The Invitation to Change

Tools for Helping Substance Users and Their Families
(A Two-Part Workshop)
Jeff Foote, Ph.D. & Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D.
(1 contact hour)
ROOM: Salon Room 1
CAPACITY: 85

There are several formal, evidence-based treatment approaches offering families a way to help facilitate change in their substance using loved ones. Unfortunately, dissemination and utilization of these approaches is quite low, with most mental health providers as well as families
unaware of such tools for eliciting change.

One of the major barriers to adoption of these evidence-based ideas is the culture of shame and stigma that surrounds substance use. The Invitation to Change approach (ITC) is a non-judgmental behavioral and motivational model for inviting change that helps providers and
families develop a new perspective on these struggles, one that is inviting, respectful and collaborative. Drawing heavily from elements of CRAFT, MI and ACT, the ITC helps helpers understand this struggle in a new, more compassionate light, include awareness of themselves as helpers in the change process, and provides common sense action tools related to communication and positive reinforcement.

Workshop participants will be exposed to experiential exercises and videos that demonstrate the impact of the ITC. Resources and materials will be provided to facilitate the use of this approach in clinical practice as well as in the context of our own families.

Join us in learning how science and kindness can help people change.

Objectives

• To gain an understanding of the impact of stigma in the struggle by individuals, families and their providers in dealing with substance use issues, and how this is a significant barrier to effective helping.
• To gain a better understanding of the four evidence-based components of The Invitation to Change Approach: Helping with Understanding; Helping with Awareness; Helping with Action; Practice Practice Practice.
• To experience and understand the impact of perspective shifting on both help seekers and help givers in struggling with substance use issues.

 

Bringing Embodied Practices Into The Therapeutic Space

(A Two-Part Workshop)
Jenn Turner, LMHC, RYT
(1 contact hour)
ROOM: Salon Room 2
CAPACITY: 40

This workshop aims to discuss embodied healing as integrative and complementary approaches that bring the body into treatment to address longstanding, complex traumas. The evidence-based embodied healing approach of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) will be explored, with opportunities for participants to learn about the practice with guided movement as well as lecture-style discussion.

Complex, relational trauma requires attention to a mind-spirit-body and whole-person connection. Traditional talk therapy tends to focus on thoughts and behaviors without utilizing the intuitive wisdom and healing capacity that lives in the body.

In this workshop participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on our interoceptive capacity, nervous system and sensory memory. Techniques that can be brought into traditional therapeutic settings will be shared throughout this workshop.

Objectives

• Participants will learn about the impacts complex trauma has on the brain and body.
• Participants will gain tools that lead the client to utilize empowerment and agency to tap into the wisdom of their own body.
• Participants will be guided through yoga shapes and postures, learning core components of embodiment they can bring into their work.

 

Ethics, Social Media, and Technology

Part 1
Barbara Melton, M.Ed., LPC, LPCS, LAC, LACS, NCC/MAC, CS
(1 contact hour – Earn Ethics Hours!)
ROOM: Gallery Lobby
CAPACITY: 90

Mental Health technology has the capacity to greatly improve the lives of our clients, but also can raise ethical concerns, including privacy, data security, and complacency or dependence on using devices rather than appear in person for services. Some services using AI technology can be used as a substitute for human interaction and empathy. In this workshop, we will discuss limitations of technology and how to use it as a tool to enhance rather than replace human connection and support. We will also cover the effects of social media on children and adults.

Objectives
Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to:

• Understand concerns regarding privacy and data security when using technology (including use of cell phones)
• Discuss Types of Social Media
• Examine effects on Social Media on Physical and Mental Health
• Provide a comprehensive Telementalhealth Consent form which outlines benefits and limitations of these services
• Discuss social media challenges
• Look at various Apps to use with Clients

 

7:15pm – 8:15pm Sessions

The Invitation to Change

Tools for Helping Substance Users and Their Families
(A Two-Part Workshop)
Jeff Foote, Ph.D. & Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D.
(1 contact hour)
ROOM: Salon Room 1
CAPACITY: 85

There are several formal, evidence-based treatment approaches offering families a way to help facilitate change in their substance using loved ones. Unfortunately, dissemination and utilization of these approaches is quite low, with most mental health providers as well as families
unaware of such tools for eliciting change.

One of the major barriers to adoption of these evidence-based ideas is the culture of shame and stigma that surrounds substance use. The Invitation to Change approach (ITC) is a non-judgmental behavioral and motivational model for inviting change that helps providers and
families develop a new perspective on these struggles, one that is inviting, respectful and collaborative. Drawing heavily from elements of CRAFT, MI and ACT, the ITC helps helpers understand this struggle in a new, more compassionate light, include awareness of themselves as helpers in the change process, and provides common sense action tools related to communication and positive reinforcement.

Workshop participants will be exposed to experiential exercises and videos that demonstrate the impact of the ITC. Resources and materials will be provided to facilitate the use of this approach in clinical practice as well as in the context of our own families.

Join us in learning how science and kindness can help people change.

Objectives

• To experience and understand the impact of perspective shifting on both help seekers and help givers in struggling with substance use issues.
• To experience and understand the impact of shame and its opposite, self-compassion, in effective help-giving.
• Learn strategies and skills that family members can implement when assisting a loved one with a substance use problem.

Bringing Embodied Practices Into The Therapeutic Space

(A Two-Part Workshop)
Jenn Turner, LMHC, RYT
(1 contact hour)
ROOM: Salon Room 2
CAPACITY: 40

This workshop aims to discuss embodied healing as integrative and complementary approaches that bring the body into treatment to address longstanding, complex traumas. The evidence-based embodied healing approach of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) will be explored, with opportunities for participants to learn about the practice with guided movement as well as lecture-style discussion.

Complex, relational trauma requires attention to a mind-spirit-body and whole-person connection. Traditional talk therapy tends to focus on thoughts and behaviors without utilizing the intuitive wisdom and healing capacity that lives in the body.

In this workshop participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on our interoceptive capacity, nervous system and sensory memory. Techniques that can be brought into traditional therapeutic settings will be shared throughout this workshop.

Objectives

• Participants will learn about the impacts complex trauma has on the brain and body.
• Participants will gain tools that lead the client to utilize empowerment and agency to tap into the wisdom of their own body.
• Participants will be guided through yoga shapes and postures, learning core components of embodiment they can bring into their work.

Ethics, Social Media, and Technology

Part 2
Barbara Melton, M.Ed., LPC, LPCS, LAC, LACS, NCC/MAC, CS
(1 contact hour – Earn Ethics Hours!)
ROOM: Gallery Lobby
CAPACITY: 90

Mental Health technology has the capacity to greatly improve the lives of our clients, but also can raise ethical concerns, including privacy, data security, and complacency or dependence on using devices rather than appear in person for services. Some services using AI technology can be used as a substitute for human interaction and empathy. In this workshop, we will discuss limitations of technology and how to use it as a tool to enhance rather than replace human connection and support. We will also cover the effects of social media on children and adults.

Objectives
Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to:

• Understand concerns regarding privacy and data security when using technology (including use of cell phones)
• Discuss Types of Social Media
• Examine effects on Social Media on Physical and Mental Health
• Provide a comprehensive Telementalhealth Consent form which outlines benefits and limitations of these services
• Discuss social media challenges
• Look at various Apps to use with Clients