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: This presentation gives practical psychoeducation about the brain and the importance of using good brain habits in everyday living. Introduction of SPECT SCANS (Single Proton Emission Computed Tomography) as nuclear medicine scans used to look at the brain. The second part of this presentation will cover basic neuroscience principles and concepts learned from Dr. Amen and his clinics.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1288971
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:
Angela Canque-Kaplan is an LMHC specializing in EMDR therapy and brain health coaching credentialed by Amen University. She has been a therapist since 2011 working with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and families. Angela has extensive health experience in schools, Department of Juvenile Justice, social services, private practice, and education with a B.S. in Community Mental Health. She is an EMDRIA member, Certified EMDR therapist, and EMDRIA Consultant-in-training.
Description: Are you a mental health counselor seeking to deepen your understanding of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its application in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? Join us for an insightful presentation designed to enhance your clinical expertise and therapeutic effectiveness. Enhance your clinical skills with our presentation on "Understanding DBT Assumptions in Treating Borderline Personality Disorder." Attendees will explore the fundamental assumptions of DBT, such as emotional validation and the dialectical philosophy, and understand their critical role in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Learn practical strategies for applying these assumptions in therapeutic practice and discover how to integrate DBT with other therapeutic approaches to optimize treatment outcomes for clients with BPD. Join us to deepen your understanding and enhance your therapeutic approach with advanced DBT insights.
Lana Schneidt, LMHC, CAP, is a distinguished mental health counselor and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the field. Since founding her private practice in 2015, Lana has been dedicated to providing high-quality support to individuals from various backgrounds. Her extensive clinical experience spans residential treatment facilities, intensive outpatient programs, and community-based services, equipping her with a robust understanding of diverse treatment environments. Lana’s work is characterized by her commitment to evidence-based practices and her focus on integrating advanced therapeutic techniques, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD, and mindfulness strategies. As a certified addictions professional in Florida, Lana offers valuable insights into addiction issues and their implications for students and their families. Her role as a mentor and clinical consultant has earned her the recognition of "the queen of clinical consultation" among her peers. She is known for her expertise in mentoring fellow professionals and enhancing their clinical skills. Lana has also developed "Emotion University: Learn with Lana," an innovative online learning platform that focuses on teaching coping skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This platform reflects her dedication to advancing mental health practices and providing practical tools for both counselors and their clients. Her advocacy for mental health is demonstrated through her engaging presentations and workshops, where she addresses evidence-based practices, conflict de-escalation techniques, and strategies for supporting students with specific mental health needs. Lana is passionate about destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting holistic wellness. Lana holds an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Central Florida (2002) and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University (2009). Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys nurturing her mindfulness practice, exploring culinary experiences, and traveling with her husband Brandon. Lana Schneidt continues to be a leading figure in mental health counseling, dedicated to fostering supportive environments where individuals can excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
Description: A foundational exploration into the essential techniques and principles employed in non-directive play therapy. Participants will learn the art of non-directive communication, active listening, and creating a safe space for clients to engage in spontaneous play. By incorporating hands-on exercises and case studies, participants will develop practical skills in utilizing art, toys, and other expressive modalities to help individuals express their emotions and navigate challenges. This seminar serves as an invaluable introduction for those seeking to build a strong foundation in non-directive play therapy skills, fostering a supportive atmosphere where clients can freely communicate and process their experiences.
Andrea Mann, MS, NCC, LMHC-S, RPT-S, CAdPT-A, is the owner of Pathways Counseling LLC, where she is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based support to children, adolescents, and families. Andrea holds an advanced credential as a Certified Adlerian Play Therapist - Advanced, emphasizing her commitment to guiding clients through therapeutic play and personal growth. Andrea’s practice focuses on Adlerian play therapy, neurodiversity, trauma-focused interventions, and identity exploration and development. Her approach combines a strengths-based and holistic perspective, helping clients foster resilience, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being.
Description: Divorce can profoundly impact children, often resulting in trauma depending on how the situation is handled. This presentation delves into the intricate effects of divorce on children's attachment, offering mental health professionals' vital insights into these dynamics. Participants will receive an overview of children's attachment styles and how these are affected by divorce. The session will cover crucial topics such as parent alienation and parentification, providing a comprehensive understanding of these challenges. Attendees will learn practical parent interventions to support their clients effectively. Additionally, the presentation will introduce creative interventions designed to engage children and teens during the therapeutic process, helping them navigate their emotions and rebuild their lives after divorce. This session is essential for counselors seeking to deepen their expertise and enhance their therapeutic toolkit when working with children affected by divorce.
Ara Mascarenas, LMHC (she/her) is the owner of Rising Stronger Counseling. Ara is passionate about working with children and teens who struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, Eating Disorders and attachment issues. She also enjoys helping adolescents and young adults with difficult life transitions such as divorce, college, or traumatic experiences. She has worked with this population in various settings including schools, treatment centers, and private practice. She is also passionate about working with BIPOC individuals and offers services in both English and Spanish.
Please be advised that this event is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Description: Significant progress continues to unfold regarding the Counseling Compact, offering licensed mental health counselors a new pathway to practice across state lines. This webinar will provide an important update on the current status of the Compact, including which states have enacted the compact and what implementation looks like moving forward. Attendees will learn how the Compact works, how to obtain the privilege to practice in participating states, and considerations to evaluate before delivering services under another state’s jurisdiction.
Greg Searls is a licensed funeral service practitioner in the State of Wyoming. He began his work in the regulatory world when he was appointed by the Governor of Wyoming to serve on the Board of Funeral Service Practitioners in 2010. In 2016, he resigned from the Board when he was hired as an Executive Director in the State of Wyoming Professional Licensing Board office.
Greg served as the Executive Director for the Mental Health Professions Licensing Board, Board of Registration in Podiatry, Board of Midwifery, Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, Board of Hearing Aid Specialists, Board of Athletic Trainers, and Board of Occupational Therapist.
During his time as executive director, Wyoming passed the statutes to join the ASLP-IC, Occupational Therapy Compact, and Counseling Compact. He served as the ex-officio representative to the Counseling Compact Commission for AASCB until Wyoming joined the compact and he was named commissioner for his home state.
He has a bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science and a certificate of Gerontology from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Funeral Service Technology from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
Greg is co-author of the article Counseling and the Interstate Compact: Navigating Ethical Practice Across State Lines published in The Professional Counselor in the fall of 2023.
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Description: A brief look into what is yoga, versus current perceptions. How the practice of affects the brain and body. How Yoga got introduced into mainstream America. Yoga in the BIPOC community
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1301848
Crafty Counseling is an up and coming organization to serve the mental health needs of the growing diverse Southwest Florida Community. Lauren Ramnath Daharry is a New York native who grew up in Broward County then went to Tallahassee for her formal education. She graduated from Florida State University with dual bachelors in Religion and Psychology. She furthered her education at Florida A&M University obtaining a Masters in Community Psychology. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Yoga Alliance certified Yoga Instructor. She is currently a candidate for Yoga Therapist designation.
Description: Quantitative and qualitative research results from men (a couples hundred) of different backgrounds will be used to highlight common patterns, responses, and consequences of infidelity and its specific trauma on immediate family member and communities. Consequently, family therapy will be highly suggested to address this issue, as individual and couples therapy are mostly promoted. The presentation will cover the societal and cultural implications, in depth, when discussing infidelity.
CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1272598
Pascale Reseau is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and an educator. She serves families, couples and individuals in her practice, Impact Grace Counseling, LLC. Pascale has presented on grief, therapy in religious communities, family matters, education and parenting, and teacher burnout. She has hosted marriage conferences and other family events. Pascale is the host of podcast The Info Jabs with Pascale, a platform that seeks to educate listeners on various topics and to provide practical resources. She has fundraised for community center programs, non-profit organizations, and survivors of sexual assault. In the past, Pascale has given talks at women and men’s prisons and tutored children of inmates. For leisure, she loves taking walks and spending time with her husband.
Description: This course will review how to assess for past and current trauma experiences which are often not overtly discussed by the client at intake, and then what beginning and intermediate counselors can do to utilize techniques they already know infused with cautions and knowledge of trauma in order to best prepare clients for deeper trauma work on referral. The course will identify the three stages of the Herman Trauma Treatment Model and identify the ways in which the model has been confirmed by neurobiological research. The model will also be used to help the clinician identify their place in trauma treatment and their scope of practice at their present stage of their career.
Dr. Thomas Hofmann, PhD, LCSW, LMFT, EMI™, NBCFCH, BC-TMH, AAMFT Fellow, ACSW has decades of experience as a clinician and psychotherapy educator. He has experience in inpatient and outpatient settings in mental health and substance abuse both full and part-time over 32 years. He has 6 years of experience in the supervision of outpatient mental health clinics. He initiated and held leadership positions in the Hodges University Mental Health Master’s program from 2011 to 2024. Dr. Hofmann is a Florida Approved Supervisor for SW, MHC and MFT registered interns. He has provided numerous trainings to professionals in various psychotherapeutic approaches and client dynamics. He currently is the Director for Behavioral Health Training and Education for Lee Health in Fort Myers, Florida.
Caroline Hofmann LMHC, NBCFCH, EMI™, TIRF, ICRC-ADC, CAP has extensive experience working in outpatient mental health and substance abuse settings. She currently works with Dura Medical in Fort Myers, FL, as a psychotherapist, and has her own private practice through Hofmann Counseling and Consulting LLC. She specializes in efficient and humane approaches to assist clients to complete resolution of trauma. She also provides psychotherapy training to licensed clinicians and registered interns in Florida. Caroline is a Florida Approved Supervisor for mental health counselors. Caroline Hofmann LMHC, NBCFCH, EMI™, TIRF, ICRC-ADC, CAP has extensive experience working in outpatient mental health and substance abuse settings. She currently works with Dura Medical in Fort Myers, FL, as a psychotherapist, and has her own private practice through Hofmann Counseling and Consulting LLC. She specializes in efficient and humane approaches to assist clients to complete resolution of trauma. She also provides psychotherapy training to licensed clinicians and registered interns in Florida. Caroline is a Florida Approved Supervisor for mental health counselors. . Caroline also leverages her undergraduate microbiology degree in order to understand the neurobiological aspects of behavioral health.
Description: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, counselors scrambled to embrace a technology that only 5 to 10% of them had previously dabbled in—telehealth. Just as many of us felt like we’d achieved at least a moderate level of competency in telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as yet another mysterious, exciting, and—perhaps—terrifying technology to have to contend with, creating a slew of relevant questions: Can AI help me write my progress notes and treatment plans? How do I handle the fact that my counseling students are using AI to write their papers for them? What’s up with the creation of AI bots that offer mental health advice to our clients? Does AI perpetuate ethnocracies stereotypes? Is it true that some clients are recording their therapy sessions (without the therapist’s consent) and then selling those recordings to tech developers who are working on developing AI-powered therapy bots? Will AI make therapists obsolete? Is Cyberdyne finally coming to destroy us all? (Okay, that last one’s a little over the top…or is it?). This presentation was designed to offer an overview of how AI can (and already has) impacted the counseling field, as well as strategies for ethical and impactful use of AI in counseling.
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, telehealth, and forensic psychometry. He serves as Executive Director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy, 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. Dr. Norton has particular interest in the use of technology in counseling and has written, taught, and presented on the use of virtual reality, telehealth, artificial intelligence, and computers in counseling. He co-authored a set of universal telehealth guidelines for a joint AMHCA-International Association of Counseling task force, served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential, and co-wrote a revision to the AMHCA Code of Ethics clarifying ethical standards for the use of artificial intelligence in counseling. He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, researcher, and professor.
Description: In this webinar we will focus on how art as a therapeutic modality, be it through Dance Movement Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy etc, can be instrumentalized to be used hand in hand with Active Imagination a more psychodynamic technique pertaining to Jungian Analytical Psychology.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 7 years of experience in the field working for various mental health provider employers. I am now transitioning to building my private practice.
Description: This webinar is designed for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of narcissistic abuse (a form of domestic violence) and enhance their therapeutic skills in treating survivors. Narcissistic abuse, often perpetrated by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) or those with narcissistic traits, is a form of domestic violence that can leave profound and lasting psychological impacts on victims, including complex trauma, anxiety, and depression. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the dynamics of narcissistic abuse, including the manipulative tactics commonly used by narcissists, how narcissistic abuse qualifies as domestic violence, the long-term effects on survivors, and the challenges in recognizing and diagnosing this often-hidden form of abuse. The webinar will also explore evidence-based treatment approaches and interventions tailored to support the recovery and empowerment of survivors. By the end of this session, clinicians will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat clients who have experienced narcissistic abuse, fostering a path toward healing and resilience.
Description: As counseling professionals increasingly navigate legal and advocacy roles, the ability to testify on behalf of clients becomes paramount. This program addresses the gap in counselor education by providing counselor educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to train students in this essential competency. Testifying requires a unique set of skills that goes beyond traditional counseling, and this program aims to bridge that divide.
Kendria Brown, LMHC is the owner of Lifepath Counseling and a dedicated doctoral student at Walden University. She is also a qualitative researcher and counselor educator.
Description: The intersection of sexuality and addiction occurs when we use drugs or addictive behaviors to intensify sex and/or avoid true intimacy. When we use drugs or stimulating behaviors to a point where our ability to engage in sexual behavior is impaired or to escape memories of traumatic sexual experiences, our sexual lives will suffer. This workshop will explore and explain the many points of this intersection and describe interventions for developing healthy sexual feelings and behavior in recovery from addiction.
Dr. Carol Clark is board-certified in sex therapy and addictions and is the founder, president, and senior instructor for the International Institute of Clinical Sexology and the Therapy Certification Training. Students at IICS earn PhDs in Clinical Sexology. TCT offers several specialty certifications, including Behavioral and Substance Addiction, Hypnotherapy and Sexuality, Kink Conscious Therapy, Sex Offender Therapy, Sexuality and Disabilities, and Transgender Care. In her private practice, Dr. Clark has helped individuals from a multitude of backgrounds to find better lives. She employs a variety of interventions to effectively assist those seeking personal growth and an improved sense of well-being in their lives. By using the concepts in her book, Addict America: The Lost Connection and My Pocket Therapist: 12 Tools for Living in Connection, she facilitates the healing that allows full intimacy and Connection.
Description: High-conflict family dynamics are difficult to navigate with mounting aggression, accusations of abuse, opposing parenting methods, irreconcilable differences, and polarizing disputes. Therapy alone is not enough for these families. But what works? Which method is best for which clients?
Christine Hammond is a leading mental health influencer, author, and guest speaker. As an author of “Abuse Exposed: Identifying Family Secrets the Breed Dysfunction”, “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. Christine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Family Law Mediator, and Qualified Supervisor by the State of Florida, a National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Family Trauma Professional, with extensive training in crisis intervention and peaceful resolution. Her practice at Psychological Affiliates in Winter Park, Florida specializes in treating high-conflict families. 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, family mediation, elder mediation, guardian ad litem, reunification, and functions as a collaborative mental health neutral.
Description: While metaphysical beliefs and practices have been around well before Western medicine, there can be misinformation and outright concern that clinician's experience when examining these beliefs through a clinical lens. This clinical lens can lead to clients being pathologized or their meaning making system largely being ignored. This workshop will discuss ways to understand and work with clients within their meaning making system, reduce the incidents of metaphysical/spiritual beliefs being pathologized, and increase clinician comfort in working with Client’s whose beliefs may differ from what's often seen as typical religious beliefs. From tarot to energy work to astrology to convening with those that have passed on, let's discuss how clinicians can best identify clinical bias, deepen understanding, and strengthen the therapeutic work being done with Client's who practice ancient traditions. Participants will leave with actionable insights and strategies to apply in their work.
Colette McLeod is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor (MHC & MFT), and Certified Case Manager. She is the founder of CMCCS and creator of the Spill the T.E.A. (Time, Expectations, & Access) framework that supports folks in identifying, understanding, and living life from an empowered place. Her offerings include therapy and therapeutic services as well as ‘soul work’ facilitations (i.e. workshops, retreats, & courses) to support folks living as fully, whole, and connectedly as possible. She often describes herself as clinically trained, intuition powered, and spirit led and uses these skills to contribute to the healing of community. She's been practicing and facilitating using trauma-informed and holistic healing practices for over 10 years. To learn more, check out her social media. Colette is also the co-creator of GO! Mental Health Initiative (GO! MHi) whose mission is to support the well-being of mental health professionals through scholarships and mind/body/soul nourishing facilitations. This program serves as an oasis for all mental health professionals and a call to claim our right to wellness. GO! MHi is a program of Gifted Ones, INC. a local non-profit that supports visionary leaders in getting innovative solutions into their communities. To learn more, visit us on social media.
Description: What started with the National Enquirers’ slogan “Inquiring minds want to know” became a cycle of information approach/ avoidance during the Covid Pandemic. With easy online access to national and international news, the emotional hyperstimulation reinforced negativity, fear, introversion and isolation. Curiosity and hunger for answers has become a type of addiction with negative reinforcement. This session will offer ways to recognize the fear/freeze/crave cycle and for this specific type of trauma and approaches in treatment.
Dr Kathie Erwin is a Professor at Divine Mercy University School of Counseling, and Green Cross Academy of Traumatology Certified Master Traumatologist She is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Florida Qualified Supervisor, National Certified Counselor, National Certified Gerontological Counselor, AMHCA Diplomat in Geriatric Counseling and Certified in Emotional Freedom Technique for Professional Levels 1& 2. She was appointed Fulbright Specialist to teach at the University of Iceland in 2018. She continued to teach in the NordMag Graduate Gerontology Intensive at University of Iceland in Reykjavik, Iceland. In 2013, she received the prestigious Regent University Excellence in Teaching Award nominated by her Faculty Peers. Dr Erwin has served as President, Treasurer and Secretary/Board Member for FMHCA. She is also a Board Member of Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. As a Green Cross Master Field Traumatologist, Dr Erwin has served as team leader in Trinidad, India, and Romania. She taught trauma counseling in Kiev for the Ukraine Project including distance support for Ukrainian counselors remaining in country. Her support continues for the pioneer counseling program, the Ukraine Institute of Traumatology, as a Board Member of the International Mental Health Consulting group. Dr Erwin is the author of six professional books, an ethical thriller novel and an award-winning screenplay, her primary research interests are creative counseling approaches for the multigenerational family system and developing age cohort relatable group modalities for Older Adults.
Description: Many counselors are accustomed to working with clients and grief. This grief is generally after the loss of a loved one regardless of their age or relationship with the client. However, there is a form of grief that lasts much longer and affects a much larger group of clients. These are clients that are experiencing anticipatory grief. This can occur in situations such as chronic illness, caregiving, loss of a job, loss of safety and security, loss of a relationship, etc. These are often looked at as an adjustment disorder but often can go much longer than 6 months and are experienced very similarly to traditional grief. Covid-19 introduced types of anticipatory grief that a great deal of clients never expected to experience. This webinar will discuss the types of anticipatory grief that are experienced as well as interventions and modalities to utilize with clients.
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