Testimonials

Raeleen D'Agostino, Ph.D.
Best-Selling Author * Speaker /Educator
Psychology Self-Help Expert

The Italian Art of Living Well.

Amici, many of you know how passionate I am about inspiring, motivating, and educating my audiences and readers, on how certain Italian lifestyle habits can benefit your life, helping you to find a more joyful, serene, and healthy way to approach each day. I speak and write about all themes Italian, interpreting for you, the Bel Paese's Classic Art of Living Well. I am pleased to deliver presentations for Individuals, Associations, Corporate Employees, Educational Settings, & also Keynote Speeches for Your Next Event. Please spread the word, at your workplace or association, and let me help make your corner of the world, a little more "dolce", too

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING MY SEMINARS

"...inspiring, full of life and passion, and wonderful to be a part of [this seminar]. Thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart, Raeleen!"
D.K.

"...simple pleasures of every day. I love the quote: 'putting food in its place'. [The dancing we did] reminded me of my passion of dancing the salsa!"
P.C.

"Takes a unique approach to living a more interesting and healthy life. It is not really about dieting but just really living. Just great!"
T. A.

"I enjoyed the information and tips. I look forward to the other seminars"
L.C.

" I came here because I wanted to be in the presence of someone who is real. You are very definitely genuine and real. Thanks!"
Y.S.

"Vivacious, Positive reminders of what to put energy into in life" N.B.

"This seminar opened up my eyes and heart to seeing my devotion to the simpler pleasures in life as something to hold on to always..." S.V.

"You warmed my heart!" M.P.

"Very positive and uplifting self-confidence booster." R.E.

"Absolutely Dolce Vita! What a wonderful Seminar. I feel special." A.P.

"This seminar brought back the way to La Dolce Vita for me." C.M.M.

"Inspiring, Powerful, mind-changing." W. B.

"So much to think about and work on--Wonderful Seminar!" E.B.

"Excellent, Motivating, Fun, and Inspirational" L.H.

"Very inspiring! Real hands-on tools for actually making this happen. Changing negative, anxious attitudes...” A. B.

"Your embracing, warm generous spirit allowed me to be more receptive to the tools that were offered. Thank you, Raeleen!" C.L.

"It's been wonderful to relish in the wisdom from my ancestry. Thank you for sharing." L. E.

PRESENTATION TOPICS

How to Wipe Out Negative Stereotypes – Regardless of Race, Ethnicity, or Religion

While mental categorizations can be useful, stereotyping based on ethnicity, race, or religion leads to prejudice, bias, discrimination, and may even lead to violence. Dr. D’Agostino’s background in the behavioral sciences, along with her hands-on experience as Research Director and expert speaker on stereotyping for AIDA (American Italian Defense Association) give her a unique ability to clarify critical issues facing companies today about why stereotyping occurs and how to wipe it out using a tripartite approach which includes informational, cognitive, and behavioral change.
This presentation recommended for:

* Employee/manager diversity programs
* Middle, High School, and College Keynotes or Workshops

Improve Your Body Image To Improve Your Life

Why do the majority of American women and a growing number of American men dislike their looks and how does negative body image affect one’s professional and personal life? Dr. D’Agostino, whose work has appeared in the prestigious International Journal of Obesity, is a cross-cultural researcher in the area of body image and its effect on self-esteem, general well-being and eating disorders. She offers clear-cut solutions to preventing and reversing the negative ways we view ourselves, and borrows a page from the “bella figura” philosophy of Italy, where the focus is on liking yourself and carrying yourself with dignity.

This presentation recommended for:
* Employee personal growth training
* Middle school, High School, and College keynotes or workshops

Mangia! The Physical and Emotional Benefits of Eating, Italian Style

With nearly 2/3’s of America’s population either overweight or obese, and nearly as many prone to feeling lonely and depressed at various times in their lives, Dr. D’Agostino brings a hands-on approach to the benefits of eating meals as they do in Italy. This best-selling author of “Living la Dolce Vita: Bring the Passion, Laughter, and Serenity of Italy into Your Daily Life shares a meal with participants at YOUR Italian restaurant and offers a handpicked menu of food and wine, lots of tips for simple Italian meal preparation and how to stay fit and happy by building exercise into your natural day, and breaking bread with others.

This presentation recommended for:
* Italian restaurateurs
* Organizational/Association Keynotes where meal follows

Lemons into Limoncello : How to turn Your Problems into Effortless Inspiration

The Italian philosophy of living is that if life is going to hand you lemons, at the very least you should be allowed to turn them into Limoncello, and end up with a better situation than you ever thought possible (Note: Limoncello is a zesty after dinner liqueur made from plump Amalfi Coast lemons). Cognitive-behavioral expert, Italian lifestyle educator, and author of “Living la Dolce Vita” and the upcoming “Lemons into Limoncello”, Dr. Raeleen D’Agostino, dual citizen of US and Italy shows you how to resolve your problems in a calm, insightful way that reduces stress, and emphasizes simple solutions.

This presentation recommended for
* Individuals
* Communities
* Parent Teacher association meetings
* Employee personal growth training sessions.

The Dolce Vita Approach to No Sweat Weight loss

Dr. D’Agostino’s own survey research has shown that Italians have significantly lower Body Mass Indexes than do Americans. In this presentation Raeleen, a former cognitive-behavioral weight loss consultant and Italian lifestyle specialist blends her expertise in weight loss psychology with her Italian approach to staying slim to deliver an entertaining and informative experience, which participants can benefit from right away. Lots of tips on how to eat right and exercise for real results, without Herculean efforts or exhausting lists of rules and tabulations.

This presentation is recommended for
* Group employee, club, or association settings)
* Middle, High, and College level students
* Communities and Associations who want to accept the challenge of individual or group weight loss.

The Dolce Vita Relationship Makeover: Keeping, Changing, Letting Go

The latest research shows that the single most important predictor of a long happy life is having intimate relationships with other people. Author and International Speaker Dr. Raeleen D’Agostino draws from her cross-cultural research and her vast relationship experience to deliver a common sense approach to forming new relationships and enjoying the best aspects of the relationships you have. This topic explores the advantages of making things work with friends, coworkers, families, and lovers. Also, how to know when to cut negative relationships loose.

Recommended for:
* Individuals (in venues such as libraries, clubs, associations)
* Employee self-improvement programs
* College students

Marketing Lifestyle When Selling Italian Products

Raeleen, whose work has appeared in Quirk's Market Research Journal "When in Rome", knows that Americans want lifestyle ideas along with the Italian products they buy from importers.

This workshop is specific for Italian importers and Italian American Chamber of Commerce Members.

Cross-Cultural Understandings: Italy & America

Workshop and manual for American corporations doing business with Italy, and Italian businesses doing business with the US. Special insights on business and social customs, stereotypes, cultural practices and traditions, food, language, and etiquette. Interactive learning sessions plus manual.

Speaking Skills that Captivate and Educate

As a former psychology research professor, Dr. D’Agostino trained students to give outstanding presentations, overcoming natural (and some rather unnatural) fears of standing up and delivering to the public. As a professional public speaker with nearly 20 years experience, Raeleen has been referred to as a “brilliant speaker”, “the most enthusiastic presenter I have ever heard” and “such a dynamic delivery it gave me chills.” In this workshop she tells how she went from so shaky her throat would dry up leaving her with no voice on the podium, to someone who can’t get enough of the microphone and stage. This workshop shows you everything from how to arrange your content to how to gesture appropriately to draw your audience in.

Recommended for
* Managers, and employees whose job includes any kind of public speaking or teaching
* College students
* Professors who want to improve their speaking persona
* Individuals for whom public speaking is a part of life (authors, salespersons, political and public figures, etc)

How to make the Most of Your Italy Trip--Coming and Going

Whether going to the Bel Paese or just getting back, Raeleen helps you notice, remember, absorb, and apply the very lifestyle habits that can benefit you and help you change your life. Individual consultations, group travel agency presentations-on line or on site. Raeleen's most recent article on traveling in Rome, was published in the Chicago Tribune's Sunday Travel Section.

Italo-Actualization: How to Reconnect to the Wisdom of Your Italian Heritage.

There was a time, during WW II, when the Italian language was discouraged in America. Losing the language, for many of us meant losing touch with some of the most important elements of our parents and grandparents Italian culture, too. Dr. D’Agostino will help you recognize and get back the wisdom of your heritage, and let it guide you to self-realization, to become all you were meant to be. This is a process is usually done in a series of telephone sessions, or through a 6-week e-learning course.