Welcome to the Thrive Summit,
Costa Rica
Feb. 23-26, 2023
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Find out more with the link below:
Find out more with the link below:
Thursday, Feb. 23rd:
4:30pm - 5:15pm Welcome Table Open - pick up your name badge and catamaran cruise wristband & meet Megan and the summit planning committee.
Location: Conference rooms (near hotel lobby / registration desk)
5:30pm - Opening Session with Megan Gunnell - "How we Thrive as a Therapist"
Location: Conference rooms
6:30pm - Cocktail Reception on the Beach - Enjoy a Signature Complimentary Cocktail and Roaming Apps. Mix and Mingle with other Thriving Therapists! This is only open to Summit Attendees. Please wear your name badge for entry.
Location: Beach Shack Bar and Ocean Terrace Area - where the end of the resort property meets the beach
7:30pm - Enjoy dinner at any of the resort restaurants (we recommend that you make reservations in advance using Open Table - see section below)
Friday, Feb. 24th:
6:30am - 7:00am, 30 min. Yoga Session
Location: Open air yoga deck above the new Malu Restaurant (by the terraced pools). Use stairs or elevator to access. Bring a towel or yoga mat with you if you have one. We have about 20 mats available.
8:30am - Main Stage Keynote Speakers (Dr. Ajita Robinson, Maureen Werrbach, Jake Ernst & Katie Read) See schedule below for more details.
Snacks will be provided mid-way through these sessions. Coffee, tea and water provided during all conference sessions.
1:15pm - Quick Sack Lunch Option available for anyone registered for the Catamaran Boat Cruise. All other guests not going on the Catamaran can enjoy lunch at one of the resort restaurants or poolside! Box Lunch option is chicken or veggie wrap sandwich, chips, whole fruit and a drink for $30. We cannot accommodate food allergies for this. If you want this option, you need to preorder it. If you do not want this option, you need to plan ahead - we recommend you order something well in advance due to time constrictions. The boat leaves at 2:30pm no matter what!
2:30pm - 6:30pm Catamaran Cruise. The boat leaves from the shoreline on the beach in front of the resort. Includes snacks, drinks and a chance to swim and snorkel too. You must show your wristband to board and bring your own towel for swimming.
Dinner at any one of the resort restaurants (we recommend that you make reservations in advance using Open Table - see below).
Saturday, Feb. 25th:
6:30am - 7:00pm, 30 min. Yoga Session
Location: Open air yoga deck above the new Malu Restaurant (by the terraced pools). Use stairs or elevator to access. Bring a towel or yoga mat with you if you have one. We have about 20 mats available.
8:30am - Breakout sessions (3 concurrent speakers to choose from from 8:30am - 1:15pm). See schedule below for more details.
Location: Conference Rooms
Snacks will be provided mid-way through these sessions. Coffee, tea and water provided during all conference sessions.
1:30pm - Lunch - Elevate Members, you're invited to join Megan at a Private Table (the glass room directly across from the gift shop) for an 'Elevator' Lunch.
1:30pm - Lunch for all Non-Elevate Members - we will have a beautiful and fast buffet lunch option for all guests in the Makoko Restaurant for $40/person.
3:00 - 5:00pm Mastermind Sessions (Megan Gunnell or Dr. Ajita Robinson) See below to register for these.
Location: Conference Rooms A and C. (A for Megan, C for Ajita)
Dinner at any resort restaurant (reservations recommended - see below).
Sunday, Feb. 26th:
6:30am - 7:00am, 30 min Yoga Session
Location: Open air yoga deck above the new Malu Restaurant (by the terraced pools). Use stairs or elevator to access the 2nd floor yoga deck above the restaurant. Bring a towel or yoga mat with you if you have one. We have about 20 mats available.
8:30am - Main Stage Closing Keynote Sessions (Addie Wieland Panel, Sarah Watson, Robin Kleisler, Alex Croy) See schedule below for more details.
Location: Conference Rooms
Snacks will be provided mid-way through these sessions. Coffee, tea and water provided during all conference sessions.
Closing Remarks from Megan Gunnell
4:30pm - 5:15pm Welcome Table Open - pick up your name badge and catamaran cruise wristband & meet Megan and the summit planning committee.
Location: Conference rooms (near hotel lobby / registration desk)
5:30pm - Opening Session with Megan Gunnell - "How we Thrive as a Therapist"
Location: Conference rooms
6:30pm - Cocktail Reception on the Beach - Enjoy a Signature Complimentary Cocktail and Roaming Apps. Mix and Mingle with other Thriving Therapists! This is only open to Summit Attendees. Please wear your name badge for entry.
Location: Beach Shack Bar and Ocean Terrace Area - where the end of the resort property meets the beach
7:30pm - Enjoy dinner at any of the resort restaurants (we recommend that you make reservations in advance using Open Table - see section below)
Friday, Feb. 24th:
6:30am - 7:00am, 30 min. Yoga Session
Location: Open air yoga deck above the new Malu Restaurant (by the terraced pools). Use stairs or elevator to access. Bring a towel or yoga mat with you if you have one. We have about 20 mats available.
8:30am - Main Stage Keynote Speakers (Dr. Ajita Robinson, Maureen Werrbach, Jake Ernst & Katie Read) See schedule below for more details.
Snacks will be provided mid-way through these sessions. Coffee, tea and water provided during all conference sessions.
1:15pm - Quick Sack Lunch Option available for anyone registered for the Catamaran Boat Cruise. All other guests not going on the Catamaran can enjoy lunch at one of the resort restaurants or poolside! Box Lunch option is chicken or veggie wrap sandwich, chips, whole fruit and a drink for $30. We cannot accommodate food allergies for this. If you want this option, you need to preorder it. If you do not want this option, you need to plan ahead - we recommend you order something well in advance due to time constrictions. The boat leaves at 2:30pm no matter what!
2:30pm - 6:30pm Catamaran Cruise. The boat leaves from the shoreline on the beach in front of the resort. Includes snacks, drinks and a chance to swim and snorkel too. You must show your wristband to board and bring your own towel for swimming.
Dinner at any one of the resort restaurants (we recommend that you make reservations in advance using Open Table - see below).
Saturday, Feb. 25th:
6:30am - 7:00pm, 30 min. Yoga Session
Location: Open air yoga deck above the new Malu Restaurant (by the terraced pools). Use stairs or elevator to access. Bring a towel or yoga mat with you if you have one. We have about 20 mats available.
8:30am - Breakout sessions (3 concurrent speakers to choose from from 8:30am - 1:15pm). See schedule below for more details.
Location: Conference Rooms
Snacks will be provided mid-way through these sessions. Coffee, tea and water provided during all conference sessions.
1:30pm - Lunch - Elevate Members, you're invited to join Megan at a Private Table (the glass room directly across from the gift shop) for an 'Elevator' Lunch.
1:30pm - Lunch for all Non-Elevate Members - we will have a beautiful and fast buffet lunch option for all guests in the Makoko Restaurant for $40/person.
3:00 - 5:00pm Mastermind Sessions (Megan Gunnell or Dr. Ajita Robinson) See below to register for these.
Location: Conference Rooms A and C. (A for Megan, C for Ajita)
Dinner at any resort restaurant (reservations recommended - see below).
Sunday, Feb. 26th:
6:30am - 7:00am, 30 min Yoga Session
Location: Open air yoga deck above the new Malu Restaurant (by the terraced pools). Use stairs or elevator to access the 2nd floor yoga deck above the restaurant. Bring a towel or yoga mat with you if you have one. We have about 20 mats available.
8:30am - Main Stage Closing Keynote Sessions (Addie Wieland Panel, Sarah Watson, Robin Kleisler, Alex Croy) See schedule below for more details.
Location: Conference Rooms
Snacks will be provided mid-way through these sessions. Coffee, tea and water provided during all conference sessions.
Closing Remarks from Megan Gunnell
Summit Agenda
Note: Sessions offered by the following speakers do not include CE's: Megan Gunnell, Maureen Werrbach, Jake Ernst, Katie Read & Noreen Iqbal.
Thrive Summit Survey
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Restaurant Information and Reservations Links
Click here for general information about the El Mangroove Restaurants
Click here to make Open Table Dinner Reservations for Makoko
Click here to make Open Table Dinner Reservations for Matiss
Catamaran Cruise Info and Tickets
Catamaran Cruise
$135/person - Includes an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and snorkeling.
Join us for a spectacular way of exploring The Gulf of Papagayo on this private boat cruise open to all Thrive Summit attendees and their guests. We will depart the resort at 2:30pm to a private beach, Huevo Beach where you can enjoy the white sand, clear water for snorkeling or just chill on the beach and capture a breathtaking sunset upon returning to resort at 6:30pm. You won't want to miss this excursion! You are welcome to purchase a ticket for yourself and your guest if you're traveling with someone who is not attending the summit.
You MUST show your wristband to board and bring your own towel for swimming.
Mastermind Sessions
During the Thrive Summit, you will have a unique, small group opportunity to select a Masterclass with Megan Gunnell or Dr Ajita Robinson.
To register in one of these non CEU Masterclass sessions, please select one of the workshops listed below to register. Space is very limited for these sessions. Register below.
Mastermind Sessions are $197/person.
Sessions will be held in the Conference Rooms
Masterclass with Megan Gunnell - Sat, Feb 25th from 3 - 5pm
Expanding into the Sacred and Profound; incorporating the Mandala into your offerings as a therapist.
In this 2-hour experiential workshop, you will create a Mandala and then learn how and when to implement it into your practice with clients. Creating Mandalas can be inspirational and therapeutic. Mandala's have been used for insight, guidance and healing across many cultures. This workshop will support you to begin to use nonverbal, expressive and creative offerings with your clients.
We begin with a short guided meditation designed to help us become more in tune with our inner selves and tap into our subconscious knowing. Then using a large sheet of paper with a circle template as a guide, we will begin to explore the use of chalks and oil pastels on paper. From color, line, texture and allowing shapes to flow intuitively, a design is formed.
After creating the Mandala, you will learn how to process and interpret your creation. Through a series of questions and introspection, we will review the profound meaning behind color selection, placement of symbols, shapes and design. We will also take an in depth look at the 12 stages of the Mandala and understand the meaning behind each one. Participants will also receive a workbook for Mandala interpretation you can use in your own work with clients.
Scale your practice by implementing the Mandala into groups, workshops, retreats and programs for clients. Learn how to guide clients through creating and interpreting Mandalas. This workshop is experiential and hands on. Wear comfortable clothing. No previous art of meditation experience is required.
Megan has an extensive background using the Mandala in her work as a therapist for over 20 years. Nonverbal, creative work which touches on deep, subconscious themes for clients can accelerate their progress and healing. Discover how sacred and profound the insight and wisdom is from using the Mandala in our therapeutic work.
Masterclass with Dr. Ajita Robinson - Sat, Feb 25th from 3 - 5 pm
Mental health entrepreneurs have been on the frontline well before the pandemic occurred. If you’re a therapist working in direct practice you understand the challenges related to direct practice: burnout, overwhelm, never-ending documentation, and other barriers that impact the work you do with clients. Many of my colleagues have been working non-stop since the pandemic started. While this is great for job security, it is a recipe for burnout and compassion fatigue. The reality is we need mental health entrepreneurs to diversify the way they serve AND how they generate income. In this masterclass I will show you 25 ways mental health professionals can (and should) diversify their income. Every mental health professional needs diverse income streams for TWO reasons:
1) To increase your impact. There are simply more people who need our services than there are therapists who can serve. Additionally, there are tons of people who need access to trusted psychoeducation and skills who are never coming to therapy…because stigma.
2) To increase your income. If you are only generating income when you are delivering direct care to clients your income is limited because time is limited. Generating income that isn’t dependent on 1-on-1 client care creates room for financial stability and rest.
To register in one of these non CEU Masterclass sessions, please select one of the workshops listed below to register. Space is very limited for these sessions. Register below.
Mastermind Sessions are $197/person.
Sessions will be held in the Conference Rooms
Masterclass with Megan Gunnell - Sat, Feb 25th from 3 - 5pm
Expanding into the Sacred and Profound; incorporating the Mandala into your offerings as a therapist.
In this 2-hour experiential workshop, you will create a Mandala and then learn how and when to implement it into your practice with clients. Creating Mandalas can be inspirational and therapeutic. Mandala's have been used for insight, guidance and healing across many cultures. This workshop will support you to begin to use nonverbal, expressive and creative offerings with your clients.
We begin with a short guided meditation designed to help us become more in tune with our inner selves and tap into our subconscious knowing. Then using a large sheet of paper with a circle template as a guide, we will begin to explore the use of chalks and oil pastels on paper. From color, line, texture and allowing shapes to flow intuitively, a design is formed.
After creating the Mandala, you will learn how to process and interpret your creation. Through a series of questions and introspection, we will review the profound meaning behind color selection, placement of symbols, shapes and design. We will also take an in depth look at the 12 stages of the Mandala and understand the meaning behind each one. Participants will also receive a workbook for Mandala interpretation you can use in your own work with clients.
Scale your practice by implementing the Mandala into groups, workshops, retreats and programs for clients. Learn how to guide clients through creating and interpreting Mandalas. This workshop is experiential and hands on. Wear comfortable clothing. No previous art of meditation experience is required.
Megan has an extensive background using the Mandala in her work as a therapist for over 20 years. Nonverbal, creative work which touches on deep, subconscious themes for clients can accelerate their progress and healing. Discover how sacred and profound the insight and wisdom is from using the Mandala in our therapeutic work.
Masterclass with Dr. Ajita Robinson - Sat, Feb 25th from 3 - 5 pm
Mental health entrepreneurs have been on the frontline well before the pandemic occurred. If you’re a therapist working in direct practice you understand the challenges related to direct practice: burnout, overwhelm, never-ending documentation, and other barriers that impact the work you do with clients. Many of my colleagues have been working non-stop since the pandemic started. While this is great for job security, it is a recipe for burnout and compassion fatigue. The reality is we need mental health entrepreneurs to diversify the way they serve AND how they generate income. In this masterclass I will show you 25 ways mental health professionals can (and should) diversify their income. Every mental health professional needs diverse income streams for TWO reasons:
1) To increase your impact. There are simply more people who need our services than there are therapists who can serve. Additionally, there are tons of people who need access to trusted psychoeducation and skills who are never coming to therapy…because stigma.
2) To increase your income. If you are only generating income when you are delivering direct care to clients your income is limited because time is limited. Generating income that isn’t dependent on 1-on-1 client care creates room for financial stability and rest.
Photography Portrait and Branding Sessions
Our team photographers are offering mini portrait and branding sessions for any guest or speaker of the Thrive Summit!
Thrive your brand with some fresh new photos in these professional mini sessions with Allen-Kent Photography!
Thrive your brand with some fresh new photos in these professional mini sessions with Allen-Kent Photography!
Follow up with Megan - Book a Free Call
More Details about each Summit Session:
Attendees, in order to receive credit, please ensure that you verify your sign in with a signature and verify your sign out with your initials on the attendance log sheet that will be provided inside each session room. In order to receive CE credit, you must attend the entire session as well as complete the evaluation form that you can access in your email after the session is complete. Certificates will be emailed to you within 72 hours of the end of the conference.
Session Title: Serving in the Gap
Session Type: General
Session Description: As a continue to navigate a growing mental health crisis, therapists around the world remain on the frontline. We continue to serve as first responders despite receiving proper compensation, resources, and recognition. We continue to show up and serve. It is increasingly important that we identify ways to scale our impact as the shortage of mental health therapists compared to those needing mental health care grows.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio: Dr. Ajita Robinson is a grief and trauma expert, former full-time professor and corporate executive who built a 7-figure pro-insurance mental health practice to help people heal from generational trauma and loss. I took my experience from building a thriving, profitable practice and my previous business experience and began to help other mental health entrepreneurs create global impact through living legacies and financial freedom while helping communities heal.
Session Title: Understanding and Preventing Burnout in Clinical Practice
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In this workshop, we will discuss the prevalence of burnout with therapists, the difference between burnout, stress, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue, and how to recognize red flags and risk factors for burnout. Additionally, participants will learn skills and tools to implement into their daily routine to prevent and heal from burnout, including values exercises and mapping our nervous system to better understand the neuroscience between ourselves and burnout
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
My name is Gabrielle and I am passionate about stretching beyond the typical boundaries of the mental health industry. I am a licensed clinical social worker living in Sarasota, FL and have been in private practice since 2017. I am the founder of GJV Consulting and Training where my focus is on training professionals on clinical issues and growing beyond the 1:1 model. My experience includes running a group practice of 13 therapists, creating content for the Goodheart Collaborative App, working in child protective services, victims advocacy, and as a care manager for an insurance company.
Session Title: Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person: How Having a Highly Sensitive Nervous System Effects Therapists and Their Clients
Session Type: General
Session Description:
Sensory Processing Sensitivity is widely unknown despite making up almost 20 percent of the population. In this presentation we will focus on how to identify the sensitivity trait, explore different styles of sensitivity, dig a little into the history of the HS Person, explore the neurological process, learn how to implement strategies to calm the nervous system, and protect from overstimulation. We will explore how having a highly sensitive nervous system is a super power!
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio: Ashley graduated with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas. Ashley is the owner of Vibrant Journey Counseling, PLLC which offers telehealth counseling across the state of Texas. Ashley is licensed in both Texas and Washington State and specializes in working with adults who have experienced childhood sexual assault. Many of Ashley's clients experience Chronic PTSD symptoms, dissociation, and somatic pain. Ashley is a self identified Highly Sensitive person and works with many highly sensitive clients. She loves reading young adult fiction and has a zest for travel. Her dream vacation would be to go to Scotland! She has a passion for history, superheroes, Harry Potter, and baseball!
Session Title: Access to Autism Treatment Through a Gender Equity Lens
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In today’s session, Dr. Menon will share insights from current research and clinical experience with autistic and neurodiverse individuals, across the lifespan. She will begin with identifying and characterizing common referral questions for therapy. She will focus on providing the audience key patterns and phrases to watch for with clients, based on her clinical experiences. Specifically, she will address the concepts of shame, camouflaging social behavior, and bridging into a neurotypical world, socially and functionally. Related to these concepts, she will weave stories from the field that bring concepts such as self-esteem and self-sabotage, navigating the fuzzy edges of relationships, and reducing the conflict between private identity and public persona to heart. She’ll review the differences between emotive connections, rational connections, and limerence relationships with others. She will explore the relationships among internal, private strategies and needs such as sensory and self-regulation, compartmentalization vs cognitive rigidity and the related public stigma experienced by the individual. Finally, she will identify effective treatment plans and provide time for case discussions.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Menon is a school and clinical psychologist and cofounder of Thrive Collective. She has enjoyed working in a wide variety of professional settings. She brings these experiences
from many educational, clinical and leadership opportunities and used them to design Thrive Collective’s therapy, evaluation, and training services. She thinks it’s important to combine good science and smart suggestions and offer them to clients with patience and understanding. Her long-term experience with diverse people enables her to offer practical, timely support to move forward.
Dr. Menon has gone from a generalist practitioner at the start of her career into a well-developed niche serving neurodiverse people across the lifespan. She places a specific focus on nuanced diagnosis and therapeutic support of those identifying as female and autistic. Using her expertise to evaluate and treat a range of psychological and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, and adults, she provides individual and family therapy or school consultations. She loves coaching and teaching the skills to tame anxiety, be organized and be in charge of your life, to help clients crack the “social code” to have fun, and to improve their relationships or make new ones.
Session Title: Working With Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Is therapy with a child who identifies as gender diverse or transgender any different than being in the room with a cisgender child? No. But, there are some additional layers of knowledge you should have before working with this population. This workshop is for providers who want to expand their knowledge of working with the younger LGBTQ+ community as well as their families.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio: Jen earned her Masters of Community Counseling from Regis University and immediately started working on her Registered Play Therapist credential, as supporting children was always at the forefront of her professional goals. Jen’s drive led her to earn the title of Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Approved Provider for the Association for Play Therapy as well as Approved Clinical Supervisor. She currently sits on the board for the Colorado Association for Play Therapy. Supporting LGBTQ+ youth is a passion for Jen and is what she has chosen for her practice to focus on.
Session Title: Build a Thriving Network: Your Colleagues are your Cohorts, NOT Competitors!
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In this session you will learn basic concepts about networking, expanding your practice, and instilling long lasting relationships with other private practice owners. Additionally, you will learn the importance of reciprocity amongst practices with similar demographics and clientele. This session will speak to the vital value of staying connected to your colleagues in order to diminish negative feelings of competitiveness and increase positive feelings of collaboration.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio: Our support network began when we all worked together as case managers at the insurance company, Humana. Frustrated with corporate America and large organizational bureaucracy, we slowly ventured out on our own. From case managers to private practice owners, we formulated a new network and coined ourselves “Numana”. As we dove into the world of private practice, we continued to stay connected through a daily group thread and helped one another open and grow our respective practices. By doing so, we combined forces, shared, and guided one another towards success. We have continued to support one another since 2017 as our individual practices thrive. In doing so, we have deduced that your colleagues are not your competitors, but your cohorts and supports. We would love the opportunity to present a paneled discussion and spark a conversation allowing for a Q & A from the audience.
Session Title: Working With Families that are Struggling With Addiction and Codependency
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
This training is designed to help therapists learn how to work with families that are struggling with addiction and Codependency in the family system. You will learn how to set boundaries with accountability and structure, how to pick an effective treatment program and interventionist, and how to reconnect the family after a treatment episode.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio: Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, is the founder of The Chronic Hope Institute, which provides healing for families in crisis due to addiction and codependency, and family addiction coaching training for clinicians. In 2011, Kevin graduated with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University, and he spent three and a half years working at Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network as an in-home therapist, case manager, crisis evaluator and outpatient therapist for Child and Family Services. Kevin has also worked part-time for The Bridge House, ADMHN's Acute Treatment Unit, as a Mental Health Technician and Counselor. In 2014, Kevin opened his private practice, Petersen Family Counseling, which specializes in working with families and individuals struggling with addictions, codependency, and parenting. Kevin has published two books: Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child and Chronic Hope: Families & Addiction, which share an integrated, holistic approach to healing families in crisis due to addiction and codependency.
Session Title: Trauma Recovery During Perinatal Period: When the Only Way is Through
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Women are faced with many challenges today attempting to balance work, relationships, and motherhood. Often times, the perinatal period is overlooked when considering the frequency of trauma experienced by the birthing person, partner, and their family. This is an opportunity to learn about how the perinatal period can be experienced with a trauma informed lens.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Melissa has been in practice since 2006 as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with clinical experience in the behavioral health hospital and private practice settings.
Melissa strives to create an open and honest relationship with her patients; she hopes to meet their needs by facilitating conversations about their goals while teaching strategies on how to live healthy and productive lives.
She enjoys practicing with individuals, couples, and family counseling.
Melissa is especially passionate about working with women issues, specifically perinatal mood disorders, trauma, as well as children, adolescents, and couples.
Melissa has specialization in Children and Families, DBT, Eating Disorders, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Self-Injury, and Trauma.
She is trained in EMDR, Gottman Couples training level one, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
Session Title: Healing Trauma Through Yoga: How to Effectively Use Yoga and Meditation in the Therapy Space and Beyond
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
An unregulated body cannot process higher-level information needed for healing trauma. When a body experiences an unprocessed disruption, the body continues operating in ways that may have been adaptive at the time but are no longer needed. When we can invite people to access their bodies in yoga and meditation safely, we are able to begin to bring the nervous system back to baseline. From here, the person can begin to think clearly, make decisions that align with their values, and allow them to befriend their body instead of disconnecting or disassociating.
Through experience and research, we have found that yoga and other somatic therapies have assisted in people's deep healing for years.
In this informative training, Kris will discuss up-to-date research, theories, and techniques related to yoga as a healing modality for trauma and CPTSD.
This training is geared towards therapists who may or may not have experience in yoga or meditation and who work with trauma survivors. Kris will provide an overview and understanding of the biology of trauma, how to weave yoga into the fabric of your current work, and how to utilize components of trauma-informed yoga in your own life for self-care.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Kristina Silvestry is the founding director of Peace of Mind Yoga, Counseling, and Wellness Center. Kristina is a LPC in NJ, and a volunteer confidential sexual violence advocate.
In 2008, under the guidance of Ruth Castellano, Kristina was introduced to Sandplay Therapy. Furthering her studies, she became trained in EMDR and obtained her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional designation.
The impact of her trauma-work experiences motivated her to earn her 500-hour yoga teacher certification.
Wanting to deepen her knowledge, Kristina engaged in training with Seane Corn through Spirit Speaks. After YTT, Kristina obtained her certifications in 50-Hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, Accessible Yoga, Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga with Dr. Ariel Schwartz, Healing Trauma Training with Dr. Peter Levine, Integrative Somatic Therapy, A Year of Polyvagal with Deb Dana, Scott Moore's Yoga Nidra 20 hour training, Safe and Sound Protocol with Dr. Steven Porges, and Dr. Fox's 50 hour Yin Yoga Level 1 Training.
Wanting a location that allows people to feel safe, accessible, and comfortable while moving and meditating, Kristina found and renovated a space adjacent to the existing Peace of Mind Counseling practice. Because of this, Kristina's dreams of combining all forms of health and wellness have come to fruition.
Session Title: Engaging Parents in the Treatment of Children: A How to Guide that Increases Parent Responsibility and Reduces Therapist Stress
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Engaging caregivers in child mental health treatment is critical for sustained progress and successful outcome of referral behaviors. Many therapists find it difficult to engage parents in treatment and prefer to work with a child independently. In turn, many caregivers send their child to a therapist to "fix" the referral behaviors. The idea that a therapist can "fix" a child can feel overwhelming and oftentimes places unrealistic expectations on the therapist. Including caregiver coaching and support at the onset of treatment sets the expectation that caregivers need to participate in treatment, learn alongside their child, change their parenting behavior, and practice learned techniques between sessions. Learning to engage caregivers at intake is an essential step in developing this collaborative approach. Asking the right questions about treatment outcomes, what they want to achieve at home, and what they feel they need to learn to support their child's growth sets the precedent that this is a team approach. The therapist is not solely responsible for success. The caregiver, therapist, and child collaborate to accomplish treatment goals.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Marcy Atkins is a licensed clinical psychologist. She was a triple major at Salve Regina University and graduated with bachelor degrees in Psychology, Elementary Education, and Special Education. She studied abroad at Oxford University in England where she continued to focus on psychology, education of special needs children and children with disruptive behavior disorders. She graduated from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology in 2004 with a Psy.D.
Dr. Atkins specializes in the treatment of children (ages 0-10) and their families with a dual focus on prevention and intervention of referral behaviors. Parent support and coaching is a significant component of treatment. The goal is to educate parents about the behaviors and teach them how to manage the behaviors for sustained gains overtime. Parents are active participants in the treatment process and are encouraged to ask questions and take notes.
Dr. Atkins is dedicated to providing empirically supported treatment and has worked in various settings including homes, hospitals, schools, and community mental health agencies.
Session Title: Journey Through Color: Practicing and Learning Anti-Racist Mindests
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In a time of truth and reconciliation, harm, repair, and healing from racial trauma; We all have a vital role to play. The journey through living and practicing anti-racism is no simple task. We have been systematically ingrained to believe that dominant culture white supremacy is the supreme being or even the norm and all else who derail from that standard are marginalized. How do we heal as a civilization? How do we heal as a society? How do I heal myself and together?
This workshop will be centered on practical strategies and a journey through self-reflection on how racism shows up for you and how do we collectively work together in the healing profession to actively being anti-racist.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Jenn is a first generation immigrant refugee family from Vietnam/Cambodia living in America. Raised in Washington, she received her undergraduate degree at Western Washington University in Human Services. Her graduate degree is from University of Washington Masters of Social Work Program. She spent over 13 years working as a professional Social Worker for various institutions both government and community based, serving my community. It is her life-long dream to be in private practice specializing in Trauma-Informed Care and aid in healing from Racial Trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Survivors of Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, and so much more.
Session Title:How to Implement Trauma-Informed Care Practices to Avoid Toxic Work Culture
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
This presentation is going to be an overview of the difference between vicarious trauma, burnout, and the latest threat to therapists (moral injury). Moral injury and toxic work environments have become the norm rather than the exception, especially with Covid still lurking. Between the pandemic and “hustle culture”, many practices and organizations have made changes which have led to clinicians feeling overworked, underpaid, and undervalued. The goal of this presentation is to learn how to work in a trauma informed manner for clients and implement trauma informed practices for the clinician’s practice or organization as a whole. I have a vision of no more therapists leaving the field and instead finding careers that fit their needs and career goals and finding joy in providing therapy once again. This presentation is meant to give tactical tips and tricks to re-energize the work space.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
I am a Clinical Director of a trauma agency, a therapist who specializes in working with trauma, a supervisor, and a mentor to those in the mental health field. After 13 years in the trauma world, I have taken my heart and my knowledge and have made the decision to give back to other therapists. My goal is to show the helpers in the world that NO ONE has to go through this career alone. This career doesn't have to be physically and emotionally draining, it can be life giving!
Session Title: Serving Clients Across State Lines - Travel and Work as a Therapist
Session Type: General
Session Description:
This presentation offers guidance for therapists who are interested in learning about how to become a traveling therapist. Learn from a traveling therapists about how to get started and work as you travel. Focus will be on discussing logistics such as legal requirements, internet, tech set-up, and equipment needed, to ensuring confidentiality, and licensing laws. This presentation will also cover the highs and lows of traveling and what to expect. This presentation is meant to inspire and reduce fear about doing things a bit differently in private practice. The speaker will allocate generous time for audience participation and discussion. (This presentation offers guidance for therapists who are interested in learning about how to become a traveling therapist. Learn from four different traveling therapists about how they started and where they are now. Focus will be on discussing logistics such as internet, tech set-up, and equipment needed, to ensuring confidentiality, and licensing laws. Panelists will also discuss highs and lows of traveling and what to expect. This presentation is meant to inspire and reduce fear about doing things a bit differently in private practice. The panel will allocate generous time for audience participation and discussion.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Addie Wieland is a licensed clinical social worker and board approved supervisor. In 2019, she opened up her own 100% online private practice, Everyday Bravery Counseling, where she works with adults who have experienced trauma and those who struggle with shame, perfectionism, and poor self-worth.
Addie started off her career as a social worker working with adults with special needs, then began working in child abuse within a interdisciplinary team, and then worked as a clinical supervisor at a college counseling center.
Addie's main drive in pursuing her own private practice and it being online was to be able to live in an RV and travel with her family across the country. She did just that starting in 2020. Since then, she has been supporting their lifestyle through her private practice, while also exploring and adventuring with her family. So far her family has logged thousands of miles and visited 13 states and counting.
Session Title: Curiosity and Sexual Self-Discovery; How Cultivating Your Own Curiosity about Sexual Health will Improve Your Relationship with Yourself, Your Partner and Your Clients.
Session Type: General
Session Description:
Only 18 states in America require medically accurate sexual education. That statistic is detrimental to the culture in health of the United States. Most individuals struggle to understand and communicate their sexual needs and desires. Most therapists lack education in sexual health.
As a certified sex therapist I have worked with hundreds of clients to help them navigate their presumed beliefs about sexual health. The outcome of understanding your sexual health and ability to share with your partner or important people results in improved sense of self, elevated self esteem and increased satisfaction in their relationships.
In this presentation attendees will be able to evaluate their sexual beliefs and how intimacy plays a role in all relationships. They will learn how to discuss sexual health in a medically accurate way and be able to recommend resources for others while exploring sexual heath. Curiosity about sexual health naturally lends itself to growth. As many in the sexual health field say “talking about sex can change the world.” This presentation will conclude by exploring that statement and how attendees can use that in their personal lives or with clients in a meaningful way.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Sarah is a licensed professional counselor, AASECT certified sex therapist, and sexuality educator. Sarah has a therapy practice located in Michigan, where she works with individuals and couples struggling with relationship and sexual health issues. Sarah is also the founder of Simple Sex Education. SSE provides online workshops for parents to prepare themselves for starting and continuing discussions about sex and relationships with their kids and women who struggle with sexual shame. Sarah also facilitates sexual health coaching for couples and individuals through Simple Sex Education.
Sarah attended Wayne State University for her graduate degree and the University of Michigan for her post graduate certification in sexual health and sexuality education.
Sarah has been with her partner of 20 years and they have one daughter. Sarah enjoys providing therapy and is passionate about bringing sexual health to the masses and plans on doing so through parenting, relationship, and women’s workshops.
She also has facilitated many workshops around the US for those impacted with rare bleeding disorders. Sarah spends her “down” time with her family, listening to podcasts, reading, and enjoying her family farm in northern Michigan where they have a miniature donkey named Burrito!
Session Title: The Therapist’s Hangover: Exploring Our Relationships with Substances and Technology
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
We all know how our clients often experience a “therapy hangover”, a term that describes the fatigue and exhaustion clients often feel after an intense session. But what about the Therapist Hangover, the sense of emotional drainage that comes from a full day of active listening and holding others’ emotions? Are you treating it with wine and Netflix? Turning your brain off by scrolling reels? Eating edibles to go to sleep? Waking up at 3 am to write a therapy note or answer emails? This workshop will help you explore your relationship to substances and/or technology that may be contributing to burnout, struggles with work/life balance, or lack of productivity. In exploring one’s use, therapists will also gain valuable insights , interventions and tools to utilize with clients to aid in a more balanced relationship with substances and technology.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Robin Kleisler is the owner of Resolution Peak Counseling, LLC, a private practice specializing in trauma and addiction. She has 15 years of experience in wilderness therapy, school-based counseling, community mental health, long-term residential, and all levels of addiction treatment. Robin is passionate about motivating therapists and clients in finding their own unique path to wellness using a non-judgemental and holistic approach. Having lost a loved one to addiction, she is passionate about working with impacted individuals and family members to find joy in life that is not dependent on substances or addictive behaviors. As a former EMT, Robin specializes in working with front-line health care workers, teachers, and law enforcement officers to manage the trauma and stressors they encounter. In her spare time, she hikes, swims and bikes with her family, performs bluegrass music, and stays up way too late reading light-hearted fiction.
Session Title: A Jungian Approach to Clinical Work: Exploring the Intersection of the Clinician and the Soul
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Development of our Clinical skills is a crucial part of being a therapist, but what about our soul as therapist? How do we feed our essence? How do we refuel in a spiritual and soulful way? Carl Jung has an amazing experience with his encounter with soul as evidenced by his Black Books and the Red Book. He always defaulted to the Greek definition of psyche which is Soul. Due to his journaling, art, music, and active imagination, he fed his soul and explored the intricate areas of his core, his essence, his soul. He taught us how to tend to shadow, archetypes, and understand the symbolism in dreams, and synchronicity of events. In this breakout session, clinicians will explore his ways, learn practical ways to feed our soul through dream tending, symbolism, meditation, oracle cards, cultural exploration of psyche, music, and understanding the gift of the divine feminine within.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bio:
Alex Castro Croy is trauma and addiction counselor/owner of Life Recovery Centers and Transcending Consulting Group in Denver/Northglenn Colorado. He also is an adjunct professor (graduate and undergraduate) for MSU-Denver- Department of Human Services for 9 years. He identifies as a bilingual/bicultural immigrant gay male and has used his techniques and tools to train professionals in all fields of human service: Law enforcement, doctors and nurses, trauma and addiction counselors, lawyers and judges. His passion is teaching, training, and soul-tending (psycho-therapy).
Session Title: Serving in the Gap
Session Type: General
Session Description: As a continue to navigate a growing mental health crisis, therapists around the world remain on the frontline. We continue to serve as first responders despite receiving proper compensation, resources, and recognition. We continue to show up and serve. It is increasingly important that we identify ways to scale our impact as the shortage of mental health therapists compared to those needing mental health care grows.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to evaluate the needs of the community they serve
- Attendees will be able to explain how their clinical knowledge and skills can be used outside of the one-on-one direct service
- Attendees will be able to discuss and choose how to build community partnerships
- Attendees will be able to describe how to protect their own mental health and wellness
Speaker Bio: Dr. Ajita Robinson is a grief and trauma expert, former full-time professor and corporate executive who built a 7-figure pro-insurance mental health practice to help people heal from generational trauma and loss. I took my experience from building a thriving, profitable practice and my previous business experience and began to help other mental health entrepreneurs create global impact through living legacies and financial freedom while helping communities heal.
Session Title: Understanding and Preventing Burnout in Clinical Practice
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In this workshop, we will discuss the prevalence of burnout with therapists, the difference between burnout, stress, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue, and how to recognize red flags and risk factors for burnout. Additionally, participants will learn skills and tools to implement into their daily routine to prevent and heal from burnout, including values exercises and mapping our nervous system to better understand the neuroscience between ourselves and burnout
Learning Objectives:
- List the symptoms of burnout and connection to physical and mental health
- Identify causes of burnout in the therapy field
- Define tools and interventions to manage and prevent burnout
- Describe Polyvagal Theory and it's role in identifying burnout
Speaker Bio:
My name is Gabrielle and I am passionate about stretching beyond the typical boundaries of the mental health industry. I am a licensed clinical social worker living in Sarasota, FL and have been in private practice since 2017. I am the founder of GJV Consulting and Training where my focus is on training professionals on clinical issues and growing beyond the 1:1 model. My experience includes running a group practice of 13 therapists, creating content for the Goodheart Collaborative App, working in child protective services, victims advocacy, and as a care manager for an insurance company.
Session Title: Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person: How Having a Highly Sensitive Nervous System Effects Therapists and Their Clients
Session Type: General
Session Description:
Sensory Processing Sensitivity is widely unknown despite making up almost 20 percent of the population. In this presentation we will focus on how to identify the sensitivity trait, explore different styles of sensitivity, dig a little into the history of the HS Person, explore the neurological process, learn how to implement strategies to calm the nervous system, and protect from overstimulation. We will explore how having a highly sensitive nervous system is a super power!
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate how to assess the sensitivity trait
- Discuss the neurological process of sensory processing sensitivity and ways to reduce stimulation and promote positive change
- Implement appropriate therapy methods
- Explain possible implications for the highly sensitive therapist
Speaker Bio: Ashley graduated with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas. Ashley is the owner of Vibrant Journey Counseling, PLLC which offers telehealth counseling across the state of Texas. Ashley is licensed in both Texas and Washington State and specializes in working with adults who have experienced childhood sexual assault. Many of Ashley's clients experience Chronic PTSD symptoms, dissociation, and somatic pain. Ashley is a self identified Highly Sensitive person and works with many highly sensitive clients. She loves reading young adult fiction and has a zest for travel. Her dream vacation would be to go to Scotland! She has a passion for history, superheroes, Harry Potter, and baseball!
Session Title: Access to Autism Treatment Through a Gender Equity Lens
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In today’s session, Dr. Menon will share insights from current research and clinical experience with autistic and neurodiverse individuals, across the lifespan. She will begin with identifying and characterizing common referral questions for therapy. She will focus on providing the audience key patterns and phrases to watch for with clients, based on her clinical experiences. Specifically, she will address the concepts of shame, camouflaging social behavior, and bridging into a neurotypical world, socially and functionally. Related to these concepts, she will weave stories from the field that bring concepts such as self-esteem and self-sabotage, navigating the fuzzy edges of relationships, and reducing the conflict between private identity and public persona to heart. She’ll review the differences between emotive connections, rational connections, and limerence relationships with others. She will explore the relationships among internal, private strategies and needs such as sensory and self-regulation, compartmentalization vs cognitive rigidity and the related public stigma experienced by the individual. Finally, she will identify effective treatment plans and provide time for case discussions.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to explain the development of the ASD literature as it relates to accurate diagnosis, advocacy, and support.
- Attendees will be able to locate reliable, evidence-based resources to offer their clients.
- Attendees will be able to summarize a case conceptualization leading to a differential diagnosis.
- Attendees will identify and select effective treatment plans and be able to recommend next steps to their clients.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Menon is a school and clinical psychologist and cofounder of Thrive Collective. She has enjoyed working in a wide variety of professional settings. She brings these experiences
from many educational, clinical and leadership opportunities and used them to design Thrive Collective’s therapy, evaluation, and training services. She thinks it’s important to combine good science and smart suggestions and offer them to clients with patience and understanding. Her long-term experience with diverse people enables her to offer practical, timely support to move forward.
Dr. Menon has gone from a generalist practitioner at the start of her career into a well-developed niche serving neurodiverse people across the lifespan. She places a specific focus on nuanced diagnosis and therapeutic support of those identifying as female and autistic. Using her expertise to evaluate and treat a range of psychological and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, and adults, she provides individual and family therapy or school consultations. She loves coaching and teaching the skills to tame anxiety, be organized and be in charge of your life, to help clients crack the “social code” to have fun, and to improve their relationships or make new ones.
Session Title: Working With Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Is therapy with a child who identifies as gender diverse or transgender any different than being in the room with a cisgender child? No. But, there are some additional layers of knowledge you should have before working with this population. This workshop is for providers who want to expand their knowledge of working with the younger LGBTQ+ community as well as their families.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss WPATH, what is it and why is it important.
- Be able to choose appropriate terminology and language to support LGBTQ+ youth.
- Evaluate how to guide family support for allied and non-allied family systems
Speaker Bio: Jen earned her Masters of Community Counseling from Regis University and immediately started working on her Registered Play Therapist credential, as supporting children was always at the forefront of her professional goals. Jen’s drive led her to earn the title of Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Approved Provider for the Association for Play Therapy as well as Approved Clinical Supervisor. She currently sits on the board for the Colorado Association for Play Therapy. Supporting LGBTQ+ youth is a passion for Jen and is what she has chosen for her practice to focus on.
Session Title: Build a Thriving Network: Your Colleagues are your Cohorts, NOT Competitors!
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In this session you will learn basic concepts about networking, expanding your practice, and instilling long lasting relationships with other private practice owners. Additionally, you will learn the importance of reciprocity amongst practices with similar demographics and clientele. This session will speak to the vital value of staying connected to your colleagues in order to diminish negative feelings of competitiveness and increase positive feelings of collaboration.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to describe how to collaborate with other professionals can improve success
- Attendees will be able to explain how to channel rivalry into productivity
- Attendees will be able to demonstrate how to support colleagues while building your own practice
- Attendees will be able to compare competitive behaviors to productive behaviors
Speaker Bio: Our support network began when we all worked together as case managers at the insurance company, Humana. Frustrated with corporate America and large organizational bureaucracy, we slowly ventured out on our own. From case managers to private practice owners, we formulated a new network and coined ourselves “Numana”. As we dove into the world of private practice, we continued to stay connected through a daily group thread and helped one another open and grow our respective practices. By doing so, we combined forces, shared, and guided one another towards success. We have continued to support one another since 2017 as our individual practices thrive. In doing so, we have deduced that your colleagues are not your competitors, but your cohorts and supports. We would love the opportunity to present a paneled discussion and spark a conversation allowing for a Q & A from the audience.
Session Title: Working With Families that are Struggling With Addiction and Codependency
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
This training is designed to help therapists learn how to work with families that are struggling with addiction and Codependency in the family system. You will learn how to set boundaries with accountability and structure, how to pick an effective treatment program and interventionist, and how to reconnect the family after a treatment episode.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to define codependency
- Attendees will be describe the family system and explain how to set boundaries effectively
- Attendees will be able to evaluate and choose an appropriate treatment program to treat addiction and codependency
- Attendees will be able to describe the continuum of care
Speaker Bio: Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, is the founder of The Chronic Hope Institute, which provides healing for families in crisis due to addiction and codependency, and family addiction coaching training for clinicians. In 2011, Kevin graduated with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University, and he spent three and a half years working at Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network as an in-home therapist, case manager, crisis evaluator and outpatient therapist for Child and Family Services. Kevin has also worked part-time for The Bridge House, ADMHN's Acute Treatment Unit, as a Mental Health Technician and Counselor. In 2014, Kevin opened his private practice, Petersen Family Counseling, which specializes in working with families and individuals struggling with addictions, codependency, and parenting. Kevin has published two books: Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child and Chronic Hope: Families & Addiction, which share an integrated, holistic approach to healing families in crisis due to addiction and codependency.
Session Title: Trauma Recovery During Perinatal Period: When the Only Way is Through
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Women are faced with many challenges today attempting to balance work, relationships, and motherhood. Often times, the perinatal period is overlooked when considering the frequency of trauma experienced by the birthing person, partner, and their family. This is an opportunity to learn about how the perinatal period can be experienced with a trauma informed lens.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify, evaluate, and explain Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Describe the most common traumas experienced during PMAD period.
- Identify and recommend effective treatment protocol for trauma recovery in PMAD.
Speaker Bio:
Melissa has been in practice since 2006 as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with clinical experience in the behavioral health hospital and private practice settings.
Melissa strives to create an open and honest relationship with her patients; she hopes to meet their needs by facilitating conversations about their goals while teaching strategies on how to live healthy and productive lives.
She enjoys practicing with individuals, couples, and family counseling.
Melissa is especially passionate about working with women issues, specifically perinatal mood disorders, trauma, as well as children, adolescents, and couples.
Melissa has specialization in Children and Families, DBT, Eating Disorders, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Self-Injury, and Trauma.
She is trained in EMDR, Gottman Couples training level one, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
Session Title: Healing Trauma Through Yoga: How to Effectively Use Yoga and Meditation in the Therapy Space and Beyond
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
An unregulated body cannot process higher-level information needed for healing trauma. When a body experiences an unprocessed disruption, the body continues operating in ways that may have been adaptive at the time but are no longer needed. When we can invite people to access their bodies in yoga and meditation safely, we are able to begin to bring the nervous system back to baseline. From here, the person can begin to think clearly, make decisions that align with their values, and allow them to befriend their body instead of disconnecting or disassociating.
Through experience and research, we have found that yoga and other somatic therapies have assisted in people's deep healing for years.
In this informative training, Kris will discuss up-to-date research, theories, and techniques related to yoga as a healing modality for trauma and CPTSD.
This training is geared towards therapists who may or may not have experience in yoga or meditation and who work with trauma survivors. Kris will provide an overview and understanding of the biology of trauma, how to weave yoga into the fabric of your current work, and how to utilize components of trauma-informed yoga in your own life for self-care.
Learning Objectives:
- Define trauma and its impact on the body.
- Discuss the components in the body that are linked to regulation.
- Develop body awareness: reading cues and the importance of befriending the body.
- Experience and demonstrate yogic asana (movement) and meditation techniques that are widely peer-reviewed and researched.
- Recommend and explain to clients the benefits of breath and movement when working through trauma.
Speaker Bio:
Kristina Silvestry is the founding director of Peace of Mind Yoga, Counseling, and Wellness Center. Kristina is a LPC in NJ, and a volunteer confidential sexual violence advocate.
In 2008, under the guidance of Ruth Castellano, Kristina was introduced to Sandplay Therapy. Furthering her studies, she became trained in EMDR and obtained her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional designation.
The impact of her trauma-work experiences motivated her to earn her 500-hour yoga teacher certification.
Wanting to deepen her knowledge, Kristina engaged in training with Seane Corn through Spirit Speaks. After YTT, Kristina obtained her certifications in 50-Hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, Accessible Yoga, Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga with Dr. Ariel Schwartz, Healing Trauma Training with Dr. Peter Levine, Integrative Somatic Therapy, A Year of Polyvagal with Deb Dana, Scott Moore's Yoga Nidra 20 hour training, Safe and Sound Protocol with Dr. Steven Porges, and Dr. Fox's 50 hour Yin Yoga Level 1 Training.
Wanting a location that allows people to feel safe, accessible, and comfortable while moving and meditating, Kristina found and renovated a space adjacent to the existing Peace of Mind Counseling practice. Because of this, Kristina's dreams of combining all forms of health and wellness have come to fruition.
Session Title: Engaging Parents in the Treatment of Children: A How to Guide that Increases Parent Responsibility and Reduces Therapist Stress
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Engaging caregivers in child mental health treatment is critical for sustained progress and successful outcome of referral behaviors. Many therapists find it difficult to engage parents in treatment and prefer to work with a child independently. In turn, many caregivers send their child to a therapist to "fix" the referral behaviors. The idea that a therapist can "fix" a child can feel overwhelming and oftentimes places unrealistic expectations on the therapist. Including caregiver coaching and support at the onset of treatment sets the expectation that caregivers need to participate in treatment, learn alongside their child, change their parenting behavior, and practice learned techniques between sessions. Learning to engage caregivers at intake is an essential step in developing this collaborative approach. Asking the right questions about treatment outcomes, what they want to achieve at home, and what they feel they need to learn to support their child's growth sets the precedent that this is a team approach. The therapist is not solely responsible for success. The caregiver, therapist, and child collaborate to accomplish treatment goals.
Learning Objectives:
- Therapist will evaluate the benefits of prioritizing caregiver support and coaching in the treatment of children.
- Therapist will list questions that can be added to their intake that sets the expectation that caregivers will be an essential part of treatment.
- Therapist will state how addressing oppositional behavior changes when including a caregiver at the beginning and end of each therapy session.
- Therapist will explain how to hold caregivers accountable and set the expectation for follow through between sessions.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Marcy Atkins is a licensed clinical psychologist. She was a triple major at Salve Regina University and graduated with bachelor degrees in Psychology, Elementary Education, and Special Education. She studied abroad at Oxford University in England where she continued to focus on psychology, education of special needs children and children with disruptive behavior disorders. She graduated from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology in 2004 with a Psy.D.
Dr. Atkins specializes in the treatment of children (ages 0-10) and their families with a dual focus on prevention and intervention of referral behaviors. Parent support and coaching is a significant component of treatment. The goal is to educate parents about the behaviors and teach them how to manage the behaviors for sustained gains overtime. Parents are active participants in the treatment process and are encouraged to ask questions and take notes.
Dr. Atkins is dedicated to providing empirically supported treatment and has worked in various settings including homes, hospitals, schools, and community mental health agencies.
Session Title: Journey Through Color: Practicing and Learning Anti-Racist Mindests
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
In a time of truth and reconciliation, harm, repair, and healing from racial trauma; We all have a vital role to play. The journey through living and practicing anti-racism is no simple task. We have been systematically ingrained to believe that dominant culture white supremacy is the supreme being or even the norm and all else who derail from that standard are marginalized. How do we heal as a civilization? How do we heal as a society? How do I heal myself and together?
This workshop will be centered on practical strategies and a journey through self-reflection on how racism shows up for you and how do we collectively work together in the healing profession to actively being anti-racist.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will evaluate and explain their own internalized and subconscious bias utilizing anti-racism approaches
- Attendees will list practical strategies to interrupt cognitive pathways of bias
- Attendees will be able to describe and discuss allyship for non-bipoc clinicians and internalized healing for bipoc clinicians
Speaker Bio:
Jenn is a first generation immigrant refugee family from Vietnam/Cambodia living in America. Raised in Washington, she received her undergraduate degree at Western Washington University in Human Services. Her graduate degree is from University of Washington Masters of Social Work Program. She spent over 13 years working as a professional Social Worker for various institutions both government and community based, serving my community. It is her life-long dream to be in private practice specializing in Trauma-Informed Care and aid in healing from Racial Trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Survivors of Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, and so much more.
Session Title:How to Implement Trauma-Informed Care Practices to Avoid Toxic Work Culture
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
This presentation is going to be an overview of the difference between vicarious trauma, burnout, and the latest threat to therapists (moral injury). Moral injury and toxic work environments have become the norm rather than the exception, especially with Covid still lurking. Between the pandemic and “hustle culture”, many practices and organizations have made changes which have led to clinicians feeling overworked, underpaid, and undervalued. The goal of this presentation is to learn how to work in a trauma informed manner for clients and implement trauma informed practices for the clinician’s practice or organization as a whole. I have a vision of no more therapists leaving the field and instead finding careers that fit their needs and career goals and finding joy in providing therapy once again. This presentation is meant to give tactical tips and tricks to re-energize the work space.
Learning Objectives:
- Clinicians will be able to explain the difference in burnout, vicarious trauma, and moral injury.
- Clinicians will explain trauma informed care frameworks for clients, for themselves, and for their practices.
- Clinicians will be able to describe tactical tips to implement trauma informed care practices into their place of work to help prevent toxic work culture and help avoid burnout.
Speaker Bio:
I am a Clinical Director of a trauma agency, a therapist who specializes in working with trauma, a supervisor, and a mentor to those in the mental health field. After 13 years in the trauma world, I have taken my heart and my knowledge and have made the decision to give back to other therapists. My goal is to show the helpers in the world that NO ONE has to go through this career alone. This career doesn't have to be physically and emotionally draining, it can be life giving!
Session Title: Serving Clients Across State Lines - Travel and Work as a Therapist
Session Type: General
Session Description:
This presentation offers guidance for therapists who are interested in learning about how to become a traveling therapist. Learn from a traveling therapists about how to get started and work as you travel. Focus will be on discussing logistics such as legal requirements, internet, tech set-up, and equipment needed, to ensuring confidentiality, and licensing laws. This presentation will also cover the highs and lows of traveling and what to expect. This presentation is meant to inspire and reduce fear about doing things a bit differently in private practice. The speaker will allocate generous time for audience participation and discussion. (This presentation offers guidance for therapists who are interested in learning about how to become a traveling therapist. Learn from four different traveling therapists about how they started and where they are now. Focus will be on discussing logistics such as internet, tech set-up, and equipment needed, to ensuring confidentiality, and licensing laws. Panelists will also discuss highs and lows of traveling and what to expect. This presentation is meant to inspire and reduce fear about doing things a bit differently in private practice. The panel will allocate generous time for audience participation and discussion.
Learning Objectives:
- List the basic steps and what to consider when becoming a traveling therapist
- List equipment needed to become a traveling therapists
- Locate information regarding licensing laws per each state and discipline.
- Describe pros and cons of becoming a traveling therapist
Speaker Bio:
Addie Wieland is a licensed clinical social worker and board approved supervisor. In 2019, she opened up her own 100% online private practice, Everyday Bravery Counseling, where she works with adults who have experienced trauma and those who struggle with shame, perfectionism, and poor self-worth.
Addie started off her career as a social worker working with adults with special needs, then began working in child abuse within a interdisciplinary team, and then worked as a clinical supervisor at a college counseling center.
Addie's main drive in pursuing her own private practice and it being online was to be able to live in an RV and travel with her family across the country. She did just that starting in 2020. Since then, she has been supporting their lifestyle through her private practice, while also exploring and adventuring with her family. So far her family has logged thousands of miles and visited 13 states and counting.
Session Title: Curiosity and Sexual Self-Discovery; How Cultivating Your Own Curiosity about Sexual Health will Improve Your Relationship with Yourself, Your Partner and Your Clients.
Session Type: General
Session Description:
Only 18 states in America require medically accurate sexual education. That statistic is detrimental to the culture in health of the United States. Most individuals struggle to understand and communicate their sexual needs and desires. Most therapists lack education in sexual health.
As a certified sex therapist I have worked with hundreds of clients to help them navigate their presumed beliefs about sexual health. The outcome of understanding your sexual health and ability to share with your partner or important people results in improved sense of self, elevated self esteem and increased satisfaction in their relationships.
In this presentation attendees will be able to evaluate their sexual beliefs and how intimacy plays a role in all relationships. They will learn how to discuss sexual health in a medically accurate way and be able to recommend resources for others while exploring sexual heath. Curiosity about sexual health naturally lends itself to growth. As many in the sexual health field say “talking about sex can change the world.” This presentation will conclude by exploring that statement and how attendees can use that in their personal lives or with clients in a meaningful way.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will evaluate their own bias and thoughts about sexual health and be able to differentiate between what is scientifically accurate information and what is not.
- Attendees will be able to discuss their thoughts and beliefs about sexual health in a medically accurate way being able to use this discussion in their relationships and with clients.
- Attendees will be able to recommend medically accurate learning resources for clients and others.
Speaker Bio:
Sarah is a licensed professional counselor, AASECT certified sex therapist, and sexuality educator. Sarah has a therapy practice located in Michigan, where she works with individuals and couples struggling with relationship and sexual health issues. Sarah is also the founder of Simple Sex Education. SSE provides online workshops for parents to prepare themselves for starting and continuing discussions about sex and relationships with their kids and women who struggle with sexual shame. Sarah also facilitates sexual health coaching for couples and individuals through Simple Sex Education.
Sarah attended Wayne State University for her graduate degree and the University of Michigan for her post graduate certification in sexual health and sexuality education.
Sarah has been with her partner of 20 years and they have one daughter. Sarah enjoys providing therapy and is passionate about bringing sexual health to the masses and plans on doing so through parenting, relationship, and women’s workshops.
She also has facilitated many workshops around the US for those impacted with rare bleeding disorders. Sarah spends her “down” time with her family, listening to podcasts, reading, and enjoying her family farm in northern Michigan where they have a miniature donkey named Burrito!
Session Title: The Therapist’s Hangover: Exploring Our Relationships with Substances and Technology
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
We all know how our clients often experience a “therapy hangover”, a term that describes the fatigue and exhaustion clients often feel after an intense session. But what about the Therapist Hangover, the sense of emotional drainage that comes from a full day of active listening and holding others’ emotions? Are you treating it with wine and Netflix? Turning your brain off by scrolling reels? Eating edibles to go to sleep? Waking up at 3 am to write a therapy note or answer emails? This workshop will help you explore your relationship to substances and/or technology that may be contributing to burnout, struggles with work/life balance, or lack of productivity. In exploring one’s use, therapists will also gain valuable insights , interventions and tools to utilize with clients to aid in a more balanced relationship with substances and technology.
Learning Objectives:
- Therapists will be able to explain the neurobiology of emotions and describe current research on the impact substances and technology have on mental health.
- Therapists will list the DSM 5 criteria for Substance-related and Addictive Disorders, and discuss considerations around Internet-related behaviors.
- Therapists will demonstrate in-depth assessment skills for the evaluation of substance and technology use and identify the different levels of care for substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors.
- Therapists will practice unique and creative interventions and exercises to assist themselves or their clients with reduction, abstinence, or moderation of substances or technology use.
Speaker Bio:
Robin Kleisler is the owner of Resolution Peak Counseling, LLC, a private practice specializing in trauma and addiction. She has 15 years of experience in wilderness therapy, school-based counseling, community mental health, long-term residential, and all levels of addiction treatment. Robin is passionate about motivating therapists and clients in finding their own unique path to wellness using a non-judgemental and holistic approach. Having lost a loved one to addiction, she is passionate about working with impacted individuals and family members to find joy in life that is not dependent on substances or addictive behaviors. As a former EMT, Robin specializes in working with front-line health care workers, teachers, and law enforcement officers to manage the trauma and stressors they encounter. In her spare time, she hikes, swims and bikes with her family, performs bluegrass music, and stays up way too late reading light-hearted fiction.
Session Title: A Jungian Approach to Clinical Work: Exploring the Intersection of the Clinician and the Soul
Session Type: Clinical
Session Description:
Development of our Clinical skills is a crucial part of being a therapist, but what about our soul as therapist? How do we feed our essence? How do we refuel in a spiritual and soulful way? Carl Jung has an amazing experience with his encounter with soul as evidenced by his Black Books and the Red Book. He always defaulted to the Greek definition of psyche which is Soul. Due to his journaling, art, music, and active imagination, he fed his soul and explored the intricate areas of his core, his essence, his soul. He taught us how to tend to shadow, archetypes, and understand the symbolism in dreams, and synchronicity of events. In this breakout session, clinicians will explore his ways, learn practical ways to feed our soul through dream tending, symbolism, meditation, oracle cards, cultural exploration of psyche, music, and understanding the gift of the divine feminine within.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to describe the divine feminine with in self and its role in tending to their Soul.
- Attendees will be able to list and demonstrate how their personal practices of self-care can serve them in and out of the therapeutic space.
- Attendees will be able to name and select various cultural or personal soulful practices that are aligned with Jungian/Depth psychology and demonstrate how it can help develop their core, essence as a clinician.
- Attendees will be able to empower and demonstrate clients how to choose various depth psychological lens/perspectives to tend to soul.
Speaker Bio:
Alex Castro Croy is trauma and addiction counselor/owner of Life Recovery Centers and Transcending Consulting Group in Denver/Northglenn Colorado. He also is an adjunct professor (graduate and undergraduate) for MSU-Denver- Department of Human Services for 9 years. He identifies as a bilingual/bicultural immigrant gay male and has used his techniques and tools to train professionals in all fields of human service: Law enforcement, doctors and nurses, trauma and addiction counselors, lawyers and judges. His passion is teaching, training, and soul-tending (psycho-therapy).
Thriving Well Institute, LLC
Megan Gunnell, LMSW
Founder
Megan Gunnell, LMSW
Founder
