Bridging the Gap XVI - Recovery Rising - Friday October 20, 2017 - Registration Information coming soon!

Bridging the Gap XV - Addictive Disorders: Break the Cycle, Preserve the Family

Criminal Justice Addictions Work Group/ Bridging the Gap Conference:

Title of Conference: “Addictive Disorders: Break the Cycle, Preserve the Family”.  

3 hour presentation by Keynote

Presenter:

Claudia Black, MSW, PhD

346 321 High School Rd NE Ste D3

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110-2648

Beginning with an historical overview of addiction in the family, Claudia Black, Ph.D., will speak to the challenges of addressing the family legacy of addiction.  Offering a portrayal of generational repetition, she will address issues of underlying trauma.  Addiction, sadly is often described as the gift  that goes on giving, giving and giving. To disrupt this process,  Claudia will offer practical guidelines for family  members to assist them in recognizing self-defeating behaviors such as the dynamics of control and powerlessness  to distorted anger. In this process  she  sets  the stage for the family to be recognized as the client, not just the addicted person.   Family members are empowered to let go of script and embrace greater choices that fuel greater family health.

Breakouts 1 hour (each  participant will attend 2)

Breakout 1- The Hidden Life of Shame

 Presenter: Claudia Black (BIO above)

To grow up with the dynamics of loss, be it from living with addiction, violence or simply unavailable parents creates a legacy of internalized shame. Claudia will describe the underpinnings and consequences to shame-based beliefs that fuel the compulsive processes. She will identify and explain shame screens such as victimization, perfectionism, rage, procrastination and control that are common to clients struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders.

Objectives: Participants will be able to:

·      Describe the relationship of shame to core clinical issues

·      Describe the relationship of abandonment and boundary distortion to the creation of unhealthy shame

·      List 8 shame screens

Breakout 2- Engaging the Family Unit in Treatment

Presenters: Craig Brodmerkel, LCSW and Jamie Ross, LMFT

11 Farber Drive, Unit D

Bellport, NY 11713

(631)286-0700

Craig Brodmerkel, LCSW is the Assistant Director of services for Outreach in Bellport NY. Mr. Brodmerkel oversees the clinical and administrative programming for adolescents, and adults with substance use and other related disorders.   His 10 years in the field has focused on cultivating and implementing programming that treats youth and their families with interventions that are developmentally appropriate across a continuum of care.  He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY College at Brockport and obtained his Masters in Social Work from Stony Brook University with a specialization in substance abuse.  

Jamie Ross, LMFT is currently a private practitioner working with families, adolescents, individuals, and couples.  During her 10 + years in the field, Jamie has worked extensively with high risk adolescent clients struggling with substance use and related disorders.  She is a certified anger management specialist and has worked to clinically implement and engage families in the treatment process.  Ms. Ross obtained her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Stony Brook University, her M.A. in Clinical Applied Psychology from Columbia University, as well as a post-master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra University. 

Description:

Clinicians who work with adolescents know that family relationships, dynamics, and most importantly parental involvement play a significant role in protecting teens from future problems such as drug and alcohol use and other high risk behaviors. Treatment can be an important resource to build and improve relationships between teenagers and their families.  Research has shown that family participation in treatment is correlated to improved outcomes in teen behaviors. However, engaging not only the adolescent but their family as well can often be a difficult and daunting task.  This workshop will explore evidenced-based treatment approaches with addiction, adolescents, and families.  We will discuss effective ways for practitioners to engage resistant adolescents and families in the process of treatment.  

Objective:

·      Attendees will gain a fuller understanding of the improved outcomes that occur when families engage in treatment

Breakout 3 - Understanding the Process of Family Interventions

Presenters:

Jonathan Rauch, LMSW, CASAC-T, CIP

247 West 46^th St, #2305 NY, NY, 10036

(212)712-8814

Karen Reass, CASAC, ICADC

Seafield Center 37

John St.

Amityville, NY 11701

631 424-2900

Jonathan Rauch has been facilitating family interventions for over a decade and started his own company, Chemical Dependency Interventions, in 2005. Jonathan has a BA in psychology and received his Masters of Social Work from Fordham University. He is CPI, Certified Intervention Professional, and a board member of AIS, Association of Intervention Specialists..  Jonathan is one of the most respected interventionists in the field, having facilitated over 850 interventions with a very high success rate. Jonathan is known for his professional approach and case management skills, as well as the energy and enthusiasm he brings to his work. His energy and positive attitude carry over to the families and friends of the IP giving them the conviction that something CAN be done. He is effective with all ages, both male and female.  While experienced in a number of methods, Jonathan uses the ARISE MODEL. In addition to his work as an Interventionist, Jonathan is the Business Development and Outreach Coordinator for the New York Center for Living, an out- patient treatment center serving adolescents and young adults challenged by substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. In this capacity, Jonathan is in contact with treatment centers, counselors, therapists, clinicians and psychiatrists on an on- going basis. He organizes monthly Seminars at CFL with outstanding representatives in their field. These seminars usually offer CEU credits.

Karen Reass is an Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist and an Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor with over 25 years of experience in the field of Chemical Dependency. Karen is trained in three distinct models of intervention and Certified in the structured family model. Karen’s experience includes directing a training program which trained new students to become Credentialed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. She has supervised the staff of several Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment programs and she has trained other professionals on various specific techniques to help addicts achieve and maintain long term sobriety.

Karen believes in the intrinsic resiliency of families. She uses an authentic and direct approach to address the complex disease of addiction. Karen’s belief that much of addiction stems from trauma and unresolved grief informs her work with families, and helps them unlock the patterns of relating that have kept them stuck. Interventions are designed with family’s needs in mind. Using concrete steps Karen will guide and coach families to invite their addicted loved one to accept and enter treatment before a major crisis occurs. The work continues with the families following treatment to ensure a smooth transition into after-care and lasting change.

Description:

This training will cover the history of Interventions, different models presently being used, who’s appropriate for an intervention, how to set-up and facilitate a family intervention, and case discussions. The presentation will also explore the use of Family Interventions for SUD and Addictive Disorders. The presenter will compare the different models being used in the field and will use case examples to discuss differing perspectives of intervention models. The goal of this presentation is for attendees to understanding the history and process of interventions and to have attendees understand different models and perspectives for interventions.  After the training attendees should also be able to identify who is appropriate for an intervention.

Objectives:

·      Understand the role of a family intervention

           

·      Articulate the differences and similarities between different models of      

         Interventions

             

·      Understand the importance of when/how to facilitate a family intervention

Breakout 3 Family and Personal Recovery, A Parallel Process

Presenter: Ryan Hanson, MA, CAP (Certified Addiction Professional – Florida)

Ryan Hanson, MA, CAP

Director of Family Services

Caron Renaissance

7789 NW Beacon Square Blvd

Boca Raton, FL 33487

Phone: (561) 241-7977 ext. 3025

Fax: (561) 241-9233

Ryan Hanson is the Director of Family Services at Caron Renaissance. In his current position he oversees the family department programming and is a clinical supervisor for patients and their families. Ryan oversees implementation of the Residential Family Restructuring (RFR) program, where family members come into treatment to address their own unmet needs.  No “identified patient” is needed to participate in RFR.
Ryan has worked in multiple levels of care in the past 15 years, including adolescent mental health, adolescent residential chemical dependency, adult chemical dependency and mental health, adult IOP mental health, adult IOP chemical dependency, case management, private practice, halfway house and vocational, and adult hospital psychiatric settings. His depth of experience lends itself to Renaissance’s stages of care as the adult men and women move from their dependent position to a more interdependent role.  Some specialty populations Ryan has extensive experience with include adolescents, the LGBT community, and helping convicts reintegrate back into the community. Specialty areas Ryan has experience in are sexual health, eating disorders, and nicotine cessation. Ryan holds a Masters degree in counseling, and incorporates DBT and REBT principles into practical application for family members and patients. 
Ryan challenges family members to achieve recovery and learn how to detach from their ‘qualifier’ and meet their own needs. In prior settings, Ryan developed family involvement and family specific recovery programs.
Ryan received his Masters degree from the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies.

Description:

The family is the most powerful socializing influence on each of us.  This simple truth directly impacts how recovery and treatment need to be focused, and that focus needs to jointly address the needs of the patient and the family in a parallel manner.   This breakout session will address the necessity of each family member making their own treatment a priority during the treatment and ongoing recovery process.  This can include addressing their own family of origin beliefs and experiences and evaluating the impact on them personally.  Family members in their own personal recovery can evaluate and address relationships more accurately, implement more effective communication techniques, develop and utilize their own recovery skills, and establish healthier boundaries to further support the recovery process in the family.  A family member can identify themselves as the one needing support and treatment, and regain control of their life, sanity, and emotions by focusing on the one person over whom they truly do have control – themselves. 

Learning Objectives:  

·      Identify what it means for a family member to be in a dependent position. 

·      Identify parallels between family member behaviors and ‘qualifier’ behaviors, and ways the family member can begin making personal changes.

Save the Date - 2016 Bridging the Gap Conference - October 28, 2016

Mini Gap - Enhancing Motivation for Change in Group Counseling - September 25, 2015

Bridging The Gap 2015 - The Opiate Puzzle: Putting the Pieces Together

Bridging the 2015 - Sponsorship / Exhibitor Letter

Mini Gap - May 16, 2014

Save the Date - Mini Gap May 16, 2014

Mini Gap - January 31, 2014

Save The Date - Mini Gap January 31, 2014

Bridging the Gap XIII - Registration

Bridging the Gap XIII – Vicarious Trauma “Is compassion fatigue the cost of caring?”

Keynote Speaker:

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, MSW

For two decades, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, MSW, has been working with trauma survivors. With her theory of trauma stewardship she combines the age-old wisdom of traditions with the most cutting-edge contemporary research, directly or indirectly, to reinvent how we approach caring for others and ourselves. Laura continues her work with trauma stewardship, collaborating with others to develop sustainable work practices and maintaining a private counseling practice for individuals. She is also the founder and director of a Spanish-language school enrichment program that offers an environmental and social-justice

Breakout Sessions:

“Is it Your Baggage or Mine? Recognizing Transference and Counter-Transference in Trauma Work”

Presented by:

Liliane Drago, Liliane Drago, MA, CASAC,

Director, Outreach Training Institute

Liliane Drago is Director of the Outreach Training Institute, the largest CASAC training program in New York State.  Prior to assuming this position, she was the National Training Director at Phoenix House Foundation, where she was responsible for training and staff development, and the adoption of evidence-based practices into treatment programs.  She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and an approved trainer in Seeking Safety Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.   Previously, she directed the Riverside Center at Phoenix House, a treatment program for employed adults with substance use disorders and their families, and was the Director of Ambulatory Programs, where she provided oversight of adolescent outpatient services.

“Alternative Healing-Supporting the Sacred Self with Your Medicine Animal”

Presented by:

Ms. Alice Agostini, RN Past life Regression therapist, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master and Shamanic Practitioner

Profession: Psychotherapist, Healer, Public Speaker

Ms. Agostini is the founder and President of the Triskele Wellness Center. She worked as a Critical Care Nurse for 17 years. With a desire to increase her skill in emotional healing, she received a BA degree in Psychology and her Masters in Social Welfare from the University of Stony Brook. She has been a Certified Hypnotherapist since 1990 and specializes in Past Life Regression Therapy. For five years, she was the Director of Counseling and Education at Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. At the Center, her counseling focuses on domestic violence, sexual trauma, PTSD, phobias, anxiety, depression, relationship counseling and bereavement. She believes in following a spiritual path of self-discovery, compassionate communication and unconditional self love as a healing process for her clients. Alternative Healing – Supporting the Sacred Self with your Medicine Animal uses journeying as a therapeutic process of self-discovery and healing. Whether you are on a healing path or facing challenges and or changes, your power animal can guide and help you gain the insights to master the transformational nature of your life. Knowing your power animal will deepen your awareness and well being on both a physical and spiritual level. You will never feel alone, again. Journeying, the basis of shamanism, provides nurturance, validation, and emotional release. This healing can also occur with psychology but the process can be typically long, and arduous. The Shamanic Journey is a way of finding answers, information, healing, wisdom and knowledge as well as guidance or help with one’s personal life. During the Journey you meet with spirits who may be regarded as ancestors, elders, gods, goddesses, deceased shamans, spirit guides, power animals and angels. These beings are seen as beings with great wisdom, power and the ones who are willing to help with guiding the living

“Physiology of Vicarious Trauma: The Mind Body Connections”

Presented by:

Beth Moran, ARNP

Owner, sole proprietor of Integrated Wellness in Easthampton, NY

She is a graduate of the International School of Homeopathy and Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing. Her presentation will explore psychoneuroimmunology and how the brain stores amygdala as well as healing and treatment alternatives.

“There’s an App For That Mobile Wellness”

Presented by:

Bonnie Owens, LCSW

Ms. Owens has been in the mental health and addictions field for over 25 years. She has a psychotherapy private practice in Freeport, NY and Shinnecock Hills, NY.   As a degreed recreation therapist, Bonnie brings her unique blend of the mind-body connection to her treatment modalities. Her specialties are the psychobiology of trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and EMDR.  Immediately following the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01 she worked as a consultant for the FDNY CSU, during which time she partnered with peer counselors to educate members on acute and post traumatic stress and provide firehouse outreach.  Ms. Owens also provided critical debriefing sessions to NYPD members through POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance). She continues to see rescue and recovery workers, law enforcement personnel, and active and returning military personnel and their families, as well as to the general public modalities. 

Ms. Owens is the developer and creator of  “KAYAKTHERAPY”™ a specialized Brain Body Psychotherapy Technique based on the neuroscience of exercise, the bilateral stimulation of the brain from left to right, inherent in the paddling movement, with complete sensory immersion, all working simultaneously,  creating the optimal platform for learning, clarity, creativity, and reprocessing.  "KAYAKTHERAPY TM" is a powerful and accelerated trauma recovery technique.

Bridging the Gap XIII - Save the Date

Bridging the Gap XIII - Sponsorship / Exhibitor Letter

Bridging the Gap XIII - Request for Presenter's

The Suffolk County Criminal Justice Addiction Workgroup (CJAW) was formed in 1999 to bridge the gap between treatment and criminal justice professionals. The CJAW has been organizing the Bridging the Gap conferences held on Long Island for the past 12 years and is planning our 2013 full day conference.

This past year, the North East has endured some life changing events; these events have prompted us to organize a conference that will offer techniques surrounding professional self-care. All of us in both the treatment and criminal justice fields tend to prioritize the needs of our clients and forget to focus on professional self-care.

The CJAW is canvassing to identify professionals with an expertise in Vicarious Trauma, Secondary Trauma, Compassion Stress, Compassion Fatigue, and/or related topics.

The entire committee respectfully requests assistance in identifying professionals that may have an interest in presenting at our conference; planned to be held in the month of October 2013. 

If you are interested or have a colleague that you feel would be interested in presenting, please contact Brian Matonti @ brian.matonti@ima-us.com.

On be half of the CJAW Committee we thank you and appreciate your recommendations, as we continue to work together to ensure the well being of our clients and ourselves.

We look forward to continuing to bring informative, relative and professional trainings to the Long Island Community.

Working With the Addicted Chronic Pain Patient - Registration Form

Working With the Addicted Chronic Pain Patient

The CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADDICTION WORKGROUP Presents:

"Working With the Addicted Chronic Pain Patient"

Presented by:
Thomas F. Jan, D.O.
Claudia Ragni, CASAC

Friday May 3, 2013
12:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Hauppauge Legislative Auditorium At Suffolk County Legislature, W.H. Rogers Legislature Building - North County Complex, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11787

Three (3) CASAC Hours

No Fee
Seating is limited

Registration Required
Contact Elba Garcia @ elba@eacinc.org
Registration must be received by April 19, 2013

Bridging the Gap XII

Friday October 26, 2012 "Trauma Care for Special Populations and Veterans"

The CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADDICTION WORKGROUP presents Bridging The Gap XII

Keynote

"Trauma and Substance Misuse Issues among Service members and Veterans- Theoretical and Practical Considerations"

Presenter:

Michael DeFalco, Psy.D  

Director of Adult and Military Services

The Military Wellness Program at Holliswood Hospital

Presenters Bio:

Dr. Michael Defalco is the Director of Adult and Military Services at the Holliswood Hospital and the Director of the Military Wellness Program. He is also the Education Chair of the Veterans Mental Health Coalition of New York City and sits on their steering committee. He received a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from LI University CW Post Campus, where he specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from serious and persistent mental illness. Dr. Defalco has worked for over 10 years providing treatment and developing treatment programs for children and adults affected by traumatic stress, depression and other mental illness. His current area of specialties include treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disorders related to experiencing traumatic events as well as geriatric psychology and addiction treatment. Dr. Defalco is active in community education and he maintains an active private practice in Queens and Nassau County.

Description of training: This presentation will review some of the trends in behavioral health and substance misuse issues affecting our current United States service members and veterans.  Current conceptualizations of posttraumatic stress disorder, and the relationship between exposure to trauma and substance misuse issues will be reviewed.  Lastly, treatment considerations for justice-involved service members and those seeking treatment for addiction, as well as the need for integrated systems of service delivery, will be discussed.

Plenary #1

“The New Trauma Recovery: What We Now Know”

Presenters:

Richard Lawless, Th.D. Pastoral Counselor

Bonnie Owens, LCSW, C-CATODSW, ICADC, CASAC, EMDR part2

Presentors Bio: Richard Lawless, Th.D. Pastoral Counselor
Over 20 years of counseling experinence with specialities inclusing addicitons recovery, couples work and traume receovery. Worked full-time with FDNY Counseling Services after 9-11. Presenter of numerous workshops and trainings with a special focus on spirituality as a resource. Dr. Lawless has advnaced degrees in theology and religious studies and experience in community education, referral and intervention. His blog "A Site for Sore Eyes: Everyday Spirituality", may be seen at blogspot.com.

Co-Presentors Bio: Bonnie Owens, LCSW, C-CATODSW, ICADC, CASAC, EMDR part2
Ms. Owens has been in the mental health field for over 25 years, she currently has a private practice in Shinnecock Hills and Freeport. Her specialities include trauma recovery, mood disorders, addictions and EMDR. She has been a consultant for the FDNY Counseling Services Unit and is also a clinician with POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance). Ms. Owens continues to see rescue and recovery workers, law enforcement personnel and active duty/retunring military personnel and their families.

Description of Training: Tools that will help people move beyond traumatic injury, techniques of engaging trauma survivors, things to avoid with trauma survivors.

Plenary #2

"Rape, Trauma in the Criminal Justice System: A Survivor’s Perspective"

Presenter:

T.J. Parsell B.S., MFA

Filmmaker, Author, Human Rights Advocate Professional License

Tom Wasik, MFA, MSA, LCSW

Presentors Bio: T.J. Parsell B.S., MFA

T.J. Parsell is a Filmmaker, Author, and human rights activist.   He is author of Fish: A Memoir of a Boy in a Man’s Prison (DaCapo Press, 2006).   At 17 years, T.J. Parsell was sent to an adult prison for robbing a photomat with a toy gun.   On his first night, inmates spiked his drink with Thorazine and gang raped him.   He has been a leading voice in the movement to end prisoner rape.  He is the former President of Stop Prisoner Rape, served on the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission and helped draft national standards that impact every federal, state and local prison, jail and juvenile detention facility in the United States.   His book Fish received the PASS Award in literature from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.  T.J. has a B.S. from St. Francis College and just completed his requirements for an MFA in filmmaking at New York University.   He’s currently adapting his book into a feature length film, and is working with the National Institute of Corrections on a program addressing the needs of gay and transgender inmates.

Co-Presentors Bio: Tom Wasik, MFA, MSA, LCSW

Tom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in East Hampton.   He is trained in experiential techniques including psychodrama.   He facilitates experiential groups in NYC and in the Hamptons.  He has been in relationship with T.J. Parsell for 20 years, and will add a clinical as well as personal perspective by sharing his experiences of living with someone who has from the long term affects of rape trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Description of training: T.J. will screen a short filmed based on his book, Fish: Zoo Zoos & Wham Whams. A 17 year old kid struggling with issues of identity, sexuality and where and how he fits in the world, is sentenced to four and half to fifteen years for robbing a photomat with a toy gun.   He is quickly inducted into the psycho-sexual power dynamics of a maximum security prison.   T.J. will share his personal story and discuss how he dealt with the short and long term effects of post traumatic stress disorder and rape trauma syndrome.   Tom Wasik and T.J. will discuss his various treatment modalities and how effective they’ve been both individually as well as in their relationship.   In sharing his story, T.J. will highlight his specific experiences both in and out of prison, highlighting his both long and short term effects of rape trauma syndrome.

Break out #1

“Harnessing the Neuroscience of Exercise for Hope and Change”

Presenter: Bonnie E Owens, LCSW, C-CATODSW, ICADC, CASAC, EMDR part2

Presenters Bio: Ms. Owens has been in the mental health and addictions field for over 25 years. She has a psychotherapy private practice in Shinnecock Hills and Mineola, NY.   As a degreed recreation therapist, Bonnie brings her unique blend of the mind-body connection to her treatment modalities. Her specialties are the psychobiology of trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and EMDR.  Immediately following the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01 she worked as a consultant for the FDNY CSU, during which time she partnered with peer counselors to educate members on acute and posttraumatic stress and provide firehouse outreach.  Ms. Owens also provided critical debriefing sessions to NYPD members through POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance). She continues to see rescue and recovery workers, law enforcement personnel, and active and returning military personnel and their families, as well as to the general public modalities.

    

In the summer of 2008 Bonnie realized a ten-year dream to develop and provide KAYAKTHERAPY™ to her client base, the first year she offered it to 1 client and the results were encouraging.  In the summer of 2009 she provided it to 5 clients and the results were impressive. In the summer of 2010 she provided KAYAKTHERAPY™ to 20 clients and the results were astonishing, she now incorporates this model into her Body Centered Therapies.

Description of training: Talk Therapy alone can be Re-Traumatizing.  The optimal goal when working with individuals who have been traumatized is to help them feel safe again in their own body.   Body Centered Therapies engage the entire Brain Body in such a way that the traumatized individual can begin to tolerate the unpleasant physical sensations as they simultaneously are developing pleasant brain body sensations. Calming ones physical state will allow for focus and clarity, in turn allowing for the individual to once again move through their day in real time.  Exercise isn’t just for muscles anymore it holds the ability to fuel neurogenesis and provides the framework for Body Centered Therapies.

Break out #2

"Understanding the Psychological Impact of War-Zone Exposure and Coming Home”

Gaylene Pandolfo, LCSW 

Veteran Liaison NYS OMH LIFO

Presenters Bio: Gaylene Pandolfo, LCSW is a Mental Health Program Specialist II for the New York State Office of Mental Health Long Island Field Office.  She specializes in trauma informed care, is a lead for disaster mental health and is the veteran liaison.   Gaylene has been in the field since 1991 and has provided treatment in a variety of settings before joining the Office of Mental Health in 2004.  Gaylene has been recognized for her work by The Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island, the NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Hogan and Glenn M. Gardner, Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America. Gaylene is a proud sister of an OIF Marine who served in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005.

Description of training: This module will address the unique needs of service members of all generations, with emphasis on the specific needs of our brave men and women currently returning from war-zones.  This module will explore the complexities of mitigating the impact of the cycles of deployment, repeated exposure to trauma, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and suicide.  The generational impact on military families will be explored.

Break out #3

“Energy Psychology: The Trauma Cure?”

Dr. Patricia Hodge, Doctor of Nursing Practice, MS, BS, AAS, DNP, NPP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCS-BC

Profession: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Professional License NPP, RN (NY & GA)

Presenters Bio: Ms. Hodge has been a registered nurse since 1981 and a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 1997. Her work in mental health began in 1990 as a staff nurse for Catholic Charities. She works as a private practioner and utilizes energy psychology techniques and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) through her association with the Stony Brook School of Nursing and member of the research Committee of the Association of Energy Psychology. She is certified in several areas including as a Level 2 EFT practitioner through AAMET. Her original research is one of the initial published studies using energy psychology techniques with persons with a physical disorder.

In addition to private practice, she currently treats clients with mental health issues and clients in the Dual Recovery Program at Suffolk County Health Services Division of Community Mental Hygiene, Farmingville Mental Health Clinic.

Description of training: This interactive presentation will include an overview of energy psychology, its origins, theory, research, applications and implications. The relationships between the acupuncture meridian system and trauma, stress, overall health, and addictions will be highlighted. Brief explanations and demonstrations of one or more of the most commonly used forms of energy psychology will be offered. Dr. Hodge is an engaging speaker with expertise in complimentary, alternative and integrative therapies. She is a seasoned mental health clinician and a clinical researcher with first hand empirical evidence of the efficacy of energy psychology techniques.

Breakout #4

"Military Sexual Trauma – Survivors in Context"

James A. Leathem, LCSW-R, 

Social Work Section Chief                               

Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Presenters Bio: James Leathem is a LCSW-R and serves as the Social Work Section Chief for Mental Health at the Northport VA, on Long Island. He earned his MSW from Adelphi University and has a M.Ed. from the Plymouth State University (NH). He has served as the MST Coordinator at Northport for the past six years and has expanded the MST services there to include a coordinated outpatient program. He serves as the Regional Coordinator for MST in VISN 3, has worked closely with the national MST Support Team on many projects and is a member of the national clinical training staff.

Description of training: What is MST? What makes military sexual trauma different from traumas of other etiologies? How does trauma affect the physiological, emotional and cognitive systems in survivors?  What is VA doing to help survivors of sexual trauma? How do we treat the after effects of MST? How can we make sense of some of the seemingly bizarre behaviors that survivors present? What do we know about MST among the returning OEF/OIF veterans? These questions, and much more will be answered in this session.

Breakout #5    

“Suicide Prevention and Awareness:  Veteran Specific Considerations"

Nancy Olsen,  LCSW, BCD

Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Veterans Administration Medical Center

Presenters Bio: Ms. Olsen has worked at the Northport VA for twenty one years, covering a variety of programs including discharge planning on medical and acute psychiatric units, with the majority of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.  She is the first  Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Northport VA, a role which is new to VA's across the Nation and was a provision included in the Congressional "Joshua Omvig Veteran's Suicide Prevention Act" passed in the year 2007.  Her specialty is training in individual and group therapy, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and a variety of treatment approaches in working with suicidal patients.

Description of training: Overview of warning signs and risk factors for suicide.

Crisis Intervention and safety issues. Dispelling myths about suicidal behavior.

Latest literature/findings on suicide risk; including brief psychopharmacology and unique Veteran- specific considerations.

Breakout #6

“Phoenix House Military Initiative”

Elan Robin, LMSW

Clinical Director of Military Services

Sharon Elise Gingola, MA, LMSW

Military Social Worker

Presenters Bio: Elan Robin is the Clinical Director of Military Services at Phoenix House. He has clinical experience working with veterans in the substance abuse field. Elan has received his Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University and obtained his New York State licensure.  Professional experiences have provided Elan with the opportunity to work with clients of various populations, including military, substance abuse, and trauma.  He has been exposed to all aspects of case management and demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the many programs and services available today. Elan has also developed relationships with probation, parole, the court system, and VA.

Co- Presenters Bio: Sharon E. Gingola has been working in trauma and violence related therapies since 2003. Sharon has specific training in military culture, COS/PTSD, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and is certified through DOD/DCOE and Widener University.

Description of training: This presentation will cover the how and why Phoenix House has been preparing for the treatment of veterans in the substance abuse arena. The issues these veterans face create a unique form of problems, often leading to criminality and substance abuse. Phoenix House has developed a model which utilizes evidenced based treatments, coordinates care with other agencies, and services anyone who has ever served in the military regardless of their discharge status.

Break out #7

“Evaluating malingering and PTSD in a criminal justice population"

Brian Belfi, Psy.D. NYS Licensed Psychologist

Forensic Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist in Private Practice

Presenters Bio: Brian Belfi, Psy.D. is a New York State Licensed Psychologist who specializes in forensic psychology.  He supervises trainees from the NYU-Bellevue Hospital Center and Fordham University. Dr. Belfi has been an Adjunct Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is currently a professor at Adelphi University. He also holds faculty positions at Fordham University, New York University School of Medicine, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Dr. Belfi is actively conducting research on detecting deception and violence risk assessment. He has published on malingering, stalking, and the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. In his private practice, Dr. Belfi specializes in disability examinations, workman’s comp, violence & suicide risk assessment, Miranda Rights, personality assessment, insanity, competency to stand trial, extreme emotional disturbance, malingering, behavioral management, treatment of offenders, and prisoner re-entry. He has previously been employed in various correctional environments, including Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He is also an editor for a journal on terrorism.

Description of training: The evaluation of malingering of mental disorders should be considered in all clinical environments. Clearly, individuals who malinger mental disorders within the criminal justice system are a significant drain on often overburdened systems.  Evaluation of malingering is often underutilized due to the length of administration and demands to be efficient as possible with evaluations.  This presentation examines these issues and explores methods to assess malingering.

Break out #8

"The Art of Balancing Pain Medicine and Addiction"

Dr Jan, DO, FAOCPMR, DAAPM, DABAM, C-MROCC
Physician

Presenters Bio: Dr. Jan is an Osteopathic Physician in private practice located in Massapequa, NY. He completed residency in Physiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, NY, is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of PM&R, is a board examiner and serves on the board.  He was recently appointed as the lead representative for the AOBPMR to the newly formed Osteopathic Pain Medicine board certification and is the Chair of the examination Panel of Experts.

Dr. Jan has been in practice for 14 years and he sub-specializes in patients recovering from alcoholism / addiction suffering from pain. He is certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and has been actively involved on the field of addiction medicine for over ten years. He serves on the Leadership Council of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and volunteers as Medical Director for the LICADD Opioid Overdose Prevention Program. He also serves on the Nassau County, NY County Executive’s Task Force on Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse. He is also Medical Director for the Town of Babylon, NY, Drug and Alcohol Services.

Description of Training: The current prescription opioid and subsequent heroin epidemic have led to a great deal of questions and myths surrounding Opioid medications. The purpose of this talk is to clearly explain not only what are Opioids are but define addiction, tolerance, physical dependence and pseudo addiction. Lastly it will address current treatment options for pain control in recovering addicts.

Break out #9

"Clinical Considerations for Working with Military Veterans

Carol Davidson, LCSW, CASAC

Sr. Director of Veterans Services, Samaritan Village

Presenters Bio: Carol Davidson has been working in the field of addictions and recovery since 1975. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi University and a Master of Social Work degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She holds a New York State License as a Clinical Social Worker and is a New York State Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor. She has earned a Post Masters Certificate in Military and Veterans Behavioral Health from Widener University.

In 1999, Ms. Davidson accepted a position at Samaritan Village Veterans Program in Manhattan, where she contributed to the development of an innovative treatment model for military veterans with chemical dependency, mental health issues, combat trauma, and other life problems. The program has been widely recognized for its success and has been replicated at the Samaritan Village Ed Thompson Veterans Center in Richmond Hill and the Samaritan Village Women Veterans Program in Ellenville. In her current position as Senior Director of Veterans Services, Ms. Davidson has oversight of all three facilities.  She is a frequent conference workshop presenter, trainer, and public advocate on behalf of veteran’s issues.

 In 2002, Ms. Davidson was awarded a certificate of appreciation as an “Honorary Veteran” by the Untied War Veterans Council of New York. She has authored articles on veterans issues for The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, National Council magazine, the TCA News, and other publications.  In 2009, she was invited to serve as a Grand Marshall for the New York City Veterans Day parade, and was also awarded a U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute: Certificate of Appreciation. She is the 2010 recipient of the Rosalie Rosa-Cuva Award given by the Addiction Treatment Providers Association and the New York Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals. In 2011 she was invited to serve as Consensus Panel member for the upcoming SAMHSA TIPS manual on treatment for military veterans in chemical dependency programs.

Description of training: The presentation will provide an overview of military veterans as a special population within the treatment community, and will include information about wartime service, combat trauma & PTSD; homecoming & reintegration challenges; the relationship between trauma & chemical dependency; and essential components for facilitating recovery.

Break Out #10

"The Veteran Justice Project, Understanding the Nassau/Suffolk Veterans Courts "

Eric Bruno, MSW
Veterans Adminisration Medical Center

Presenters Bio: Mr. Bruno graduated with  Bachelor's in psychology from Florida International University in 2006. He completed his Master's degree in Social Work in 2009 from Adelphi University.

Mr. Bruno began his career as a Social Worker with the Northport VA in 2009. His assigned duty was as a HUD-VASH Case Manager. Mr. Bruno was designated with the collateral duty as the VJO Specialist, in October of 2009. Mr. Bruno was named the full time VJO Specialist in January of 2011. Mr. Bruno has been integral in the development and coordination of the VJO program at the Northport VA.

Mr. Bruno was instrumental in establishing the Suffolk County Veterans Court, which has been operational since 2/7/2011. This includes assisting all veteran participants in accessing treatment, interfacing with the Veterans Court Judge and staff, and coordinating the Mentor Program. Mr. Bruno was active in the establishment of the Nassau County Veterans Court on 11/10/11. Mr. Bruno attends all Veterans Court sessions and provides the veterans involved in both Veterans Courts with support and assistance in accessing services in both the VA and community.

Description of training: The speaker will describe the process and services available to Veterans through this treatment court model program.

Break out #11

"The Powerfulness of Equine assisted Therapy at Pal O- Mine Equestrian"

Dora Lupo, MS, LMHC, MAC, CASAC

Director of Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services of Nassau County

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Mandi Budah, MA, LMSW

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Lisa Gatti, Founder and Executive Director

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian 

Presenters Bio: Dora Lupo, MS, LMHC, MAC, CASAC

A graduate of New York University with a BS in Marketing and Long Island University with a MS in Community Mental Hygiene Counseling, Dora works in our equine assisted psychotherapy programs a licensed mental health professional. A certified EAGALA member, she holds certification in motivational interviewing, (MI), Eriksonian Hypnosis, Gestalt Therapy, Brief Therapy (NLP) and is a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and a Certified Reiki Level II. Dora has been with Pal O-Mine Equestrian since 2008. Dora currently works fulltime as the Director of the Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services of Nassau County

Co-presenters Bio: Mandi Budah, MA, LMSW

Mandi started at Pal-O-Mine in the summer of 2011 and covers various roles; she is a therapeutic riding instructor, camp counselor, and job coach for the work study program. Currently, she is completing her Master's of Social Work, and already holds a M.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College, along with her undergrad degrees, a double major in psychology and sociology. Past honors have included being voted as the President and Executive Board Member of the Master's of Social Work Graduate Student Association, being inducted into both the Phi Beta Kappa society and the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Co-presenters Bio: Lisa Gatti

A former Special Education Teacher, Lisa A Gatti founded Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in 1995. With a B.S. in Special Education and an A.S. of Business, Ms. Gatti has extensive experience, knowledge, and training of working with children and adults with disabilities and at-risk youth. Lisa has been honored by the Theresa Foundation and The Children's Medical Fund, and CBS-TV's Early Show named her an American Hero. A graduate of Leadership Huntington, Ms. Gatti was recognized by the Long Island Business News as one of Long Island's Rising Stars under the Age of 40 in 2004 and Pal-O-Mine Equestrian was nominated as Business of the Year by the Regional Commerce Business Partnership of Huntington.

Ms. Gatti was named one of Long Island's Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business for 2006 as well as being inducted into the 2007 Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame for the Special Needs category. She is
also on the Board of Directors of Foundation Grow and serves as Secretary for EAGALA, the international Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Most recently, Ms. Gatti was granted an Associates Degree from The Energeia Partnership-The Academy for Regional Stewardship at Molloy College in the 2011.

Description of training: This presentation will focus on using EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) when working with Veterans and the Chemical Dependency population. EAP is a brief therapy model effective with individuals with PTSD. Mental Health/ Chemical Dependency or underlying issues. The discussion with outline how working as a team which includes a mental health professional, an equine specialist and a horse creates an optimum environment for an individual to work through the stages of change. We will also answer the question, “why horses?” Our session is unique and will include a special exercise demonstrating with the audience the concept of equine herd mentality.

Break out #12

"Post Combat stress: Perspectives from a War veteran and a Clinician"

Andrew Roberts, Director Office of Military and Veterans Liaison Services

North Shore LIJ Health System

Rosen Family Wellness Center

Elysa LeBron, LCSW

Clinical Director

Rosen Family Wellness Center

  

Presenters Bio: Andrew Roberts is the Director of the Officer of Military and Veterans Liaison Services for the North Shore LIJ health Systems in Manhasset, NY. In this capacity he serves as the administrator of the Rosen Family Wellness center for Law enforcement, military personnel and their families. He is also the project director for a soon to be opened Unified Behavioral Health Center for military veterans and their families which is a joint endeavor with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Roberts is a West Point graduate and former Army officer who deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004. In Iraq he served with the 4^th Infantry Division as a Battery Commander of over 90 American Soldiers and as the American Liaison to the city of Balad in Diyala Province near the Iranian border. He is the recipient of numerous military awards including the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge.

Co-presenters Bio: Elysa Lebron is the Clinical Director of the Rosen Family Wellness Center for Law Enforcement and Military Personnel and their families at the North Shore LIJ Health System in Manhasset, NY. In this capacity she provides consultation, evaluation and treatment for military and law enforcement personnel and their families who have been exposed to stressful or traumatic events as a result of their duties.

Ms. Lebron also writes and conducts presentations on the effects of military deployment throughout the deployment cycle at military facilities in the NY metropolitan area. Prior to her work at the wellness center she was a senior psychiatric social worker for the North Shore Hospital Forensic Psychology Program conducting court ordered child custody and child abuse and neglect evaluations as well as serving as a clinician for the child and adolescent child trauma treatment consortium (CATS) where she provided treatment for children and adolescents directly effected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Ms. Lebron also served on the Nassau County Police- Mental Health treatment team in which she partnered with detectives from the Nassau County Police Juvenile Aid Bureau to provide inn home crisis intervention to assess and treat child witnesses to domestic violence.

Ms. Lebron received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University. She holds a Masters degree in non profit administration from Indiana University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi.

Description of training: Andrew Roberts will discuss his own experiences with post operational stress injuries and steps he took to recover. Elysa Lebron, Clinical Director will discuss providing evidenced based trauma treatment for Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She will also provide case examples of individuals and couples that have experienced emotional challenges before during and after deployment