Main Track Sessions

MAIN TRACK OFFERING

* * * THERE IS NO PARTIAL CREDIT * * * 
You MUST attend sessions in their entirety.
Certificates will be emailed approx. 3 weeks after the School.

MAIN-A. Substance Use Disorders 101: A Practical Understanding, Approach and Treatment for SUD

Presenter: Stephanie K. Morell, MS, LCAS, CRC, PVE, CDESI, CCHT

Description: This introductory course is an overview of Substance Use Disorders. The focus will be a practical approach to understanding the multifaceted origins and treatment approaches for SUD. This training will explore a wide range of topics including:

  • Why individuals use substances / Historical & cultural review
  • Development of substance abuse issues and addiction
    • Risk factors and Resiliency factors
  • The progressive nature of substance use disorders
  • Models of addiction
  • How substances affect the brain and body chemistry
  • How genetics play a role in SUD
  • Review of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders
  • Naloxone Access Laws, and a live demonstration on how to administer Narcan
  • Substance-specific information
  • Social media’s role with SUD
  • Substance abuse and self-harm/suicide
  • Substance abuse and Trauma
  • Adolescents and substance abuse issues
  • Women and substance abuse issues
  • Current trends with substance abuse
  • Current legal issues with substance abuse
  • Evidence-based treatment options and strategies
    • Bio-psycho-social-spiritual (Holistic) model
    • The role of Psychiatry and medications in SUD treatment
  • Stages of Change and Motivational Interviewing
  • Sobriety vs. Recovery
    • How to increase rates of success by developing stronger support networks
  • Ethical and Multicultural Considerations with SUD clients
  • Self-care and burnout prevention for the SUD counselor
  • Naloxone Access Laws, and a live demonstration on how to administer Narcan

MAIN-B. Fundamentals, Techniques, and Special Issues in Clinical Supervision

Presenter: W. Leigh Atherton, PhD, LCMHCS, LCAS, CRC, CCS

Description: The role of a clinical supervisor is unique and exciting; though at times can become a daunting task. Increasingly, clinicians are being charged with the task of extending their roles to include clinical supervision, mentorship, and peer-peer consultation. The purpose of this workshop is to break down the fundamentals of clinical supervision; from theoretical models, to the practice of clinical supervision, and the evaluative processes of clinical supervision. Participants will also explore special issues (e.g., tele-supervision) and peer consultation/supervision techniques.

Objectives:

  1. Discuss the various theoretical models of Clinical Supervision
  2. Examine strategies included in the set-up and contracting stage of supervision
  3. Develop supervisory skills for individual and Clinical Supervision
  4. Practice evaluation skills for Clinical Supervision
  5. Explore special topics in Clinical Supervision (e.g., tele-supervision)
  6. Develop skills for conducting and participating in peer Clinical Supervision

MAIN-C. Evidence-Based Practices for Latinos with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

Presenter: Joseph Rengifo, MA, LPC, LCAS, CAMS-II, CCSI

Description: Research suggests that Latinos are less likely than Caucasian to seek and remain engaged in treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). Latinos have poorer SUD treatment outcomes than other ethnic groups and service utilization may be linked to language, legal, and gender-based factors. But there is hope. This main track offers key similarities and differences in attitudes, cultural beliefs, attitudes and rituals commonly seen among Latinos with substance use disorders (SUDs) that may influence their substance using patterns and response to treatment. It also highlights evidence-based practices and indicators of effective treatment of substance use disorder in Latins.

MAIN-D. Legal Marijuana: Continued Problems and Increasing Challenges

Presenter: Darryl S. Inaba, PharmD., CATC-V, CADC III

Description: All but 2 states have now legalized marijuana medically or recreationally. Use of cannabis in recreational use states has increased 25% in adolescents, adults and even in those who are already suffering with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Potency of licit and illicit botanical marijuana, vaping of extracts, and forms of synthetic marijuana continue to increase. Marijuana research has also expanded along with legalization. This has exposed more medical, mental health and addiction challenges to be faced by treatment providers. Brain modifications associated with schizophrenia, psychosis, drop in IQ, memory problems, anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, hyperemesis syndrome, heart attacks, and even testicular cancer have been reported.

This presentation will evaluate marijuana as an addictive substance like other addictive drugs of abuse. Its impact on health, mental health, pregnancy and addiction liability will be presented from “lessons learned” from states that have legalized its recreational usage. The botany, chemistry, pharmacology, impact on the adolescent brain and especially the 8-9% of users who develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) will be explored. Current treatments of CUD will also be reviewed.

(Sponsored by: Dominion Diagnostics)

MAIN-E. Dying to Connect: Addiction as An Attachment Disorder

Presenter: Ellen E. Elliott, LCAS, LPC, CCS, CSAT, PhD

Description: Addictions counseling has changed drastically over the years as the field has widened to include a merging of theoretical concepts.  As the addictions field makes room for a greater, deeper understanding of the addictive phenomenon, continued education changes the way we treat both chemical and behavioral addictions.  Understanding the role attachment plays in addictive disorders and the healing power of connection is crucial to the ongoing progress of the ever-evolving addictions field.  The speaker will present the concept of how healing attachment deficits through the development of intimate connections creates a path toward more fulfilling lives and healthier relationships.

Objectives:

  • define and describe the various attachment styles
  • discuss the connection between attachment and addictive behavior
  • identify treatment methods that support the development of a more secure attachment style.

(Sponsored by: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center)

MAIN-F. Diversity and Family Therapy

Presenter: Tab Ballis, LCSW, LCAS, CCS; Richard J. Martin Ed.D., LCAS, CCS; Susan Mattox, LCAS, LCMHC, CCS, CRC

Description: John T. Edwards, the systems theorist and trainer who introduced family work to generations of clinicians, once wrote, “In one sense, every family has its own culture.”

Join us as we consider tools and techniques of family systems work, with a focus on respectfully engaging the diverse cultures that clinicians regularly encounter in varied practice settings. 

Topics covered include:

  • Approaching Diversity
  • Acculturation Strategies
  • Family Constellations
  • Family Strategies
  • Dynamic Diversity 

(Sponsored by: The John T. Edwards Foundation)

MAIN-G. Mastering the Craft of Prevention: Evaluation & Planning, Sustainability, and Environmental Change

Presenters: Raylette Pickett-Johnson, COO; Tracy Johnson, MSW; and Kristin Kidd, MA

Description: Designed for anti-drug coalition leaders, community leaders, drug prevention personnel, treatment and recovery professionals, education professionals, or those who want to launch a community anti-drug coalition in their environment; this 3-day track will feature some didactic instruction and many small group skill-building exercises. We will focus on specific tasks and soft skills connected to the IC&RC Prevention Performance Domains 1 and 5. Domain 1, Planning & Evaluation, includes tasks such as determining community readiness, identifying existing and needed resources, specifying a target audience, and developing a plan with strategies, and evaluation. Day 2 will focus on sustaining your efforts. Day 3 will explore Domain 5, Public Policy and Environmental Change. We will explore tasks to promote and develop strategies and collaborations to promote and advocate for and implement policy changes in an easy-to-follow 10-step process.

(Sponsored by:  Southeast Prevention Technology Transfer Center)

MAIN-H. Criminogenic Risk Assessment: Core Principles and Considerations in Working With Young Adults

Presenter: Mollie Brown, MSW

Description: This training presents a comprehensive overview of current best practices in risk assessment within corrections. A look at the history of criminal risk assessment will provide context for discussion of the risk, need and responsivity (RNR) model. The training will explore this contemporary model and how it can inform intervention in various correctional settings. Discussion will include consideration of population-specific features for young adults and substance-using individuals in the criminal justice system.

Objectives:

  • Verbalize a brief history of theory regarding criminal behavior, risk, and rehabilitation
  • Articulate the risk, need, responsivity (RNR) model and fidelity
  • Identify the eight criminogenic needs
  • Describe two principles of effective evidence-based intervention
  • Outline how risk assessment is used throughout the criminal justice system and adjacent systems
  • Express considerations for risk assessment with young adults and substance-using individuals

(Sponsored by: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center)

MAIN-I. Modified Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy For Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., MAH, LACS, CCS, CGP

Description: Modified Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy is a proven approach to providing a non-shaming, supportive group experience for patients with substance use disorders. This workshop is designed for the clinician with some group experience and will be anchored in the work of Phil Flores, Irwin Yalom, and Heinz Kohut. It will combine an experiential group process experience with didactic discussion of the Modified Interpersonal Group Model (MIGP). Participants will examine the important domains that lead to effective group facilitation: beginning group; passing the baton; working in the “here and now;” facilitating group through member-to-member, member-to-group, and group as a whole interventions; and closing group. In addition, workshop participants will be introduced to the biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, experiential model (BPSSEM) of addiction which provides the theoretical underpinning not only for Modified Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy but also for other clinical approaches to the treatment of substance use disorders.

Objectives:

  • Review the biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, experiential definition of addictive disease.
  • Discuss how a process sensitive group approach helps patients begin to heal from the isolation of addictive disease.
  • Examine how to help the work of the group move from the “then and there” to the “here and now.”
  • Discuss how the structure of MIGP supports recovery through member-to-member, member-to-group, group as a whole intervention.

Registration is limited to 25 clinicians with group experience.

(Sponsored by: Fellowship Hall)

MAIN-J. Beyond Equity and Inclusion: Growing as LGBTQIA+ Affirming Providers

Presenter: Kori Hennessey, BA

Description: As the worldviews of sexual and gender identity progress, more people, especially young people, are coming out of the closet. The need for culturally sensitive and affirming providers continues to grow at an exponential rate. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws being introduced throughout the United States, now is the time to increase your knowledge and skills to better support these communities. This main track session will include statistics and research on the current state of the community as well as outline where the needs are. You will learn the terminology, differences between the various parts of a person’s identity with an emphasis on gender identity and the transgender population, the importance of affirming language, pronouns and why they matter, and more. We will examine the intersections of identity, substance use and mental health and discuss how to recognize implicit bias. Interactive lessons and engaged discussions will be had all while exploring how empathy and awareness can take you far.