Winter Virtual Conference!

January 14 – 15, 2025
2 Days, 18 CE Credits!

Join us for our

Winter Virtual Conference!

This Conference will take place completely online.
This 2 Day Program is jam-packed with training and will
provide you with up to 18 Live Interactive CE Credits
The full conference includes 6 Hours of Ethics trainings,
cultural competence, Trauma training, and lots more!

You can attend the full conference or select specific classes to
attend.

Winter Conference Schedule 2025

Day 1, January 14, 2025

10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST

Select one of the following classes

Class A

Spirituality and Clinical Interventions: Ethical Considerations (3 CE Credits - Ethics)

Spirituality is a globally acknowledged concept which involves a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. It reflects how individuals seek to fulfill their life's purpose, search for meaning, and cultivate a sense of connectedness to the universe and others. Research strongly indicates that spirituality provides many clients with a valuable framework for coping with life's challenges in meaningful ways.

Clinicians have increasingly recognized the importance of spirituality and religion within the therapeutic relationship, striving to integrate these elements while upholding ethical principles. By fostering open, respectful dialogue, we can navigate these sometimes challenging dynamics and support clients in ways that honor their spiritual beliefs and enhance their overall well-being.

 (Tonya Logan, LCSW-C, LICSW, Founder and CEO of Kayla’s Village, has over 30 years of clinical experience in conflict resolution and trauma care. She has worked extensively in D.C. and Maryland, helping families achieve permanency through reunification, adoption, or independent living, and leading programs to stabilize at-risk families. A certified grief recovery specialist, Ms. Logan has facilitated grief groups for homicide survivors and served as a supervisory social worker for students with learning and emotional challenges. She now offers virtual counseling for individuals and couples.)

Class B

Differentiating Trauma Modalities: A Comprehensive Exploration of Cognitive vs. Somatic Therapies, Neuroscience, and an Introduction to ART (3 CE Credits - Trauma)

This new training offers a comprehensive exploration of trauma therapy modalities, highlighting the key distinctions between cognitive and somatic approaches. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these distinct modalities engage different neurological processes to address trauma. Cognitive therapies, such as CBT, focus on reframing thoughts, while somatic approaches, like Somatic Experiencing, target trauma stored in the body. Through the lens of neuroscience, this session will provide participants with insights into the underlying mechanisms of these therapies and their differing impacts on trauma recovery. 

Additionally, this presentation will introduce foundational concepts related to Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), including the role of memory reconsolidation and bilateral eye movements in trauma treatment. While attendees will not be trained to use these modalities, they will leave with a deeper understanding of how these techniques work to support trauma processing and healing

(Trainer, Marsha Mandel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Newburgh, NY. She has over 14 years of experience, providing neurodiversity-affirming care and specializing in trauma and anxiety. A certified Master ART clinician and national trainer, she also holds certifications in Rational Living Therapy and as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP-II). She has presented at conferences for the New York Mental Health Counselors Association, National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists, and Alliance for Rights and Recovery, formerly the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) on topics including trauma, ART and CBT.

1:45 pm – 4:45 pm EST

Select one of the following classes 

Class A

Digital Lives: The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Development and Mental Health (3 CE Credits)

Social media plays an increasingly influential role in the lives of adolescents, shaping their social interactions, self-identity, and mental health. This training explores the complexities of adolescent development in the digital age, with a focus on how social media impacts the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of young people. Participants will gain insight into the neuroscience of adolescence, understanding how social media platforms capitalize on brain vulnerabilities to maximize engagement. 

In addition to examining the mental health risks associated with social media, such as anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying, this training will highlight the potential benefits, including social connection and creative expression. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical strategies, participants will learn to identify harmful patterns of social media use and foster healthy digital habits among adolescents. This session will deepen your understanding of the digital landscape and equip you to help adolescents navigate social media responsibly. 

(Trainer, Janelle Martinez, LCSW-C, LICSW, is the Founder and CEO of Guided Growth Professionals, LLC and is an expert in services and programs geared toward children, adolescents, and families. Janelle has over fifteen years of experience working with individuals and families dealing with trauma, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, homelessness, teen parenting, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, attachment issues, and sex trafficking. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults involved in public systems as well as the criminal justice system and has been dedicated to improving their overall well-being through advocacy and support. 

Janelle is the Deputy Executive Director at The National Center for Children and Families, overseeing 24 programs that provide services to vulnerable children and adults in DC and Maryland. She also serves as the Administrator for The Black Physicians and Healthcare Network which promotes integrated wellness in the Black communities of Montgomery County, MD.

Class B

Trauma Begins in the DNA (3 CE Credits)

Explore the profound ways trauma is inherited through both genetic coding and environmental influences. This session examines how historical and cultural traumas have shaped entire populations, with their effects rippling through generations. Participants will gain insights into how societal biases, media narratives, and collective histories perpetuate cycles of trauma within and between communities, often fueling misunderstanding and division.

Through engaging discussions and real-world vignettes, the class will uncover the mechanisms of inherited trauma, the interplay between individual and collective experiences, and the role of belief systems in shaping identity and self-esteem. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how implicit bias impacts healing and will be equipped to foster acceptance and empathy in addressing generational and population-level traumas.

(Trainer, Tzipora Frager, LCSW-C, has been a Social Worker and facilitator of groups and continuing education classes for over 25 years. Ms. Frager's experience includes case management, various therapies, and supervising staff. She worked as the Statewide Director of Reentry (Maryland) for Centurion Health Care. She has also worked in the Johns Hopkins Out Patient Clinic as a Health Behavioral Specialist. Mrs. Frager specializes in helping fellow professionals master using the DSM 5-TR Manual.) 

Evening Sessions 

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Class A

Trauma CPR (3 CE Credits) 

Recovery from experiences ranging from minor injuries to severe trauma—such as interpersonal conflict, sexual violence, war, or other acts of violence—follows similar psychological processes. The mind and body must "organize" these events and achieve a kind of "reset" to prevent them from draining mental and emotional resources. Trauma often operates like a device overloaded with apps, perpetually sapping energy and impairing essential functioning.

The presenter in his dissertation and extensive work with veterans, survivors of rape, and even criminal perpetrators, has integrated evidence-based tools from CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, gratitude, forgiveness, and other clinical frameworks. His approach equips clinicians with actionable strategies to address trauma efficiently—whether in a single 90-minute inpatient session or over the course of outpatient therapy. By rapidly addressing trauma symptoms, these methods pave the way for clients to focus on rebuilding their lives and overcoming entrenched patterns of depression and anxiety, leading to profound and lasting transformation.

(Dr. Fernando Alessandri earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Mississippi in 2016. His training included an internship at the VA Medical Center in Honolulu and a postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Medical Center in San Diego. Dr. Alessandri has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including in community mental health, a maximum-security prison in California, a forensic hospital in New York. He provide psychotherapy for employees of Apple, Facebook (Meta) and Dell.) 

Class B 

Coupling AND UNcoupling:  What Clinicians need to know about Divorce (3 CE Credits)

This innovative training takes the Psychobiologic Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) into new territory by exploring how its principles can be applied not just to fostering healthier relationships, but also to guiding couples through the process of separation and divorce. While PACT traditionally aims to achieve “secure functioning” in relationships, this course offers therapists a framework for helping couples maintain these principles even as they uncouple.

The course integrates Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) to illuminate the natural tensions and contradictions present in all relationships, such as autonomy vs. connection, openness vs. closeness, and predictability vs. novelty. Participants will gain theoretical insights and practical tools for bridging therapy and divorce mediation, equipping them to help couples navigate the complexities of uncoupling while fostering emotional health and secure functioning.

(Trainer, Joy Dryer, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, Psychoanalyst and a Divorce Mediator. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and maintains a private practice in NYC and New Paltz New York. As a retired Adjunct Associate Professor in NYU’s Master Psychology program, she continues to teach and to supervise. Dr. Joy specializes in couples therapy using PACT, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy. She integrates PACT’s powerful principles in her divorce mediation work where she often focuses on helping couples decide whether to stay, or to separate.)

Day 2, January 15, 2025

10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST

Select one of the following classes

Class A 

Social Work Ethics and the Law (3 CE Credits - Ethics) 

This workshop explores the critical role of values, ethics, and the law in guiding professional behavior. Participants will delve into the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (revised 2021), gaining a deeper understanding of professional, legal, and ethical standards and their application to competent social work practice. The session also addresses instances where legal and professional standards may conflict, providing strategies for resolution.

Through this workshop, participants will enhance their self-awareness of how personal values intersect with professional behavior. Engaging with real-world ethical dilemmas, attendees will learn to apply a structured decision-making model, equipping them to navigate complex ethical challenges with confidence and clarity.

(Trainer, Dr. Shirley Newton-Guest, LICSW, LCSW-C, is the Director and Co-founder of New Perspective Transcultural Therapeutic and Training Consultants, LLC. Before establishing this organization, she developed and provided leadership to private and non-profit comprehensive community-based mental health facilities. She served as a full-time social work professor for 25 years.)

Class B

Prescriptions Without Pills: For Relief from Depression, Anger, Anxiety and More (3 CE Credits)  

Nearly all psychotherapy clients experience some combination of depression, anger, and anxiety. This webinar introduces an innovative framework for understanding the root causes of these emotional states and strategies for resolving them. Dr. Heitler’s “Bump Theory,” illustrated with her “Hand Map,” provides a clear and practical model for identifying the sources of these emotions and guiding clients back to a state of well-being.

In addition to learning the theory and techniques, participants will have the opportunity to practice these methods during the session. By the end of the webinar, attendees will feel confident in applying these strategies immediately in their clinical work.

 (Trainer. Susan Heitler, PhD is a renowned clinical psychologist and author of several books including Prescriptions Without Pills: For Relief from Depression, Anger, Anxiety, and More and The Power of Two: Secrets to a Strong and Loving Marriage. Her innovative therapeutic approaches have gained widespread recognition, with over 100,000 copies of her books sold, nearly 2 million views of her TEDx talk, and more than 26 million readers of her Psychology Today blog posts.  A graduate of Harvard University with a doctorate from NYU, Dr. Heitler currently focuses on therapy techniques that enhance effectiveness and efficiency while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Her work emphasizes minimizing potential harm (maleficence) and maximizing therapeutic benefits (beneficence). Currently based in Raanana, Israel, Dr. Heitler continues to practice and develop cutting-edge techniques in psychotherapy, particularly in relationship dynamics and marital therapy. In 2016, she delivered the keynote address at the inaugural meeting of the Pan-Arab Psychological Association in Beirut, presenting a talk titled "Conflict Resolution: My Way, No MY Way.")

1:45 pm – 4:45 pm 

Select one of the following classes 

Class A 

Religious Trauma and Black Families: Considerations for Mental Health Providers (3 CE Credits – Cultural Competence/Trauma)

Explore the complex interplay between religious trauma and Black families within the context of mental health. Through a comprehensive examination of religious trauma, participants will gain a deeper understanding of its definition, contributing factors, and unique manifestations within Black communities. Special attention will be given to the intersectionality of religion and culture, illuminating the ways in which religious trauma impacts cultural identities and beliefs within Black families. This new class will equip mental health clinicians with culturally competent assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations for effectively addressing religious trauma in their clinical practice. Participants will be equipped with practical tools and insights to enhance their clinical practice and better support the mental health needs of Black individuals and families impacted by religious trauma.

 (Trainer, Dr. Alisha Powell, LCSW-C is a therapist and educator with extensive experience in the mental health field. She is the founder of Amethyst Counseling and Consulting. Dr. Powell earned her doctoral degree in Social Psychology from Walden University, completed her graduate studies in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Denver, and received her undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) from Oakwood University.

Dr. Powell has worked in various settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and residential centers, giving her a comprehensive understanding of diverse client needs and therapeutic approaches.)

Class B 

Building Resilience and Regulation Skills through Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies (3 CE Credits)

Neuroscience shows that humans are born dependent, requiring consistent, compassionate care and co-regulation not just to survive, but to thrive. Dr. Louis Cozolino emphasizes that we are not products of "survival of the fittest," but rather "survival of the most nurtured." Resilience is not innate; it must be nurtured through co-regulation. Our need for compassionate care never diminishes—attuned and reciprocal interactions help us navigate challenges and rebound from adversity. 

In this session, we will explore the keys to fostering resilience and emotional stability through balanced regulation and co-regulation. Rooted in the principle that relationships come first, this session will highlight how just one safe, committed adult can significantly help a child heal and build resilience through the transformative power of co-regulation.

(Trainer, Ginger Healy, LCSW, is a passionate advocate for children and families with over 25 years of experience in trauma and attachment. She has worked as a child abuse investigator, school therapist, and social service supervisor at an international adoption agency. Currently, she serves as the Director of Programs at the Attachment & Trauma Network and co-hosts the podcast “Regulated and Relational.” A sought-after speaker and author, she focuses on trauma-sensitive education and therapeutic parenting.)

Evening Sessions

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

Class A 

Resilience in the Face of Sexual Abuse: The Power and Role of Dissociation for Adolescent Girls (3 CE Credits) 

This class explores how dissociation serves as a survival mechanism for adolescent girls enduring severe sexual abuse from male family members. Through dissociation, these girls mentally escape into intricate imaginative worlds—such as magical realms, poetry, or sensory experiences—that allow them to survive the unspeakable. By examining actual case studies, clinicians will learn how dissociation functions as both a protective emotional response and a cognitive strategy—highlighting how dissociation fosters resilience and enables girls to function in their daily lives. 

Clinicians will acquire skills to help survivors safely share their experiences of using dissociation positively to foster healing and recovery. Participants will learn specific interviewing techniques to create a secure therapeutic space, identifying dissociation as a coping strategy and applying this knowledge to treatment. Clinicians will better understand dissociation’s protective role in trauma recovery, enhancing their ability to support and guide survivors through their healing journey.

(Trainer, Patti Feuereisen, Ph.D., is a renowned psychotherapist and a trailblazer in the treatment of sexual abuse, with a particular focus on adolescent girls and young women. Based in Brooklyn, NY, she maintains a private practice and is the founder of Girlthrive, a nonprofit Thrivership Fund dedicated to honoring teen girl survivors of incest. Dr. Feuereisen is author of the groundbreaking book Invisible Girls: Speaking The Truth About Sexual Abuse now in its 3rd edition. Her website, Invisible Girls Thrive, is an international resource for young female sex abuse survivors.) 

Class B

Utilizing Emotional Intelligence Strategies to Treat Anger and Promote Psychological Wellness In Therapy (3 CE Credits) 

Gain effective tools to help clients manage anger and cultivate emotional well-being. This session focuses on Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its core skills—emotional awareness, self-regulation, and empathy—which are crucial for addressing anger-related challenges. Participants will explore how to identify emotional triggers, reframe anger-inducing situations, and develop regulation strategies to prevent escalation and foster healthier responses.

The program also highlights the role of emotional awareness and empathy in strengthening interpersonal relationships and reducing aggression. By guiding clients toward emotional balance and resilience, therapists can support long-term psychological wellness that extends beyond anger management. With a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, this session equips clinicians to seamlessly integrate EI strategies into their therapeutic practice.

(Trainer, Linnea Willis, LPCC-S, LCPC, LPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. She is the owner and lead therapist of her virtual private practice, LP Counseling & Therapy Services, in Cleveland, Ohio, which provides therapeutic care for adults, teens, and couples who struggle with anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.)