Military and Veterans Track | Trauma Assessment and Treatment Track

Honoring Truth While Challenging Perspective: Treating Trauma With Veterans

Presented by Rosie Bauder, PhD, MPH, LPC, NCC

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequently diagnosed mental health concern among military personnel and veterans. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a proven treatment to reduce these symptoms. Mental Health Counselors play a crucial role in both using evidence-based practices and participating in interdisciplinary teams to improve clinial outcomes.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is considered one of the “signature injuries” of the U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2012), and is the most frequently diagnosed mental health condition among veterans of these conflicts (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). Estimated rates of probable PTSD among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan ranging from 5-20% (Hoge, Castro, Messer, McGurk, Cotting, & Koffman, 2004; Hoge, Terhakopian, Castro, Messer, & Engel, 2007; Milliken, Auchterlonie, & Hoge, 2007; Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). The efficacy of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for reducing the symptoms of PTSD across populations including military personnel and veterans is well supported.

This presentation will, a) provide an overview of using CPT as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and related symptoms among miltary personnel and veterans as evidenced through the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Iniative for Veterans (STRIVE) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; b) outline case examples of clients in the STRIVE program c) demonstrate the growing need for mental health counselors in receiving training for and using EBPs across settings and d) the role that mental health counselors can play in an interdisciplanary clinical research team.

 Diversity and Inclusion Track

Womanist Affinity Groups That Enhance The Mental Health Of Black Women

Presented by Natoya H. Haskins, PhD, LPC

This session will explore the experiences of Black women who participated in an Womanist based affinity group that was designed to support their mental and social emotional health. This session also discusses clinical mental health implications and recommendations from future research.

Within academia, Black women experience marginalization, silence, lack of support by peers and faculty, as well as aversive racism while navigating through graduate education. (Haskins, Whitfield-Williams, Shillingord, Singh, Moxley & Ofauni, 2013; Shillingford, Trice-Black & Butler, 2013). Watts-Jones (2002) describe how affinity groups or sanctuary spaces offer, safety for Black women, a sense of belonging, healing and restoration. These spaces allow for the development of a professional network, mentorship, engage in critical conversation within a support space, as well as gain information on how to navigate graduate school. (Daniel, 2009). This cultural space serves as a respite from the challenges of graduate school while addressing the unique needs for Black graduate students. According to Tauriac, Kim, Sarin˜ana, Tawa & Kahn (2013), affinity groups provide a space for participants to engage in critical and in-depth conversation around their identities as well as prepare for conversations with groups from different identities. These groups can be utilized to promote conversations and build relationships and cohesion among students with different identities.

Thus, this presentation will focus on the qualitative phenomenological study of Affinity group members who were engaged in a group designed to support African American women while attending graduate school. The presenters will specifically focus on answering the following research question: What are the lived experiences of Counselor Education African American women graduate students participating in a campus based Womanist Group at a Research Intensive PWI?

Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Track | Advocacy and Leadership Track

Ecological Integration Of Substance Use And Career Counseling Perspectives

Presented by Jackie Dell, LPC

Through an ecological lens, we will explore how employment is a positive factor in recovery capital, positive views of career influences overall wellbeing, and how it is essential that substance use counselors are integrating career counseling perspectives and interventions as tools in working towards meaningful behavior change.

Ecological counseling entails conceptualizing the client through the lens of the various levels and systems that impact the client and their environment as this influences the client’s behaviors and their presenting problem. For most adults, a significant amount of time is spent at work or in preforming work-related tasks, and yet career counseling is often viewed as a separate entity from mental health counseling as a whole, and especially in relation to substance use counseling. In knowing that employment is a positive factor in recovery capital, and positive views of career influences overall wellbeing, it is essential that substance use counselors are integrating career counseling perspectives and interventions as tools in working towards meaningful behavior change with their clients. There are clear relationships in the literature between career and recovery, as well as existing gaps in the literature related to the way this relationship works that need to continue to be explored. This presentation will explore the existing literature to highlight the relationships and the gaps, and provide examples of the use of the ecological framework in integrating career counseling perspectives as a tool in substance use counseling.

Children and Adolescents Track | Diversity and Inclusion Track

Unapologetic: Trauma-Informed And Culturally Sensitive Grief Support

Presented by Erica Ogletree, LPCC-S

The enormity of grief and the corresponding experiences contributes to a multitude of challenges. For continuously developing children and adolescents, this process becomes even more convoluted. This presentation will explore the intersection of grief and culture, and the resulting need for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive intervention and support for youth.

One in 14 children experiences the death of a person significant to them by the age of 18 (JAG Institute, 2021). At least 5% of American children will lose a parent before the age of 15 (Brent, Melhem, Donohoe, & Walker, 2009), and many adolescents will experience the death of a peer due to illness, accidents, or suicide. This presentation discusses the importance of understanding the origins of grief therapy, and the essential need to provide current, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed grief therapy to children and adolescents.

Technology Assessment and Treatment Track

A 4-Stage Telehealth Training Model for Counseling Students

Presented by Christopher J. Quarto, Ph.D.

Is it time to incorporate telehealth training into graduate-level counseling programs? Given the disruption in how counseling services were delivered during the pandemic and the demand for telehealth services moving forward the answer to this question is a resounding YES! A four-stage telehealth training model is presented.

A primary goal of this presentation is to introduce a four-stage telehealth training model that is developmental in nature and includes knowledge, skill, evaluation and reflection components. The model was specifically developed for implementation in counselor training programs given that no such model currently exists. The model components could serve as competencies that students develop to demonstrate proficiency as a telehealth provider. Such a model is not only relevant but essential given how the pandemic has prompted a radical shift in how counseling services are being delivered in places such as schools, agencies, college counseling centers, hospitals and rehabilitation treatment centers.

While the model will be the primary focus of the presentation the presenter will set the stage for its necessity by a) reviewing outcome studies and diversity issues pertaining to telehealth services, b) limitations in how counseling graduate students have been trained in this area and c) the role of the pandemic in disrupting traditional methods of counselor training.

 Technology Assessment and Treatment Track

Beyond The Past: How Resilience Can Shape Our Future Self

Presented by Holly Johnson, LCMHCS, NCC

This session will impart knowledge and provide insights for building resilience and obtaining the tools needed to manage the challenges related to traumatic events and the impact of prolonged stress. Participants will gain practical resources to help clients navigate circumstances, adapt to new environments, and continue to thrive.

Unprecedented changes in the landscape of our country have created adverse impacts on the mental health and well-being of individuals and families. The difficulties and challenges resulting from traumatic events can either diminish our determination or bolster our perseverance. Trauma and prolonged stress can create responses of anger, depression, and even violence. If the social environment does not create an environment for healing, the negative responses can transfer from generation to generation. Negative impacts of traumatic events can lead to compromised health and well-being. A mediating factor between traumatic events and psychological well-being is resilience. Resilience is the ability to navigate, recover, and adapt after experiencing adverse experiences. Resilience is not a fixed concept but instead can be conceptualized as a continuum, is malleable, and has the potential to be cultivated across an individual’s lifespan. This session will impart knowledge and provide insights for building resilience and creating a growth mindset needed to mitigate the impact of traumatic events. Information will be provided to coordinate the overall care delivered to historically marginalized clients based on their individual needs, issues, and interests. Participants will gain practical resources to help clients navigate circumstances, adapt to new environments, and continue to thrive.

 Diversity and Inclusion Track | Couples and Family Track

1-2-3 To Relationship Recovery: Repairing Relationships In These Times

Presented by Don E. Worth, PhD, PhD, LPC, Licensed Psychologist, ALPS, NCC, MAC

Relationships, the basis of our wellness, have really taken a hit over the last few years. This presentation offers a three step process for reconciling relationships:1) "When the oxygen masks fall, put yours on first!", 2) Meet folks at 40,000 feet, and 3) 4 Blind Men and the elephant.

We are relationship creatures. Our wellness depends on the quality of our relational life. In these last few years our relationships have really suffered from social media proliferation, the opioid crisis, politics, a culture of disconnect and the pandemic, while our mental health has suffered exponentially. the further we are from each other, the harder it is to bridge the divide, let alone reduce the pain and hurt.

As counselors and family members, we need guidance on how to repair these relationships and return our families and our patients' relationships to harmony and connection. In this presentation participants will learn a simple three step process to accomplish this, and practice exercises to help in each step.

The first step is to take care of one's own wellness first. Breathing and grounding exercises will be offered. The second step is to meet folks in general areas where we are alike or agree. The third step involves a new spin on the old parable of the four blind men and the elephant.

 Military and Veterans Track | Couples and Family Track

Domestic Violence Against Military Men: Equality In Screening And Prevention

Presented by Miya Moore-Felton, AMFT, PCC

IPV perpetrated by women against military men is underreported and lacks prevention resources and advocacy for male victims. Clinicians are encouraged to take a more significant role in screening for the prevalence of IPV perpetration, to enhance resources, DVPs, multicultural considerations, and to adapt evidence-based traditional and nontraditional treatment approaches.

Intimate partner violence's (IPV) classification as a health crisis shifted decades ago to emphasize women as the victims and men as the perpetrators. As a result, IPV research produced domestic violence prevention (DVP) programs tailored to women (Carlson et al., 2006). Military men are increasingly becoming victims of IPV and are more likely than women to hide IPV from families and associates; thereby, advocacy for screening and DVP development is imperative (Cook, 2009; Henning et al., 2005; Shakoor et al., 2020). Jowers (2021) stated that the military IPV data collected by the Government Accountability Office and reported to Congress was inaccurate and incomplete due to screening inconsistencies and variations in criteria and classification of IPV events. Additionally, Lagdon et al. (2014) assert that social science researchers obtain higher reporting rates on IPV from both males and females. This substantiates a call for clinicians to take a more significant role in screening men. Several studies examine military men and aggression but admittedly collect no data on female servicemembers as perpetrators (Cook, 2009; Forgery-Lee, 2006). One of the only studies to sample perpetration of IPV in male and female service members reported they were nearly equal in being perpetrators of IPV (Forgery-Lee, 2006). These results validate three objectives for IPV reporting and prevention for male servicemembers: (1) potential for clinicians to uncover the accurate prevalence of IPV perpetration (2) enhanced advocacy for resources, DVPs, and multicultural considerations (3) a need to adapt evidenced-based traditional and nontraditional treatment approaches.

 Substance Use Disorder Track 

How To Improve Outcomes For Substance Abuse Disorders

Presented by Kenneth Robinson, Ed.D.

This workshop examines the root causes of substance use disorders and the effects of addiction, with a focus on evidence-based treatment options. Additionally, recovery support efforts, characteristics of recovery, coping styles, and protective factors will be presented, as well as risk factors and challenges to individual recovery.

Substance use disorders and the effects of addiction benefit most from cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatment. To best improve the outcomes of treatment for substance abuse disorders, it is important to chose a treatment option that will not only cater to the needs of the client but create a goal-oriented mindset and sense of accountability. This workshop will provide evidence to support: the impact of recovery support efforts, what are the characteristics of recovery, effective coping styles and protective factors, as well as risk factors and challenges to individual recovery. By attending this workshop, participants will:

• 1. understand the root causes and short & long term effects of addiction
• 2. examine evidence-based treatment options and treatment goals for substance use disorders
• 3. conceptualize and identify the stages of recovery, and review coping styles & risk factors for relapse

Couples and Family Track | Crisis Counseling Track

More Than Sorry: Reframing Therapeutic Work With The Adulterer

Presented by Deborah S. Miller, Ed.D

Adulterers rarely have insight into their transgressions. The typical response to “Why? Why did you have a secret relationship?” is “I don’t know”. To deepen an apology and work to relationship repair, the betrayer must start a journey of self-exploration to demonstrate remorse and set the course for change.

Once a cheater, always a cheater? Unfortunately, the words "I'm sorry" are not enough to communicate remorse and rebuild trust after an affair.

Breaking the pattern of dishonesty cannot happen without self-analysis and exploration of the transgression. Unfortunately, most resources for affair repair heavily support the violated person without equal attention to the violator. During this 1-hour, interactive lecture, diverse case studies are used to illustrate the reparative power of therapeutic focus on the cheater's self-exploration. The prescribed repair work applies to heterosexual and same-sex couples, different ethnicities, in-person affairs, and secret online relationships. With 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Miller will give anecdotal evidence of the successful application of this approach.

Attendees will be able to:

• 1. Summarize the five steps to deepen an apology after an affair.
• 2. List 5 exercises for clients to deepen their self-understanding.
• 3. Identify personal biases toward adulterers.

Attendees will receive a copy of the book, More Than Sorry: 5 Steps to Deepen Your Apology After You Have Committed Infidelity that illustrates innovative repair strategies, uniquely reframing healing goals for the cheater. Although forgiveness is not guaranteed, deepened empathy for those wounded and ownership of the violation can lay the groundwork for a couple to reconnect.

This workshop will encourage you, the therapist, to examine personal biases and reframe attitudes that may block the communication of unconditional regard for the cheater. Establishing a safe, therapeutic relationship is the groundwork for clients' honest exploration of their infidelity.

 Specialized Clinical Assessment Track | Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Track

The New DSM-5-Text Revision (TR): Updates, Changes and Additions

Presented by Gary G. Gintner, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC

The recently released DSM-5-Text Revision (TR) includes changes to background information for each disorder, alterations in criteria sets, and updates of over 50 code numbers. New codable conditions added include Prolonged Grief Disorder, Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury. The program reviews these changes and their clinical implications in everyday practice.

In Spring 2022, the American Psychiatric Association released DSM-5-Text Revision (TR). The revised manual includes changes to each disorder’s background information (e.g., course, risk factors and prognostic indicators), modifications in the criteria sets (clarification, wording), and updated ICD-10-CM codes implemented since the publication of DSM-5 in 2013. There is one new disorder added, Prolonged Grief Disorder, as well as two new Z-codes, Suicidal Behavior and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. The program reviews these changes with special attention paid to the rationale for these modifications as well as their clinical impact on everyday practice.

Crisis Counseling Track | Diversity and Inclusion Track

Crisis Intervention During Unprecedented Times Best Practices And Solutions

Presented by Lourdes Araujo, LMHC, ED.D

Increased crises are present today, changing the quality of life for people. Now is the time to "Move Forward into New Horizons" using manageable crisis solutions. This interactive session explores a Crisis Intervention Therapy Model that participants can use right away. The tools offer practical solutions to a crisis.

"One in twenty-five adults in the United States experience a mental illness that interferes or limits one or more major life activities" (NAMI, 2013 p. 1). The innovative methods we will use will help provide mental health professionals with de-escalation practical and ready-to-use techniques that incorporate Trauma-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness to help a client reduce crisis symptoms while also bringing education and awareness to the client or victim for the use of tools post-crisis. The strategies taught in the this Crisis Intervention Session will provide mental health counseling, educators and supervisors with an effective framework for decision making and problem solving to prevent, de-escalate, and safely respond to disruptive or crisis behavior. Trauma related symptoms will also be explored and during role plays and assessment practice. Participants will leave the conference prepared to practice de-escalation skills to help clients and victims in a crisis situation using calming techquenes that clients will also be able to use once symptoms minimize.

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Track | Advocacy and Leadership Track

Rubbing Elbows with Primary Care: Behavioral Health's Seat at the Table

Presented by Chelsea Piechowski, M.S.Ed., LPC-S, NCC, RPT

The Collaborative Care Model is an evidence-based model of providing behavioral healthcare in primary care settings that is recognized as an imperative solution to future healthcare demands. This presentation will yield a candid, practical discussion about the implementation process and explore innovative ways to overcome common challenges associated with it.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines the Collaborative Care Model as an evidence-based, population/caseload based model of providing integrated behavioral health services in a primary care setting. Steps to implement the Collaborative Care Model are clearly outlined, and research supports the impact said model can have on access to care and patient outcomes. Few candid snapshots of the challenges associated with the implementation process are offered, however. By illustrating our experiences with implementation thus far in an interactive and collaborative way, we will shed light on various challenges as well as ways to navigate said challenges innovatively. Additionally, we will emphasize why having an understanding of behavioral health integration and learning how to secure behavioral health’s seat at the table is imperative given the current increase in negative trends in mental health since the start of the pandemic. Likewise, we will emphasize the ways in which navigating barriers to implementation with a trauma-informed lens has been effective.

Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders Track

Cannabis 2022: Weeding Out Fact from Fiction

Dr. Mita M Johnson, Ed.D, NCC, LPC, LMFT, ACS, LMFT-S, LAC, MAC, SAP, BC-THP

Marijuana, cannabis, THC and CBD, are terms and topics that evoke significant opinion on all fronts. This workshop will help clinicians and others objectively weed their way through key areas requiring clinical attention. The presenter will highlight what we currently understand scientifically about THC and CBD, and their effects biopsychosocially. We will survey numerous products available on the market alongside a discussion about the risks and rewards associated with the consumption of THC. Key political terms used broadly, including legalization versus decriminalization, will be addressed. Finally, recommendations and resources will be provided that support ethical treatment of cannabis use disorders.

Children and Adolescent Track

Who Am I?: Poetry As A Self-Reflective And Therapeutic Strategy

Presented by Tessa Davis-Price, PhD, LCPC-S

The creative arts can be a useful tool in helping clients self-reflect and make meaning (Gladding, 2021; Sacco & Amende, 2020). This presentation will engage participants in a poetry activity to elicit self-reflection. Strategies for adapting the activity to work with children and adolescents will also be discussed.

Counselors can use creative strategies with clients to promote self-reflection and growth (Denborough, 2014; Gladding, 2021; Sacco & Amende, 2020; Sassen, 2012). Using the creative technique of poetry, this presentation will engage participants in an experiential process of creating a self-reflective poem. Presenters will then facilitate a group experience where participants can share and process their creative poems. This experience will model a group processing exercise that counselors can apply in practice. A debrief of the experience will occur upon completion of the group activity. Presenters will provide information on using similar creative techniques in individual and group therapeutic settings. Strategies for scaffolding this technique for use with child and adolescent clients will also be explored (Sassen, 2012; Utley & Garza, 2011).

Neuroscience/Biological Bases of Behavior Track

A Training Model For Incorporating Neuroscience-Informed Counseling

Presented by Yoon Suh Moh Ph.D., LPC (DC, PA), NCC, CRC, BC-TMH

This presentation will provide a description of the development of a training model developed by an AMHCA Neuroscience Taskforce that addresses the AMHCA biological basis of behavioral standards. The presenters will discuss directions for training implementation while inviting attendees to co-construct relevant strategies in a contextually and culturally responsive manner.

This presentation will be sharing collective work conducted by an AMHCA Neuroscience Taskforce with focus given to an in-depth description of the training model developed for counselors that addressed the AMHCA biological basis of behavioral standards. Additionally, the presenters, as the Taskforce members, will share a process of developing this training model and the training model content alongside their individual and collective professional experiences that have promoted and furthered the process in collaboration.

This presentation will be delivered in a highly engaging manner that aligns with the following three learning objectives for attendees:

• 1. to be informed of the training model designed to incorporate neuroscience into counseling practice;
• 2. to be encouraged to actively participate by providing examples of their own training in the integration of neuroscience into their practice;
• 3. to identify additional training opportunities that support the ethical integration of neuroscience into counseling practice

Followed by a discussion of directions for implementation of the training model, attendees will also be invited to co-construct strategies for the training model implementation in a contextually and culturally responsive manner.

 Crisis Counseling Track | Trauma Assessment and Treatment Track

Counseling During And After The Pandemic: Fostering Post-Traumatic Growth

Presented by Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT

This workshop will provide an overview of research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, the potential for post-traumatic growth in the aftermath of the pandemic, and seven tips that counselors can apply with their clinical work and in their personal lives to foster post-traumatic growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021 ushered in an unprecedented demand for mental health counseling and related services. Depression and anxiety rates tripled, and suicide, substance use, overdose, and domestic violence rates soared. According to one national survey, 1 out of every 3 Americans saw a therapist at least once in 2020. Data collected by the presenter from 650 counselors nationwide revealed that 1 out of 3 counselors was working overtime to try to meet demand, and many had stopped accepting new referrals or started limiting intakes. The echoes and repercussions of the pandemic will likely last for years to come, but throughout history every major national or international crisis has sparked a period of increased growth and awareness the field of clinical mental health counseling. During a time of tremendous upheaval and adjustment, how can counselors play a role in post-traumatic growth both in the U.S. and around the world? Find out with this workshop.