2020 Conference Breakouts Full Description

20/20: Honoring the Past and Looking Toward the Future

Our 20th Anniversary

Thursday, Sept. 3 & Friday, Sept. 4, 2020

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

1800 50th St. West Des Moines, IA 50266

 

DAY ONE: Thursday, September 3, 2020

7:30 am – 8:15 am: Registration/Breakfast
8:15 am – 8:30 am: Welcome & Opening Remarks

 

8:30 am – 11:45 am Keynote Session (Break: 9:45 am – 10:00 am)

1A: Developing a Healthy Sexuality: How Individuals and Couples Learn to Love

Duration: 3 hours, 3 CE Hours

Presenter: Angela Skurtu, M.Ed., LMFT, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

Biography: Angela Skurtu owns her own Private Practice called St. Louis Marriage Therapy, LLC. She is a speaker, author, Missouri Licensed Marriage Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She is the author of two books, “Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity: A Therapist’s Manual,” and “Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians.” She runs a YouTube channel and also is the host of www.aboutsexpodcast.com which offers free sexual and relationship health information to its listeners.

Program Description: Sexuality is an important part of clients’ happiness and well-being. How does an individual truly develop their sexuality? It requires vulnerability, modeling, respect, consent, and a personal sense of what is right and wrong. Our culture teaches us that sex is bad, wrong, evil, and until marriage–unthinkable. While this is an over-exaggeration, many clients are still struggling with this idea here and now. Instead of feeling empowered and in control of our sexuality, we often feel confused and let down. In this training, Skurtu teaches a wide variety of skills needed to truly be a fulfilled sexual person across the lifespan.  These include better communication, self-advocacy, sex education, love for the self, and a basic understanding about what helps people be happy in general. In addition, Skurtu will explore how Brené Brown’s ideas of shame and vulnerability impact an individual’s ability to express and receive love fully. At the end of the session, clinicians will learn valuable tools to improve how parents teach kids about sex, how adults engage in intimacy and fully embrace their sexuality, and how couples and individuals can improve their love and intimacy throughout their lives.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Participants will learn myths and realities regarding desire, sex and relationships.
  • Participants will understand how shame and vulnerability impact a client’s ability to fall in love, connect with a partner, and be fully present in a long-term relationship.
  • Participants will develop up to 3 tangible interventions that can be used the next day in sessions for individuals and couples struggling to enjoy a quality sex life.

 

11:45 am – 1:15 pm Lunch and Board Meeting

 

1:15 pm – 2:45 pm Breakout Session #2

2A: Each Life Matters: Empowering Therapists for Effective Suicide Prevention – Part 1

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours. Note: This session continues as session 3A

Presenter: Tabitha Webster, Ph.D., LMFT

Biography: Dr. Tabitha N. Webster is the Clinical Director and Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Programs at Mt. Mercy University. Her clinical specializations, research, and community outreach focus on childhood trauma, cross-cultural families, and suicide prevention. She is the secretary for the Linn County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Program Description: Talking about suicide and suicidal thoughts, ideation or intent, is a hard and scary topic, even for many mental health providers. While national efforts have grown to fight the stigma and increase prevention measures, both completed suicides and suicidal thoughts rates have increased nationally since 2000. Death by suicide is nationally the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34 (CDC, 2016) and nearly 9% of individuals aged 18-25 report having serious thoughts of suicide within the past year (SAMHSA, 2016). On average in Iowa, one person dies by suicide every 18 hours (AFSP, 2018). Mental health providers are often the first line of defense in combating this growing epidemic. This presentation will explore some of the trends in the data, examine some of the new literature, define levels of severity, discuss how we combat the stigma, explore resources and apply current models of best practice for clinicians. 

 

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to evaluate current national and local trends in the data and discuss ways to combat stigma.
  • Participants will be able to identify and define the levels of severity.
  • Participants will be able to identify resources and apply validated models of best practice.

 

2B: NO LONGER AVAILABLE 

 

 

2C: Defining Loss of Control Eating: An Exploration of Treatment Philosophies and Interventions for Binge Eating Disorder

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: Brandi Stalzer, MS, LIMHP

Biography: Brandi Stalzer is the Clinical Director for Eating Recovery Center, Carolinas. Prior to working at ERC, she supervised an eating disorder program in Omaha and served on the Nebraska Eating Disorder Network. Brandi obtained her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha and her bachelor’s from Simpson College.

Program Description: This presentation will explore the diagnostic criteria of “loss of control” eating using over- and under-control framework as utilized in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Participants will learn what factors maintain the disorder including attempts at restrictive eating patterns. Evidenced based treatment modalities will be explored including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention, and specific interventions within those modalities will be practiced in this presentation.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Be able to differentiate disorders of over- and under-control and the philosophies around them.
  • Be able to identify the maintaining mechanism surrounding loss of control eating behaviors, including binge eating.
  • Be able to utilize three appropriate evidenced based interventions for the treatment of binge eating disorder.

 

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Break

 

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Breakout Session #3

3A: Each Life Matters: Empowering Therapists for Effective Suicide Prevention- Part 2

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours. Note: This is the continuation of session 2A

 

3B: Establishing a Private Practice: Processes and Pitfalls

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: John Bisenius, MS, LMHC

Biography: John Bisenius has been practicing for more than five years and is making the transition from group to private practice.

Program Description: This presentation will go through the steps to establish a new private practice (or LLC) through the first day of clients. This presentation will cover pitfalls and aspects of starting private practice which could impact practitioners. This program will also cover considerations, as you begin your LLC, which might be missed in the stress of beginning your practice.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Gain familiarity with the step-by-step process of establishing a private practice; as well as resources to complete these steps if available.
  • Gain an awareness of the costs and planning aspects as one moves through the establishment process and beyond including:
    • consultation, privacy/releases, telehealth, marketing/referrals, insurance providers/credentialing.
  • Learn how to set yourself up for success prior to opening, considering the system of reimbursement.

 

3C: The Isms and the Brain: Is it Really a Big Deal?

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: Breanne Ward, MS, CRC, LMHC

Biography: Breanne Ward is a licensed mental health counselor and a nationally recognized certified rehabilitation counselor with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). In 2014, she founded ForWard Consulting, LLC to provide culturally relevant speaking engagements and more motivation-led conversations for community change. In March 2019, she was granted approval to provide mental health therapeutic services to persons 14 years old and up through this entity. Breanne has expertise in race-related, childhood, sexual, and intimate partner trauma. She utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma informed care practices to assist with changing the mindsets of those she works with. She earned a Master’s in Counseling at Drake University. Her undergraduate degree was obtained at Iowa State University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services with a specialization in Youth. She has great faith that she will continue to be a vessel to carry out the work of her community and welcomes new opportunities to strengthen and empower others.

Program Description: This presentation will highlight the residual impact of subtle and blatant racism. The research of microaggressions will be explored and conversed amongst the facilitator and participants. A safe space will be created throughout the presentation to address concerns, fears, and successes when dealing with our own cultural baggage from repeated exposure to cultural disrespect.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Collectively learn more about how microaggressions can impact groups.
  • Gain an understanding of the parts of the brain impacted by microaggressions.
  • Take part in an interactive discussion.

 

4:30 Networking Event

 

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DAY TWO: Friday, September 4, 2020

7:45 am – 8:15 am: Registration/Breakfast
8:15 am – 8:30 am: Welcome & Opening Remarks

 

8:30 am – 11:45 am Breakout Session #1 (Break: 9:45 am – 10:00 am)

4A:  Daily Activities Supporting Ethical Practice

Duration: 3 hours, 3 CE Hours

Presenter: Susan Meyerle, Ph.D., LIMHP, CEAP

Biography: Susan Meyerle is a trendsetter in ethics.  Her professional involvement includes: AASCB Former President, FARB Board Member and Chair of the NE BMHP. With her experience as an educator, regulatory board member, therapist, author, and inspirational speaker, she makes reviewing ethical protocols interesting, engaging, and relevant.

Program Description: Come explore what showering and CEUs have in common. We will explore how your behaviors may be perceived by others and how to continue to engage in ethical practice. We will consider those daily activities supporting ethical practice and how to mitigate risk.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Rediscover why licensing boards require ethics CEUs.
  • Discern our intentions and others’ perceptions of our actions.
  • Review how our ethical decisions impact our clients.
  • Explore how our own issues impact our effectiveness.
  • Engage in a “top cases” discussion exploring how therapists descend the “slippery slope” of unethical behavior. (Begin the drive to work, do you buckle? Do you speed?)

 

4B: Cracking the Relationship Code: A Key Component for Health and Well-Being

Duration: 3 hours, 3 CE Hours

Presenter: Jack Perkins, D.Min, LADC, CSAC, CCLC

Biography: Jack Perkins is the founder of Psuche Education, Counseling & Coaching Services. He is a licensed counselor, certified life coach and certified sexual addiction counselor. He has experience from a broad range, working primarily with women in a residential setting. In his doctoral dissertation/project he integrated spirituality, human development theories and psychotherapy.

Program Description: There is a growing body of research supporting the theory that the quality and quantity of a person’s history of relationships has a positive or negative influence on their development. As social beings, the capacity to form and maintain relationships is essential not only for personal development and well-being but also for developing healthy communities. A sense of acceptance, belonging and bonding are key components of what it means to be mentally healthy, having a positive sense of well-being, and thriving in society. Urie Bronfenbrenner developed a bioecological model of development. The model suggests the interactions between an individual and their environment, categorized into various systems, shape their development over time. Too often people tend to compartmentalize areas of life, often from a perspective of necessity and/or expediency. This is seen across fields of study and practice, to include the field of mental health. There is concern that mental health providers and other agencies may even perpetuate this problem. A premise of this presentation is that well-being is strongly linked to human interaction; this is predicated upon understanding the brain is a social organ. This concern surfaces in at least 3 ways, often concurrently. First, some agencies and counselors want to make a distinction between mental health issues and substance abuse issues. Second, within the mental health field a distinction is made between psychiatrist and medical doctor, counselor, case manager, support staff, etc. Third, there is a strong disconnect between various agencies in our communities, those who have direct and indirect interaction with people we serve (e.g., mental health providers, Department of Human Services, legal systems, etc.). In recent years we have seen a proliferation of mental health issues.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Recognize, based upon research, the importance of relationships in fostering healthy individuals and institutions/agencies who serve as systems of meaning.
  • Identify the negative ramifications for clients previously exposed to trauma, high-stress family environments, and antisocial environments.
  • Apply interactive models designed to help clients recover from maladaptive ways of coping, strengthen bonds with supportive persons, and gain an appreciation for the correlation between relationships and well-being of the whole person—spiritually, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

 

4C: Counseling LGBTQ+ in 2020

Duration: 3 hours, 3 CE Hours

Presenter: David Depew, MA, tLMHC, CRC, CADC

Biography: David Depew was a founding member of Out-Reach in Central Iowa in 1993. Out-Reach was a non-profit organization proving weekly “coming out” support programming in the pre-internet age. David has worked at UCS Healthcare since May of 2015 and has presented on mental health topics at O-Con (Omaha’s comic book convention) and to recipients of the Iowa Matthew Shepard Scholarship.

Program Description: Are you finding yourself worried about doing the right thing for LGBTQ+ clients? Wondering where to start? What if I mess up on terms or pronouns? The world of our LGBTQ+ clients is quickly growing and evolving. How do we navigate that? The purpose of this training is to bridge participants with their LGBTQ+ clients.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Learn how our code of ethics impacts treatment of LGBTQ+.
  • Discover ways to create a safe space for clients.
  • Learn how to navigate terms and pronouns.
  • Develop an awareness of personal bias or transference.

 

11:45 pm – 12:45 pm Lunch

 

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm Breakout Session #5

5A: Enhancing Counseling Support for Older Clients Through the Application of a Wellness Framework and Theories of Aging

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenters: Eran Hanke, Ph.D., LMHC; Ben Fienup, BA

Biographies: Eran Hanke is an assistant professor of counseling at the University of Northern Iowa. Her interests include improving access to quality mental health care across the lifespan, addressing the needs of professional helpers, and promoting the use of theory and research to inform practice. Ben Fienup is a second-year counseling student at the University of Northern Iowa. His interests include improving access to quality mental health care to underserved populations and supporting the use of trauma-informed practice.

Program Description: The population of older adults, defined as people age 65 and older, is increasing across the United States (Fullen, et al., 2018). In Iowa, older adults comprise over 16 percent of the population. That number will increase to approximately 20 percent by 2050 with 74 of 99 counties projected to exceed 20 percent (State Data Center of Iowa, 2019). In addition, over a third of the state population is over 50.

Approximately 1 in 5 older adults struggle with a mental health concern (WHO, 2017). While older adults experience concerns that are common across the lifespan, additional concerns accompany later phases of life, such as coping with transitions; addressing the aging process; grieving a variety of losses; and striving to maintain purpose in life.
The counseling profession seems uniquely equipped to meet the needs of older adults with a focus on development throughout the lifespan and an emphasis on wellness (Kaplan, et al., 2014; Myers & Sweeney, 2005). At the same time, counselors have faced challenges to become adequately prepared to serve older adults. There is limited research to guide practice, limited focus in training standards, and challenges associated with older adults gaining access to professional counselors. Fullen, et al. (2019) conducted a content analysis of published counseling research and discovered that less than two percent of articles over the last 26 years focused on counseling older adults. CACREP discontinued a gerontological counseling specialization, and the 2016 CACREP standards are limited in addressing knowledge and skills related to older adults. In addition, the lack of Medicare reimbursement for counselors has impacted older adults’ access to services.
There is an increasing number of older adults in need of counseling services and a growing number of professional counselors seeking enhanced preparation. The current presentation aims to better prepare counselors to serve older adults by applying a wellness framework and aging theories to conceptualize clients’ concerns and to select interventions designed to contribute to well-being later in life.
Wellness can also be described in terms of processes (Fullen, 2016; McMahon & Fleury, 2012). The process of becoming involves recognizing personal potential. The process of integrating involves synthesizing values over time to create a sense of wholeness, and the process of relating describes the significance of support and connection. The presenters will share examples of how counselors can promote wellness through attending to both dimensions and processes. Counselors also have limited exposure to theories of aging that could inform practice. The presenters will explain how such theories can be used with the wellness framework.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Define wellness as it relates to older adults.
  • Describe the wellness framework for assisting older adults.
  • Apply the wellness framework to case information to explain clients’ concerns.
  • Integrate the wellness framework and one theory of aging to design at least two relevant counseling interventions for older adults.

 

5B: How Grief and Trauma Affect Children

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: Sasha Mudlaff, MA

Biography: Sasha Mudlaff has been with Hamilton’s Funeral Home since 1993 and is a third-generation owner/employee in the family business, currently serving as Vice President. She is also the Grief Consultant for Hamilton’s Academy of Grief & Loss where she specializes in working with grieving children, having done so for over 20 years. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon Iowa (1989) and her master’s degree in developmental psychology from Columbia University in New York (1991). Sasha co-founded Hamilton’s Academy of Grief & Loss, a division of Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1996. The Academy provides grief-related education, resources and recovery services throughout the state of Iowa.

Program Description: This session will begin by discussing general developmental considerations of children who are grieving. We will then look specifically at the unique effects that trauma, violence and other sudden deaths have on children’s grief reactions and how we can best support these grieving children.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of how children grieve from a developmental perspective.
  • Identify the unique effects that trauma, violence and other sudden deaths have on a child’s grief reactions.
  • Identify practical ways to effectively come alongside a grieving child.

 

5C: Yoga and Mindfulness in Clinical Practice

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: Sarah White, MS, LMHC, CADC, RYT

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Biography: Sarah White is a licensed mental health counselor, certified alcohol and drug counselor, and a registered yoga teacher. She has nearly 10 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction, and military and civilian trauma. She meets with clients privately and teaches various yoga classes and workshops within the Des Moines community.

Program Description: This breakout session will supply practitioners with research on the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness as interventions for anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma, and will also speak on neuroplasticity and the autonomic nervous system. It will also provide practical application of yoga and mindfulness techniques, some of which will be practiced by participants, to utilize in session with clients. These evidence-based interventions help to move therapy forward by improving clients’ emotional regulation skills through restoring healthy nervous system functioning.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Assess client readiness and appropriateness for yoga/mindfulness interventions.
  • Formulate a basic understanding of the research supporting the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness in anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Experience their own responses to interventions in order to strengthen their own personal practice and comfortability with utilizing yoga/mindfulness skills.
  • Enlist mindful attention and body awareness in order to strengthen mind/body connection.
  • Learn to apply yoga and mindfulness principles and techniques in their own personal lives in order to better serve client populations with implementation.
  • Utilize yoga and mindfulness as an intervention tool when appropriate with a client.

 

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm Break

 

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Breakout Session #6

6A: The Role of Mental Health Counselors in the Legal Realm of Collaborative Divorce

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenters: Lawrence Scanlon, JD, MA, LMHC, LPC; Kristen Boldt, JD; Kendra Erkamaa, MA, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)

Biographies: Larry Scanlon is a licensed mental health counselor and attorney. He received his legal and psychological education in Chicago, where he has been practicing in both professions (law since 1997 and psychotherapy and counseling since 2010). He served as the Clinical Case Manager for Illinois’ Lawyers’ Assistance Program between 2011-2014. He has a Professional Responsibility practice in Chicago. He was admitted on motion to the Iowa Bar in 2016. Having recently moved to Iowa, Larry is looking forward to helping clients negotiate life’s challenges here in the Des Moines Metro area. His counseling practice includes: 1) helping attorneys and other professionals enjoy more fulfilling professional and private lives, 2) providing children and adolescents with the skills to develop the self-esteem, confidence and courage to successfully meet changes in life, school and family, 3) guiding adults towards better relationships, enhanced careers, and curbing substance abuse. Kristen Boldt is a collaborative attorney and mediator. She received her BA in communication from Vanderbilt and her JD from Drake. She has served on the board of the Central Iowa Academy of Collaborative Professionals for 3 years. Her practice is built on the values of dignity, empowerment, communication and a holistic approach and strives to create a space where the resolution of conflict is restorative rather than retributive. Kendra Erkamaa is the CEO and Principal Financial Advisor for Triangle Financial Services. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Triangle Financial Services is an all-women firm that assists individuals, small businesses and nonprofits to create and manage wealth through planning, tracking and investment guidance. Kendra has led Triangle Financial Services since 2007, earning the loyalty and respect of her clients and colleagues through authentic connection and compassion for those she serves. The firm’s three wealth management points of focus ? to grow, protect and enjoy ? are symbolized in their name and brand identity. The Triangle team walks alongside their clients as change agents, providing financial encouragement and expertise through each stage of life. Kendra was named one of the 2019 Des Moines Business Record “Forty Under 40,”and has earned the Captain’s Club Award from Harbour Investment as one of the top 40 representatives nationwide for five years. Kendra shares her passion for financial advising and wealth management through opportunities to teach, speak and engage in the community. She serves as current president of the National Association of Women Business Owners Iowa chapter, partners with Money Smart Week and teaches continuing education classes with Community Educators.

Program Description: Collaborative Divorce is a newer way to resolve marital conflict. Collaborative Divorce has the potential to become the primary paradigm in the legal world of how couples consider separating and engage in the process of divorce deliberation. Mental Health Counselors will play a major role in this paradigm shift.
The traditional model of divorce – the one we all know and hear about, is typically one of conflict, hate, hurt, destruction of families and relationships, and may result in long-standing negative effects to children and family finances. Traditional divorce generally requires the parties to attack their partners in order to gain an advantage. Oftentimes, these victories are pyrrhic, resulting in scorched earth and a terrible place for people to begin a co-parenting relationship that will last for years. Collaborative Divorce, on the other hand, is a process by which parties can assert their interests and needs, without tearing down their spouse in order to gain an advantage. Collaborative Divorce allows the parties in a divorce to discuss their personal, financial, and family interests, as opposed to their legal positions. The participants in a Collaborative Divorce have more control over the negotiation of interests, as opposed to hoping their lawyer successfully argues a position and the judge rules in one’s favor.
This program will discuss the history of Collaborative Divorce, how it has been successfully used in other states and how it can be implemented here, in Iowa. The program will also outline how Licensed Mental Health Counselors play an integral role in the Collaborative Divorce process. You will learn that Licensed Mental Health Counselors are the Neutral Coach that quarterbacks the process. Licensed Mental Health Counselors guide the process, from the difficult beginnings of a divorce to its successful resolution. The work of Licensed Mental Health Counselors prepares clients for success in terms of co-parenting or beginning their new lives. Participants will learn about the procedure of a Collaborative Divorce, from beginning to end. And will learn what it takes to become a Collaborative Professional gaining insight into how to better serve current clients and attract new ones.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Distinguish between traditional, adversarial-system divorce and the newer, developing Collaborative Divorce paradigm.
  • Identify and evaluate when a current counseling client considering divorce may be a candidate for the Collaborative Divorce process.
  • Describe and explain to a current counseling client how the Collaborative Divorce process works and may be beneficial to the client and the client’s family.
  • Develop and design basic counseling regimens that allow clients to decide for themselves whether the Collaborative Divorce process is better suited for the client or whether traditional divorce is the best course of action for the client.
  • Prepare counseling clients for the process and results of traditional and Collaborative Divorce.

 

6B: Yours, Mine and Ours: What Do I Do with All This Trauma?

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: Jennifer Gauerke, MS, CADC, tLMHC

Biography: Jennifer Gauerke received her MS from Drake University after becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor at House of Mercy, where she supported clients with addiction and trauma for three years. She is now in private practice at Vida Psychotherapy, specializing in trauma and addiction. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and enjoyed presenting at IMHCA’s 2019 conference.

Program Description: We all experience traumatic events. Clinicians are at risk of vicarious or secondary trauma by facing traumatic events daily. With support, those events don’t have to turn into trauma that affects us in lasting ways. This presentation will address trauma on both sides of the therapeutic relationship which will improve outcomes, reduce stress, and increase work satisfaction for counselors.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Identify trauma and secondary trauma.
  • Explain the ethical implications around client and clinician trauma.
  • Demonstrate treatment recommendations and interventions for secondary trauma, including professional supports.

 

6C: A Principle Centered Approach to Couples Therapy: A Multidimensional Framework and the Impact Personality and Attachment have on Relationship

Duration: 90 minutes, 1.5 CE Hours

Presenter: Donald Gilbert, MS, Ph.D., LMHC

Biography: Dr. Donald Gilbert is the owner of New Life Counseling. He is a clinical counselor, author, speaker, consultant, supervisor, trainer and entrepreneur. He has served as Treasure and President of IMHCA. He presently serves as Treasure of AMHCA, Chair of IBBS and on the IMHCA Foundation Board. He was Licensed in 1994 and has been in practice since 1991.

Program Description: Discover how a persons’ personality can determine a natural tendency to seek attachment in relationship. When dealing with disagreements, differences and decisions in the relationship, our natural style of handling conflict, can lead to emotional disconnect. This can impact a couples’ ability to maintain connection (Attachment) and build relational intimacy. Understanding the personality traits and natural attachment seeking style, can help couples navigate through conflict and maintain connection, which is essential to building relational intimacy.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Identify personality traits that form the basis of your perspective in relationship.
  • Recognize attachment style as an extension of natural ways in which a person seeks connection.
  • Evaluate how a person’s personality and attachment seeking may impact the connection desired in relationship.

 

4:00 pm End of Conference

https://imhca.net/2020-conference/