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.
Florida mental health COUNSELORS association
2101 Vista Parkway Ste 233 West Palm Beach Florida 33411 (P) 561-228-6129 (E) Office@FLMHCA.org
Description: Therapeutic Martial Arts is program that is designed to combine therapeutic interventions using group structure and Martial Arts. This program combines traditional aspect of Martial Arts, Eastern and Western philosophies in combination with several evidence-based clinical and philosophical modalities. Several theories describe psychological and physiological reaction to stress, aggression, self-esteem, and mindfulness. Threat-Aggression Modulation Response (TAMR) Model will be presented as an alternative to the Fight or Flight Syndrome. t postulates that there is an intervening processing mechanism, and therefore, a variety of responses between encountering aggressive stimulus and responding to it. Research focuses on theoretical and practical application using this innovative program, including meditation. The Therapeutic Martial Arts program helps children and adolescents to experience therapeutic change through structure of the ancient art, group dynamics, and other therapeutic interventions such as dynamic, cognitive, behavioral, gestalt and meditation. Participants, not only will be able to improve their physical conditioning, but also social skills, anger control, and awareness of their own actions and effects towards other people, as well as improve their self-esteem, communication skills, performance in school, and reaction towards stressful stimuli.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-902277
This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. 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:
About the Presenter:
Description: The Physical/Emotional Sexuality Model is a new/old way of perceiving how we communicate, based on hypnotic suggestibility. What is especially poignant is that it tends to show up in couples and other relationships, causing all kinds of problems until we understand it. I will be explaining it in simple terms that are easy to present to your clients especially in relationship work. It is easy to implement and produces instant positive results in increasing understanding and reducing conflict between partners.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-905409
Michael Holler is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, a Certified Child Custody Evaluator, a Qualified Parenting Coordinator, a Qualified Clinical Supervisor and a Certified Family and County Mediator. Michael has a private practice in Tavernier in the Florida Keys. Michael has been working with individuals, families, couples and organizations for over 25 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. Michael is the Past President and Ethics Committee Chair, and currently serves as Parliamentarian of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. Michael conducted his own research and evaluation on the Direct/Inferential Model of Communication in both his senior project (bachelor’s level) and his Masters Thesis. For his Senior Project on this subject Michael was awarded Second Prize in the Undergraduate Research Competition of the Missouri Psychological Association. In cooperation with the Deputy Clerk of Monroe County Court, Michael developed a Social Investigation Program for the Monroe County Court. Michael is a former musician (Guitarist & Singer) and continues to perform as a hobby. Michael also was a former Master Scuba Instructor, and was the author of an article published in the Fourth Quarter 1994 issue of the Undersea Journal of the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), entitled: The Psychological Aspects of Dive Rescue Management.
Identifying and Stabilizing the Hidden Sources of Mental Health Trauma During the Post-Pandemic Years. (2 day certification course)
Description: COVID-19 impacted everyone psychologically in different ways, and for some the greatest mental health challenge to manage will be from complicated grief following complex trauma. The losses people are facing are significant. Death by disease, or loss of loved one to suicide. Debt, financial ruin, recession, failing business, job loss to layoff or companies filing for bankruptcy, relapse to drugs/alcohol/addiction, relationships shattered by betrayal, lost friends who moved to find work, all complicated by a lost sense of ‘normal’ life.
What is a counselor to do in providing answers to those facing overwhelming loss and significant sorrow during these traumatic times?
Not since the Great Depression has our country faced such challenges, which fit an often-overlooked clinical diagnosis “Prolonged Grief Disorder" in ICD11 or “Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder” in DSM5.
Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder is a severe and persistent grief and mourning reaction, full of overwhelming stress, loss, deep sadness, and inconsolable grieving. Characterized by longing for the deceased or persistent preoccupation with the deceased accompanied by intense emotional pain (such as sadness, guilt, anger, denial, blame, difficulty accepting the death, feeling one has lost a part of one’s self, an inability to experience positive mood, emotional numbness, difficulty in engaging with social or other activities as described by the World Health Organization). DSM5, includes a condition of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) codable as a “severe and persistent grief and mourning reaction” in “Other Specified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder” 309.89 (F43.8). Guidelines for this diagnosis include the occurrence of a “persistent and pervasive grief response characterized by longing for the deceased or persistent preoccupation with the deceased accompanied by intense emotional pain (e.g. sadness, guilt, anger, denial, blame, difficulty accepting the death, feeling one has lost a part of one’s self, an inability to experience positive mood, emotional numbness, difficulty in engaging with social or other activities)”. Additionally, provisional criteria for PCBD are provided in Section III, “Conditions for Further Study.” It is expected unresolved complex grief from pandemic related trauma will ripple across every level of society leading to multiple psychological and physical reactions, especially for young children and the elderly.
Before COVID-19 the Center for Disease Control recorded approximately 2 million deaths annually in the USA with the life expectancy at 78.6 years. Based on the figures that each individual death affects from 8-10 family members, it is calculated there are 16 to 20 million new mourners each year. Some estimates show as many as one in three bereavements result in self-destructive or pathological patterns of grief. This data would indicate potentially, 5-6 million new cases of complicated mourning annually. These statistics may not consider others touched by the death including neighbors, friends, co-workers, students, or others outside the immediate family. Considering these affected individuals and the complex trauma COVID-19 is creating, the ripple effect of complicated grief could be much worse.
Every counselor must guide clients in managing sadness from loss, but not every counselor is skilled in guiding clients through the emotions of complicated grief after traumatic loss. Gaining new skills for evaluating and guiding persons through their own grief map after experiencing traumatic loss will be a technique counselors can use every day in work with clients. This two day certification course is designed for counselors and caregivers who work with people experiencing complex grief and distressing loss following a major traumatic event like the COVID-19 pandemic.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-875786
Learning Objectives- after two days of intensive training the participant will be able to:
“Complex grief affects every human. Going deep into your own grief journey as a counselor will prepare you to help more people than you could imagine. This course is an emotional healing experience designed to equip you to help others heal from grief.” -Dwight Bain, LMHC, NCC"
This training is taught by Dwight Bain, an ICISF.org certified crisis response trainer who worked at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and has equipped thousands of counselors with rapid psychological recovery skills. Dwight describes this course as the most useful he has ever found to rapidly manage complex grief and loss, both for practitioners and for their work with clients facing complex grief and trauma. Dwight Bain helps people rewrite their story through strategic change. He is a trusted media source quoted by - the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, MSNBC, and many more. You may have seen him on television or heard him on radio since he has been interviewed on hundreds of stations about finding creative ways to solve stress. Dwight’s skill as a communicator led Toastmasters to select him as the best public speaker in central Florida. He has challenged thousands of audiences toward positive change at organizations like Disney, Toyota, the United States Army, and the United Way. He is a best-selling author about creating positive change through books, blogs, podcasts and has been quoted in over 20 books. Dwight is a lifelong resident of Orlando where he lives with his wife Sheila and an assortment of pets. After 30 years together they always have suitcases packed ready for their next adventure. His purpose is to help you figure out a better way to solve problems, so grab a pen and get ready to map out creative ways to solve complicated situations with our speaker today.
Description: Have you ever felt hazy, glassy-eyed, and indecisive during therapy? It could be decision exhaustion which happens to clients and professionals alike. This hidden factor drags out the therapeutic process unnecessarily, triggers past abusive behavior, causes survival mode to kick in, and exhausts you as a therapist. Learn how to identify past occurrences, modify current circumstances to minimize the impact, and prevent it in the future.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-905587
Christine Hammond is a leading mental health influencer, author and guest speaker. As an author of the award-winning “The Exhausted Woman’s Handbook,” and more than 500 articles, Christine has more than one million people downloading her podcast “Understanding Today’s Narcissist,” and more than 400,000 views on YouTube. Her practice specializes in treating families of abuse, and trauma, with personality disorders involved which is based on her own personal experience. Her new book, Abuse Exposed: Identifying Family Secrets that Breed Dysfunction is available. Christine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor by the State of Florida, a National Certified Counselor, Certified Family Trauma Professional, with extensive training in crisis intervention and peaceful resolution. Expertise: She specializes in psychotherapy with families in transition, trauma, personality disorders, and addictions. She provides family and individual therapy using evidence-based psychotherapy methodology. She provides Parenting Coordination, mediation, and functions as a collaborative mental health neutral.
Description: We are innately sexual creatures. What should come naturally gets mutilated and destroyed by shame, fear, and ignorance. We crave emotional intimacy yet fear letting others know who we really are. Early in life we learn to compartmentalize our sexuality, thinking of it only as an act instead of an extension of our personality and authentic self. Repressing the authentic self becomes a barrier to personal happiness and emotional intimacy in our relationships. Myths and lies take precedence over truth. This workshop will challenge the therapist to examine their own knowledge of sexual science and find new ways to coach clients toward greater intimacy and sexual fulfillment.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908835
Dr. Steven Davidson is a clinical sexologist and licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Wilton Manors, Florida. He has a doctorate of philosophy in clinical sexology and is nationally certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. His book, Sexual Integrity: Finding the Courage to be Yourself, explains his theory that we all desire and seek sexual authenticity. The Sexual Integrity Coach® is his registered trademark.
Description: The APA reports psychological expertise is in demand everywhere during the post-pandemic and the importance of mental health is a daily topic in the news. Television, radio, magazines, newspapers, social media influencers, podcasts blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, websites, direct mail… it’s everywhere. And everyone is talking about how the global pandemic affected their mental health.
(Data from Centers for Disease Control, Washington Post, Boston University, National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health in America report https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america and 2022 American Psychological Association report https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-emerging-trends )
You might think this surge of conversation about mental health would mean every single counselor has a full schedule, with multiple opportunities to speak and share their insights with schools, hospitals, churches, business / community groups, and the media. Counselors want to make a positive difference in their community and most enjoy working one on one with clients, yet most are not busy, and most are extremely fearful of stepping up to communicate about mental health.
Why so much fear to talk about psychological subjects they studied in college for years?
It’s not just counselors who have a fear of public speaking. The National Institute of Mental Health reports the fear of public speaking is the most common phobia, ahead of death, spiders, or heights.
73% of the population has anxiety about public speaking from the underlying fear of judgment or negative evaluation from others – NIMH.gov
Business, schools, government, and media are seeking psychological experts to lead conversations about mental wellness in the post-pandemic. Celebrities are publicly talking about their mental health struggles to end the stigma of seeking mental health care from a professional. People are seeking mental health care more than ever. How can you join the conversation to impact your community without being scared or coming across as boring?
FMHCA is sponsoring a two-hour intensive communication training to show how to turn off the fear of public speaking and convert that negative energy into positive connection with an audience. There are ten key elements the speaker is responsible to manage, with five specific elements needed to connect with an adult audience. Essential elements of verbal connection in live audience, virtual audience and media will be covered to show how to connect with verbal, non-verbal and para-verbal communication skills to connect and empower others. Once you overcome your fear of public speaking you can step up without fear in your community, gaining greater visibility as a professional, while reaching more people to help with your specific mental health message.
This training will be led by a counselor who has studied communication over thirty years. Dwight Bain was a certified corporate trainer by Fred Pryor / Career Track, Certified senior trainer by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Certified speaker by Dynamic Communicators and a CLASS Certified Speaker and Author. He spent 20 years hosting a radio and television talk show, spent 10 years training in the National Speakers Association and 10 years in Toastmasters International, (three of those was selected as one of the best public speakers in Florida). He is passionate about creating connection using ideas, stories, and technology. This training will include an extensive guidebook you can personalize with techniques to overcome the number one fear that blocks counselors from helping people. Public speaking.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-909033
Participants will:
Dwight Bain is a Nationally Certified Counselor in practice since 1984. He has spoken to over 4000 audiences, including Toyota, DuPont, the U.S. Army, Disney, Advent Health, SunTrust, United Way, Florida Department of Education, FMHCA, ICISF, and hundreds of others. Dwight is a trusted media resource who has been interviewed on over 500 radio and television stations; as well as quoted on over 100 media platforms including: New York Times, Washington Post, Orlando Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Journal, Miami Herald, FoxBusiness.com & MSNBC. He and his wife Sheila live in Orlando.
Description: To understand behaviors, use insurance services or facilitate individualized treatment plans, it is not uncommon to categorize children and adolescents with diagnoses (ADD, Oppositional disorder), administrative labels (“social misbehavior”), or informal tags (“disruptive,” “challenging”). Labels affects the sense of self in young adults, alienates them, and affects their relationship with power figures, especially when the child identifies with the label. Moreover, if the therapist is not familiar with the cultural context, children from minority groups are more likely than their peers to be labeled as having a behavioral disorder, making them more vulnerable to further alienation and discrimination. Counselors need to be increasingly aware of the potential negative effects of categorizing children’s behavior and rather focus on the emotional needs and context that explains symptoms and behaviors. With a better understanding of mindsets, identifications, emotional needs, and purpose of the behavior, counselors could better assist their young clients and their caretakers, offering more effective interventions, taking into account that whether a child is labeled as “odd, mad, bad or sad” may determine what kind of overall support they receive.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908837
Dr. Silvia Casabianca started her career as a medical doctor in Colombia, where she chose to work with the unprivileged. Her interest in pedagogy and psychology led her to obtain a Master's in Art Therapy in Canada in 1992. She spearheaded a pedagogy of love in Colombia before moving to the United States in 2000. As a lifelong learner, she has been interested in assisting other people's healing processes at the interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. She educates others as a speaker and through her writing. She believes in the power of love and compassion. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate at Nova University, finishing her dissertation on compassionate parenting, and sees mental health clients via videoconferencing.
Description: Participants will gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical uses of play therapy. Through a didactic and experiential training, participants will learn how play therapy can enhance current practices. Individual, group, and family therapy techniques will be learned as well as age specific modifications. Come join us and discover how the powerful world of play therapy can help your clients reach new goals.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908839
Stefani Misiph is an LMHC. She is a Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor and has been in private practice for over 20 years. She is an adjunct faculty at Lesley University and has presented both at the national and local level.
Description: Learn what Deep TMS is and how impacts the patients and practices that utilize it.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-912763
Dr Rodriguez is the founder and Medical Director of the Delray Center For Healing. He is board certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, with a clinical focus in the treatment of mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and addiction. Dr Rodriguez is also an interventional psychiatrist with extensive experience in TMS and Ketamine treatments for various psychiatric conditions. The Delray Center For Healing is a comprehensive outpatient mental health treatment center that incorporates the most advanced psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological modalities in the treatment of complex multiple diagnosis cases.
Description: Individuals suffering from anxiety, mood dysregulation, and trauma often struggle to adequately regulate symptoms such as racing thoughts, hypervigilance, and psychophysiological symptoms despite often experiencing success with psychotherapy and/or medication management in alleviating many of their symptoms. Fortunately for these individuals, neurofeedback and heart rate variability (HRV) training can help them develop the ability to better regulate these symptoms and act as a missing piece of the puzzle in their treatment regimen. This webinar will present neurofeedback and HRV training based on a polyvagal theory framework to train individuals to better balance autonomic nervous system functioning as well as improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and attentiveness.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908841
Description: As most of us know, we didn’t learn business planning or marketing techniques in graduate school. The #1 question people asked me during workshops and in our Facebook group, My Private Practice Collective, is “How do I get clients?”. I’m here to tell you my strategies that have helped me double in income every year I’ve been doing private practice full-time. Nine years ago when I started my practice, I was the DIY Queen. Mondays were my slow day and I worked for hours on a website that did NOTHING for me! When I began to use Facebook and Google to market my practice, I did it all myself and I didn’t have a plan. I listened to some podcasts and I read blog posts but I knew I needed to create a solid and ethical business plan for myself because I had big dreams. By learning to build an ethical practice, I’ve been able to:
Are you worried about creating a winning strategy to build and grow an ethical private practice? It’s time to change the course of your private practice By learning to start and grow your private practice, you will be able to…
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-xxxx
Amanda Landry is a published author of the book, “Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety.” As a licensed therapist for more than 15 years, she has helped teenagers overcome depression and anxiety, go off to college, and become successful in their lives. Amanda is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addictions Professional, National Certified Counselor, and private practice consultant. She owns a group practice called Caring Therapists, with several locations throughout Florida that specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, stress management, increasing self-worth, incorporation of meditation and mind/body connection, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment and work/life balance. Amanda focuses on treating anxiety and depression in teens and adults through holistic and evidence-based practices. She is a believer in holistic treatment, practices vegetarianism, meditation, and yoga, and is an avid reader. Amanda is a private practice consultant with My Private Practice Collective, an online community for therapists with over 17,000 members.
Description: Writing can be effective for “putting structure to anxious feelings” (Pennebaker, 2004). Therapeutic Journaling incorporates and empowers a variety of counseling approaches. Discover practical counseling applications with a Journaling Plan suitable for individuals or families.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908843
Dr Kathie Erwin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, National Certified Gerontological Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, and Associate Professor at Divine Mercy University. Secretary of FMHCA, Dr Erwin is also a Master Field Traumatologist and board member of Green Cross Academy of Traumatology serving as a team leader in Trinidad, India, Romania and Ukraine. Author of seven professional counseling books, Group Work for Aging Adults, 2nd Edition (2013) generated international interest leading to guest faculty invitations for NordMag Gerontology Intensive at University of Iceland and keynote speaker for Mexican Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy.
Description: Brene’ Brown says “Owning our story and loving ourselves through the process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” As therapists one role we play is to help our clients recognize unhealthy thinking and beliefs about themselves and provide tools to aid them in their healing. This workshop will address the barriers to self-compassion our clients face and provide practical tools to help move them on their journey from self-criticism to self-compassion.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908845
Sandra B. Stanford, LMHC, has a heart for people who find themselves in hard situations. Because of this passion, she earned her master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University (Orlando campus). She currently is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing at Charis Counseling Center in a satellite office in Titusville, FL. Sandra is certified in EMDR Therapy which helps in the healing process for people who have experienced traumatic events. She is a Daring Way Facilitator in Brene’ Brown’s organization which focuses on healing shame and embracing who we are right now instead of who we believe we should be. She is also a Regional Trainer for FMHCA. Sandra also works with couples and is the founder of Our Marriage Matters retreats and conferences. One of her focus areas is in affair healing. Sandra and her wonderful husband, David, have been married since 1988. They have two precious adult children, Jonathan and Anna Beth and a son in love, Christopher, and two grandsons Ashton, and Elliot.
Description: The session will delve into the concept of microaggressions and the impact that they have on the mental health of marginalized populations. It will explore how to address microaggressions and effective interventions. The presentation will also focus on the importance in fostering an inclusive and accepting environment.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-914885
Description: This webinar is designed for mental health professionals working with clients with trauma histories. This webinar will address the various traumas our clients bring into treatment. This webinar will also address the benefits and challenges of Telehealth when working with trauma clients. It will look at the trauma and isolation of Covid and past year's experiences. It will also address the health of mental health professionals and selfcare tools.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-908849
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Dementia Care Specialist (CDCS) with over ten years of experience working with individuals, couples and families using a holistic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. I work with adults and specialize in treatment of life related stress, anxiety, depression, phase-of-life changes, grief and loss, and trauma. My work rests on the foundation of an honest, caring, nonjudgmental and compassionate therapeutic relationship.
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 #: 20-908851
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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