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FMHCA is a chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and is the only organization working exclusively for LMHCs in the State of Florida.

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Florida mental health COUNSELORS association

2101 Vista Parkway Ste 233 West Palm Beach Florida 33411 (P) 561-228-6129 (E) Office@FLMHCA.org


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OnDemand Webinars

  • Working With Clients Who Have Chronic Health Issues and Chronic Pain

    • 10 May 2022
    • 31 Dec 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: Working with clients who are experiencing chronic illnesses and chronic pain is a complex and often misunderstood population. In this training, Gabrielle will explain the common issues this population faces, the connection between physical health and mental health and trauma, and best tools to utilize with these clients.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-912164

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Summarize the intersection and prevalence between mental health and chronic health issues.
    2. Have multiple interventions to apply when working with this population.
    3. Utilize screening tools/interventions to assess and manage chronic conditions

    About the Presenter:

    Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, owner, and founder of Colorado In-Home Counseling, a thriving group practice of 13 therapists, serving adults of all ages who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, chronic health conditions, trauma, life transitions, and stress management. Gabrielle has 15 years of experience working in the field of mental health, helping clients find better work/life balance and creating space for clients to reach their highest potential. Gabrielle is also a contributor and content creator to the Goodheart Collaborative, an app focused on burnout prevention for women in helping professions. Gabrielle will be published later this month on thriveglobal.com for an in-depth interview on burnout prevention, and has also contributed to psychwire.com. Gabrielle is passionate about bridging gaps and making mental health accessible to everyone. When she’s not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba or reading a psychological thriller at the beach!

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  • The Heart of Addiction: An Emerging Paradigm for Understanding Addiction

    • 08 Nov 2022
    • 31 Dec 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register

    Description: Brain research and human development research is advancing co-occurring counseling to a place where clients will have a better opportunity to thrive. Clinicians often view substance use disorders primarily as cognitive and behavioral issues. A pathological perspective views substance misuse from a neurological issue. This workshop explores what is perhaps the key to understanding addiction, viewing it from an attachment disorder perspective. Vincent Felitti attributes adverse childhood experiences that have resulted in poor attachments and poor emotion regulation as a high-risk factor for addiction. Kathy Brous says, “alcoholics in particular may be born with a sense of separation which results in neurotransmitter deficits.” Bickhart, et al. (2010) reported that amygdala volume correlates with reported social network size and complexity. When considering what has been learned about the brain and “what works,” a new way of looking at addiction and recovery is needed. Schindler and Bröning demonstrated empirical evidence strongly supporting the correlation between patterns of attachment and SUD. As anticipated, more studies are needed utilizing SUD assessments that measure attachment disorder. Effective prevention and treatment start with understanding the role attachment disorders have in cooccurring disorders, and inversely understanding how healthy relationships positively impact recovery.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-964626

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Describe the epistemology of the brain as a social organ.
    2. Analyze the ramifications of attachment disorders on addiction as an underlying factor.
    3. Apply information learned to the field of counseling by reviewing a model the presenter has found effective.
    About the Presenter:

    Jack is the founder of Psuche Education, Counseling & Coaching Services. He previously served as the Executive Director at Clay Crossing, a residential facility for men. He retired from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, having served as the Admissions & Assessment Director at a 48-bed residential facility serving women with co-occurring issues. He also served as the clinical director at a male residential facility. He developed a program, The Together We Thrive program, for the Ft. Gibson School District, a K-12 program designed to identify at risk children and develop initiatives to assist them. In his doctoral dissertation he integrated spirituality, human development theories and psychotherapy. He has previously presented at a variety of conferences, to include at an International Conference.

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  • The Beginner’s Guide to Virtual Reality (VR)-Enhanced Exposure Therapy

    • 27 Mar 2023
    • 27 Mar 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: In the words of Mr. Rogers (Fred, not Carl), “Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.” All major psychotherapies involving encountering—rather than avoiding—unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Though talk therapy is powerful, it can be augmented with experiences that activate the brain in ways not typically experienced in session. Advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology now permit clients and counselors yet another means to expand beyond the confines of the typical therapy room to share safe but powerful therapeutic experiences. This training session was designed to introduce counselors to VR-assisted therapy and how it can be used for exposure therapy as well as somatic quieting.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-965742

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Summarize research on virtual reality (VR)-assisted psychotherapy.
    2. Orient clients to exposure therapy.
    3. Utilize virtual reality (VR) headsets in therapeutic applications.
    About the Presenter:

    Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and psychometry. He serves as Executive Director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, a national not-for-profit board officially endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association that provides training, certification, and professional advocacy for licensed mental health professionals specializing in forensic mental health evaluation. He is an Instructor at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy. He serves as Southern Regional Director and Ethics Committee Liaison for the American Mental Health Counselors Association and Chair of Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. He is the Consulting Editor for AMHCA’s The Advocate Magazine. He also works at Integrity Counseling, a group private practice, providing therapy, forensic and clinical evaluation, and clinical supervision to mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist interns as a Qualified Supervisor. He has 20 years of experience in the counseling profession, specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depressive disorders, and substance use treatment. He was awarded Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the American Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Counselor Educator of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Researcher of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2019, and he was awarded AMHCA’s Public and Community Service Award in 2020. An experienced writer, presenter, and trainer, he has been published in NAADAC’s Addiction Professional, American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, Journal of Individual Psychology, Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, and The Advocate Magazine, the official magazine of the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

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  • Meditation for Therapists: How to Breathe and Meditate for Self Care

    • 24 Apr 2023
    • 24 Apr 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: We know that meditation and mindfulness practices help us to find balance, reduce anxiety and find personal clarity. But, do you know how to meditate and practice mindfulness? Do you know how to teach your clients to do so? In this interactive seminar, you will learn about meditation, why it is a great complimentary practice for counseling and self care, and how to do it. Enhance your own self care and expand your toolbox to teach and support your clients.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1038018

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Participants will learn about meditation.
    2. Participants will gain an understanding about how meditation and breathing practices effect the brain and body.
    3. Participants will engage in breathwork and meditation practices.
    4. Participants will learn how to teach clients to utilize breathwork and meditation practices.
    About the Presenter:

    Stacey Brown is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with almost thirty years of experience. She has maintained a private practice for 22 years, has served as a professor in AS, BA and MA higher education programs, and has served in leadership and counseling capacities in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Stacey is an artist in her own right, favoring an intuitive, abstract painting style. Through her own personal work in healing, she has enjoyed the integrative qualities of many healing modalities such as Reiki, yoga, meditation, and artwork. All of these modalities are integrated seamlessly into her work as a psychotherapist. Continued learning and a desire to teaching motivate her to continue to grow and expand, offering her unique style to others to encourage their own healing.

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  • The Neurobiology of Trauma and Its Implications for Successful Treatment

    • 01 May 2023
    • 01 May 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
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    Description: Trauma imprints varying responses and reactions on all aspects of a being: the brain, the body and the psyche. This presentation will explore treating trauma from this holistic and neurobiological perspective. Learn the detailed structure and layers of trauma and how to successfully treat them using an evidence-based technique from the field of Energy Psychology which rapidly clears trauma from the conscious mind, subconscious mind, and body.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1040742

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. List the two major categories of trauma and define the differences between them

    2. Describe the layers of trauma with their components.

    3. Demonstrate the use of a meridian tapping technique for releasing eliminating traumatic emotion

    About the Presenter:

    Hillary is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH13684), she has Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She has been in private practice in Maitland, Florida for 12 years and also has experience as a counselor in inpatient psychiatric settings. Hillary utilizes a holistic approach to psychotherapy focused on mind/body integrative healing. She specializes in helping clients find relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, developmental trauma, and toxic relationships. Her treatment model is based on a perspective that focuses on treating the underlying issues that contribute to unwanted symptoms. Additionally, Hillary has completed extensive training in Integrative mental health, Energy Psychology, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Healing From the Body Level Up (HBLU).

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  • No Hocus Pocus, Just Focus: Strategies for Optimizing Focus and Concentration

    • 08 May 2023
    • 08 May 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register

    Description: This presentation aims to introduce attendees to several science-backed cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness-based strategies to optimize clients’ mental performance by improving their abilities to initiate focus and sustain concentration. Strategies covered will help attendees assist clients in developing a “mental warm-up” to transition into focus, maintaining concentration and regaining focus during mental tasks, and mentally recovering after intense periods of focus. Attendees will learn strategies for optimizing focus in high-stress situations plus be introduced to neurofeedback and mindfulness-based practices that can provide long-term benefits for focus and concentration. Additionally, this presentation will highlight the impacts of diet, exercise, stress, and alcohol and cannabis on focus and concentration.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1042964

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Recommend multiple strategies to improve clients' focus and concentration.
    2. Explain the importance of "warming up" to initiate focus and "cooling down" following a period of intense focus.
    3. Describe the impact of diet, exercise, stress, and alcohol and cannabis on focus and concentration.
    About the Presenter:

    Collier Shepard is a licensed mental health counselor at the University of Central Florida’s behavioral health services. At UCF, Collier provides neurofeedback and heart rate variability training, substance abuse counseling, and facilitates a cannabis psychoeducational group to students. Collier earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Alabama and also holds a master’s in exercise and sport sciences from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s in psychology from Ole Miss.

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  • How to Build a Smart and Ethical Private Practice

    • 15 May 2023
    • 15 May 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: During this webinar, you will learn strategies to build a private practice from the beginning, in an ethical and smart manner. You will learn about how ethics impact business planning and decision-making. You will receive marketing tips and strategies to help you earn an income that creates the life you want.

    CE Broker Tracking #:  20-942331

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Learn three ethic standards related to private practice
    2. Identify five ways to create an ethic private practice
    3. Learn three marketing strategies to help build success
    About the Presenter:

    Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addictions Professional, National Certified Counselor and private practice consultant. She’s the owner of a group practice, Caring Therapists with several locations in Florida. Caring Therapists specializes in working with children through adults. Amanda is the author of Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety on sale on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Amanda is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling, Trauma- Focused CBT and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Amanda is the founder of My Private Practice Collective, an online community for therapists in private practice. She is a private practice consultant who helps solo and group practices build smart practices. In 2018, Amanda was awarded Counselor of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association. She is the secretary of the FMHCA and the PBMHCA. She is a volunteer for Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority as the chair of the Wellness Committee. She has served as a chapter advisor for DPhiE since 2007. Amanda has helped numerous Registered Interns with supervision and starting their private practice. She is a Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida.

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  • Culturally Competent Play Therapy for Grief & Loss

    • 22 May 2023
    • 22 May 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: Grief and loss are ever present - yet we often are not taught how to help children, teens and adults. Cultural norms, countertransference and societal pressures combine to make talking about death, divorce and loss difficult. Models of grief and loss, talking with bereaved children and teens, as well as typical versus atypical grief reactions will be processed. This webinar will serve as a guide for therapists to infuse their practice with art, play and sandtray activities that will support bereaved and grieving individuals. Therapists will be able to incorporate learned skills into their clinical approach and techniques into in person and online telehealth services. Ethical considerations, diversity and limitations will also be explored.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-973246

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Describe at least two art, play and sandtray activities to incorporate into grief and loss services.
    2. Identify cultural considerations with play and art therapy techniques unique to bereavement.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of Task-based grief models
    4. Incorporate the Task-based models into play therapy services.
    About the Presenter:

    Marla Berger has been working with children, teens and adults providing experiential therapies since 2000. After receiving her Bachelors Degree from University of Florida and her Masters Degree in Art Therapy from University of Louisville, she specialized in working with children and their families. In the wake of the Parkland tragedy in 2018, she has been serving the community in supporting trauma and loss. She knows the working through traumatic experiences can be difficult to talk about, so incorporates art, play, sandtray and equine assisted services into her therapy program. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Eagala Advanced Certified in Equine Assisted Services and trained in Natural Lifemanship which is a Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy modality. Since 1999, Marla has been speaking locally and nationally on a variety of topics including how to incorporate experiential therapies for grief, loss and trauma.

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  • Effective Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention

    • 16 Jun 2023
    • 16 Jun 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: Participants will learn the signs that someone is thinking about suicide, specific steps they can take to engage the person in turning toward life, and important information about how to support survivors of suicide loss as a prevention strategy. This is an experiential workshop and participants will have the opportunity to practice asking questions and engaging in suicide prevention with gentle guidance in a supportive learning environment.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1079880

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Participants will identify signs that someone is thinking about suicide.
    2. Participants will understand how to develop a safety plan with someone who is thinking about suicide.
    3. Participant will practice engaging intervention conversations to help turn someone toward life.
    4. Participants will recognize common risk factors for survivors of suicide loss.
    About the Presenter:

    Maureen Pollard is a registered social worker with 30 years experience in the field. She operates a private practice in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada and specializes in grief and trauma, as well as resilience and wellness for professionals in high-stress, trauma exposed workplaces. She is also an author and a songwriter.


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  • Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Debunking Myths and Building Clinical Competency

    • 17 Jul 2023
    • 17 Jul 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: Terms like "schizophrenic," "psychotic," and "sociopath" are often headliners in news stories, painting a negative, and often frightening, picture of mental illness. In this workshop, participants will be exposed to the stigma surrounding Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, and gain knowledge and skills to "debunk" these myths, learning to serve as better advocates for people experiencing mental illness. Participants will also increase their assessment skills and diagnostic competency in the area of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, in preparation for work with people experiencing diagnoses from this spectrum.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1088768

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Describe the stigma and myths associated with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.
    2. Demonstrate clinical knowledge and competency pertaining to Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.
    3. Discuss opportunities to work with and advocate for persons experiencing Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.
    About the Presenter:

    Jennifer Barr, MSW, LCSW, is a social work faculty member at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Ms. Barr began her social work career working with clients who experienced domestic and sexual violence. After receiving her MSW, Ms. Barr gained a majority of her practice experience and received her LCSW working in the field of mental health and substance abuse, providing a wide range of clinical services to persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, in both inpatient and community-based settings. Prior to joining the UNF faculty, Ms. Barr worked in the field of higher education. She also provides services to veterans and their support systems, and serves as an auditor in the Florida prison system.

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  • What Counselors Need to Know About Recent Legislation Impacting LGBTQ+ Clients

    • 14 Aug 2023
    • 14 Aug 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: The Florida legislature recently passed a bill (SB 254) that the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, referred to as a “gender-affirming care ban.” Does this bill really ban gender-affirming care? What are its potential implications for mental health counselors and the clients they serve? What about other bills that were passed directly (or indirectly) relate to our work with LGBTQ+ clients (e.g., SB 1580, SB 1320, HB 1521)? And what’s the deal with that “guideline” issued by the Department of Health last year against “social gender transition” for adolescents? Does that change anything for counselors working with transgender youth?

    Get updated and informed with this 1.5-hour webinar! The Chair of FMHCA’s Government Relations Committee and FMHCA’s President will provide a brief overview of legislative actions and government guidelines impacting counselors working and their LGBTQ+ clients, and a panel of counselors specializing in work with LGBTQ+ clients will discuss these measures and answer questions posed by attendees.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1097560

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Identify and describe recent legislative actions impacting transgender care.
    2. Differentiate between legal and ethical standards related to working with LGBTQ+ clients.
    3. Contrast national and international transgender care standards (e.g., HHS, WPATH) with state standards.
    4. Reduce liability when addressing client requests for letters related to treatments for gender dysphoria.
    About the Presenter:

    Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry. He serves as Executive Director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, a national not-for-profit board officially endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association that provides training, certification, and professional advocacy for licensed mental health professionals specializing in forensic mental health evaluation. He is an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy. He serves as Southern Regional Director, Ethics Committee Liaison, and International Counseling Task Force Chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association and Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. He is the Consulting Editor for AMHCA’s The Advocate Magazine. He co-authored the Forensic Evaluation section of the “AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” authored the proposal for AMHCA’s Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Forensic Evaluation (CMHS-FE) credential, and served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential. He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depressive disorders, and substance use treatment. He was awarded Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the American Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Counselor Educator of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Researcher of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2019, and he was awarded AMHCA’s Public and Community Service Award in 2020. An experienced writer, presenter, and trainer, he has been published in several academic journals and professional magazines in the counseling profession.

    Laura Peddie-Bravo, LMHC, NCC is the current President Elect of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, FMHCA. Laura graduated from The University of Central Florida’s CACREP accredited Counselor Education program in 1998. She obtained her NCC credential in 1999 and obtained her license in 2001. Laura owns a private practice, The Bravo Counseling Group, LLC, in Winter Park, Florida. She is married and the mother of three young adult children, one of whom has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Among her specialties are Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bi-Polar, OCD, Domestic Violence, and Personality Disorders. Working with clients and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a special passion for her. Laura also enjoys serving the profession of counseling, and she has been a member of and volunteered for professional associations since she was a graduate student.

    Logan Bell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida. He works across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum helping patients navigate aspects of development and managing comorbid mental health concerns. Logan specializes in work with severe mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, active suicidal ideation, and death work, operating from a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral lens. Logan also works with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups and aims to help other clinicians better understand the law, ethics, and ways to help.

    Kerry Conca is a licensed mental health counselor who has been practicing therapy since 2013. Kerry recently completed her certification to become a Certified Practitioner (CP) of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy. She presently has a private practice in Tampa, Florida where she works with adolescents, young adults, and families. Kerry spent many years working with at-risk youth and children in foster care. She is passionate about advocacy for children, adoptees, neurodiverse individuals, and marginalized people.

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  • Adopting a Trauma-Lens: How to Build Protective Factors and Resilience with Adolescents

    • 14 Aug 2023
    • 14 Aug 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register

    Description: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to trauma due to the various developmental, social, and emotional changes that occur during this period. Experiencing trauma during these formative years puts adolescents at higher risk for various adverse outcomes. This presentation will provide attendees with an introduction to trauma and will review the different types of trauma and its prevalence in our society. It will explore how trauma impacts various domains of functioning for adolescents and discuss risk factors and red flags to look out for. Attendees will learn about resilience, protective factors, and the steps clinicians can take to support adolescents and their families to achieve healing and increase positive outcomes.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1097564

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Gain insight into what trauma is and how it affects the brain and the body of adolescents. 
    2. Understand the impact of trauma on adolescence including age related reaction, risk factors, and red flags. 
    3. Gain a better understanding of resilience and protective factors that apply to adolescence. 
    4. Learn the 7 C’s of resilience and how to take the initial steps to building resilience and increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
    About the Presenter:

    Dr. Marina Bunch is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Qualified Supervisor in Florida. Dr. Bunch holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands and serves children and families in her private practice in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Dr. Bunch specializes in infant and early childhood mental health, attachment-related issues, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, parenting, prenatal and postnatal mood disorders, and clinical supervision. Her research interests include early childhood mental health, attachment, and leadership. On a personal note, Dr. Bunch is married with two girls and two dogs (Jelly and Butter). She loves staying active, spending time with her family, and traveling, especially to her home country of Brazil. Dr. Page is an Associate professor in Counselor Education. Her areas of previous and current research and publication include adolescents, disaster mental health, theories in supervision, crisis work, substance abuse, and high-risk recidivists. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida) and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Dr. Page has worked in community and private mental health, in addition to serving as the clinical director for a private residential facility. She has also owned a private practice, serving adolescents, and worked in family law mediation. In practice, her specialties included addictions, severe mental health, adolescents, assessments, crisis/trauma, and anxiety. In addition to teaching, supervision, and research, Dr. Page is also involved in the American Counseling Association and is actively involved in the International Association for Addictions and Offenders (IAAOC) and is the Chair of the Legislative Committee. She has previously served on the board for the Florida Counseling Association and is a trained crisis responder. Dr. Page lives in the Orlando, Florida area and enjoys traveling, history, Gator football, and is an avid runner. She is married with two boys. Evan Wilons, LPC, received his master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberland’s, with his dissertation research focused on implicit bias within the counseling field. Before his role as the trauma educator for the TRIS (Trauma Resource Initiative in Schools) through ARBEST (Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma) within the Department of Psychiatry at UAMS, Evan worked with clients of all ages mainly focusing on adolescent and adult trauma in an outpatient setting.

    Dr. Page is an Associate professor in Counselor Education. Her areas of previous and current research and publication include adolescents, disaster mental health, theories in supervision, crisis work, substance abuse, and high-risk recidivists. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida) and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Dr. Page has worked in community and private mental health, in addition to serving as the clinical director for a private residential facility. She has also owned a private practice, serving adolescents, and worked in family law mediation. In practice, her specialties included addictions, severe mental health, adolescents, assessments, crisis/trauma, and anxiety.

    In addition to teaching, supervision, and research, Dr. Page is also involved in the American Counseling Association and is actively involved in the International Association for Addictions and Offenders (IAAOC) and is the Chair of the Legislative Committee. She has previously served on the board for the Florida Counseling Association and is a trained crisis responder.

    Dr. Page lives in the Orlando, Florida area and enjoys traveling, history, Gator football, and is an avid runner. She is married with two boys.

    Evan Wilons, LPC, received his master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberland’s, with his dissertation research focused on implicit bias within the counseling field. Before his role as the trauma educator for the TRIS (Trauma Resource Initiative in Schools) through ARBEST (Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma) within the Department of Psychiatry at UAMS, Evan worked with clients of all ages mainly focusing on adolescent and adult trauma in an outpatient setting. 

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  • Dual Diagnosis: Challenges, Experiences and Recommendations

    • 20 Aug 2023
    • 20 Aug 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
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    Description: Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness occur together frequently. Often times, there is a synergistic impact on the individual's well-being and their family relationships. It is important for clinicians and other practitioners to be able to discern appropriate level of care when treating these patients. The treatment of individuals with a dual diagnosis can present some challenges in modality and milieu for organizations, as well as private practices. Additionally, a holistic recovery approach needs to include the perspective and treatment of the family dynamics.

    CE Broker Tracking #:  20-1099654 

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Discuss the treatment and outcome implications when treating the dually diagnosed client as well as organizational issues that arise in implementing dual diagnosis programs.
    2. Prepare better to provide appropriate treatment and planning for the dually diagnosed client.
    3. Explain the necessity of giving attention to the families of dually diagnosed clients and gain perspective of the distress and difficulty the family faces with dually diagnosed loved ones.
    About the Presenter:

    Dina Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master's Level Certified Addictions Professional. Mrs. Smith is the Director of Clinical Services for the UF Health Florida Recovery Center. Mrs. Smith has worked in the field of Behavioral Health, primarily with Substance Use Disorders, for about 18 years. Mrs. Smith believes that Addiction coupled with a diagnosis such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder or others can be lethal without treatment. Additionally, the appropriate level of care could be the difference between health and safety versus continued disease and risk. Mental Health and Addiction affect family dynamics and relationships. Mrs. Smith has witnessed entire systems becoming absorbed by a problem that is spinning out of control. However, Mrs. Smith has also experienced the miracle of recovery in the patients and family systems she treats. Mrs. Smith is motivated to instill hope in others that recovery is possible, as well as educate clinicians on how to help restore these dynamics.

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  • Compassion Fatigue is Real! Let's Talk About It!

    • 28 Aug 2023
    • 28 Aug 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Registration is closed


    Description: As mental health professionals and leaders in our workplaces, we're constantly handling multiple stressful tasks and other people's traumas. After a while, some sooner than others, you may begin to experience a condition of extreme tiredness and desperation. This is called compassion fatigue. Our workshop is aimed to educate our participants on what compassion fatigue is and empower them with coping mechanisms for it. The participants will be able to clearly define and identify signs of compassion fatigue, differentiate the condition from burnout; discuss ways to get help, and lastly, gain practical measures for daily use.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-973294

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Define and discuss the condition of compassion fatigue
    2. Compare and contrast compassion fatigue from burnout
    3. Gain sound and tangible strategies to use daily
    About the Presenter:

    Natacha Bazin is an insightful thought leader with 15 progressive years of experience in the mental health and health services sectors. She is licensed in Mental Health Counseling, practicing in the state of Florida. Natacha demonstrates sound mental health best practices, program management, operations, and team development skills, imbued with a humanistic approach. She is adept at embracing different cultures, populations, and demographics, a clear communicator with proficiency in delivering small-scale training sessions and large-scale corporate events. Natacha's been impactful in small organizations and boardrooms alike; whether it's working with clients and families, developing strategy, reviewing policy, or evaluating performance. In addition to counseling and therapeutic services, Natacha provides consultation services in leadership/management, professional development, and team building; leading organizations to elevate and meet their business goals and secure growth. Natacha is proficient in Haitian Creole, is of Haitian descent, and has a passion for servant leadership.

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  • Young at Heart: Exploring Young Adult Literature as a Therapeutic Intervention

    • 11 Sep 2023
    • 11 Sep 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
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    Description: Young Adult literature has long been known for presenting controversial and relevant topics. Many of the frequently challenged and banned books are considered works within the Young Adult literature genre. Additionally, research consistently demonstrates that reading and interacting with literature has many developmental and therapeutic benefits. While many adults are criticized for consuming Young Adult literature, doing so can be incredibly helpful and therapeutic for clients. This webinar will explore the identity of Young Adult literature, ways adult clients can benefit from Young Adult literature, as well as ways to incorporate this type of literature into the therapeutic process.

    CE Broker Tracking #:20-1105720

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Define young adult literature as a distinct literary genre by describing the three main narrative components common to young adult literature and how they are different from adult literature. 
    2. Identify common themes in young adult literature and how they reflect social and cultural attitudes present in current American society by highlighting several prominent young adult works as examples of how authors incorporate those themes in their writing. 
    3. Explore evidence based benefits of reading and bibliotherapy and apply them to adult clients using theoretical frameworks describing human development.
    About the Presenter:

    Mel Gomez-Erickson (they/them/theirs) is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Experimental Psychology from the College of William & Mary. Their counseling experience includes treating individuals, couples, and groups in residential, outpatient, and school-based settings. Prior to working as a counselor, Mel spent over 10 years working in the education system, at the elementary, middle, high school, and undergraduate levels.

    Mel believes that everyone can benefit from therapy in some way, and that therapy is not a ‘one size fits all’ field. Mel incorporates their knowledge of psychology, education strategies, and popular culture to enhance the therapeutic process by providing clients the space to explore their presenting concerns through a lens that is easily understood and relatable. Mel is a certified trans-competent counselor and their areas of clinical focus include: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, family/relationship issues, and phase of life changes. They specialize in working with teens and adults, particularly those from populations who are often stigmatized and ostracized, including the LGBTQ+, kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy communities.

    As an LMHC in Florida, Angela specializes in providing therapy for couples (traditional and non-traditional) and therapists. She works with couples on developing relational intelligence to improve their relationships and quality of life, and therapists on managing a number of experiences that come up through their work or may be impacting their work.

    In couples therapy, clients can expect to explore aspects such as, but not limited to identity, power and control, care and closeness, respect and recognition, the various bond we have in life, need, vulnerabilities, biases, monogamy vs. non-monogamy, love, and more. In sessions for therapists, clients can expect to explore what it means to rediscover and rework their approach to being a person and a therapist, while managing the various experiences that emerge through their work and might be impacting their work, such as burnout, values, identity, trauma, navigating graduate school, and more.

    As a graduate of Rollins College, over the years Angela has worked with individual, other therapists, and a variety of couples in college and private practice settings and engaged in community-based and advocacy work within in-patient, LGBTQ+, addiction, and community mental health centers.

    As a therapist, Angela is honest, direct and genuine. She finds therapy to be an exciting space for exploration, curiosity and development, but also a space where clients can develop through challenging themselves and having fun.

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  • Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Why Should You Care?

    • 18 Sep 2023
    • 18 Sep 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
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    Description: This presentation will discuss the history of racial and ethnic health disparities in the US and identify some of the factors contributing to the prevalence of the issue.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1108316

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Provide background information on racial and ethnic health disparities Review factors contributing to the issue
    2. Explain changes in racial and ethnic health disparities in the last 10 years
    3. Discuss the role of mental health providers in addressing the issue
    About the Presenter:

    Dr. Dorcas Matowe is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Florida and Illinois and an Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She is an adjunct professor and also in private practice. Her doctoral research examined Marriage and Family Therapists' Knowledge and Perceptions of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.

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  • Heartminded Parenting

    • 01 Oct 2023
    • 01 Oct 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
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    Description: Neuroscience has allowed us to better understand the impact and long-lasting effects that early childhood experiences have on mental health, our subjective sense of satisfaction, and the capacity for emotional regulation. We are wired for love and compassion but find it difficult to connect with others. What is the parental role in children's development of their capacity for empathy and compassion? We will briefly discuss the existence of five circuits (systems) involved in parenting, the factors that create blockages to the parenting process, and how to foster a relationship with a child that could grant enough neuroprotection and neurostimulation so that the child can develop self-compassion and empathic concern for others. We will also discuss the essentials of the neuroscience of love and how three different stress systems interact in regulating emotions, developing trust, and being able to feel compassion. Then we will propose developmental stages of empathy and compassion parallel to cognitive, language, and psychosocial development and how parents can nurture compassion on themselves and the child.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1113050

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. To reflect on warmth and compassion as a parenting approach 
    2.  To explore the neuroscience of empathy and compassion
    3. To examine self-regulation strategies that boost empathy in parents and children
    4. To discuss parenting strategies that support compassionate behaviors
    About the Presenter:

    Dr. Silvia Casabianca is a medical doctor from Colombia who has researched the topic of compassionate parenting and promoted education in love and not in fear for more than three decades. She obtained a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University in 2022 and is part of the Root of Compassion and Kindness Center (ROCK) team at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has been a psychotherapist for 30 years. She has been licensed as an MHC in Florida since 2004. She is the author of several books, the most recent Heatminded: Conscious evolution from fear to solidarity. Her dissertation is entitled: Exploring College Students’ Transformative Learning Experience Through Co-Creation of a Pilot Compassionate Parenting Module in a Humanities Class.

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  • It's Not What You See in the Movies: Uncovering the Invisible Wounds of Military Trauma

    • 12 Oct 2023
    • 12 Oct 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: This presentation provides a fresh perspective on the magnitude and continuing stigma of military mental health. Neither counselors nor movies can grasp the full extent of an individual's suffering. We can empathize and ache in our own way having knowledge of it; however, no one can experience how another person is suffering. This presentation offers an overview of the obstacles veterans face throughout the course of their military career and the adjustment period post-service. A recently retired Airforce National Guard Captain will join this presentation to shed light on challenges faced throughout her career and the realities of facing PTSD and moral injuries daily, in battle, and beyond. Attendees will gain a valuable resource that will help mitigate the cultural gap between veterans and civilians that contributes to the ongoing efforts to decrease military and veteran rates of suicide.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1116004

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Participants will be able to understand military culture, military identity, and the unique experiences of Post-9/11 service members.
    2. Participants will be able to define invisible wounds of war and recognize the signs, symptoms, and risk factors military trauma.
    3. Participants will be able to facilitate knowledgeable interactions with service members and veterans with invisible wounds of war.
    4. Participants will be able to describe the common challenges servicemembers and veterans face when seeking care for the invisible wounds of war.
    About the Presenter:

    Maria Giuliana, LMHC and Qualified Supervisor, is a 20-year Navy Veteran and founder of Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services LLC and provides telehealth services throughout the state of Florida and Iowa. She holds positions as FMHCA’s Regional Director Northeast and Chair of the Military Services Committee. She is also a doctoral candidate at National Louis University-Tampa in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program with her research focus on Military Cultural Competency. Her Leadership and Advocacy experience also includes presenting at professional conferences at the local, State, and National levels on a variety of clinical topics, including military cultural competency, trauma, and other issues related to Military Veterans and their families, and addressing unique issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community.

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  • BIOREGULATION THERAPY -- Integrating Body Biofeedback & Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy into Psychotherapy: A Holistic Approach

    • 12 Oct 2023
    • 12 Oct 2025
    • On Demand (GoToWebinar)
    Register


    Description: An overview of Bio-Regulation Therapy technology and the science behind it. How to combine BRT with complimentary modalities, practices and techniques to create synergies that can result in significant improvement utilizing BRT devices - Including professional, personal-use, & mobile products - and how they can be used to provide therapy & benefits of BRT for your clients - How it can address a variety of physical, behavioral and mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety. digestion problems, panic attacks, trauma and POD, chronic pain. ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders and more. Using BRT to stimulate the Vagus Nerve - prompting parasympathetic responses that calm the body, counterbalance stress and strengthen the gut-brain connection; Options for integrating BRT into your psychotherapy practice; BRT case studies dealing with a variety of issues.

    CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1116006

    This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Attendees will be able to list the basic tenets of BRT as presented in the seminar to clients.
    2. Attendees will be able to List how to incorporate BRT into their psychotherapy practice with their patients.
    3. Attendees will be able to explain the BRT process constructs to their clients.
    About the Presenter:

    Michael Holler, Past President Ethics Committee Chair & Parliamentarian of FMHCA, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, a Certified Child Custody Evaluator, a Qualified Parenting Coordinator, a Qualified Clinical Supervisor and a Certified Kink Aware Therapist & Educator. Michael has a private practice in Tavernier in the Florida Keys. Michael has been working with individuals, families, couples and organizations for over 36 years. Michael is also a Neurofeedback provider. Michael has worked in inpatient psychiatric, community mental health and private practice settings. Michael has worked as an adjunct professor in psychology at Florida Keys Community College. Michael was President of the Upper Keys Interagency Council in 1997. Michael was the first Intensive Onsite Services Counselor in the State of Florida.