WEDNESDAY – JULY 30, 2025

6pm – 8:15pm Sessions (with 15 min break)

The No Nonsense and Life-Transforming Cognitive Behavioral and Emotional Approach of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis
(2 contact hours)
ROOM: Salon Room 1
CAPACITY: 85

This is a unique, highly energized, interactive workshop packed with useful information on powerful ways to work with clients. Dr. Joffe Ellis will discuss the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) model in detail to include an exploration into powerful REBT tools and techniques as well as live demonstrations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to work with Dr. Ellis in a small workshop type setting!

A Two-Part Diversity Workshop

Jenna B. Teves, Ph.D.; Jerez Mitchell, Ph.D.; Karen Perry, Ph.D.; Omega Roberson
(2 contact hours)
ROOM: Salon Room 1
CAPACITY: 75

PART 1: “DO YOU SEE ME?”: HONORING CLIENT RACE AND CULTURE IN CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

In the first part of this program, the speakers discuss the importance of therapist self-awareness of who you are (in terms of culture, race, and social position) as a therapist, and with a willingness to name your privilege in the room and to be explicitly collaborative (i.e., therapist as expert in assessment/intervention; client as expert in their own experience). The presenters argue that effective assessment with diverse clients involves asking informed questions to open the door to discussion of race- or culture-related experiences, including those related to intersecting marginalized identities. We identify common barriers to inviting conversations about race and culture. We also address how different diagnoses may show up differently in different cultural groups (e.g., Black women who have internalized the Strong Black Woman schema may appear less anxious or depressed behaviorally but still be at risk for higher levels of depression and anxiety (Liao, Wei & Yin, 2019); East Asian and South Asian individuals may appear less symptomatic for anxiety disorders than they actually are, given culturally specific coping styles (Asnaani et al, 2024). The speakers will also discuss how a therapist’s self identity process can impact their multicultural competencies.

PART 2: “CAN YOU ACTUALLY HELP ME?”: HONORING CLIENT RACE AND CULTURE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

The second part of this program provides an overview of principles and strategies for addressing race and culture in therapeutic interactions, in a way that is mindful of one’s own identity and cultural learnings and values (Hook, 2017; Moon & Sandage, 2019). The primary focus of this interactive, experiential portion of the program is to offer hands on practice of utilizing strategies for engaging identity/race/culture in a safe and non-judgmental learning environment. Role plays and interactive exercises are used to aid learners in engaging with challenging inter-cultural interactions, such as when a client questions whether the therapist can be helpful, whether the therapist can understand them, or asks to know more about the therapist’s identity.

Ethics of Somatic Integration in Clinical and Therapeutic Settings (2 Ethics Hours Awarded!)

Unique Stress Management Interventions and the Ethical Considerations for Implementation

LCDR Brian F. Reiner, Psy.D. & Neil Tucker, M.Ed., EMT
(2 contact hours)
ROOM: Salon Room 2
CAPACITY: 40

This special program will share valuable stress management tools and techniques you may apply in your practice to include Qigong for clients and a 5 Step Protocol model.  Dr. Reiner and Mr. Tucker will also introduce the terms and concepts that help frame and develop ethics in therapeutic mind integration approaches, including working in a Trauma Informed Space. Somatic Integration can be the pinnacle of skills and personal development along a professional career path; this process needs protocols and practices to be successful. And for those who struggle with Trauma, Pain and Addiction issues, this body mind integration becomes essential work in recovery wellness. When and how do Providers apply these methods and introduce these concepts into sessions, or group settings. The course will help participants define the Ethical boundaries on holistic and integrative arts that are well known for their healing properties and introduce attendees to specific practices.

The program will be exploring and utilizing the historical arts of Qigong, Tai Chi for their know benefits of stress management and mindfulness work. Knowing when, and how to utilize these practices in real time and over the span of time becomes the work. We will reflect on strategies using a Harm Reduction philosophy and build an ethical framework with some of these tools. In addition, the program will utilize methods of practice anchored in a 5 Step Protocol. This method is a learning tool for participants to integrate these practices immediately. The 5 Step Protocol is used to demystify the esoteric side of body mind processing (aka Somatic Skill). With this protocol a more refined scope of practice becomes natural. In addition, these steps help with grounding, distress tolerance, trauma healing, building boundaries, and energy management. This course will provide the framework to integrate ethically and professionally the concepts and practices of Integrative Healthcare and Innovative Stress Management into daily practice.

You will earn 2 CE/CME ethics credits for this program!