Winter Conference!

January 23 – 24, 2024
2 Days, 19 CE Credits!

This Conference will take place completely online.

This 2 day program is jam packed with training and will provide you with up to 19 Live Interactive CE Credits

The full conference includes Ethics and Cultural Competence Trainings!

You can attend the full conference or select specific classes to attend.

Winter Conference Schedule 2023

Day 2, January 24, 2024
9:30 am to 12:30 pm EST

Select one of the following classes
Class A

Oh, You Got Jokes Now: The Role of Humor as Intervention in the Clinical Relationship (3 CE Credits)

This class provides a "deep dive" into the ethical and mindful use of humor as intervention in psychotherapy and other helping professions. Over the course of the class, participants will learn about the known history of humor in our species and in the psychotherapy profession. The research about humor, both as used in psychotherapy and as studied more widely, will be reviewed. We will explore humor in light of various theories including power dynamics, CBT, DBT, and SFBT.

Through all of this, several primary purposes and uses of humor will be identified. We will also explore potential signs that humor is the wrong choice in the moment. The instructor will share their own experiences with using humor well in session, and participants will have the chance to share their own stories.

(Trainer, Glenn Maloney, LICSW, LADC C-DBT, is a father, psychotherapist, writer, and educator who is employed by the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Glenn has become increasingly engaged in study and writing about the role of humor in psychotherapy and the other helping professions over the past several years, and is working with publishers to release a book he recently completed on the topic. Glenn enjoys writing poetry as well, and released his first volume of collected works, "Twelve Poems" in 2023; he also enjoys hiking, camping, video games, and listening to hip hop.)

Class B

Empty Arms and Healing Hearts: A Clinician's Guide to Understanding and Treating Infertility and Pregnancy Loss (3 CE Credits)

Approximately 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infertility rates continue to rise. While demand for fertility treatment goes up, the mental health infrastructure is not prepared to treat individuals who are experiencing this kind of loss. According to reproductive psychology expert, Julie Bindeman PsyD., “there is a vast silence around pregnancy and infant loss in our society and it extends to clinical training programs.”

Healthcare professionals often underestimate the emotional distress of early pregnancy loss. Known as the “Secret Grief”, hopeful parents are often left to navigate their emotions alone. As mental health clinicians, it is our ethical responsibility to meet the demands of this vulnerable population by expanding our competence in the areas of infertility and pregnancy loss.

(Trainer, Amy Santus, LMSW, CCM, serves as a supervisor for social work for limited licensed professionals. Trained in EMDR, Mrs. Santus specializes in trauma within her private practice in Lake Orion, Michigan. As a result of her own reproductive story, Mrs. Santus has focused her education and training around best practices for clinicians, when working with clients experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss.)

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Select one of the following classes
Class A

Supporting Blacks in Combating the Distress of Overt and Covert Racial Discrimination through Anti-racist Therapy Intervention (3 CE Credits – Cultural Competence)

Explore the profound impact of racism, recognized as a pandemic by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2020, on the life outcomes of Black individuals. Delve into the distinctions between overt and covert racism, considering exposure to racism as a form of trauma. The workshop will shed light on health outcomes associated with racial trauma, supported by relevant statistics, and introduce the Diathesis Stress Theory.

In this experiential workshop, participants will engage in an interactive discussion that provides an overview of the current manifestations of racism in 2023. The session will highlight correlated mental health outcomes and incorporate the Diathesis Stress Theory, along with the Biopsychosocial Model. Attendees will gain insights into specific anti-racist techniques, seamlessly integrated with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches. You will leave this training equipped with a unique toolkit to address the mental health impact of racism and contribute to fostering positive change.

(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 assessments 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

Assessment and Intervention Skills for Community Crisis Intervention (3 CE Credits)

Mental health professionals in community services and private practice commonly encounter people in distress experiencing crisis situations. These situations can be complex and require balancing client needs, organizational demands, safety concerns, and professional ethics within a limited time frame. Questions of whether to involve police and when to refer a client to a hospital can add pressure to an already difficult situation. This presentation will provide a roadmap of knowledge and skills to quickly and effectively address several types of crisis situations that are common among adults in clinical settings, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, psychosis-related distress, addiction, intimate partner violence, risk to harm others, and family conflict. The practice insights discussed are relevant to preventing harm and loss of life while facilitating engagement between clients and mental health services.

This presentation provides an overview of crisis intervention in North America, incorporating a brief literature review on common crisis situations. It delves into essential practice skills, such as engaging complex clients, de-escalating tension, risk assessment, safety planning, addressing family conflict, offering addiction counseling, connecting clients with community resources, and documenting services in compliance with relevant regulations. The discussion will extend to issues of racism, poverty, patriarchy, stigma, and discrimination in crisis intervention. This session includes breakout room discussions and case studies to enhance the learning experience.

(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 17 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.)

Evening Sessions
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Class A

Ethics and Implicit Bias in Counseling (3 CE Credits – Ethics)

Delve into the evolving ethical landscape of counseling and therapy, navigating the challenges brought about by global changes and the shift to virtual healthcare. This training focuses on the impact of implicit bias, and the need for professionals to provide unbiased care across diverse demographics. Explore the disproportionate effects of implicit bias on BIPOC communities, with insights into research-backed strategies for rectification. This session emphasizes the significance of intentionality and ongoing commitment to foster benevolent care, offering practical approaches to maintain ethical standards and cultural competence in the dynamic realm of virtual counseling.

Participants will engage with current dilemmas arising from the expansion of healthcare into the virtual world and learn strategies to manage implicit bias effectively. This training will equip helping professionals with the tools to reduce harm and ensure ethical, unbiased care for clients navigating vulnerability in their pursuit of assistance.

(Trainer, Tyler Mabry, LCPC-S, C-DBT, CTRP, is a compassionate Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She dedicates herself to addressing mental health disparities in the black community. Inspired by the daily traumas faced in school, work, and home, she pursued a counseling career. With certifications in DBT and Trauma & Resilience, Tyler skillfully guides clients to trust their emotions and develop coping skills. Recognized as an approved supervisor by the Maryland Board of Counselors, she mentors and provides impactful trainings, reflecting her commitment to counseling and fellow clinicians. Tyler Mabry, with expertise, empathy, and a passion for social change, makes a profound difference in clients' lives and professional growth.)

Class B

Meeting the Needs of Children and Adolescents with Autism: Understanding the Variance, Manifestation, and Strategies to Provide Tailored Supports and Services (3 CE Credits)

This class offers a comprehensive exploration of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its diverse manifestations across the continuum, with a specific emphasis on the pediatric and adolescent populations. Given the intricate nature and frequent co-morbidities associated with ASD, participants will gain invaluable insights into advanced techniques and strategies aimed at anticipating, analyzing, and resolving complex behaviors. This includes the development of effective behavior plans, implementation of self-monitoring systems, and the utilization of visual schedules as practical solutions. Additionally, this new training provides a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted challenges confronted by parents and presents opportunities for providing meaningful support.

(Trainer, Dr. Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD., LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified special education teacher and consultant. She is an associate professor of Social Work in the College of Health and Human Services at Eastern Michigan University. She has worked with individuals with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs) for over 20 years. She has over 70 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals and encyclopedias, mainly focusing on adults with IDDs, service delivery, future planning, caregiving, and aging.)