Training fee: $45
Location: Holiday Inn Grantville
Instructor: Christopher M. Owens, MA, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT

Research in our field is constantly evolving (and often contradictory) in terms of what practices are most effective. However, there are a variety of factors that have been consistently shown to contribute to positive clinical outcomes. This course will address the ingredients of interpersonal dynamics, indispensable attitudes and related skills that contribute to a recipe for successful helping relationships. This interactive training will delve into several essential therapeutic variables, including empathy, acceptance, hope, focus and evocation. Additionally, attendees will be encouraged to examine specific ways to improve their ability to be a difference-maker as a helper.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Discuss at least five challenges of the therapeutic process, from both the client and helper perspective.
• Examine essential attitudes involved in developing healing alliances.
• Identify several useful skills that can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
• Explain various methods of improving one’s expertise as a behavioral healthcare provider.

CE Credits:
APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-.5

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Training fee: $45
Location: Holiday Inn Grantville
Instructor: Christopher M. Owens, MA, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT

Trauma can be viewed as an experience that can sever connections among the family, the community and the self. Although there are similarities between men and women in their experience of trauma and subsequent recovery processes, there are also substantial differences, in part due to gender role expectations. The very definition of “manhood” is often in direct conflict with the experience of being a victim, leaving males* to experience a wide range of conflicting emotions, and uncertainty as to how to manage them effectively. As a result, males who have experienced trauma tend to deal with these emotions with all-or-nothing, maladaptive coping responses, including substance use. This course will also briefly explore various aspects of a trauma-specific group treatment model for men (M-TREM), which addresses many areas including: messages about manhood, the impact of trauma, coping skills and acceptance.

*The use of the word “males” in this course may refer to any combination of boys, adolescents, men, older men or those socialized as men.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Examine several components of typical “manhood” schemas in our society. 
• Discuss the types of trauma more commonly experienced by males.
• Describe at least five ways in which a traumatic experience may affect men differently than women.
• List at least five maladaptive coping responses to traumatic events often seen in men.
• Explore the three broad elements of the M-TREM model of group treatment for men with histories of trauma.

CE Credits:
APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-.5

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Training fee: $45
Location: Drexel Queen Lane Campus
Instructor: Karin C. Gladney, PhD, CAADC

This course is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of race-related traumatic stress, which refers to the psychological impact of exposure to racial discrimination, racism and prejudice. The course will provide an overview of the historical and social context of racism, the manifestations of racism in contemporary society and the ways in which racism can impact an individual's mental health.

The course will cover the key concepts and theories related to race-related traumatic stress, including the impact of chronic and acute stress on the body, the role of cognitive and emotional processes in coping with racism, and the intersectionality of racism with other forms of oppression. Participants will also learn about the assessment and diagnosis of race-related traumatic stress, as well as evidence-based interventions for addressing this type of trauma.

Overall, this course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of racism on mental health and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals who have experienced race-related traumatic stress.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Critically reflect on personal biases and assumptions related to race, racism and privilege, and how they may impact one's professional practice.
• Develop an understanding of the historical and social context of racism and its impact on mental health.
• Identify and describe the different manifestations of racism and discrimination in contemporary society, including microaggressions, institutional racism and internalized racism.
• Discuss the physiological and psychological effects of chronic and acute stress on the body, particularly as they relate to experiences of racism and discrimination, as well as the cognitive and emotional processes in coping with racism and discrimination, including the impact of trauma on one's sense of self and identity.
• Understand the challenges associated with assessing and diagnosing race-related stress, particularly within diverse communities.
• Develop knowledge of evidence-based interventions and strategies for creating culturally sensitive and trauma-informed interventions for addressing race-related trauma, including trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive-behavioral therapy stress, with an emphasis on empowering individuals and communities.

CE Credits:
APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-.5

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Training fee: A certificate of attendance is provided at no cost. Continuing education certificates can be purchased during registration for $45.
Location: Drexel Queen Lane Campus
Instructor: Christopher M. Owens, MA, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT

Trauma is ever-present in the lives of many people who seek professional help. This training will provide a foundational overview necessary to understand the impact of traumatic experiences. Areas that will be explored include definitions, diagnostic criteria, prevalence data, and brain changes. Participants will engage in discussions regarding their professional experiences in working with people with trauma histories. A vignette will be provided highlighting the lasting impact trauma can have on a person, as well as the healing journey towards recovery. Lastly, the importance of becoming trauma-informed practitioners will also be introduced.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Define stress and trauma.
• Differentiate between each of the DSM-5 trauma and stressor-related disorders.
• Discuss data regarding the prevalence of trauma.
• Examine the impact of trauma on the brain.
• Explore the importance of creating trauma-informed awareness in professional helpers.

CE Credits (can be purchase for $45 during registration):
APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-.5

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Training fee: $45
Location: Drexel Queen Lane Campus
Instructor: Lindsay Martin, PhD, LPC, NCC, CIMHP

The dark triad of personality is a constellation of three socially aversive personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism. These personality patterns share commonalities, including grandiosity, self-promotion, entitlement, impulsivity, emotional coldness and aggression. However, there are vast differences in the etiology, manifestation and adaptivity of individuals with clinical and sub-clinical presentations. This course explores the malevolent side of human nature and provides strategies to improve assessment and treatment, and work more effectively with those presenting these personality structures.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Define the clinical and sub-clinical personality structures associated with the dark triad.
• Describe the etiology of narcissistic, psychopathic and antisocial personalities.
• Identify tools used to assess narcissism, antisocial and psychopathic personalities.
• Evaluate treatment approaches for narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders.
• Discuss challenges and best practices in working with clients with dark personality structures.

CE Credits:
APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-.5

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Training fee: $45
Location: Drexel Queen Lane Campus
Instructor: Christopher M. Owens, MA, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT

The impact on the entire family when any member experiences trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often overlooked. This course examines the range of responses in family members, the concept and reality of secondary trauma, and current approaches for treatment and related interventions for family members.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish between family therapy and family psychoeducation in their efficacy for helping family members.
• Examine cultural factors in a family’s response to trauma.
• Discuss the manifestations of secondary trauma in family members.
• Describe risk factors for co-occurring disorders such as substance-related disorders.
• Use information about current effective intervention approaches with families.

CE Credits:
APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-.5

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Training fee: $27
Location: Drexel Queen Lane Campus
Instructor: Lindsay Martin, PhD, LPC, NCC, CIMHP

Grief is a complex and universal human experience, but for some, it can develop into a debilitating and prolonged condition known as prolonged grief disorder (PGD). An estimated 7-10% of bereaved adults and approximately 5-10% of children and adolescents will experience persistent symptoms of prolonged grief disorder, which extend beyond what is considered the normal course of mourning.

The addition of PGD to the Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders chapter of the DSM-5-TR has sparked controversy and debate about the pathologizing of grief. In this workshop, we will review the latest research on grief theory to help clinicians differentiate between “normal” and pathological forms of grief.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of PGD, including its diagnostic criteria, prevalence, etiology and risk factors. This course will provide practical skills in assessing and managing PGD, including evidence-based assessment tools and treatment approaches designed for working with those struggling with severe and prolonged grief reactions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe prolonged grief disorder (PGD), including symptoms, prevalence, diagnostic criteria and potential risk factors.
• Discuss at least two tools to assess and diagnose those with PGD using a culturally sensitive and empathic approach.
• Identify several evidence-based interventions to help individuals with PGD manage symptoms and improve overall functioning.

CE Credits:
APA-3, CPRP-3, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-3, NBCC-3, PA Act48-3, PCB-3, PSNA-3, IACET-.3

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