IMHCA 11th Annual Conference – Program Descriptions

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 11th Annual Conference
The Well-Rounded Practitioner: Integrating Facets of Mental Health
Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport Conference Center Hotel; 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321 May 4, 2017 – May 5, 2017

This is a full description of each breakout session with learning objectives and biographies of the presenters. For a brief program description Breakouts (brief) >>

Please Note: In past years we have given a Legislative Update at our board meeting (during lunch the first day of the conference). This year we are offering a 3-hour Legislative Update Breakout Session (split into two 90-minute sessions). This Legislative Update replaces the update at the board meeting. If you are interested in a legislative update please register for session 2A and session 3A on Thursday.

DAY ONE: Thursday, May 4, 2017

7:15 am – 8:15 am: Registration/Breakfast
8:15 am – 8:45 am: Welcome & Opening Remarks (.5 CEUs awarded for CADC/IADC)
8:45 am – 12:00 pm (10:00 am – 10:15 am Break): Breakout Session #1 (3 hours)

Session 1A: Challenges and Changes for Mental Health Counselors in the 21st Century: An Ethical Perspective
Duration: 3 Hours (3 CEs) This counts toward required ethics CE hours for LMHC’s.
Content Area: (8) Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues
Presenter:  Darcie Davis-Gage, Ph.D.
Biography: Dr. Darcie Davis-Gage received her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. She received her M.A. from Pittsburg State University and her B.A from Loras College. Dr. Davis-Gage is an associate professor of counseling at University of Northern Iowa. Her research interests are in the area of group counseling, creativity and flow theory, and diversity issues related to counselor education and practice.  Dr. Davis-Gage’s current research agenda includes examining how popular media can be used to train counselors. Dr. Davis-Gage brings 10 years of various counseling experiences to the classroom. She worked as a counselor in a variety of mental health agencies which included a partial hospitalization program, a women’s mental health agency, a college counseling and advising center, and private practice. Dr. Davis-Gage is an active member of the American Counseling Association, the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision, North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and is current chair of the ACA of Iowa.

Program Description: Mental health counselors are providing services in an ever-changing 21st century. To remain an ethically sound practitioner, counselors must continue to gain knowledge and adapt to these changes. Advances in neuroscience, increase use of social media, changes in technology; emerging specialties, and emphasis on self-care and wellness all impact services provided by counselors. This interactive presentation will explore these advancements and connections to current ACA ethical standards of practice.
Learning Goals/Objectives:
Participants will:

  • Gain knowledge of new trends
  • Understand the application of ethical codes and standards related to these trends
  • Apply knowledge to case studies
  • Discuss ways to measure competencies in these emerging counseling specialties

Session 1B: Practical Approaches to Treating the Sexual Predator
Duration: 3 Hours (3 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter: Mathew Royster, MA, LMHC
Biography: Matthew Royster received his Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa.  He was licensed by the State of Iowa in Mental Health Counseling in 2006.  Matthew received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Campbell University and earned an Honorary Associate’s Degree from St. Anne’s of Oxford University, England. Over the last 14 years he has worked with an array of adults and children including but not limited to the following areas:  Sexual Deviancy, Personality Disorders, Mood Disorders, Psychopathy, Psychotic Disorders, Pervasive Cognitive Distortions, and Dysfunctional Behavioral Syndromes.  Matthew worked with the Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders for over 10 years.  He is currently in private practice at Royster and Royster, PLLC with his wife Valorie.  Matthew contracts for therapeutic services with Midwest Christian Services in Peterson, Iowa, a residential care facility for children who have sexually offended. Matthew uses an eclectic approach using Cognitive, Behavioral, Narrative, Humanistic, and Existentialism techniques.  He incorporates EMDR into his practice in order to address the trauma aspect of the offender.  Matthew also includes animal-assisted therapy as a treatment intervention with his dog Angel. Matthew is a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers

Program Description: This presentation will focus on the treatment of sexual offenders. It will address aspects of the therapeutic relationship including how it differs from normal therapeutic relationships. The presentation will address offender characteristics of manipulation and how to identify when you, as the counselor, are being manipulated. It will also describe your boundaries as a therapist and what is and what is not appropriate to disclose. The presentation will focus on your interactions with the offender and how to build a healthy therapeutic relationship so together you can prevent future victimization.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  1. Special precautions one should take when doing an intake with one accused or convicted of a sexual offense
  2. Difference between a traditional therapeutic role and sex offender therapist role
  3. Ways therapist may be manipulated by an offender
  4. Offender manipulate tactics
  5. Best evidenced based practices with the sexual offender population

Session 1C: An Introduction to Clinical Behavior Analysis
Duration: 3.0 Hours (3.0 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter: Susan Smith, MA, LMHC, BCBA
Biography: Susan Smith is the Director of the DHS-funded “I-TABS” program.  She earned an MA in Counseling from Drake University and a Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas.  Susan is an LMHC in Iowa and internationally certified as a Behavior Analyst.

Program Description:
Clinical Behavior Analysis differs from other approaches to psychotherapy in that it places strong emphasis on the contextual variables which influence human behavior including a functional approach to “private events” such as thoughts, emotions, and urges to active impulsively.  This presentation will provide an introduction to clinical behavior analysis including sample activities/strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT), and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) that have utility for a wide variety of clinically relevant behaviors.  A brief introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT) will also be provided, including samples of how therapists could use RFT within sessions.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  1. Name distinguishing characteristics of Clinical Behavior Analysis (CBA)
  2. Define “experiential avoidance” and name how it can negatively influence users
  3. Name at least 4 ways therapists can utilize Relational Frame Theory within sessions
  4. Describe at least 2 activities which utilize DBT philosophy
  5. Provide an overview of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  6. Describe “The Bus” metaphor/activity commonly used by ACT practitioners
  7. Describe Functional Analytic Psychotherapy’s method of utilizing the therapy session as a microcosm
  8. Name a national association which is dedicated to the advancement of functional contextual cognitive and behavioral science and practice so as to alleviate human suffering and advance human well-being

 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch and Board Meeting

Board Meeting: 12:30 pm 1:30 pm. 1 CE is awarded for LHMCs attending the Board Meeting. Board Meeting CE does not apply to other disciplines.
Content Area: (8) Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues
 
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Breakout Session #2 (90 minutes)
Session 2A: Legislative Update – Part 1

Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs) Note: This session continues as session 3A
Content Area: (8) Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues
Presenters: Joel Miller, MS Ed; Emily Piper; Kacey Peterson, MS, LMHC; Kenneth Cameron, MA, LMHC
Biographies: Joel E. Miller is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the American Mental Health Counselors Association. He leads over 7,200 clinical mental health counselors who play a critically important impact on the lives of Americans with behavioral health conditions. AMHCA’s mission is to enhance the mental health counseling profession through advocacy, professional development, education and licensing. Mr. Miller is responsible for all operations of the organization and implementing strategic initiatives in support of the Board of Directors. He is the publisher of AMHCA’s Journal of Mental Health Counseling and its Advocate newsletter. He also serves as a member on the AMHCA Foundation Board of Directors. In his previous position at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), he led the development and implementation of NASMHPD’s policy agenda and regulatory strategies, which were designed to support State Behavioral Health Agencies and the state public behavioral health systems. At the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mr. Miller led NAMI’s State Policy team and Public Policy Institute, dedicated to improving the financing and delivery of mental health services at the state level for people with mental illness, and addressing mental health issues across the lifespan. He has published over 50 articles and reports on behavioral health and health care delivery and financing, new delivery models aimed at integrating mental health and physical health, health care reform strategies, Medicare and Medicaid policy, health workforce issues, and information technology implementation. Mr. Miller earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, and his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Emily Piper has worked for twenty-eight years in the legislative arena, both before Congress and the Iowa legislature. She formed Piper Consulting Services in 2002, bringing her extensive experience and grassroots skills in state and federal lobbying to her clients. Across an impressive career, Emily’s political intuition has been honed through her work on a variety of campaigns from the local to the presidential level. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies and Political Science from Miami University and a Masters in Public Administration from Drake University. Emily represents a broad range of associations, local government and private companies before the Iowa legislative and executive branches and has worked diligently as IMHCA’s lobbyist since 2009. Kacey Peterson has practiced as an LMHC in both urban and rural settings since earning her Master’s from Drake University in 2010. After opening Enlightened Endeavors, LLC in 2014, she focused her efforts on connecting rural schools and communities with the training, resources, and funding needed to address mental health service delivery gaps. She served as IMHCA’s Government Relations Chair since 2011 and recently accepted the position of President-Elect. Kacey is a member of AMHCA’s Public Policy and Legislative Committee and serves on the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central-Southwest Iowa. At the 2016 Annual Conference, AMHCA honored Kacey with the Professional Service and Leadership to a State Chapter Award for her commitment to the mental health counseling profession and IMHCA. Kenneth Cameron successfully completed his Masters of Arts in Counseling at Seton Hall University in 2009. With his educational background and professional experience working at various agencies in the Greater Des Moines area, he developed a vision for helping young people lead productive and independent lives. After becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2013, Kenneth started his private practice at Aspire Counseling Center, LLC. He currently serves as IMHCA’s Government Relations Chair

Program Description: This session will highlight legislation and policy issues related to recognition of the mental health counseling profession at the federal and state levels.  Participants will be informed of current legislation, discuss the potential impact of that legislation on the profession and future public policy agendas, and identify areas for advocacy action.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  1. Familiarization with IMHCA and AMHCA legislative agendas
  2. Identify ways to improve the effectiveness and impact of the profession in the national health policy environment
  3. Gain an understanding of the barriers faced in obtaining recognition through Medicare
  4. Learn the value of professional advocacy, alternative methods for advocating locally, and the role states play in passing legislation at the federal level
  5. Discover ways to take part in legislative advocacy efforts

Session 2B: Through the Eyes of Our Clients: Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ Individuals
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (3) Social and Cultural Foundations
Presenters: Joby Holcomb, LMHC, CADC; Jenn Ungs, LMSW; Tricia Yavitz, LMHC, IADC
Biographies: Joby Holcomb received his Master’s degree from Drake University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.  Joby’s clinical experience includes PMIC residential, substance abuse treatment and outpatient mental health and collaborates with agencies across the state to meet training needs and resource implementation.  Jennifer Ungs received her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa and is a Licensed Master’s in Social Work.  Jennifer’s clinical experience includes PMIC residential, substance abuse treatment, and outpatient mental health with specialties in play therapy and working with gender creative children and their parents. Tricia Yavitz received her Master’s degree from Drake University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and International Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Tricia’s clinical experience includes residential and outpatient mental health, substance abuse treatment, and correctional mental health services. Tricia’s diverse experience includes a specialty in working with the LGBTQ population.
 
Program Description: In this interactive workshop, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of LGBT+ individuals in different behavioral health settings including mental health therapy.   Learners will be provided a history of the unique struggles and victories that LGBT+ individuals have faced throughout the last fifty years in order to gain a better understanding of the ongoing need for emotional and physical safety within the healthcare system, especially from mental health providers.  This course will not only provide participants a basic understanding of the formation of subcultures within different LGBT+ populations, but also assist individuals in identifying, understanding and challenging their own values, beliefs and stereotypes that affect therapeutic relationships.  From the initial phone call to intake paperwork, learners will understand the “language” of safety for LGBT+ clients.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • How gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation contribute to identity development
  • How to identify their own values, beliefs, myths and stereotypes of LGBT+ people
  • The importance of physical and emotional safety in therapy
  • The changes we can make in our own practices to create welcoming, affirming and safe spaces 

Session 2C: The Silent Epidemic: Screening for Brain Injury
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (6) Assessment
Presenters: June Klein-Bacon, BSW, CBIS; Geoffrey Lauer, MA
Biographies: June Klein-Bacon is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist who works as a Neuro-Resource Facilitator and Project Manager for the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa. June works with those experiencing brain injury, family members and professionals including multi-occurring conditions, at risk populations such as youth athletes with exposure to concussion and criminogenic history. June also serves as the current Chair of the Iowa Olmstead Consumer Taskforce providing an outlet to advocate for human and disability rights, local and state policy. Geoffrey Lauer serves as the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa and has been in that position since 2006. At BIA-Iowa he manages an organization whose mission is to provide services and supports to the over 95,000 Iowans with long terms disability resulting from brain injury. He is a founding member and officer on the Board of Directors of the United States Brain Injury Alliance. For more than a decade he was Regional, then National Director, of State Affairs for the Brain Injury Association of America supporting state Brain Injury Association Affiliates across the country. Lauer has served as Executive Director of the Arc of Johnson County, IA; and serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Mental Health Center for Mid-Eastern Iowa.  Geoff has provided training, consultation and conference presentations in over 40 states in the areas of disability programming, brain injury, injury prevention, strategic planning, and non-profit management and board development. In 2013 Geoff was awarded the National Public Policy Award from the North American Brain Injury Society for leadership in brain injury and disability public policy work at both the state and federal levels. Geoff holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Anthropology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in Communications Studies with a focus on Health Communications.

Program Description: Brain Injuries are often referred to as a “silent epidemic”.  Symptoms are not always immediately evident and our general public has limited knowledge about the diagnosis.  What we know as professionals working in the field is that brain injury appears to be more and more prolific.  Our technology to save people medically is increasing, our awareness is improving and advocacy efforts to break down barriers between service delivery silos show us that there is an increased susceptibility in multi-occurring conditions with emerging evidence behind trauma informed care.  Research shows us that 34-49% of brain injury survivors experience psychiatric conditions, 50% continue to abuse substances following an injury and individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness and a substance use disorder have 72% rate of experiencing a brain injury. Awareness of brain injury symptomology, identification of brain injury history and working across multi-disciplinary teams to support survivors, caregivers and professionals to address treatment approaches may be key to increasing success.  This session will provide a review of the HELPS brain injury-screening tool. Attendees will hear statistics of women screened at a residential facility in the First Judicial District as the tool is reviewed.   Attendees will also learn about services and programs available through the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa.

Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Attendees will be able to recognize and characterize the prevalence of brain injury
  • Attendees will be able to distinguish changes and challenges that occur for individuals after brain injury
  • Attendees will be able to apply HELPS screening tool in their own practice to identify possible brain injury

3:00 pm – 3:15 pm: Break
3:15 pm – 4:45 pm Breakout Session #3 (90 minutes)
 
Session: 3A: Legislative Update – Part 2
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs) Note: This is a continuation from session 2A
Content Area: (8) Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues
Presenters: Joel Miller, MS Ed; Emily Piper; Kacey Peterson, MS, LMHC; Kenneth Cameron, MA, LMHC
 
Session 3B: Risk Assessment for Determining Suicidality
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter: Carol Hinman, PhD, LMHC, CCMHC, DCMHS, RPT-S
Biography: In her private practice located in the Marion Counseling Center, Dr. Hinman works with children and adults providing individual and family therapy services. She has over 25 years of experience providing mental health counseling services to children, adults, and families. Dr. Hinman has been a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor since 1994.
 
Program Description: The American Association for Suicidology’s Core Competencies for the Assessment and Management of Individuals at Risk for Suicide is the most researched, most empirically based document for guiding the counselor’s use of Risk Assessment.  This presentation will focus on the process of conducting an effective risk assessment considering the American Association for Suicidality’s Core competencies
Summary of Program

  • Introduction
  • Managing the Counselor’s Attitudes towards Suicide
  • Understanding the phenomenology of suicide (inside the suicidal person’s thinking)
  • Assessing Risk
  • Motivation to increase/decrease risk
  • Eliciting ideation, behaviors, & plans
  • Warning signs of imminent risk
  • Acute/Chronic suicidality
  • Ongoing Management of suicidality
  • Identification and planning around modifiable risk & protective factors
  • Working beyond the therapy hour
  • Making crises opportunities for growth
  • Legal issues related to suicidality
  • Learning Objectives/Goals
  • Participants will identify personal characteristics that may affect their ability to conduct effective risk assessments.
  • Participants will develop a good understanding of the suicidal person’s perspective and how the counselor’s efforts to keep them safe may be viewed as opposing rather than supporting them as a client.
  • Participants will have a broader understanding of risk and protective factors that can affect the level of risk for suicidal behavior.
  • Participants will learn how counselor behaviors inside and outside the counseling hour can affect the level of risk for suicidal behavior.

Session 3C: Healing Adverse Life Experiences Through EMDR Therapy
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter: Amy Terrell, MS, LMHC
Biography: Amy Terrell is an EMDRIA Approved Therapist and Consultant.  She is also an EMDR facilitator/coach for EMDR Consulting and an AGATE (Ana Gomez Attachment &Trauma Education) consultant. She is the Clinical Director of EMDR & Beyond, LLC, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Amy has worked extensively in the field of trauma response and is passionate about EMDR & Beyond’s mission to promote healing of adverse life experiences though training, education, consultation and therapy.
 
Program Description: This session will introduce participants to EMDR Therapy and its effectiveness for clients with adverse life experiences. The development of EMDR Therapy along with an overview of the Adaptive Information Processing Model will be shared. A major component will be how EMDR Therapy can help clients with Adverse Life Experiences. Learning will be enhanced through case examples and video demonstration.
Learning Goals/Objectives:
At the end of this session participants will understand:

  • The background of EMDR
  • The overview of EMDR Theory and Process
  • EMDR applications for Children and Adults
  • Training and at least one treatment resource

Session 3D: Misophonia: The Hatred of Sound
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter: Matthew Manz: MDiv, MS, NCC, tLHMC
Biography: Matthew Manz received his Master of Science from Drake University in 2015 and his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in 2006. Matthew has been working as an LPHA I with Lutheran Services in Iowa, based in Fort Dodge, since January 2016.
 
Program Description: Misophonia (the hatred of sound) is a condition that refers to patients who have a marked sensitivity to certain sounds deemed offensive by the patient. Pawel J. Jastreboff, PhD, ScD, and Margaret M. Jastreboff, PhD first coined the term “Misophonia” in 2001 after recognizing a high neurological response pattern in select patients to certain identified sounds. Misophonia differs from similar sound sensitivity conditions such as Tinnitus, Hyperacusis, and Phonophobia because of the degree to which patients respond negatively to sounds which they identify. Such responses can range from mild irritation to visceral disgust or anger directed towards the person causing the sound(s). When the offending sound is removed from their environment, patients often feel guilty for getting so angry with the person making the sounds. These patients often recognize the innocuous nature of the sounds, such as sounds someone makes while eating. Nevertheless, patients find themselves getting enraged time and time again at the offenders who may be family members or close friends/coworkers. Sounds identified as being offensive vary from patient to patient, but may share some commonalities such as being repetitive and percussive in nature. Limited research has been conducted regarding this fairly new condition; however, some treatments exist similar to those for other sound sensitivity conditions. Treatments currently in use for Misophonia include: use of noise-canceling devices, desensitization therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or medication which increases serotonin levels in the brain. Often, patients with this condition are dismissed out of hand and their concerns are not taken seriously by medical practitioners. The Internet has proven to be a helpful resource for sufferers of this condition to be able to share frustrations faced and to find supportive online communities. In addition, a subset of self-identified patients with this condition known as “Misos,” are creating awareness of this condition via social media so that others can develop sensitivity to their experience. For many patients, just knowing this is an identified condition has helped alleviate the aloneness they experience suffering from a rarely known or understood condition. The case is being made for Misophonia to be classified in future editions of the DSM/ICD as a subset of the Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorder and towards that end, Diagnostic Criteria have already been identified.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Participants attending this breakout session will gain an awareness and understanding of the condition known as Misophonia: The Hatred of Sound.
  • Participants will identify the markers of this specific condition and related conditions which may help them work with Clients to identify additional resources to cope with Misophonia
  • Participants will learn where to refer Clients with this condition to medical professionals who specialize in treating Clients with Misophonia
  • Participants may understand themselves as having this condition and be able to self-diagnose a condition which can be extremely frustrating and lonely for people to experience.]
  • Participants will begin to understand how they can be sensitive to Clients in general who may or may not have this condition, but may be offended by certain sounds experienced in daily interaction with others.

4:45 pm: Networking

 
DAY TWO: Friday, May 5, 2017
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Registration/Breakfast
8:30 am – 8:45 am: Opening Remarks (.25 CEUs awarded for CADC/IADC)
8:45 am – 12:00 pm (10:00 am – 10:15 am Break): Breakout Session #1 (3 hours)

 Session 1A: Resistance in Psychotherapy: An Integrative Approach
Duration: 3 Hours (3 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter:  Dr. Carlos Canales, Psy.D., CGP
Biography: Dr. Carlos Canales is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Group Psychotherapist in private practice at the West Des Moines Center for Psychotherapy. He has worked at multiple counseling centers such as the Biola Counseling Center, Fuller Psychological and Family Services, and the University of California – Davis Counseling and Psychological Center. He received his graduate degree from Rosemead School of Psychology in 2007 and holds licenses in California and Iowa. He is bilingual/bicultural and has a broad background in clinical work, with a specific emphasis in Latino/Latina clients and working with affect, relational issues, and trauma.  Dr. Canales has provided many psycho-educational workshops and experiential trainings to university communities, professional agencies, and professional conferences. He has facilitated a variety of psychotherapy groups for over 17 years, including training groups for therapists. He served on the board for the Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society (NCGPS) and is a clinical member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).Program Description: The popular concept of resistance is used in psychotherapy to describe any force, conscious or non-conscious, against the idealized path of treatment. Typically, it is the client or group of clients who hold back from accepting truth or from relating in more productive ways but sometimes it is the therapist who is not able to contain, connect, or support an experience. One cannot decide not to be resistant any more than one can decide not to sneeze. Resistance is an inevitable process that must be respected and worked through. This workshop proposes that where secure attachment is cultivated, individual and group resistance to emotional communication and immediacy decrease. Theoretical frames will be presented followed by a group demonstration.

Learning Objectives/Goals:

The attendee will be able to:

  • Describe examples where resistance facilitates interpersonal attunement and protects vulnerability in psychotherapy
  • Identify two personal challenges when dealing with resistance clinically
  • Identify markers of safety and security in the therapeutic relationship (bonding)
  • Name three interventions for addressing resistance

Session 1B: How Grief and Trauma Affect Children
Duration: 3.0 Hours (3.0 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenter: Sasha J. Mudlaff, M.A.
Biography: Sasha J. Mudlaff is 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 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 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.  Sasha served as the Academy’s full-time director until August of 2004, when she transitioned to her home office and the positions of grief consultant and stay-at-home-mom.  In 2010, she began the transition back to her full-time capacity where she works alongside her sister, Holly Miller, as co-owner and Vice President of Hamilton’s Funeral Home, Inc.  Her involvement with Hamilton’s Academy of Grief & Loss as Grief Consultant continues today. In addition to directing the Academy’s two children’s grief groups, Sasha is very involved with schools throughout the state of Iowa, providing education, teacher training and crisis support.  She is frequently called upon as Children’s Grief Consultant for other agencies in the greater Des Moines Area including HCI Care Services, Amanda the Panda, and Children’s Cancer Connection.  She is a national speaker on the subject of grief & loss.  Sasha is Past-President of Women’s Reciprocity Group of Des Moines as well as consultant to HCI Care Services.  She has co-authored three children’s grief books:  Molly’s Mom Died, Sam’s Dad Died and A Terrible Thing Happened, and written several afterwards for other books to help children. Sasha and her husband Michael (pastor of Westkirk Presbyterian Church in Urbandale, IA) live in Clive, Iowa with their four boys Micah, Jonah, Nathanael and Isaiah.
 
Program Description: This session will begin by discussing in 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 Goals/Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will:

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

Session 1C: SafeZone: Enhancing LGBTQ Alliances
Duration: 3 Hours (3 CEs)
Content Area: (3) Social and Cultural Foundations
Presenters: Jacalyn McCarville, LMHC; Anita J Van Dyke, LMHC, CADC, NCC
Biographies: Jacalyn McCarville encourages all to take action in creating a welcoming, inclusive space, so all are empowered to reach their full potential.  Jacalyn’s is a 2004 graduate of Minnesota State University Mankato, works at Kirkwood Community College and lives in Iowa City.  Anita J Van Dyke works at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City.  Anita’s career transformed from banking, to professional organizing and is a 2013 MHC graduate of UNI.  Trained in Basic EMDR and Substance Abuse, she strives to create an accepting, empowering environment for all.
 
Program Description: The Gay Alliance’s SafeZone program strives to develop, enhance and maintain environments in workplaces, schools and other social settings that are culturally competent and supportive to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) individuals, as well as straight, cisgender people who care about diversity, equality and inclusion. Creating SafeZones is a proactive step that schools, agencies and corporations can take to create welcoming, inclusive spaces, empowering all people to reach their full potential. For the LGBTQ community, many environments pose numerous threats and obstacles. Hateful language, physical and emotional harassment and the threat of physical violence are a reality for many LGBTQ people.  This course will help educate, inform and create more welcoming and inclusive communities for LGBTQ individuals.
SafeZone training offers a place where all people feel welcome and safe, whether it be a room or an entire college campus. The Gay Alliance SafeZone program aims to increase the awareness, knowledge, and skills for individuals and address the challenges that exist when one wants to advocate for their LGBTQ peers, family members, friends and co-workers.
Learning Objectives/Goals:

  • To clarify the role of an ally, in general
  • To promote a common understanding of the language associated with Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender persons.
  • To facilitate discussion of the (ongoing) “coming out” process
  • To provide participants with a common foundation for the understanding of developmental, social, and emotional experiences of LGBTQ persons.
  • To provide opportunity for self-reflection of personal biases and/or issues on the topic of LGBTQ people, in a confidential environment

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Breakout Session #2 (90 minutes)
Session 2A: Iowans With Disabilities: An Impossible Reality
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (2) Human Growth and Development
Presenters: Tracy Keninger, MS, CRC, ATP; Joe Hogan
Biographies: Tracy Keninger holds a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Minnesota State University and is Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Tracy is currently a director at Easter Seals Iowa where she is involved with overseeing services for farm family members with disabilities, veterans, and various statewide assistive technology services for children and adults with disabilities and persons with special needs. Joe Hogan is a certified personal training who founded Train to Inspire, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support anyone who has faced adversity and hardship.  It was only after Joe found his personal mission and purpose, did he successfully recover as an addict.
 
Program Description:
Iowans with disabilities experience an increased rate of mental health concerns exacerbated by barriers to health and wellness. Decreased life expectancy, increased occurrence of cardiovascular disease, and increased self-reporting of obesity. The rate of co-occurring diagnosis of physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities has been recognized as a disparity; it will require an approach that is both collaborative and individualized to positively impact this disparity. A person’s mental health may be exacerbated by the physical health barriers experienced by individuals with disabilities. This presentation will review the national and state level data demonstrating the disparity. Statistics compiled by various organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data will be discussed. The presenters will share results of the Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII), conducted by Easter Seals Iowa in collaboration with National Center for Health and Physical Activity for People with Disabilities (NCHPAD) and the Center on Health and Promotion Research for Persons with Disabilities. This pilot project was conducted in the fall of 2016 to measure the involvement of individuals with disabilities and barriers to access health and wellness activities including transportation, healthy food, and fitness facilities.
In response to the barriers, two organizations will share their collaborative efforts to impact the existing disparity.  Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Center and Train to Inspire, a local non-profit organization promoting health and wellness for individuals with disabilities, will share examples and provide a hands-on opportunity to educate participants on how positive change can occur.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Participants will recognize the national and state data supporting the mental and physical health disparity among individuals with disabilities
  • Participants will identify the barriers, solutions, and resources/referral sources to positively impact the mental and physical health disparity among individuals with disabilities
  • Participants will identify specific programs and techniques to successfully address the mental and physical health and wellness among individuals with disabilities 

Session 2B: Expanding Your Tool Kit with Four Essential Screening Instruments
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (6) Assessment
Presenters: Jenny Wagstaff, PhD, LPC; Dr. Eran Hanke, PhD, LMHC
Biographies: Dr. Wagstaff recently returned to her native state where she serves as an Assistant Professor in Counselor Education at Buena Vista University. She earned her doctorate from Virginia Tech. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Her research focused on counselors’ perceptions using brief motivational interventions. Dr. Hanke is the Counseling Programs Director and an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Buena Vista University. She earned her doctorate from the University of Iowa and is an Iowa LMHC. Graduate and professional student mental health is the focus of her clinical work.
 
Program Description: The process of screening is essential to identify individuals who are at risk for substance use disorders. Using a structured set of questions mental health professionals can quickly determine if an individual needs a brief intervention or referral to treatment. This presentation will introduce participants to four essential screening instruments that should be included in their tool kit. Specifically, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST – 10), Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) and CAGE will be reviewed. In addition, the process of conducting a brief intervention and making a referral to treatment will be modeled. Those who attend this presentation can expect a highly interactive session and access to resources that can be utilized in their work setting.Learning Goals/Objectives:
At the conclusion of this program participants will be able to:

  • Describe the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST – 10), Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) and CAGE and how they can be used to identify individuals at risk for substance use disorders.
  • Recognize the value of screening, brief interventions, and referrals to treatment” (SBIRT) in primary care
  • Understand the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continuum
  • Define a standard drink and healthy drinking limits
  • Identify strategies to enhance motivation to change
  • List key features of a harm reduction plan and provide examples

Session 2C: Multicultural Hot Topics
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (3) Social and Cultural Foundations
Presenters: Krista M. Brittain, Psy.D. and Evan Cameron, B.A.
Biographies: Krista M. Brittain is a psychologist in private practice in West Des Moines, practicing psychotherapy and assessment.  She earned degrees from the University of Iowa and University of Denver.  She is passionate about multicultural issues, including immigration, feminism, and advocating for individuals with mental health diagnoses in education and work systems. Evan Cameron is a current student at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, pursuing a Masters in Divinity and ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is a native of northeast Ohio and is passionate to see how religious institutions can better promote justice in the world. 
Program Description:
This is an engaging, highly interactive presentation experience to review and explore issues of diversity in our work as mental health professionals.  Join the conversation about diversity, both in and outside of the therapy room.  The presentation takes on three distinct sections.  First, the presenters will address literature by reviewing ethical standards for competency across various disciplines.  Presenters will also introduce and discuss intersectionality, a current “hot topic” and area of focus in multicultural conversations, work, and research.  Intersectionality, first defined by researchers and workers on feminism, is a concept that examines the importance of the convergence of multiple identities, master statuses, and social location of each person (Shields, 2008; Cole, 2009; Watts-Jones, 2010; Cheshire, 2013).  We will also address privilege, systemic barriers to treatment, and how we navigate these as clinicians and professionals engaging research from D. W. Sue (1991, 2004), Fowers & Davidov (2006), Cooper & Lesser (1997), and many others.  This will include some exploration of participants’ own privilege and how to address this in a therapeutic and/or professional context.  Next, we will engage in exploration of the process of Location of Self (Watts-Jones, 2010), and participants will be guided through exercises aimed at encouraging them to engage in self-reflection and introspection related to multicultural and diversity topics as a basis for continuing to increase cultural competence.  These exercises may also serve as beginnings for small-group conversations related to diversity. In the final phase of the presentation experience, participants will engage in small- and whole-group conversation related to topics generated by participants, to practice rich, vulnerable conversations related to diversity with other professionals.  Participants will have a final opportunity to engage in final self-reflection as they plan for how to use their experience of this presentation as we go forward in practice and other professional settings (Treviño, 2006).
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Review ethical standards for competent work with diverse populations
  • Discuss the concept of intersectionality and review relevant research
  • Consider how we interact with others in conversations about diversity, including self-reflection, listening, increasing openness to surprise, tolerating uncertainty and anxiety, etc.
  • Practice healthy professional conversations about diversity to be applied in and outside of the therapy room
  • Grow in community with professionals who are passionate about creating a healthier way of relating with each other through our differences and similarities

2:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Break
2:45 pm – 4:15 pm Breakout Session #3 (90 minutes)

Session 3A: Finding Your Purpose as the Pathway to Successful Addiction Treatment
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (1) Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
Presenters: Tracy Keninger, MS, CRC, ATP; Joe Hogan
Biographies: Tracy Keninger holds a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Minnesota State University and is Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Tracy is currently a director at Easter Seals Iowa where she is involved with overseeing services for farm family members with disabilities, veterans, and various statewide assistive technology services for children and adults with disabilities and persons with special needs. Joe Hogan is a certified personal training who founded Train to Inspire, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support anyone who has faced adversity and hardship.  It was only after Joe found his personal mission and purpose, did he successfully recover as an addict.
 
Program Description:
Iowans with disabilities experience an increased rate of mental health concerns, often exacerbated by addictions.  The recidivism rate is high suggesting that many existing drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are not as successful as we desire.  Often, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are not able to customize their treatment for co-occurring disabilities and remain prescriptive, rigid, and time limited, often due to funding restrictions. This presentation will discuss a unique, individualized peer to peer approach to assist individuals to find their passion and purpose for life and when doing so, how this purpose and passion becomes the cornerstone of their rehabilitation treatment plan. Joe Hogan will share his personal journey to recovery and how after being incarcerated three times in less than six years, how he found his purpose in life and finding his purpose, supports his sobriety which supersedes any existing evidenced based treatment that he and others experience or experienced. Joe will challenge us to think of the current treatment practices and how their approach may support the current high recidivism rate. He will discuss how he remains sober and how after finding his purpose for life, he successfully impacts the lives of others through Train to Inspire and how we can encourage others to do the same.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Participants will recognize the national and state data regarding the high incidence of addictions of persons with multi-occurring disabilities
  • Participants will identify the barriers that may support the current high recidivism rate
  • Participants will learn the unique and individualized approaches of helping addicts find their purpose and passion to support sobriety

Session 3B: Integrating Peer Support Specialists in Mental Health Recovery
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (9) Wellness and Prevention
Presenters: Joel Lightcap, CC, LMHC, LPC; Todd Noack; Michelle Zuerlein, BSW, MPA, CPRP
Biographies: Joel Lightcap is an Iowa Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who graduated from Loras College in 1993 receiving his Master’s degree in Applied Psychology, Clinical- Counseling.  He is the CEO of Town Clock Mental Health in Dubuque who has seen great service benefits after contracting with a CMHPSS (Certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialist) to help expand service provision.  Lightcap has been legally blind his entire career, which leads to a better ability to “walk a mile in my shoes” with his patients. Todd Noack is the Executive Director of LIFE Connections Peer Recovery Services. Todd worked in Sales and Management in the Quad-city area for 13 years. After a series of health issues Todd found himself living with Depression. Todd began his Recovery journey and never looked back. Todd has used his sales and management experience along with his lived experience to become a leader in the Peer Support and Recovery movement. Michelle Zuerlein has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years. The main focus of her life’s work is spreading the knowledge that Recovery is Real. Over her career she has been a Clubhouse Director, Day Rehabilitation Supervisor, Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner and Peer Support Specialist Co-Supervisor. Michelle is currently a member of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and President of Iowa Advocates for Mental Health Recovery (IAMHR).
Program Description: This presentation will describe Peer Support from training to implementation. It will be an overview of the importance of having a Peer Support Specialist integrated into your treatment /Recovery team. Todd Noack provides Peer Support training and will discuss the Roles and Responsibilities of this profession. Michelle Zuerlein has been a Co-Supervisor of PSS and will present the essentials of integrating the Peer Workforce into any service including therapy. Joel Lightcap is the CEO of Town Clock Mental Health in Dubuque. Joel has seen great service benefits after contracting with a CMHPSS to help expand service provision.  He will present the advantages of Peer Support when linked with therapy including the team development during monthly counseling sessions where the patient and PSS use part of the session to review the peer support interactions.
Learning Goals/Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the Core Roles and Responsibilities of a Peer Support Specialist
  • Identify what leads to Integration of the Peer Workforce into Current Services
  • Provide an example of how an agency can utilize a Peer Support Specialist to enhance therapy 

Session 3C: Iowa Child Welfare: A Critical Partnership 
Duration: 1.5 Hours (1.5 CEs)
Content Area: (8) Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues
Presenter: Wendy Rickman, MSW, LISW
Biography: Wendy Rickman, Division Administrator of Adult Children and Family Services, has been employed with DHS since 1987.  Since beginning her employment with DHS, Wendy has served as an abuse assessor, ongoing case manager, service administrator for Scott County, and a service area manager for the Davenport and the Des Moines service areas.  Wendy is currently serving as the Division Administrator for the Division of Adult Children and Family Services.  This division is responsible for policy development in the areas of Medicaid eligibility, Child Care, FIP, Food Assistance and all of the Child Welfare and Dependent Adult abuse eligibility policies.  Wendy graduated from Carroll College in 1981 with a BA degree in sociology, from the University of Iowa in 1996 with a MSW, and is currently licensed at the independent social work level with the State of Iowa.

Program Description: This session will outline core practices, policies, and procedures approved by the Iowa Department of Human Services related to safety, permanency, and the general well-being of children and families served throughout Iowa.  Emphasis will be placed on enhancing the participant’s awareness of changes happening within the department and on opening the lines of communication to further any collaborative efforts among DHS and child welfare partners such as courts, service providers, foster parents, substance abuse and mental health treatment providers, etc.  Status updates on 2017 legislative efforts and any departmental or programmatic changes that could potentially impact the mental health delivery system and/or Iowa’s regional design will also be discussed.
Learning Goals/Objectives:

  • Learn how to apply the guiding principles of child welfare when making determinations about treatment options for clients in the system and when passing those recommendations on for review by independent, third-parties or case managers
  • Discover ways DHS conducts outreach to stakeholders, providers, and shared service agencies, and promotes cross-collaboration opportunities to better support underserved and underrepresented populations;
  • Identify methods of strengthening the department’s workforce through agency-specific orientation, training, development, and communication related to matters of mental health (especially for children)
  • Brainstorm ways to assess, enhance and measure access to care, organizational improvements, the culture, and the cultural competence of service workers hired by the department

 

4:15 pm – 4:30 pm: Closing Remarks (.25 CEUs awarded for CADC/IADC)