Main Track Sessions

MAIN TRACK OFFERING

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

MAIN-A. Beyond Being Nice and Person-Centered: Strategic Use of Motivational Interviewing in SUD Treatment

Presenter: Laurie Conaty, MSW, LCSW, LCAS – Certified MINT Trainer

Description: This training takes learners beyond asking open questions, using decisional balance techniques, being ‘just’ nice and respectful and accepting of ambivalence! While these skills and embracing the Spirit of MI are requisite for practicing MI with fidelity, this training focuses on the ability to identify and very strategically and intentionally use other MI skills that produce change talk or consideration of change from clients. Attendees will come away with an overview of key MI components and skills and be introduced to (or fine tune) the skills and tools needed to be purposeful in their conversational interventions with clients. The most updated information contained in the 2023, Miller and Rollnick book, Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Grow and Change will be the basis of the training. This training is ideal for the learner who has completed an Introduction to MI of 12-16 hours; yet key foundational concepts will be reviewed for the learner who is new to MI!

MAIN-B. Improving SUD/MOUD Outcomes with Veteran-Aligned Programming and Recovery Support

Presenter: Garrett Biss, MRED, CPRC

Description: Veterans face elevated rates of prolonged substance use disorder (SUD), trauma, and suicide—often far exceeding those of their civilian peers. Could this reflect a deeper issue that traditional treatment and support models fail to address the specific psychological and cultural needs of the veteran population?
This intensive session will examine the unique challenges veterans face—including disconnection, identity loss, and existential crisis—and how these factors shape risk for SUD and affect long-term recovery outcomes. Participants will explore evidence-informed and evidence-based practices that support emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and post-traumatic growth specifically tailored to veterans. The training blends personal insight, research, and experiential learning to equip attendees with practical tools to more effectively engage and empower veterans in prevention, treatment, and recovery work. Ideal for clinicians, advocates, peer support specialists, and treatment professionals seeking impactful strategies to support veterans affected by
substance or opioid use.

MAIN-C. The Pharmacology of Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Dr. Merrill Norton Pharm.D.Ph.,CMAC, CCS

Description: This presentation is for healthcare and counseling professionals who work with individuals challenged with a substance use disorder. The workshop will teach the body of knowledge from recent research relevant to the neurobiology of substance use disorders and a review of the latest neurotransmitter and neurohormonal research on the impact of psychoactive chemicals on the brain will be the primary focus of this presentation. An overview of the “anti-reward brain system” and the reason that a substance use disorder causes a detaching effect on human bonding will be included in this seminar. The workshop will cover the basics of pharmacology for counselors in training studying for the certification exam to the latest neuroscience of SUDS and mental health for certified and licensed counselors.

MAIN-D. Clinical Supervision (Session Series)

Session I. People Need People: Foundations of Clinical Supervision of SUD Clinicians

Presenter: Whitney Young, LCAS, CCS

Description: Effective clinical supervision is at the heart of ethical, high-quality care and at the heart of professional growth. Yet supervision is not just about oversight; it’s about connection. People Need People: Foundations of Clinical Supervision explores why supervision as a practice works, emphasizing the power of mentorship, trust, and authentic human connection as the foundation for professional development.

 

Session II. The Active Practice of Clinical Supervision of SUD Clinicians

Presenter: Brandon Robinson, LCAS, LCMHC, CCS

Description: This course is designed for intermediate to advanced level clinical supervisors actively working with practitioners who hold licensure or associate licensure within their state’s substance abuse board, and may possess dual licensure in mental health and substance abuse. This course provides an opportunity for advanced supervisors to practice concepts derived from both the Developmental Model and Psychodynamic Model of supervision. Other topics are relevant from my 20 years of field experience and from David Powell’s, Clinical Supervision in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling (2004).

 

Session III. Effective Clinical Supervision: Intentionally Utilizing Supervision-Specific Approaches, Models and Interventions for the SUD Clinician

Presenter: Jessica Holton, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Description: It has been stated that clinicians will repeat the mistakes of their supervisors. Clinical supervision sessions must include effective and intentional guidance and training to associate practitioners. This presentation will offer examples of clinical supervision approaches, models and interventions. Participants will discover and discuss their experiences and develop clinical supervision approaches, models and interventions to assist in ensuring that newer clinicians will repeat the desirable actions of their supervisors.

MAIN-E. TBD

Presenter: TBD

Description: [COMING SOON]