Day 1, July 11, 2023

10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST

Select one of the following classes

 

Class A

 

Ethical Considerations: Addressing & Preventing Microaggressions in Therapy (3 CE Credits – Ethics)

Microaggressions are defined as indirect, subtle, or unintentional acts of discrimination against members of minoritized and marginalized groups. The impact of microaggressions can be more detrimental, in some cases, than more overt forms of racism and discrimination. These more subtle microaggressions are an extremely common experience amongst minority individuals today; therefore, to practice ethically, it is essential that mental health clinicians obtain the knowledge, skills and ability to both help clients navigate such experiences and prevent further harm by avoiding inadvertent microaggressions in therapy practice.

This engaging and interactive training will take a deep dive into exploring microaggressions and their impact on individual well-being. Through the use of video clips, discussion and reflective activities, participants will be encouraged to explore their own cultural worldview, engage in the practice of cultural humility, and learn strategies to assist clients in healing from the daily experience of microaggressions.

 

(Trainer, Crystal Rozelle–Bennett is an educator, an advocate, a survivor and a self-proclaimed thriver! For the past 25 years she has been driven by her personal experiences of trauma to elevate and amplify the voices of individuals and communities in order to promote healing and opportunities to move from surviving to thriving.)

 

 Class B

 Intersectionality and Trauma (3 CE Credits – Cultural Competence)

Humans are comprised of multiple identities that collectively define them as individuals. The intersectionality of these various identities serve as the lens through which an individual navigates life including trauma and healing.  Recognizing trauma intervention and healing as a social justice issue, this webinar will unpack the relationship between an individual’s identity, positions of social privilege and/or marginalization and their clinical needs.  Through interactive dialogue, participants will be safely guided to explore their own identity construct and its impact on those they serve.  This webinar aims to provide clinicians and macro practitioners with an increased understanding of identity and the critical need of culturally specific interventions when supporting the healing needs of various populations. This webinar meets cultural competency continuing education requirements.

 

(Trainer, Chandra Dawson, LISW, LCSW is a social worker with over 20 years of social work practice serving various marginalized populations primarily comprised of communities of color. She has years of organizational experience including crisis intervention, supervision, training, project management and senior leadership within organizations serving domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and numerous marginalized populations. Ms. Dawson serves as Vice President of Housing Services for Friendship Place, a nonprofit supporting homeless individuals and families.  She previously served as the Deputy Director for the DC Rape Crisis Center.  Ms. Dawson is the founder of The MACRO Project where she supports organizations in addressing the trauma-informed intersectional service and advocacy needs of individuals and communities.)

 

Class C

Overwhelmed & Over-Stimulated: Working with Late-Diagnosed Adults with Autism  (3 CE Credits)

The average age of autism diagnosis in the U.S. is between ages four and six. People diagnosed with autism as adults have been observed to face greater mental health challenges compared to people diagnosed as children. This training aims to examine the common experiences and potential needs for late-diagnosed adults with autism, incorporating the lens of the trainer’s personal experiences as well as exploring research on individuals who received an autism diagnosis in adulthood. Autism is a spectrum, and this presentation will focus on those who received a diagnosis later in life, primarily those fitting the Level 1 criteria for support needs. We will discuss barriers to diagnosis, potential presenting concerns leading up to assessment/diagnosis, as well as resources and strategies for working with this client population in a neurodiverse-affirming way.

 

(Trainer: Christina Scott, LPCC-S, NCC is a licensed counselor and supervisor in Ohio. A proud geek therapist, she utilizes superheroes and pop culture in her work with clients. She is a Registered Play Therapist and is certified in Trauma Focused CBT. Christina owns an online private practice called Rising Action Counseling. She chose this field because she loves connecting with others and is a life-long learner. When she is not providing clinical services, Christina teaches Continuing Education courses on topics such as Positive Psychology, neurodivergence, trauma-informed care, Play Therapy, sleep disorders and dreamwork, and using media/pop culture in counseling. Christina is a Registered Play Therapist, certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and she is a Nationally Certified Counselor. More recently, Christina became a Certified Integrative Mental Health Practitioner and obtained certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.  Christina co-authored a chapter in the book, Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. She is the President for the Southeast chapter of Ohio Counseling Association. Christina is passionate about leadership and advocacy work.)

 

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST

Select one of the following classes

 

Class A 

Taboo OCD Thoughts and Treatment   (3 CE Credits)

This webinar will review the definition of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder before addressing taboo subtypes common among individuals experiencing OCD. Specific topics covered will include assessing and treating harm-themed OCD (self and others), sexually-themed OCD, and scrupulosity/morality-themed OCD.

This training includes a brief overview of the gold-standard treatment, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Sample exposure hierarchies will be provided and participants will role-play presenting the exposure rationale and generating in-vivo and imaginal exposures. The webinar will address common clinician concerns regarding how to navigate taboo content, “how far to push exposures,” and how to motivate clients through difficult exposure work.

 

(Trainer, Jessica Bodie, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Bodie received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Temple University. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bodie specializes in the treatment of OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and body-focused repetitive behaviors. She is a certified clinician, consultant, and supervisor in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. Additionally, Dr. Bodie specializes in extreme picky eating (also called Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, ARFID), emetophobia (vomit phobia), and choking/swallowing phobia.

Trainer, April Vass, MSW, RSW, is a registered Social Worker in Ontario and New Brunswick. April received her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto and is a certified clinician in Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention (EX/RP) for OCD. April is the Owner and Founder of OCD Wellness, a specialized OCD and OC related disorder clinic in Canada, Ontario. April specializes in OCD treatment and has experience working with many subtypes of OCD and ranges of severity. April also provides treatment for emetophobia, misophonia, tics, and body-focused repetitive behaviours.)

 

Class B

Knowledge and Skills for Mobile Crisis Intervention Workers

(3 CE Credits)

Public outrage over police-involved deaths of people in mental health crisis has prompted governments to expand access to crisis services that offer a recovery-oriented alternative to traditional police-led community interventions. This presentation provides a roadmap of essential knowledge and skills for mental health clinicians working on police-partnered and non-police mobile crisis intervention teams (MCIT). MCIT’s offer assessment and support for people in distress while averting escalation. This presentation is informed by crisis theory and intended for social workers, nurses, psychologists, students, and others interested in learning about and working within these expanding intervention models.

The presentation will start with an overview of the history of mobile crisis intervention programs in North America and describe variations in model structures across jurisdictions. A brief literature review of research evaluating the efficacy of these programs will be included. This will lead into a review of 11 practice skills for crisis intervention workers. These skills include the capacity to engage with complex clients, de-escalate tension, assess risk in the community, plan for safety, provide brief addiction counselling, diffuse interpersonal conflict, link clients with community resources, advocacy, challenge systemic racism, build constructive relationships, and document services with awareness of relevant legislation. The practice insights discussed in this presentation are relevant to preventing harm and loss of life while facilitating engagement between clients and mental health services.

 

(Trainer, Amar Ghelani is a registered social worker, PhD Candidate, and instructor with the Wilfrid Laurier Faculty of Social Work in Ontario, Canada. He has over 16 years of social work practice experience in crisis intervention, addiction rehabilitation, shelters, prisons, schools, outpatient mental health, and healthcare settings. He has extensive practice experience in crisis intervention, worked on a police-partnered mobile crisis intervention team, and published research in this area.)

 

Class C

Addiction, Bias, & Stigma: Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? (3 CE Credits)

In 2021 the CDC reported over 100,000 deaths by overdose. This represents a 28.5% increase over the previous year which already had over 70,000 overdose deaths! If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, it is time to talk about promoting healing and long term sobriety. It is time for some conversations and education. Many clinicians, first responders, and healthcare professionals are unaware of how they may contribute to the perpetuation of stigma. We as humans, even with professional ethics, training and licenses are still prone to biases and stigma, especially with persons who struggle with substance use/abuse/ issues.

This presentation will help participants look at personal biases and strategies to combat counterproductive attitudes that cause harm to the same people our codes of ethics, profession and policy are designed to protect. If your thinking what I’m thinking, it is time to talk about reducing stigma and personal biases by re-embracing our commitments to service, dignity and worth of person. We as Professionals have a call and platform to decrease these numbers, empower others to live by providing non-biased service and treatment options for those affected by Substance Use Disorder.

 

(Trainer, Sidney H. Smith III, LMSW, is the author of 3 books, “Addiction Treatment Outcomes”, “Alone with GOD”, and “Unbelievably Amazing”, which is a book about a true story of a drug addicts’ journey to miraculous freedom and success. It is the story of a man who went from 27 years of addiction, crime, homelessness, and prison to a master’s degree, 2 state social work licenses, rights restored by Legislation, and a Federal Government job. Smith aims to provide a message that is an injection of hope to all available listeners.)

 

Evening Sessions

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

 

Class A

Necessity of Clinicians Engaging in a Multicultural Eclectic Service Delivery (3 CE Credits – Cultural Competence)

To date, many individuals remain misdiagnosed due to the failure of educators and health practitioners to engage in providing services from a multicultural eclectic purview. This means that providers are often remiss in realizing the past and continued influences of psychosocial variables related to real and perceived discrimination on achievement, behavior, and clinical health outcomes. Psychosocial variables can exacerbate behaviors and symptoms, and at times be the antecedent that onset those symptoms. Thus, it is imperative that health providers learn methods to incorporate the multitude of psychosocial experiences BIPOC encounter into their methods of service delivery, including case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment.

This workshop will provide attendees with an interactive discussion that will include an overview of the unique psychosocial stressors noted within research and their correlation to mental health outcomes among Black Indigenous and People Of Color (BIPOC).

 

(Trainer, Eugena K. Griffin, Ph.D. received her degree in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina (USC) in 2008 and began her research interest in coping typologies in response to racial stress among Black adults. Dr. Griffin obtained licensure as a Clinical Psychologist in the state of New York December, 2010. As a Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Griffin provides comprehensive assessment and psychotherapy to impoverished and disenfranchised children, adolescents, and adults presenting with mild to severe mental health concerns. Dr. Griffin holds a tenured-Associate Professor of Psychology position at City University of New York where she provides instruction and mentorship to a diverse undergraduate student population. She is the author of the books, Letters to the Black Community and The Steps I Took: How My Journey to Success Can Help Guide Your Success)

 

Class B

Sex Therapy Basics: What All Clinicians Need to Know (3 CE Credits)

This course on the basics of sex therapy will provide an opportunity for clinicians not trained in sex therapy to gain knowledge and beginning skills in the area of sexuality and be able to work more comfortably and effectively in cases in which the full set of sex therapy skills isn’t required. Topics will include defining healthy sexuality, common female and male difficulties and dynamics in a couple, medical issues, sexual styles, fundamental principles of improving sexual functioning, the role of anxiety in sexuality, the impact of early trauma and early messages given about sexuality and the role differentiation plays in the sexual relationship.

 

(Trainer, Deborah J Fox, LICSW, is in private practice in Washington, DC. She is an AASECT Certified Sex therapist providing individual and couples psychotherapy. She conducts seminars and consultation groups on the integration of couples and sex therapy and the treatment of sexual trauma, with an emphasis on somatic intervention strategies.)

 

 

Day 2 – July 12, 2023

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Select one of the following classes

 

Class A

 

Dying to Live:  Death Awareness as Psychic Organizer to Live a Fully Realized Life (3 CE Credits)

We will all die. We know this. But both our culture in general, and our mental health profession in particular, suppress awareness of our mortality, and avoid talking about death. Why such bias? Denial?

This new workshop addresses our perpetual oscillation between “slipping into that dreaded abyss, (and) insulating ourselves in protective omnipotent defenses “ (Shabad, 2016).  Via experiential groups, we’ll address how talking about death, to ourselves and to our patients, can enhance our experience of living our lives fully. We’ll write and talk through this protocol together. In this training we will look at history, literature, vignettes, Freud, our culture, AND how our profession avoids acknowledging the impact of our actual death. We will share views & discuss ‘existential orientation’ protocols that suggest how to talk with patients about their feelings, attitudes, beliefs about dying and their own inevitable death. Practical suggested protocols will be reviewed.

Woody Allen — ‘I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.

 

(Trainer, Joy Dryer, Ph.D.  wears several hats: as a Clinical Psychologist for over 40 years, a Psychoanalyst for 25 years, and a Divorce Mediator for the past 20 years. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and maintains a private practice in NYC and New Paltz New York. As a former Adjunct Associate Professor in NYU’s Master Psychology program, she continues to teach and to supervise. In addition to the Death Project that she introduces to you today, Dr. Joy is also working on a book of poetry tentatively called Covid Conversations with Colleagues, Critters, and Cannibals. Dr. Dryer writes a monthly blog on Psychology Today illustrating couples’ dialogues during their PACT couples sessions. Dr. Joy specializes in couples therapy using PACT, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy. She integrates PACT’s powerful principles in her divorce mediation work where she often focuses on helping couples decide whether to stay, or to separate.)

 

Class B

 

The Insomnia Eating Disorder Connection: CBT-I An ACT-based approach (3 CE Credits)

CBT-i is the first-line, gold standard behavioral treatment for Insomnia. Studies are showing a significant relationship between Insomnia and Eating Disorders, as they frequently co-occur and can even be a diagnostic flag for each other. In this workshop we will learn how to diagnose insomnia, how to identify when it needs treatment, and learn the components of CBT-i. Additionally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been seen to assist in CBT-i treatment compliance. We will learn the basics of ACT, how it can help CBT-i be used more effectively, and applications for use in the eating disorder population. Case conceptualization activity and multiple experiential exercises will be used.

 

(Savannah Hipes, LCSW is a curiosity-driven social scientist, a.k.a. psychotherapist, who guides deep-thinkers and the data analysts of emotion toward understanding their own brain and body responses. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Abilene Christian University and her Master of Social Work from the Florida State University, then went on to complete the Rural and Underserved Interprofessional Postgraduate Fellowship with the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Pensacola, Florida. Savannah treats individuals with anxiety, eating disorders, and insomnia. She values using evidence-based practices and thorough interdisciplinary collaboration and consultation to provide a premium therapy experience.)

 

 

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Select one of the following classes

 

Class A

 

The Neuropsychology of Schizophrenia (3 CE Credits)

Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder, which can present with a variety of symptoms.  It is known to have an impact on multiple cognitive and functional domains. The study of schizophrenia is now focused on the neurodevelopmental nature of this condition.  One important idea about schizophrenia is the stress-diasthesis or vulnerability hypothesis, which hypothesizes that individuals may have a genetic or neurobiological vulnerability to developing schizophrenia but that the development of the disorder is also related to life stressors.

Recommended treatments for schizophrenia now often focus on the use of neuropsychological evaluation measures that accurately assess areas of cognitive vulnerability.  After that is completed, there are a number of cognitively-based therapy protocols that emphasize cognitive rehabilitation, coupled with coping skills development, social skills development, and the use of education and insight. This new training will help participants understand schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder, and learn how to assess, evaluate, and to treat schizophrenia more effectively. Participants will learn about resources for schizophrenia protocols.

 

(Trainer: Dr. Donna Veraldi, PhD is retired from over 40 years practice as a psychologist. Most of Dr. Veraldi’s work involved a private practice of clinical and forensic work in Billings Montana. Dr. Veraldi has presented numerous papers and publications, is a past president of the Yellowstone Psychological Association, has taught at the college level, and has been a frequent presenter for the American College of Forensic Psychology.)

 

Class B

SEL RP DEIB = We Go Together! (3 CE Credits)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Restorative Practices (RP), and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), are all interrelated, and go hand in hand. Both SEL and RP are used to systematically and intentionally build equitable learning environments. In this session, Dr. Speight, Ph.D., LCSW-C, will briefly review the basic tenets of SEL and RP from a DEIB perspective, and discuss the integration impacts and benefits of RP and SEL in numerous settings when aligned. Participants will also gain the basic principles of facilitating Restorative Conversations from an equity lens, and learn how to lead Community Building Circles.

 

(Trainer, Dr. Natosha Speight is a clinician, psychologist, speaker, coach, trainer, consultant, advocate and most importantly, mother. With almost 25 years of experience working with children, youth, families and adults in areas of mental health, psychological services, social services, and education, her work experience spans numerous environments and communities.  Dr. Speight received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, a Master of Social Work degree, and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her key areas of interest and expertise are trauma, social and emotional learning, restorative practices and self-care.)

 

Evening Sessions

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

 

Class A

Clinical and Ethical Considerations: Making the Decision to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment (3 CE Credits – Ethics)

Many professionals throughout the United States are mandated reporters of suspected child maltreatment. However, the legal requirement to report is often confusing to navigate in relation to our other professional and ethical responsibilities. This workshop provides profession-based context to the role of mandated reporter. Mandated reporters will learn a framework to guide the decision to make this “tough call” using research findings and practical advice based on real case examples.

(Trainer, Kathryn Krase, Ph.D., J.D., M.S.W., Principal Consultant with Krase Consultant, is an expert on the professional reporting of suspected child maltreatment. She has authored multiple books and articles on the subject, including the 2022 book Making The Tough Call: Resource for Professional reporters on Suspected Child Maltreatment. She has years of experience consulting with government and community based organizations to develop policy & practice standards.)

 

Class B

 

Sibling Therapy:  The How-Tos (3 CE Credits)

Sibling relationships are the earliest bonds that we have aside from our parents. Our clients bring the learned (or not learned) skills from childhood to their adult lives, transferring them onto their love and work relationships. This new training will start with introducing the concept of “siblings as first marriage,” as well as the four unique elements of sibling therapy:  frozen images, crystallized roles, unhealthy loyalty, and sibling transference.  We’ll spend time on these specific differences in providing sibling therapy and how to incorporate into your own therapy style.

We’ll move on to how to start a sibling therapy session, therapists’ own feelings, the skills necessary for this work, and some clinical tools that can facilitate when you get stuck.  Participants will have opportunity to practice and see how to apply these concepts to their own clinical practice.

 

(Trainer, Dr Karen Gail Lewis, EdD, MSW, has been practicing as a marriage and family therapist for over 40 years, in both Washington, DC and in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is the author of several books including Siblings: The Ghost of Childhood that Haunt Your Love and Work and Why Don’t You Understand? A Gender Relationship Dictionary. Dr. Lewis lectures both nationally and internationally on a wide range of topics, focusing on family and couples’ relationships, women’s friendships, and adult siblings. She has been interviewed by dozens of newspapers and magazines including, the New York Times, Woman’s World, Cincinnati Enquirer, Cosmopolitan, the Boston Globe, Psychology today, and the Washington Post. Dr. Lewis has taught at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Catholic University in Washington DC, and other Universities and has been on the editorial boards of four professional journals. Dr. Lewis is the founder of Unique Retreats for Siblings.)