Social Work Workshops

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Racism, Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop A: How to Mitigate Imposter Syndrome
Instructor: Beth Craft, LICSW

Imposter Syndrome can derail one’s endeavors. While anyone can suffer from Imposter Syndrome, people who have marginalized identities are more vulnerable. In understanding the hidden biases that affect how we think and feel, we can better identify and gain mastery over those internalized beliefs and challenge them. It can be exhausting to feel that one is always fighting to dispel a given stereotype. It can also be vexing to feel that one has gained a level of comfort and authenticity, only to find the context has changed and one feels the need to once again prove oneself. Yet by recognizing and naming Identity Threat, we can help clients and clinicians to develop numerous strategies to affirm their identity, quell negative self-talk, and foster their authentic self. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the dynamics of Imposter Syndrome.
2. Participants will learn how Identity Threat fuels Imposter Syndrome and can derail success for people with marginalized identities.
3. Participants will develop an array of strategies to assist clients and practitioners to mitigate Imposter Syndrome and affirm their authentic self.

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs)
Workshop B: RESTORE: Deactivate Shame In Accused Students 
Instructor: Kyla Martin, M.S.

Many find it challenging to know how to respond when they learn that someone they know and sometimes care about has been accused of sexual violence. People want to believe and support survivors; however, they struggle to do that and see a way to provide a supportive response to the person accused. The RESTORE strategy was created to alleviate pressure and uncertainty by offering a way to respond. The strategy is based on theories, philosophies, and practices from Restorative and Transformative Justice. During this workshop, we will discuss the foundational theories and why they matter, practice utilizing the strategy, and learn different resources that are available for accused students.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about foundation concepts of shame as defined by Affect Psychology, why shame is important to address, and how shame blocks accountability.
2. Participants will discuss the RESTORE Strategy and how it works to deactivate shame.
3. Participants will practice utilizing the RESTORE strategy through scenarios and gain resources to share with accused students.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop C: Building Awareness for All Communities Around Dementia
Instructors: Beth Soltzberg, LICSW, MBA, and Jessica Roque, MSW

Experience an interactive workshop designed and utilized internationally to spread awareness about how dementia affects people and how we each can make a difference. This workshop provides information about dementia and teaches communication skills useful to clinical and macro social workers. This presentation will also address disparities and differences in community access to dementia information and services, and how the Massachusetts chapter of this global public awareness program has deployed grant funds and community partnerships to serve a dozen linguistic/cultural communities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia. 
2. Participants will be able to explain one approach to communicating well with a person living with dementia. 
3. Participants will be able to identify three ways that the impact of dementia differs by linguistic/cultural community.

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop D: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Sexual Violence
Instructors: Kirsten M. Kuhn-Kutteh, LICSW, MPH, and Madison Bell, LICSW

While LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual violence are not a monolith, they often face additional barriers to care in the aftermath of trauma rooted in centuries of inequity and societal oppression. This workshop will explore the contexts that shape the experiences of survivors with diverse gender and sexuality identities and offer an anti-oppressive lens on the strengths and historical resilience in this community. Participants will be equipped with tools, considerations, and knowledge of referral options to integrate into their own clinical practice as they support the healing journeys of LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe theoretical, historical, and contemporary factors that shape the experiences of LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual violence. 
2. Participants will learn tools to assess the impact of anti-LGBQTIA+ oppression across individual, cultural, and institutional levels on healing from sexual trauma.   
3. Participants will identify opportunities to integrate LGBTQIA+-affirming and trauma-informed care tools and considerations into their clinical practice. 
4. Participants will be able to identify resources and referral options that offer LGBTQIA+-affirming care to survivors of sexual trauma. 

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop E: Posttraumatic Growth: Deepening Skills To Help Clients Heal
Instructor: Victoria Grinman, PhD, LCSW-R

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) represents positive psychological change occurring in some who suffered trauma. In this workshop, you will gain an understanding of the brain-mind dyad, the role of mindfulness, the latest research pertaining to PTG, and the clinical interventions you can begin incorporating into your work now to promote your clients’ journey towards healing and growth.

You will learn how to listen for growth in your client’s language that you might otherwise miss and you will know how to share the possibility of growth at just the right times in the therapeutic journey. You will gain an introductory understanding of PTG and acquire tools and skills that can support you in the mastery of listening for and nurturing posttraumatic growth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will define PTG and the five main factors.
2. Participants will understand the clinician's role in facilitating PTG in practice.
3. Participants will learn various PTG driven strategies to implement with clients.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs)
Workshop F: Addressing Mental Health Through Mobile Delivery in Primary Care
Instructor: Ashley M. Taylor, DSW, LICSW

National trends of mental health being addressed in primary care appointments doubled from 2006 to 2018, and continue to grow. For those who can access treatments, 63% of patients on average drop out of psychotherapy by session three. High prevalence and low treatment engagement rates signal a strong need for improved evidence-based interventions to treat mental health in the primary care setting. 

Mobile mental health offers a solution. Currently, 85% of Americans own a smartphone, which offers improved access to mental health care through these 24/7 mobile mental health platforms, immediate support compared to long wait times or no availability of psychotherapists in a patient’s area, and affordability. In this workshop, participants will learn current mobile mental health practices offered in the Veterans Health Administration.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand benefits and trends in mobile mental health delivery.
2. Participants will explain the utility of self-guided mobile mental health applications.
3. Participants will use a mobile mental health tool to support their practice.
   

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop G: Understanding Pediatric Anxiety and Depression 
Instructor: Ashley Dubé, PsyD, NCSP, LEP

Participants in this workshop will engage in a variety of learning opportunities to better understand and treat youth with features of anxiety and depression through a school-based lens. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on brain development, learning, and behavior. Through a variety of methods such as interactive case studies, role plays, videos, and discussions, participants will leave this workshop with tools and techniques they can utilize in practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will identify Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and understand the stress response.
2. Participants will name features of pediatric anxiety and depression.
3. Participants will learn key components of school/clinic-based risk assessments and re-entry plans.
4. Participants will gain an understanding of universal mental health screening tools and their importance in treatment monitoring and planning school-based interventions.
   

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop H: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Gender Diverse Adolescents And Their Caregivers
Instructor: Syd Loiselle, LICSW, C-ACYFSW

This workshop will cover the clinical intricacies of working with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents and their caregivers. Clinical strategies will be provided for supporting both TGD youth and simultaneously their caregivers. The presenter will provide tools clinicians can use in supporting family systems to promote positive mental health outcomes, as parental support is a primary protective factor for gender diverse youth. There will be time for questions, both general and case specific. The presenter will provide an open, non-judgmental space for participants to share experiences, thoughts, and questions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the critical role of family support in positive mental health outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth.
2. Participants will be able to identify resources and information that can be provided to help parents and caregivers support TGD youth.
3. Participants will be able to navigate conflict within family systems that have TGD youth.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop I: Mindfulness for Our Clients And Ourselves
Instructor: Sage Watkins, NCC

This workshop will present an overview of mindfulness and how it can be used with clients in a counseling setting, as well as personally by the clinician for stress management to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. We'll touch on the brain science of why and how it works, common misconceptions, and tips for getting buy-in when sharing these techniques with clients. Even if you've had negative experiences with mindfulness in the past or it "just didn't work" for you, you may find this session will change your approach and perception of the practice!

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain why and how mindfulness can help an individual cope with a variety of challenges and affect the brain in a positive way. 
2. Participants will be able to utilize mindfulness techniques with a lens of cultural humility. 
3. Participants will be able to utilize mindfulness as a self-care technique to reduce stress and avoid professional burnout.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop K: Occupational Therapy is Changing the Mental Health Landscape
Instructor: Carly Sebastian, LICSW

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) provides services to people with mental health challenges. Adding the evidence based, holistic nature of Occupational Therapy has been met with great success. Occupational therapists are proficient in promoting participation in everyday life. The ability to intervene in these difficulties can have a great impact on the youth and family’s overall functioning. The assessment and screening tools have enriched service delivery tenfold. With the support of Occupational Therapy in DMH services, many parents and caregivers have renewed hope for their family’s future. The team’s collaboration with Occupational Therapists has boosted providers’ performance satisfaction as it augments traditional talk therapy and is bringing new life to the service system in the best interest of youth and families.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn the mission/vision of the interventions of the Department of Mental Health as well as what Occupational Therapy is and how it is useful with the youth and families we serve.
2. Participants will learn that there are many ways to serve youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
3. Participants will learn how teams flourish by joining traditional Mental Health treatment with Occupational Therapy.
   

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs)
Workshop L: Facilitating Safety and Stabilization in Adult Trauma Survivors
Instructor: Angela L. Belleville, LMHC

Trauma can greatly impact how we see ourselves, others, and the world. This workshop is intended to enhance clinicians’ familiarity and confidence in using a trauma-informed approach and strength-based effective strategies that promote a sense of safety, stabilization, and healing. Different types of trauma and the cognitive, emotional, physiological, and interpersonal impacts of trauma will be explored.

Simple clinical formulations and straightforward safety and assessment tools will be introduced along with ways to utilize these in treatment to help prioritize goals and the treatment roadmap. In addition to conceptualizing therapeutic needs in various stages of recovery, you will also learn and practice some research-supported interventions for emotional dysregulation, physiological arousal, avoidance, and more that help clients build their “window of tolerance,” confidence, and more!

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn to identify and assess trauma related symptoms in adults. 
2. Participants will gain a better understanding of various areas that can be impacted by trauma. 
3. Participants will conceptualize therapeutic needs and phases of recovery.
4. Participants will enhance their use and understanding of trauma-informed clinical strategies to facilitate safety and stabilization in trauma survivors.
   

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop M: Private Practice 101: Curating a Sustainable, Value-Based, and Successful Practice
Instructor: Victoria Grinman, PhD, LCSW-R

Building a private practice or elevating an existing one is an exciting venture that can also be a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. In our time together, you will explore: What makes a practice successful and sustainable so that it evolves as you do; effective online and in-person marketing strategies that can be implemented now that go beyond old-school meet-ups and mixers. We will also explore Your Vision: Getting clear on identifying, finding, and attracting your niche and desired clients; determining your fees and value; and communicating who you are in a way that makes you stand out to potential clients. We will go beyond logistics to define what makes a private practice successful so you can focus on contributing meaningfully in the world.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the actual factors that make a private practice sustainable and value-driven.
2. Participants will learn powerful strategies for marketing and networking that go beyond mixers and events.
3. Participants will learn to integrate various strengths to create a variety of income streams.
4. Participants will learn how to communicate your unique value proposition.
5. Participants will understand how to choose your niche and set rates.

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination)
Workshop N: Addressing Child and Adolescent Mental Health 
Instructor: Anna doCurral, LICSW

This workshop is designed for professionals working with children, youth, and adolescents (CYA) with mental health challenges. The workshop will provide an overview of current levels of care through both the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Mental Health (DMH) for CYA with mental health challenges while also exploring barriers to accessing care amidst our systems’ “fail out” approach to services. Lastly, this workshop will also present opportunities for systemic change to support the increasing need for community based mental health treatment for children, youth, and adolescents. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about the various levels of care in both the DCF and DMH systems to treat children and adolescents with mental health challenges.
2. Participants will identify and understand barriers that systems involved youth may face when seeking treatment for mental health.
3. Participants will identify opportunities for systemic change to support broadened access to mental health care for youth requiring residential services.