Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Chitra Gopalan, LMHC

Motivational Interviewing for Children, Youth, and Families
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that is broadly used by practitioners. This approach can be used with clients with a variety of mental health, substance use, or physical health disorders. MI interventions involve empathically collaborating with the client to enhance intrinsic motivation for change while understanding, addressing, and resolving ambivalence. This course will review the fundamental principles of MI, highlight the techniques for facilitating change that are associated with this approach, and consider how to most effectively employ MI skills in working with children and their caregivers. The Transtheoretical Model of Change will also be reviewed, as will MI interventions that guide progress through the stage of change. This course includes multiple opportunities to practice skills and techniques that are reviewed, heavily incorporating practice exercises for participants to complete in breakout rooms.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to define motivational interviewing (MI).
2. Participants will be able to describe the spirit and the principles of MI.
3. Participants will identify the Stages of Change.
4. Participants will recognize and elicit change talk in clients.
5. Participants will identify MI core skills and tools.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kelsey Taylor, MS, LMHC

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they are interconnected. CBT is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma in children and adolescents. This course provides an orientation and overview of CBT. Learn practical skills for individual, group, and family therapy. Explore interventions focused on problem solving, cognitive restructuring, self-regulation, affect identification, and relaxation. Through case studies, interactive discussions, role-plays, and worksheets, you will take away practical CBT strategies to use immediately with any client.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn to define Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
2. Participants will learn to recognize the Cognitive Triangle and Thinking Errors/Cognitive Distortions.
3. Participants will identify interventions to target feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
4. Participants will identify problem solving techniques.
5. Participants will practice skills for relaxation.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kenna Sullivan, LCSW

Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan
One of the most challenging issues a clinician can face is a client’s suicidal crisis. This course will address the psychological, medical, and mental health factors that contribute to suicide and the specific challenges faced by clients at different phases of life. We will review the multi-dimensional aspects of suicide including biological, psychological, interpersonal, sociological, cultural, ethical, and philosophical/existential elements in the suicide event. We will address the management of suicidality and the unique challenges facing clients at different ages. We will identify and examine risk factors as well as treatment interventions and best practices in dealing with the suicidal and the bereaved of all ages. Information and resources will be shared on local and national suicide prevention efforts specific to children, adults, and older adults.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the terminology, incidence, prevalence, and epidemiology of suicide behavior.
2. Examine three high risk factors for suicide in each of these age groups.
3. Review best practices in suicide assessment and strategies for managing both acute and chronic suicidal clients.
4. Describe various treatment approaches (CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy) for suicidality and therapeutic risk management.
5. Review the most current national and local efforts on suicide prevention and how strategies vary according to the targeted age group.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW

Sexuality and Gender Across the Lifespan
This course provides an overview of gender and sexuality development across the lifespan, focusing on key concepts, influential factors, and implications for social work practice by exploring the complex interplay between gender and sexuality across different stages of human development. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine various theoretical perspectives, research findings, and societal influences on gender identity and sexual orientation from infancy to late adulthood. Topics include biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of gender and sexuality, as well as the implications for individual development, relationships, and society as a whole.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand gender and sexuality concepts in human development.
2. Explore biological and environmental influences on gender and sexuality.
3. Examine gender identity and sexual orientation development.
4. Analyze societal influences on gender roles and sexual behaviors.
5. Discuss challenges faced by sexual and gender minority individuals.
6. Address ethical and legal considerations in social work practice regarding gender and sexuality.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Daniel Morehead, MD

Neuroscience
Neuroscience constitutes an exciting though vast and disorienting field. This course will synthesize information from primary neuroscience into a coherent and usable form for clinical social work, human social life, and everyday life. We will review brain structure and function, then discuss illuminating aspects of brain science in human development, adversity, resilience, and health. Finally, we will connect specific mental health disorders and treatments to neuropathology, as well as social challenges and inequities. Throughout the course, we will emphasize the brain as one aspect of human nature, a level of dynamic organization that both reflects and influences social and psychological experience, and ultimately cannot be separated from them. No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, and the class format will be interactive.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn brain anatomy and function for the purposes of understanding relevant clinical literature and neuroscience-based theories.
2. Participants will learn the neuroscience and physiology of normal stress and its relation to the development of mental illness.
3. Participants will learn the neuroscience of fear and trauma, including the developmental consequences of early life adversity.
4. Participants will explore the neuroscience of major depression, PTSD, anxiety, and their treatment.
5. Participants will be exposed to the complex and mutual interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 
Instructor: Julia Rydin, LICSW

Psychodynamic Therapy for Adults
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an empirically validated form of treatment that produces lasting change via a collaborative effort between client and therapist. Psychodynamic therapy is a highly developed model that not only recognizes external and visible symptomatic manifestations of one’s struggles but also the often unconscious forces behind various behavioral and interpersonal patterns. Originally derived from Freud’s psychoanalysis, the psychodynamic model offers a contemporary perspective resulting from decades of subsequent growth and development with theoretical and clinical contributions from ego psychology, object relations, self-psychology, attachment theory, and relational theory. This course will review some fundamental assumptions of the psychodynamic approach, familiarize participants with the work of a few of the key contributors, and apply theory to clinical situations that arise in a variety of social work settings.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe fundamental concepts from Drive Theory, Object Relations Theory, Self Psychology, and Relational Theory that underlie contemporary practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy.
2. Participants will be able to articulate how dynamic factors interact with biological predispositions and societal forces to inform their understanding of individuals’ clinical presentation.
3. Participants will be able to identify a set of clinical techniques utilized in psychodynamic therapy to promote formation of insight, development of agency, and greater integration within a relational context.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW

Attachment Theory
Understanding attachment, both practically and theoretically, is critical to understanding development, relationships, and interactions in the social environment. Caregiving systems are the foundation for healthy development. Secure attachment allows for safe exploration of the world; provides a healthy model of self and others; teaches how to communicate and how to read others; teaches to understand, tolerate, and cope with emotional experiences; and provides structure and limits. When attachment systems are challenged or disrupted, the impact on development throughout the lifespan can be significant. This training offers an overview of the critical importance of attachment, discussion of theory, and exploration of practical application of concepts, utilizing a dynamic and multimedia approach.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will review and explore several theories of attachment and development and weigh the pros and cons of each.
2. Participants will explore early childhood attachment systems and the impact on development and adult relationships.
3. Participants will explore their own experiences in personal and professional settings of attachment styles on interpersonal interaction and relationships.
4. Participants will consider and discuss implications of attachment style and orientation in clinical practice.
5. Participants will be challenged to consider whether attachment styles are inherently set, or whether they are subject to influence and change.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane Fitzgerald, MSW, LICSW

Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Children, Youth, and Families
Trauma and traumatic stress can stem from a diverse array of experiences, can impact individuals in various ways, and can often occur in the context of interpersonal interactions. Trauma and traumatic stress resulting from interpersonal violence can be particularly impactful. This course will examine various types of interpersonal violence including war, terrorism and civil unrest, community violence, school violence, and violence in the home (including domestic violence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse). Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of the impact of interpersonal violence on children, youth, and families, and explore intervention and support strategies to promote hope, healing, and resilience. Materials will be presented through lecture, audio and visual vignettes, group activities, and discussion.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will explore the impact of traumatic stress inflicted on children, youth, and families by others.
2. Participants will explore various forms of interpersonal violence, and the possible array of impacts of each.
3. Participants will consider trauma responses, symptoms, and diagnostic impressions, including mis-diagnosis and differential diagnostic considerations.
4. Drawing on personal and professional experience, participants will engage in discussion of possible responses to different types of interpersonal violence that occur in a variety of settings.
5. Participants will engage in exploration of a variety of intervention strategies to promote healing and resilience for children, youth, and families.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Angela Belleville, LMHC

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based, short-term therapy shown to decrease symptomology and improve mood and daily functioning by teaching clients self-coaching skills to identify, evaluate, and modify unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns. This course will provide Master's level clinicians with an understanding of the Cognitive Behavioral model that will include a brief history, populations most commonly treated, basic empirical research, essential components and structure, and commonly used techniques. Participants will learn some essential skills that can be integrated into a CBT treatment plan or used as standalone interventions that they can immediately incorporate into their practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to articulate basic theory and key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
2. Participants will learn effective ways to socialize clients to the model and gain "buy in".
3. Participants will be able to describe the functions of collaborative case conceptualization.
4. Participants will be familiarized with skills to manage anxiety and worry.
5. Participants will learn the steps to Behavioral Activation, an effective stand-alone intervention for adult clients presenting with depression.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Mary Chao, LMHC

Motivational Interviewing for Children, Youth, and Families
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that is broadly used by practitioners. This approach can be used with clients with a variety of mental health, substance use, or physical health disorders. MI interventions involve empathically collaborating with the client to enhance intrinsic motivation for change while understanding, addressing, and resolving ambivalence. This course will review the fundamental principles of MI, highlight the techniques for facilitating change that are associated with this approach, and consider how to most effectively employ MI skills in working with children and their caregivers. The Transtheoretical Model of Change will also be reviewed, as will MI interventions that guide progress through the stage of change. This course includes multiple opportunities to practice skills and techniques that are reviewed, heavily incorporating practice exercises for participants to complete in breakout rooms.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to define motivational interviewing (MI).
2. Participants will be able to describe the spirit and the principles of MI.
3. Participants will identify the Stages of Change.
4. Participants will recognize and elicit change talk in clients.
5. Participants will identify MI core skills and tools.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Daniel Morehead, MD 

Neuroscience
Neuroscience constitutes an exciting though vast and disorienting field. This course will synthesize information from primary neuroscience into a coherent and usable form for clinical social work, human social life, and everyday life. We will review brain structure and function, then discuss illuminating aspects of brain science in human development, adversity, resilience, and health. Finally, we will connect specific mental health disorders and treatments to neuropathology, as well as social challenges and inequities. Throughout the course, we will emphasize the brain as one aspect of human nature, a level of dynamic organization that both reflects and influences social and psychological experience, and ultimately cannot be separated from them. No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, and the class format will be interactive.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn brain anatomy and function for the purposes of understanding relevant clinical literature and neuroscience-based theories.
2. Participants will learn the neuroscience and physiology of normal stress and its relation to the development of mental illness.
3. Participants will learn the neuroscience of fear and trauma, including the developmental consequences of early life adversity.
4. Participants will explore the neuroscience of major depression, PTSD, anxiety, and their treatment.
5. Participants will be exposed to the complex and mutual interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Tsana Dimanin, MSW, LICSW, NIC

Family Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
In this course geared toward working professionals, the focus for Family Therapy will be on real-world case examples and discussion. Subjects addressed will include ethics and dynamics within family work and practicing techniques when working with families both in-home and in the office. Several modalities will be discussed and resources will be shared for help with your work with families. Group work/role play and interactive discussion will be utilized throughout the day. If you aim to work with families or already have experience doing so, this course will be a great addition to your professional portfolio and practice toolbox.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will practice techniques for different modalities of family therapy.
2. Participants will identify and discuss ethical challenges when working with families.
3. Participants will gain resources for working with community resources (i.e., state agencies, non-profits, schools, etc.) and families.
4. Participants will recognize and learn tools to confront intergenerational cultural dissonance within a family.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Susan Lee Tohn, MSW, LICSW

Solution-Focused Therapy for Adults, Part 1
(Part 2 to be offered during Summer 2025 Social Work Workshops Series)

Solution-focused work is ideal for these challenging times as the model meets the client's needs in fewer sessions than traditional models and applies to a culturally diverse clientele. Solution Focused Brief Therapy focuses on "change" not "problems" and applies to both the micro and macro levels of working with individuals, families, and groups. Solution Focused Therapy empowers people to create and realize their solutions, and emphasizes strong rapport and active participation by both client and therapist. The training will challenge participants to explore their assumptions and provide them with many hands-on techniques they will be able to incorporate immediately into their work. This Part 1 (of 2 parts) training will include: the miracle question, exceptions, and scaling for an initial session.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain the 13 Solution Focused assumptions.
2. Participants will be able to explain the unique paradigm for “cooperating with clients.”
3. Participants will be able to demonstrate an amplifying exception question.
4. Participants will be able to demonstrate asking the miracle question.
5. Participants will be able to describe the three types of exception questions.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Nicki Roth, LICSW

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that aims to replace ineffective or maladaptive behavior with skillful responses, and helps clients become more comfortable with change. The term “dialectical” means a synthesis or integration of opposites; the primary dialectic within DBT is between the seemingly opposite strategies of acceptance and change. This course provides an orientation and overview of DBT and teaches how to implement skills training into clinical practice. Participants will learn Acceptance-Oriented and Change-Oriented Skills for individual and group therapy, and explore interventions focused on developing Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills. Through case studies, interactive discussions, role-plays, and worksheets, you will take away practical strategies to use immediately with any client, including teens and families.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn to describe the primary dialectic of DBT.
2. Participants will be able to name a treatment function of DBT.
3. Participants will be able to describe the components of a behavioral chain analysis.
4. Participants will name the DBT skills modules and identify their primary functions and corresponding skills.
5. Participants will be able to name commitment strategies to engage clients in treatment and encourage skills usage.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Jennifer Roman-Martin, LICSW

Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is a commonly used term that is not often clearly defined and can lack clear guidance on implementation. This course will explore how to embody the principles and practices of trauma-informed care to actively resist the risk of re-traumatization and promote healing and stabilization. Participants will develop an understanding of ways to enact trauma-responsive social work practice to support varied and individualized paths towards well-being across the lifespan. Throughout, we will explore how to respond to overwhelm and trauma in practice settings, as well as how to be effective advocates for healing-centered practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the current conceptualization of trauma, traumatic stress, and related symptoms within and beyond the DSM-V.
2. Participants will learn trauma-responsive intervention strategies for social work practice, starting from intake and assessment and throughout treatment.
3. Participants will examine the role of the practitioner in the healing system that can be developed with the client.
4. Participants will identify and respond to vicarious traumatization and secondary traumatic stress as it presents in interactions with clients, provider teams, and systems.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructors: Greg Bodine, LICSW, and Matt Mooney, MSW, LICSW

Narrative Therapy for Adults
This course will introduce students to Narrative Therapy’s collaborative, respectful, and socially just ways of understanding people and problems. An examination of the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews will be followed by examples of Narrative Therapy in practice and opportunities for experiential learning. The intention of this course is to offer participants a taste of the politics and ethics that guide Narrative Therapy practices. Participants will learn about approaches that narrative therapists take in working with people who are experiencing problems in their lives and relationships.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn how the ideas, values, and relational ethics of the Narrative Worldview differ from those of a Normative Worldview.
2. Participants will understand the significance of stories and cultural norms in shaping people’s identities and understandings of problems.
3. Participants will become acquainted with the “de-centered but influential” stance of the narrative practitioner.
4. Participants will consider the ways therapists are positioned within the helping contexts, with particular emphasis on how various ways of relating might affect those seeking their help.
5. Participants will have the opportunity to witness and reflect on examples of Narrative Therapy in practice.

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6

Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kimberly Knowles, LMHC, ATR

Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Adults
This course will explore the psychological impact that interpersonal violence has on adults. We will formulate the underlying issues that drive complex trauma symptoms, and discuss trauma assessment, the psychological defense system, and dissociation. We will focus on what life is like after trauma, specifically the impact it has on body, mind, and spirit. Participants will learn about trauma-informed best practices, interventions, and treatment planning. We will honor resilience, survival, and self-preservation. Throughout this course, participants will learn about trauma-informed interventions and understand the importance of viewing symptoms through a trauma lens.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn to recognize trauma-related symptoms.
2. Participants will learn the effects of trauma on the body and mind.
3. Participants will understand the complex survival system.
4. Participants will learn skills to stabilize and treat clients in a trauma-sensitive way.
5. Participants will learn about vicarious trauma exposure, and practice creating a plan of proactive care (including mindfulness, self-compassion, and support).

Register

Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6