Plenary Sessions

NO PARTIAL CREDIT

* * * THERE IS NO PARTIAL CREDIT * * * 
You MUST attend sessions in their entirety. Certificates will be emailed AFTER Mid-March.

OPENING PLENARY-A: Brief Introduction to Affectional / Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Presenter: Ed Johnson, M.Ed., LPC, LAC/S, MAC, CCS, CPRS

Description: The concepts of Affectional / Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity are very much continuing to evolve. Unless clinicians work solely with LGBTQ+ clients it is challenging to stay abreast of this continuously evolving body of knowledge. This session will attempt to help clinicians understand the basic differences between Gender Identity and Affectional /Sexual Orientation, sexual identity and sexual behavior, transgender and nonbinary identity and bisexuality.

PLENARY-B: Cultural Humility: Our Ethical Imperative

Presenter: Kathy FitzJefferies, LCSW LCAS CCS

Description: Description: NCAPPB Ethical Principals indicate that Addiction Professionals shall not discriminate against clients or other professionals and that we shall respect cultural and ethical values of our clients. NAADAC Code of Ethics more specifically outlines our responsibility to address the three principals of Cultural Humility: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Systemic. This presentation will closely examine how each of these interconnected principles are put into action and align with our ethical standards. We will identify barriers that impede Addiction Professionals from fully embracing each of the principals of Cultural Humility, as well as focus on how fully engaging in Cultural Humility practices benefits our clients, our treatment facilities, and communities.

Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to identify at least one strategy to strengthen their practice of Cultural Humility within the Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Systemic Principals.
  • Participants will be able to identify at least two barriers that impede effective implementation of the Cultural Humility principles.
  • Participants will be able to identify at least at least two benefits to fully engaging in Cultural Humility practices.

PLENARY-C: 2024 NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board Update

Presenter: Barden Culbreth

Description: Staff from the Addictions Practice Board will present updates from the state’s regulatory board for addictions counselors. This presentation will include new and current legal and ethical requirements, changes to policies and procedures, and provide walkthroughs to the Board’s website and web resources.

PLENARY-D: Protect the Health of Young People: Taking Action Now to Reduce the Use of E-cigarettes and Other Vaping Products

Presenter: Ronda S. Doward, MHA; and Jim Martin, MS

Description: Considerable progress has been made in reducing cigarette smoking among our youth. However, the tobacco product landscape has evolved and the use of e-cigarettes has significantly increased over the past decade. E-cigarettes are designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other additives to the user via an inhaled aerosol. Vaping products can also be used to deliver other drugs, including marijuana and intoxicating hemp products. The session will provide an overview of how NC is effectively using Juul Settlement funds, share information on the federal Synar requirements and an effective Tobacco 21 policy. NC must take action now to implement evidence-based policies and programs to protect our children from these highly addictive and potent products that risk exposing a new generation of young people to nicotine and other substances.

PLENARY-E: Substance Use and Gambling Disorders: Utilizing a Trauma-Informed Lens and a Resiliency-Focused Mindset

Presenter: Pamela Morrison, LPA, LCAS, CCS; and Alison Wood-Drain

Description:  Starting with a brief history on the understanding of the substance using person from a Trauma Informed Approach, this session will highlight the power of a resiliency-focused mindset in treatment and recovery of substance use and gambling disorders.

 

PLENARY-F: Protect Your Peace: “Understanding the Effects of Compassion Fatigue”

Presenter: Dr. Kendra Davis, DMin

Description: If this is you before work, however by the end of shift there are some noticeable differences in yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally you might be dealing with compassion fatigue. “Compassion Fatigue is the natural, predictable, treatable, and preventable unwanted consequence of working with suffering people” (Figley, 2000, p. 124 of Treating Compassion Fatigue). 

Things can happen in the course of a day that can disrupt your peace and drain your energy to the point that you experience signs & symptoms that mimic other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- easily frustrated, irritable, annoyed, feelings of depression-difficulty maintaining hope, feeling over alert, restless, feeling ineffective, negative, and inadequate just to name a few. Compassion fatigue may occur when we absorb the issues the offenders, their families or staff bring to us. Such problem has a way of weighing on us and can begin to exhaust our ability to work effectively. As human service professionals we often are so busy taking care of others that we fail to recognize the warning signs that we need to take time to HEAL thyself. The wounded healer phenomenon has been noted throughout the history of professional helpers, such as those working in corrections, counseling, and psychology etc. This traditional Native American teachings suggest each time you “heal someone” (work with suffering people) you give away a piece of yourself until at some point you require healing. In closing, serving the citizens of NC comes with the understanding that there is a cost. Make a decision to establish and maintain emotional boundaries to preserve your energy and then use it wisely. Be mindful of who and what you allow to occupy space in you life rent free. Make a decision to staying in PEACE, rather than pieces! Your peace is the key to longevity in the human services field and is essential to your recovery from compassion fatigue.

YOUR PEACE IS PRICELESS, PROTECT IT!