate unconventional ideas and seek original solutions
Break out of habitual thinking patterns through provocative metaphors and storytelling

Confidence in spontaneous creation and improvisation

Build self-assurance in storytelling and public speaking
Learn to accept and develop their own ideas in unexpected directions

Skill in crafting brilliant metaphors

Develop the ability to transform specific situations or moments of stuckness into engaging, humorous, or subversive narratives
Gain a tool for communicating ideas more effectively in ways that capture attention

Improved communication and storytelling skills

Learn to better engage audiences through playful language, absurdity, and surprise

Ability to play with expectations and provoke thought

Learn to intentionally disrupt mental patterns, creating unpredictable and memorable stories
Practice crafting clever, thought-provoking punchlines and anti-morals

Practical tools for work and everyday life

Apply provocative metaphors and stories in education, personal development, and relationship-building

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

PIOTR BARAŃSKI

Creativity Trainer, Provocative Coach, Actor, and Improviser

improvisational actor, trainer in flexible collaboration, creativity, and communication, provocative coach, and copywriter.

A versatile creator and educator, Piotr has been performing regularly on stage as an improviser since 2010. Since 2022, he has co-created Teatr Południe, where he also explores dramatic acting. He studied improvisation at renowned institutions including Annoyance Theater and iO Theatre in Chicago.

He holds a degree in English Philology from the University of Warsaw and completed a three-year acting course at Stanisławski Studio.

As a trainer and coach, Piotr specializes in stimulating personal and team creativity, expression, and flexibility; team integration; enhancing interpersonal communication; building confidence and coherence in public speaking; and provocative coaching.

Since 2000, he has collaborated with advertising agencies as a copywriter, skillfully combining language, emotion, and strategy in communication.

JACEK MŁYNARCZYK

Improviser, Coach, Communication Trainer | Engineer and Sports Psychologist

Jacek Młynarczyk is an experienced manager, coach, and trainer who has been actively performing on stage as an improviser for over seven years. He studied improvisation with both Polish and international teachers, and now leads workshops that combine the art of improv with developmental and business practice.

He holds degrees in engineering and sports psychology, and beyond his work with people, his passion is golf. He works daily in international teams, where he puts into practice the importance of effective communication and relational flexibility.

Jacek believes that the principles of stage improvisation—such as attentiveness, readiness for change, collaboration, and courage—have real-world applications not only on stage but also in professional and personal life. His style blends rationality with humor, structure with spontaneity, and reflection with action.

He leads original development projects that support clients in building psychological resilience, communication skills, and personal effectiveness—both professionally and in sports.

mAŁGORZATA BORA

GRZEGORZ BORA

Provocativeness Practitioners in a Feedback Session After a Behavioral Preference Assessment Using PRISM Brain Mapping

This workshop is designed for individuals interested in provocative coaching and the PRISM Brain Mapping methodology, including certified PRISM Practitioners.

During the session, participants will co-create a feedback experience that also draws on insights from their individual PRISM reports. Together, we’ll explore whether such a session is an appropriate moment to introduce a provocative approach. Is it absolutely off-limits? Acceptable or tolerable? Or perhaps even necessary?

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Each participant will work using their individual PRISM report. Therefore, those who have not yet experienced this tool will receive a link to the questionnaire prior to the workshop and will be asked to complete it no later than three days before the session. Participants will gain insights into their behavioral preferences and how these may influence their everyday effectiveness and the way they are perceived by others. Additionally, the workshop will offer space for reflection on the relationship between preferred behaviors and the practice of provocative coaching.

The maximum number of participants is 30. During registration, please provide your email address.

Workshop participants will:

Discover the unique methodology of PRISM Brain Mapping for identifying behavioral preferences
Experience a feedback session based on their personal PRISM report
Explore how a provocative approach may support the integration of PRISM insights and what possibilities such an experience can unlock

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

GRZEGORZ BORA

MAŁGORZATA BORA

https://cleverbrains.pl/

tomasz jamroziak

Contact and Contract in Provocativeness

The provocative approach is an effective, albeit unconventional method of working with clients, one that requires precise relational attunement and a clearly defined contract.

During this workshop, we will explore how the therapeutic contract is shaped within this method and how its quality influences the effectiveness of the process. We will juxtapose Enright’s five steps with Frank Farrelly’s provocative approach to better understand the dynamics at play. We will also focus on strategies for maintaining contact — both verbal and nonverbal — and examine our own reactions and the signals we send to clients, assessing whether they support the process of change.

The practical component will allow participants to experience and practice key skills in a safe, workshop-based environment.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Benefits of participating:

A deeper understanding of how to build and sustain a therapeutic contract within the provocative approach
Enhanced ability to consciously maintain contact with clients on both verbal and nonverbal levels
Insight into Enright’s five steps and their relevance to provocative therapy
Development of sensitivity to subtle signals emerging from the client
Greater awareness of one’s own reactions and communication patterns, fostering more authentic client work
Practical exercises to build confidence in applying provocative techniques

Through this workshop, I aim to encourage paradox and provocativeness among therapists who work with externalization — and to inspire provocative practitioners to explore the power of externalizing techniques.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Tomasz Jamroziak

Advisor to company

Tomasz Jamroziak – a business psychologist with over 25 years of experience, inspiring speaker, senior trainer, and advisor to executive boards. He is the founder of the consulting and training company OTWARTE PRZESTRZENIE and a founding partner of Level 5, where he supports leaders, teams, and organizations in cultivating cultures of leadership, engagement, and accountability. His working style blends deep attentiveness with humor, and inspiration with practice—creating space for courage, reflection, and autonomy.

He is the creator and co-creator of original development programs, including:

Academy of Leadership Psychology
The Authority Study
Looking into the Tiger’s Eyes – a program for leaders navigating times of fragility, uncertainty, and change
Coherent Leadership Lab

Tomasz is the author of numerous articles and co-author of books on communication, change management, energy, and stress. He specializes in working with executive boards and leadership teams—both in Poland and in international settings. He supports organizations through challenging situations such as mergers, restructurings, crises, and transformational processes.

As a trainer and facilitator, Tomasz creates environments where participants can safely confront challenges, discover new perspectives, and strengthen their agency. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of psychological mechanisms, empathetic communication, and the practical application of knowledge in business realities.

Co-author of the following books:

Wskazówki na drugi oddech (Second Breath Guidelines) – Jacek Santorski & Partners: original chapter by Tomasz Jamroziak on mindfulness and stress management
Instrukcja obsługi człowieka (User Manual for Humans) – Grażyna Dobroń: editorial contributions to interviews, including several with Tomasz Jamroziak
Zmiana (Change) – Monika Jaruzelska: chapter on change from the perspective of a psychologist accompanying people through major life transitions — a conversation with Tomasz Jamroziak

Mirek Urban

Acceptance+: Building a Positive Acceptance Attitude through Practical Improvisation

The ability to accept new and/or surprising situations allows us to effectively navigate the challenges and shifting circumstances of everyday life. But it’s not just about acceptance—it’s about cultivating a conscious attitude of readiness for the changes that lie ahead, without draining our inner energy through fear or resistance. That’s exactly what we’ll be actively practicing in this workshop!

And the added bonus? Beyond accepting what is, we can proactively seek ways to influence the “new” reality by tapping into the strength and energy of the unknown—and by awakening our curiosity about what change might bring.

This workshop integrates two key domains:

Exercises, tasks, and games drawn from practical and theatrical improvisation
A proactive approach rooted in positive psychology, focused on strengthening resilience, optimism, a sense of meaning, and personal agency through intentional thought and behavior

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Participating in this workshop is an invitation to develop one of the key competencies of our time – conscious readiness for change. It’s not just about passive acceptance of new or unexpected situations, but about actively shaping an attitude that allows us to maintain inner balance without wasting energy on resistance or fear.

During the workshop, participants will:

Learn to recognize and regulate their responses to unpredictable events
Experience how curiosity can become a driving force when facing the unknown
Develop the ability to proactively influence new realities, rather than merely adapting to them
Strengthen their psychological resilience, optimism, and sense of agency using tools from positive psychology
Practice practical and theatrical improvisation as a way to enhance flexibility, spontaneity, and courage in action

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Mirek Urban

Psychologist, communication enthusiast, public speaking trainer, and incurable storytelling lover.
A humble student of improvisation, which he practices both on stage—as an actor since 2015 with the comedy improv group Poławiacze Pereł Improv Teatr—and offstage, by sharing its potential through practical improvisation workshops.

He specializes in unconventional training techniques, drawing from diverse fields such as practical and theatrical improvisation, acting, mind games, the art of illusion, and original creative methods. For 17 years, he has been leading workshops and trainings that support the development of intentional communication with audiences (public speaking and storytelling), as well as enhancing quality of life and thinking (including work-life balance and creativity).

He conducts trainings in public speaking and storytelling, creativity, and burnout prevention.
More at: mirekurban.pl

Author and co-author of four books on training and personal development.
One of his titles, Metaphors and Analogies in Training, received the “Trainer’s Book of the Year 2013” award from the Polish Association of Business Trainers.

He collaborates with institutions such as:

Lazarski University (Warsaw)
National School of Judiciary and Public Prosecution (Kraków, Lublin)
Białystok University of Technology

dr Maciej Chudkiewicz

Boundaries of Closeness in Media Communication: How to Build Authentic Relationships with Your Audience

In a world saturated with messages, constant availability, and rising expectations, the ability to build authentic connection with others becomes an art.
Even greater is the challenge of finding balance between openness and self-protection.
This workshop is an invitation to reflect on how we recognize, set, and communicate boundaries in relationships—in ways that are authentic, effective, and respectful of the other person.

Benefits for Participants:

Experience the provocative approach in a way that’s “close, but without intrusion”
Increase awareness of your own boundaries and emotional responses
Learn to say “no” without guilt
Develop skills for building trust in relationships
Gain practical tools for helping professions and client communication

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Workshop Outline:

What are boundaries in communication?
- The role of boundaries in professional, personal, and therapeutic relationships
- Boundaries as a form of care—for oneself and for others
My boundaries – self-diagnosis exercises
- How do I know when I’m crossing them?
- What situations trigger discomfort?
How to talk about boundaries without causing harm
- Assertive communication vs. avoidance or aggression
- Role-play and real-life scenario simulations
Respecting others’ boundaries
- How to notice and honor the signals of the other person
- What to do when boundaries are unclear or conflicting
Boundaries in the provocative style
- Can provocativity coexist with empathy?
- Humor and challenge—without crossing the line

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

dr Maciej Chudkiewicz

Communication Expert | Journalist | University Lecturer | Provocative Coach and Trainer

Is an experienced communication specialist with over 16 years of work in national media -as a print, radio, and television journalist. Holding a PhD in social sciences, he lectures at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, where he teaches courses in media marketing, client and opinion leader relations, disinformation, and journalistic craft.

Public speaking and on-camera presence
Storytelling and persuasion
Building relationships with the media
Authentic communication in social and professional spaces

Gabriela Borowczyk

Archetypes and Our Identity – A Space for Growth and Inner Balance

Archetypes are like our inner map—they help us better understand who we are, what values guide our lives, and why we act the way we do. Their roots reach deep into our psyche and culture, and their influence shows up in our everyday choices, in how we build relationships, and in the way we make professional decisions.

But are all archetypes equally close to us? Do we have space within ourselves to develop those that feel less natural? In this workshop, we’ll explore our personal archetypal map, discover which archetypes are sources of strength, and which may present challenges. We’ll work on consciously strengthening the traits that support our growth in a coherent, authentic, and fulfilling way—and above all, help us find balance.

DETAILED EVENT DESCRIPTION

Workshop Agenda

Introduction to the concept of archetypes

What are archetypes and where do they come from?
How do they shape our identity and way of functioning in the world?
Innate vs. acquired archetypes—what shapes us?

Axes of human needs and integration of opposites

Four key axes of needs: Freedom vs. Order, Self vs. Others
How do we balance between these poles?
Which archetypes dominate our lives and why?

Archetype mapping – practical exercise

Each participant creates their own individual archetype map
Reflection on dominant archetypes and their impact on life

Archetypes and personal/professional development

How do your archetypes influence your role in a group and your communication style?
How to strengthen the beneficial aspects of your archetypes and manage their shadows?
Which archetypes are worth developing to reach your full potential?

Summary and action plan

How to consciously manage your archetypal identity?
Development plan—what can you start doing today?

Benefits for Participants

Deeper self-understanding – greater awareness of your dominant archetypes and their impact on daily life, relationships, and professional growth
Awareness of potential and limitations – recognizing strengths and challenges rooted in your archetypal identity
Practical development tool – your personal archetype map as a compass for self-growth
Enhanced effectiveness – better alignment of your work style, communication, and group role with your natural predispositions
Integration of opposites – the art of balancing different aspects of personality to achieve greater harmony and flexibility
Inspiration for continued growth – concrete guidance on how to work with your archetypes to strengthen your competencies, conscious confidence, and inner coherence

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Gabriela Borowczyk

Gabriela Borowczyk – business trainer, certified coach, graphic facilitator, and pioneer of visual thinking in Poland. Creator of the FLIPOWANIE® brand, author of the Brand Archetype Cards, and co-author of the Storytelling Cards and Transformation Cards. Her working style blends creativity, structure, and deep intuition — as an archetypal Magician, Creator, and Sage, she inspires others to explore new possibilities in communication and personal development.

She holds degrees in German Studies from the University of Szczecin and Marketing from the Higher School of Management and Marketing in Warsaw. She completed the Business Trainer School and Business Coach School at the SET Academy, as well as the Pathways Facilitation School. For many years, she worked as a marketing director in international corporations, gaining extensive experience in brand building, communication strategy, and team leadership.

Since 2013, Gabriela has run her own educational and developmental practice, supporting trainers, coaches, leaders, and teams in effective communication, flipchart work, storytelling, and designing personal and organizational brands based on archetypes. She regularly leads in-person and online workshops, open courses, and tailored programs for companies and institutions — also in English.

Gabriela is a Neuland brand ambassador and a passionate promoter of graphic facilitation and sketchnoting in business. Her original educational tools — including card sets and markers — are used by professionals across Poland. She also co-creates youth education projects within GoAcademy, helping young people develop visual skills, personal effectiveness, and career direction.

Her mission is to inspire people toward creative action, heart-centered communication, and discovering the magic in everyday work.

Closing of the Congress

Closing Ceremony: Together We Shape the Future

After days of intensive work, laughter, and breaking patterns, the time has come for our joint summary. The closing ceremony of the 2nd International Provocative Congress is a moment where the sacred meets the profane, and science meets heart-felt kindness.

What will happen during the Finale?

The Ethical Compass: We will summarize our work on the Code of Ethics for the Provocative Approach and the Competency Model.
The Provocare Foundation is People: We wish to formally thank our Allies – the individuals and institutions whose support, trust, and energy allow us to fulfill our mission of bringing benevolent provocativeness to where it is most needed.
The Closing Ritual: In the spirit of andragogy (adult education), we will summarize the Congress together.
A New Beginning: The end of the Congress is simultaneously the start of new alliances. We will announce the preliminary plans for the next Congress.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

To conclude the Congress, we warmly invite you to take part in a unique and celebratory closing session, led by a surprise Guest of Honour – someone whose presence brings depth, inspiration, and an unexpected accent to our shared space of reflection.

This special guest – whose identity will remain a surprise until the very last moment – will offer their distinctive voice to our collective field of provocativeness, inviting us into a final, shared gesture of integration and farewell.