Presentation Schedule
Friday 9/27 | Early Risers
8:45 - 10:00 AM
Jordan Held, LCSW, #99905
Relentless Pursuit Therapy & Consulting, Co.
Navigating Gender Constructs: Implications and Practices in Treatment Settings
This experiential presentation takes a unique approach to understanding the effects of societal gender norms on transgender individuals by immersing the audience in their experiences. Through a combination of storytelling, interactive exercises, and firsthand accounts, participants will gain a profound appreciation for the challenges faced by transgender individuals in a world dominated by traditional gender expectations. The presentation aims to create a transformative experience that fosters empathy, encourages self-reflection, and motivates attendees to become advocates for positive change. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will list their own biases, prejudices, and preconceived notions related to gender. 2. Participants will be able to assess the intersectionality of gender norms with other aspects of identity, such as race, sexuality, and socio-economic status, through activities that highlight the compounding effects of discrimination. 3. Participants will be able to identify measurable actions in their own communities and challenge and deconstruct harmful gender norms and promote a more equitable and understanding society.
Nicola Vincent
Financial Representative,
Northwestern Mutual
Maximize Your Income!
Learn how to avoid living paycheck-to-paycheck. Turn your private practice into a nest egg! The purpose of this presentation is to bring awareness to young clinicians of the importance of a robust financial plan. As an ex-clinician myself, I understand the burnout and emotional toll this career can have. Worrying about student loans and debt should not be keeping us up at night on top of it! I would like to share my own experience, as well as some financial planning fundamentals for people who are just starting out. As an example, I can demonstrate the power of compounding interest and how the smallest of changes now, can make the most significant impact further along in your career! This is important for W2 employees as well as private practice. It is important to know how to provide for yourself in retirement, even with a 401k!!!
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Alyssa Davis, RDN
Owner, Nutrition with Alyssa
Faculty, Cal State Los Angeles
Mindful Digestion: Demystifying the Gut-Brain Connection
This presentation will provide a thorough understanding of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), including its anatomy and functional dynamics. Participants will develop an understanding of how emotions and cognitive processes influence ENS activity and overall digestion. Additionally, the course will highlight the intersection of clinical and nutritional practices, focusing on how food behaviors and dietary choices can affect mood and vice versa. By integrating these elements attendees will develop a more holistic approach to addressing emotional health—equipping them to create effective, evidence-based strategies for improving client care through the interplay of clinical insights and collaboration with nutrition professionals. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe the anatomy of the Enteric Nervous System and how it functions. 2. Participants will be able to identify how emotions and cognitions impact the Enteric Nervous System and digestion. 3. Participants will be able to identify the intersection of clinical and nutrition practices related to mood and food.
11:15 - 12:30 PM
Jordan Held, LCSW, #99905
Relentless Pursuit Therapy & Consulting, Co.
Integrative Care: Family Therapy within an Interdisciplinary Framework
This presentation explores the integration of family therapy within a broader interdisciplinary framework to address complex family dynamics effectively. It will emphasize the importance of collaboration among referral partners and clinicians from diverse fields to provide comprehensive care for families facing multifaceted issues. Attendees will gain insights into how to leverage various professional perspectives and skills to enhance therapeutic outcomes, improve communication among different care providers, and foster a more holistic approach to family therapy. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to address ethical and practical considerations of integrating families within an interdisciplinary framework. 2. Participants will be able to identify ways to enhance collaboration with referral partners. 3. Participants will be able to apply practical tools and techniques to work with families within an interdisciplinary framework. 4. Participants will be able to identify skills for effective interdisciplinary communication.
Stephen Reeder, LPCC #2843, NCC, CEDS-C
Stephen Reeder Counseling
Values-Based Leadership
This presentation will teach participants the leadership skills to take ownership of the business and operations end of running a behavioral health care team while developing their own identities as leaders. We will develop and identify the mission and core values of the teams to increase overall employee satisfaction and retention. Leaders will learn how to develop effective treatment programs, while managing revenue and operating expenses. Participants will gain insight into best practices for hiring and how to build strong systems. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will identify their own values. 2. Participants will learn how to utilize values to create cohesion in teams. 3. Participants will gain insight into best practices
Charity Wabuke, LMFT 87592
Affiliated with Brainspotting Inc.; IOCDF; SAPC; APU
I graduated... Now what?
Congratulations on graduating! What an incredible achievement. Now, as you embark on your clinical career, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the numerous paths available: Community Mental Health, School-Based, Residential, Private Practice, and more. Deciding your focus can be challenging. How do you choose the right area? What should you look for in a supervisor? This presentation will guide you through the various options and help you understand the different road maps within the clinical world, providing clarity and direction as you take your next steps in this exciting field. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the key differences and unique aspects of various clinical career paths, including Community Mental Health, School-Based, Residential, and Private Practice. 2. Develop criteria for selecting an appropriate clinical focus area based on personal interests, strengths, and career goals. 3. Understand the essential qualities and attributes to look for in a clinical supervisor to ensure effective guidance and professional growth.
1:45-3:00 PM
Carrie Wiita
Founder and Creator of Interpersonal Branding
Interpersonal Branding: It Starts With You, Not Your Niche
Trickle-down marketing advice we get from other industries often starts with, “what’s your niche?” These outdated branding strategies overlook a critical first step every therapist must take—figuring out who you are as a professional and how to talk about the service you provide. The therapeutic alliance starts with inspiring hope that the therapist can help and also getting client buy-in on the tasks and goals of therapy. You can optimize the therapy you provide by using Interpersonal Branding to craft a sustainable professional identity that is meaningful and authentic to you and useful to your clients. Following this presentation, participants will be able to identify, utilize and explain: 1. One historical reason why the field of psychotherapy has such a conflicted relationship with marketing. 2. One established therapeutic common factor associated with improved client outcomes that starts with marketing materials. 3. One way Interpersonal Branding works to counteract therapist experiences of burnout and imposter syndrome.
Sharon Volner, LMFT #347484
Chief Clinical Officer,
La Ventana Treatment Programs
When Healers Gets Wounded: Combatting Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Self care
For decades most everybody, regardless of their age, education, gender, title, or profession at some point struggle with symptoms of anxiety, a “fake it till you make it” fraud in their role. The goal of this workshop is to identify what Imposter Syndrome is and how it specifically impacts professionals in the field of addiction, recovery, and mental health. This course will also provide validating and simple tools to help any professional cope with and overcome Imposter Syndrome. This course is especially essential in the field of addiction and mental health as professionals and healers alike become crippled and wounded psychologically. The take away for attendees in this course will be a sense of an instant sense of validation, credibility, improved confidence and hands-on skills that can be implemented immediately to help address and reduce symptoms of imposter syndrome. Learning Objectives: 1. Define Imposter Syndrome and related symptoms. 2. Discuss and relate how professionals and healers alike are specifically affected in the field of addiction, recovery and mental health. 3. Identify skills to address and overcome Imposter Syndrome.
TJ Woodward
Founder and CEO,
Conscious Recovery
Author, Conscious Being, Conscious Recovery, Conscious Creation
Conscious Recovery: Exploring Spirituality in the Recovery Process
There is an Indian proverb that says we are like a house with four rooms. Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual. Most behavioral health treatment focuses on one or two of these rooms, but the spiritual room is often overlooked as an important part of truly holistic and integrated treatment. One example of this is that little attention is given to helping clients access their inner-wisdom and identify deeply held unconscious beliefs that have kept them stuck in patterns of hopelessness. Accessing this spiritual "room" will assist clients in healing from multiple layers of unresolved trauma, spiritual disconnection, and the toxicity of shame. Learning Objectives: 1. Consider how the power of presence and openness assist in the therapeutic alliance. 2. Explore the effect that our deeply held unconscious beliefs and concepts have on our clients. 3. Explore the role of authenticity and vulnerability in the treatment process and therapeutic relationship.
Friday 9/27 | Night Owls
10:00 - 11:15 AM
Tammy Baghdassarian
Executive Director, Keystone Treatment
Leading with the Heart: Building a Mental Health Practice that Thrives
In this talk, we will explore the intricacies of establishing a mental health treatment company, emphasizing leadership strategies that prioritize employee retention and quality care. By fostering a supportive and fulfilling work environment, we can enhance staff satisfaction and stability, directly impacting the quality of patient care. We’ll delve into how a committed, well-supported team drives individualized treatment plans, leading to improved patient outcomes and a thriving practice. Join us to learn how strong leadership and a focus on employee well-being can transform mental health care. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand leadership strategies for employee retention. 2. Explore the connection between employee well-being and quality of care. 3. Develop practices for enhancing individualized treatment plans.
Krystyl Wright, LCSW #71387
Founder, A Life Worth Living 365
Clinical & Community Outreach Manager, California OnTrack
Empathy Meets Boundaries: DBT Strategies for NPD and Restorative Practices in Work and Life
Join us for an enlightening presentation on empathy and boundaries through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and restorative practices. Learn to engage effectively with individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) while maintaining healthy boundaries for personal and professional growth. This session will cover practical DBT strategies to foster empathy without sacrificing self-care, navigate challenging dynamics, and implement restorative practices for healing and collaboration. Ideal for mental health professionals and team leaders, this presentation will provide tools for balanced relationships, ensuring your needs are met while building meaningful connections. Don’t miss the chance for positive change in work and life! Learning Objectives: 1.Participants will be able to apply DBT Strategies: Participants will learn key Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques that promote empathy while maintaining personal boundaries, enabling them to effectively manage relationships with individuals exhibiting Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) traits. 2. Participants will be able to identify ways to navigate Interpersonal Dynamics: Participants will develop skills to identify and address challenging interpersonal dynamics, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and cultivate resilience in both professional and personal interactions. 3. Implement Restorative Practices: Participants will describe restorative practices that foster healing and collaboration, equipping them with actionable tools to create a supportive environment that prioritizes both empathy and self-care in the workplace and beyond.
Marcela Rondani, PsyD,
CEDS-S, LMFT #52217
Owner/CEO, Orenda Family Therapy Services, Inc.
Beyond the couch: from compassion fatigue to vitality for psychotherapists
Beyond the couch: from compassion fatigue to vitality for psychotherapists" is a comprehensive presentation designed to address the unique challenges faced by psychotherapists in managing their own well-being while providing empathetic care to others. This presentation delves into the concept of compassion fatigue, exploring its causes, symptoms, and impact on mental health professionals. Through practical strategies and reflecting on the impact of countertransference, psychotherapists will learn how to recognize and prevent compassion fatigue, prioritize self-care practices, and cultivate resilience in their professional and personal lives. By fostering a culture of self-compassion and wellness within the therapeutic community, this presentation aims to empower psychotherapists to sustain their passion for helping others while maintaining their own emotional and psychological health. Learning Objectives: 1. Identifying Signs and Symptoms: Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue in themselves, including emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy, and feelings of isolation. 2. Attendees will identify when countertransference becomes a problem and how to navigate it. By understanding the early indicators of compassion fatigue, psychotherapists can take proactive steps to address their own well-being before it escalates. 3. Implementing Self-Care Practices: Attendees will explore a range of evidence-based self-care practices tailored specifically for psychotherapists. From mindfulness techniques and boundary setting to cultivating a supportive professional network, participants will gain practical strategies for prioritizing their own mental and emotional health amidst the demands of their profession. 4. Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout: Through interactive exercises and case studies, psychotherapists will learn how to build resilience and prevent burnout in their professional lives. By fostering a resilient mindset, setting realistic expectations, and incorporating self-care habits into their daily routines, participants will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of providing compassionate care while preserving their own well-being.
12:30 - 1:45 PM
Carrie Wiita
Founder and Creator of Interpersonal Branding
Interpersonal Branding: It Starts With You, Not Your Niche
Trickle-down marketing advice we get from other industries often starts with, “what’s your niche?” These outdated branding strategies overlook a critical first step every therapist must take—figuring out who you are as a professional and how to talk about the service you provide. The therapeutic alliance starts with inspiring hope that the therapist can help and also getting client buy-in on the tasks and goals of therapy. You can optimize the therapy you provide by using Interpersonal Branding to craft a sustainable professional identity that is meaningful and authentic to you and useful to your clients. Following this presentation, participants will be able to identify, utilize and explain: 1. One historical reason why the field of psychotherapy has such a conflicted relationship with marketing. 2. One established therapeutic common factor associated with improved client outcomes that starts with marketing materials. 3. One way Interpersonal Branding works to counteract therapist experiences of burnout and imposter syndrome.
Karol Darsa, PsyD #PSY19847
CEO & Founder,
Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Center
5 Common Mistakes in Trauma Treatment
Trauma treatment is becoming one of the top areas to specialize in. Consequently, many therapists do not have adequate trauma training and thus when working with unprocessed trauma without proper experience results in poor outcomes for clients. This leads to the development of the negative stigma surrounding trauma treatment from the perspective of clients. There have been many popular methods of psychological treatment that do not work well for trauma victims. These trends can even be detrimental to trauma victims and can retraumatize them all over again, setting them back rather than helping them move forward. The presentation focuses on the common misconceptions of trauma treatment, and will discuss effective trauma treatment modalities. The presentation will also discuss case examples from Reconnect Trauma Treatment Center to enhance learning and practice. Participants will learn: 1. Participants wil be able to describe how trauma treatment has evolved a lot in the last decade, changing the route to accommodate more body-oriented techniques. 2. Participants will be able to identify the importance of gentle and safe trauma treatment. 3. Participants will be able to list damages of certain therapeutic techniques in treating trauma 4. Participants will be able to describe how to treat trauma victims by using an integrative approach (Art therapy, SE, Neurofeedback, yoga and support groups) 5. Participants will be able to describe when and how to do trauma memory processing work
Jeff Ball, PhD #10825
Founder, CEO and Executive Director of PCH Treatment
Do No Harm: Do our current mental health practices alleviate or contribute to human distress?
We have a broken mental health system. Problems with the current models…in ideal world would do best clinical practices. But in our world our system is impacted by Cultural, political, and economic factors that often take precedent. Mental Health Care in practice relies upon a capitalistic and largely medical model and diagnostic system that promotes the idea that “illnesses” reside in the brain. Learning Objectives: 1) Identify 2 factors that contribute to a broken mental health system. 2) Explain why the DSM is an unreliable and invalid instrument for describing human experience. 3) Describe the limitations of the Medical Model in treating behavioral health issues.
2:45 - 4:00 PM
Alexis Jarrell, LMFT #127247
Whole Human Wellness Founder
Charting Your Path: Exploring Therapist Career Possibilities
Are you a new therapist eager to shape your career but unsure of the possibilities ahead? In this engaging session with Alexis Jarrell, LMFT, we'll explore a variety of career paths that therapists can take after graduating their MFT program. Discover how to align your passions with diverse opportunities, gain insights about your strengths, and learn strategies to navigate your career journey with confidence. Whether you’re interested in private practice, treatment centers, community work, or unique interdisciplinary roles, this presentation will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to embark on your professional journey. Learning Objectives: 1. Assess Personal Strengths and Identify Career Options: Following this presentation, attendees will understand the various career options available within the therapy field and be able to identify and utilize their own interests, skills, and values to align them with suitable career paths and professional opportunities as a therapist. 2. Understand Professional Development: Following this presentation, attendees will understand the logistics of different job opportunities and how that impacts their career trajectory and be able to utilize the practical strategies taught in the presentation for creating a roadmap to achieve their professional aspirations. 3. Learn from Experienced Professional: Following this presentation, attendees will have gained insight into real-world experiences and advice from a seasoned therapist and be able to utilize this knowledge in navigating the early stages of their career and overcoming common challenges.
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Lauren Anton, MS, RDN, CEDS-C, CPT
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer in Private Practice
But I Thought Exercise Was Healthy!
A Discussion on Exercise Addiction
What happens when exercise – something that is touted to improve mental health – becomes the very thing that’s causing the issue? We will be discussing the nuances of exercise addiction, how to differentiate when it is not serving the client, and how to bring the client back to a healthful relationship with exercise. You will come away with a toolbox to bring back to your sessions when this important issue arises in your sessions. Learning Objectives: 1) Following this presentation, participants will be able to identify two different types of exercise addiction. 2) Following this presentation, participants will be able to utilize at least 3 different treatment approaches for exercise addiction. 3) Following this presentation, participants will be able to define exercise addiction and discuss the nuances, as outlined in 2 different measures of EA.
Sasha Antoun CADC II, CIP
Business Development, Administrator, and Intervention Education Assistant
Networking Beyond Self-Doubt
Discover how to overcome self-doubt and build valuable professional networks in our "Networking Beyond Self-Doubt" workshop. Led by Sasha Antoun CADC II, CIP, this session will provide practical strategies for cultivating authentic connections and leveraging your strengths to create a supportive and thriving professional community. Join us to gain confidence and unlock your networking potential. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will identify and articulate three common characteristics of imposter syndrome and their impact on networking. 2. Participants will identify and utilize at least two practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt in professional networking situations. 3. Participants will be able to explain a personal action plan to build and maintain authentic professional relationships by the end of the presentation.
Saturday 9/28 | Early Risers
8:45 - 10:00 AM
Allison Macintyre, LMFT #44487
Ethan Pearson, MFT Trainee
Allison: Outpatient Program Director
Ethan: Community Outreach Manager
Destinations for Teens
Beyond Basics: Navigating Levels of Care in Behavioral Health
Most people think of therapy as outpatient and inpatient hospitalization. This is a snapshot to provide an overview of the continuum of care that exists in between the two extremes. We will discuss importance of treating individuals at accurate LOC, describing each level of care, process from referral through step down/discharge, benefits of referring to a higher level of care. Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, participants will be able to identify, utilize, and explain: 1. The various levels of care (LOC) within the behavioral health continuum, including partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), residential treatment, and other intermediate options between outpatient therapy and inpatient hospitalization. 2. The criteria and processes for assessing and determining the most appropriate level of care for individuals, including the referral process, admission criteria, and step-down/discharge planning. 3. The benefits and clinical outcomes of referring individuals to higher levels of care (HLOC) when necessary, and how proper placement can improve treatment efficacy and overall patient outcomes.
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Jordan Held, LCSW, #99905 & Beck Gee, CADC II, AMFT #145681
Jordan: Relentless Pursuit Therapy & Consulting, Co.
Beck: Director of Business Operations, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers
Through Science to Justice: Preserving the Past to Understand the Future of Gender Affirmative Care
In the current political climate, transgender youth face unique and pressing challenges, which significantly impact their mental health and well-being. This presentation will highlight the importance of creating empowering and affirming spaces that support transgender youth and their mental health. Drawing from recent research and best practices, it explores the role of inclusive policies, healthcare access, and supportive communities in fostering resilience and reducing mental health disparities among this vulnerable population. By advocating for systemic change and embracing a compassionate approach, we can contribute to a brighter future for transgender youth, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape with strength and confidence. Learning objectives: 1. Participants will describe the history of gender affirming care 2. Participants will identify the impacts of politics on the lives of transgender people and their families today 3. Participants will be able to create a plan for their clients to best support their gender journey
Michael Fink, MBA
Partnerships Director, Lyra Health
Building a Strategic Network on Your Core Competencies and Strengths
The notion of networking can be daunting. How and where to spend your time beg many well-warranted questions. In this session you will learn why it’s foundational to (1) intimately understand your core competencies, (2) your customer’s (client’s and referral sources) needs and wants and (3) the market at large - and where your competition/colleagues lie competitively within that market - so you can position yourself for maximum and effective differentiation, making each networking decision clear and easy to take.
11:15 - 12:30 PM
Mandi K Rector, MS
Director of Clinical Outreach, Within Health
Developing Future Leaders Through Mentorship in Behavioral Health
Explore the vital role of leadership and mentorship in behavioral health, discuss how to build self-leadership, and examine strategies for establishing effective mentorship programs. Remember, effective leaders are not born but made through continuous learning and self-improvement.
Mell McCracken, CADC II, ASAT, RAE
LGBTQIA+ Program Management and Program Development
Chem Sex in the LGBT Community
Chemsex predominately disrupts the lives those in the LGBT+ community and is effectively the “second epidemic” to hit the population. Attendees will wider their knowledge about the ongoing crisis of psychosexual substance use issues in the LGBT+ community. This presentation will examine the nature of compulsive sexual behaviors that often lead to chemical dependence. We will discuss and dissect the neurology of trauma and its relationship to Chemsexaddiction, sex-app usage, and methamphetamine use and review solutions, interventions, and treatment options for those seeking help. Goals: By the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to identify interventionsstrategies that are useful in treating chemsex. By the end of this presentation participants will be able to describe the cycle of addiction as it relates to chemsex use. Objectives: • Participants will be able to identify the 5 stages in the Chemsex cycles of use • Participants will be able to identify 2 key interventions to consider when treating Chemsex clients • Participants will be able to identify 4 issues that are important to consider when treating LGBTQ+ clients for problem sexual behavior.
Adrienne Glasser LCSW, RDMT
Psychotherapist, Movement Therapist & Meditation Teacher (C-IFS)
Befriending Therapist Parts: Experiential IFS As Burnout Prevention
This presentation experientially explores the compassionate model of Internal Family Systems (IFS) which validates the real reasons why therapists become burnt out and outlines common therapist parts. This presentation will explore how helping professionals can use their connection to Self for the resourcing needed in the face of challenging clients. By befriending our therapist parts, rather than fighting them, we can show our protective systems and past wounds the appreciation they deserve for survival. The result is more compassion and energy to be with those we serve and return to our own sense of purpose and creative passion for the work we do. Learning Objectives: (1) Participants will be able to identify the qualities of Self Energy and qualities of protective parts that protect. (2) Participants will have a working understanding of how curiosity and compassion leads to less internal conflict. (3) Participants will be able to describe common therapist parts and how to attend to them.
1:45 - 3:00 PM
Katherine Cox, MPH RDN LD
Practice Owner at Kindness Dietitian
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Within Health
PR chair for Behavioral Health Dietetic Practice group
Embodying a self-to-part relationship; using the IFS modality in Nutrition sessions
IFS is becoming a widely adopted treatment modality in the therapeutic space, the benefits extend beyond the therapists practice. Explore how IFS can be utilized in conjunction with traditional practice models that can support you in healing your clients relationship to themselves. After this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify, understand, and explain the principles of IFS as a therapeutic modality, such as self, parts, and exiles. 2. Identify, understand, and explain the role of a dietitian and how their role can support in the eating disorder treatment team. 3. Identify how a dietitian can support the therapist in healing burdened parts and how self-lead healing can support clients in their recovery journey.
Matthew Evans, LMFT, #105519
CFO and Director of Mental Health Services at The Pathways to Change
Utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Learn how to use Exposure Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Increase your understanding of OCD and ERP while gaining practical skills to use with your patients. This presentation teaches clinicians the following: (1) how to administer the Y-BOCS2 and CY-BOCS assessments to determine the content and severity of obsessions and compulsions, (2) how to create an exposure hierarchy with associated SUDS, and (3) how to conduct exposures and implement replacement behaviors for engaging in compulsions.
David W. Frank, CFP
Founder
Turning Point Financial Planning
Private Practice 101: Building a Profitable & Sustainable Private Practice
Understand the financial, tax, and business fundamentals of starting and building a private practice. Gain insights into the importance of consistent money practices and their impact on business growth. Learn the components and importance of a profit and loss statement for financial management. Understand the process of establishing pricing for private practices, including the relevance of personal budgeting.
Saturday 9/28 | Night Owls
10:00 - 11:15 AM
Heather Russo, LMFT, #49556
Chief Clinical Officer
Nack Behavioral Health
Managed Care in Behavioral Health: A Rose and a Thorn
Clinicians are taught to advocate for their clients in numerous ways but are rarely taught how to support clients in getting their mental health needs covered by insurance. Behavioral healthcare insurance coverage will be explored along with additional clinical context that can increase clinician reimbursement rates and client success rates. Both value-based and data-driven care will be discussed in the context of both the clinician and client.
Tessa Gordon, MA, LMFT, RYT, #113307
Embodying Hope,
Founder, Eating Disorder Therapist
Inside Out: Exploring the Use of Therapists Insider Knowledge in Narrative Therapy
Participants will explore how one's own ‘insider knowledge’ informs their practice as a postmodern therapist and how one’s ‘insider knowledge’ intersects with one’s professional identity. Participants will consider what discourses inform us as clinicians as to how we should be in relationship to our own personal history in the therapeutic relationship and in the professional arena. Participants will question the incongruence between how our profession regards insider knowledge in its clients and its clinicians.
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John Lieberman, #AMFT #145445, APCC #16051
Beck Gee, CADC II, AMFT #145681
John: Chief Executive Officer, Visions Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers
Beck: Director of Business Operations, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers
Don’t be Boring: Healing through Experiential Therapy
This educational workshop is designed for clinicians who wish to enhance their group facilitation skills by incorporating sociometry, a method that uses interpersonal connections and choices to bring depth and engagement to group dynamics. The workshop aims to make group facilitation not only more effective but also more engaging and enjoyable for both facilitators and participants. Through interactive exercises, discussions, and practical applications, clinicians will explore how to utilize sociometry to foster a more connected and vibrant group environment. Objectives: 1) Enhance Understanding of Sociometry: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of sociometry, including its theoretical foundations and practical applications. They will learn how to use sociometric techniques to map and understand the interpersonal relationships and dynamics within a group. 2) Develop Skills in Interactive Group Facilitation: Clinicians will acquire skills to make group sessions more interactive and engaging. By utilizing sociometric exercises, they will learn how to encourage active participation, foster a sense of belonging, and create a more cohesive group experience. 3) Apply Sociometric Techniques in Clinical Practice: The workshop will provide clinicians with practical tools and strategies for integrating sociometric methods into their clinical practice. Participants will learn how to tailor sociometric exercises to different group settings and clinical populations, enhancing the therapeutic impact of their group facilitation
12:30 - 1:45 PM
Matthew Evans, LMFT, #105519
CFO and Director of Mental Health Services at The Pathways
Utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Learn how to use Exposure Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Increase your understanding of OCD and ERP while gaining practical skills to use with your patients. Learning Objectives: This presentation teaches clinicians the following: (1) how to administer the Y-BOCS2 and CY-BOCS assessments to determine the content and severity of obsessions and compulsions, (2) how to create an exposure hierarchy with associated SUDS, and (3) how to conduct exposures and implement replacement behaviors for engaging in compulsions.
Katie Piel, MA, LMFT, #132800
Clinical Lead, Within Health
Practical Eating Disorder Treatment Through the Lens of Attachment Theory and Nervous System Regulation
Participants will learn how to translate Attachment Theory into client-facing care to treat Eating Disorders and Body Image distress. Learning Objectives: 1. Following this presentation, participants will be able to identify, utilize, and explain: 1: Two attachment styles and how eating disorder behaviors might manifest in each style 2. How trauma might affect food-related behaviors and thus contribute to maladaptive attachment styles 3. How the process of (and attainment of) earning secure attachment in 1-1 clinical relationships as well as in the context of group can help clients learn to rely on relationship with healthy self and social supports instead of the ED and what this looks like in the room with your client.
Charity Simpson, NCC, LPC, CET 3, ASGPP, LPCA, NBCC
Independent Consultant, Counselor & Program Director, Compass Consulting
Dive Into Psychodrama Essentials: An Introduction That Packs a Punch
Discover the fundamental tools of psychodrama and learn how to apply them effectively in your clinical work by experiencing and practicing them. This workshop offers a brief but comprehensive introduction to the essential psychodramatic techniques of sociometry, doubling, mirroring, role reversal, and group sharing. No prior psychodrama experience is necessary. Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify, Utilize, and Explain Psychodramatic Techniques: o Demonstrate the ability to identify situations where psychodramatic techniques such as doubling, mirroring, and role reversal can be effectively utilized. o Apply doubling to effectively express and explore perspectives from the viewpoint of an object or another person. o Practice mirroring techniques to reflect emotions and behaviors, fostering empathy and connection in therapeutic settings. o Engage in role reversal exercises to gain insights into different perspectives and enhance personal growth. 2. Differentiate Between Group Sharing and Feedback: o Articulate the distinctions between group sharing and traditional feedback methods. o Understand how group sharing promotes collective understanding and empathy within a therapeutic or group context. o Demonstrate the ability to facilitate group sharing sessions effectively, creating a safe and supportive environment for participants to express experiences and reflections.
2:45 - 4:00 PM
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Natali Skaya, LMFT #146900
Clinical Development Liaison,
AM Healthcare
Cultivating Healing and Recovery: Adolescent Substance Use and Mental Health
This topic explores the complex relationship between substance use and mental health in adolescents, addressing the rising concerns surrounding this dual challenge. We will discuss the risk factors, warning signs, and developmental impacts of co-occurring disorders. The session covers evidence-based treatment approaches, statistics, safety measures, and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we'll examine the role of support systems, such as family, schools and peer groups. We will address barriers to effective care, including stigma and access to resources. This conversation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding and encourage proactive conversations surrounding a difficult topic. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify Risk Factors and Warning Signs: Be able to identify key risk factors and warning signs of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders in adolescents. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between substance use and mental health in adolescents, including how these issues interact and exacerbate one another. 2. Explore Supportive Factors and Treatment: Learn about evidence-based treatment approaches and therapeutic interventions for addressing these dual challenges, including the role of safety measures. Evaluate the importance of support systems such as family, schools, and peer groups in the management and recovery process. 3. Promote Proactive Conversations: Encourage and equip participants to engage in proactive conversations and advocacy around substance use and mental health in adolescents, aiming to reduce stigma and improve access to resources. Discuss common barriers to effective care and identify strategies to overcome these challenges.
Michael Pezzullo, LMFT, #120508
Private Practice Therapist & Public Speaker
Gay Men & Sexual Assault
Gay men are more likely than straight men to experience sexual assault. And, gay men are more likely to have experienced sexual abuse as children. As a result, thousands of gay men live in the aftermath of sexual trauma everyday. Left untreated, trauma can lead to substance use, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. There are certain nuances to treating gay male sexual assault survivors that must be understood. Most clinicians are not educated on these specific and imperative factors. Through this presentation, you will learn how to provide will provide psychological care to gay men that is affirmative, relational and trauma-informed. Learning Objectives: 1. Following this presentation, participants will learn how to provide will provide psychological care to gay men that is affirmative, relational and trauma-informed. 2. Following this presentation, participants will understand how to properly assess gay men for sexual trauma history. 3. Following this presentation, participants will be able to discern healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviors.
Charity Simpson, NCC, LPC, CET 3, ASGPP, LPCA, NBCC
Independent Consultant, Counselor & Program Director, Compass Consulting
Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Using The Neurobiology of Experiential Therapy to Enhance Your Clinical Practice
Participants will be introduced to the foundational principles and benefits of incorporating experiential techniques into therapeutic practice. Participants will learn about the key advantages of using experiential techniques, compared to traditional talk therapy, such as enhanced emotional processing, deeper insight into unconscious patterns, and accelerated therapeutic progress compared to verbal approaches alone. A brief overview of the triune brain model will be provided, explaining its relevance to understanding human behavior and emotional processing. Participants will explore how different parts of the brain (reptilian, limbic, and neocortex) influence responses to life experiences and how experiential interventions utilize this understanding to deepen the process and progress of therapy. Following this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify, Utilize, and Explain the Basic Neuroscience of Experiential Therapy: o Describe the basic principles of neuroscience relevant to experiential therapy, including insights from the triune brain model. o Explain how experiential therapy engages different parts of the brain (reptilian, limbic, and neocortex) compared to traditional talk therapy methods. o Discuss the neurobiological mechanisms that underpin the effectiveness of experiential techniques in promoting emotional processing and therapeutic change. 2. Differentiate Experiential Therapy from Traditional Talk Therapy: o Identify key differences between experiential therapy and traditional talk therapy approaches in terms of how they address emotional and behavioral challenges. o Articulate the advantages of experiential techniques in facilitating deeper emotional exploration, insight, and integration compared to verbal interventions alone. 3. Practice Three Experiential Techniques o Begin incorporating experiential techniques such as imagery, sound, and movement into clinical practice to effect greater change in clients.