Check-in to pick up your conference materials. 

Bad River Youth Drum Circle

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Bad River Youth

“In our culture the drum is the grandfather and is the way we start our gatherings in a good way. It is grounding for most people and brings an inner peace as the drum is like a heartbeat.” - Lynn Maday-Bigboy

Welcoming Remarks

​Presenter: ​Kirsten Johnson, MPH, Secretary-Designee, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wis.​​​

Creating a Healing Forest: The Entire Community as the Recovery Center

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

A major challenge of substance use disorders and mental health treatment is that many individuals seeking recovery are often separated from their community while in treatment or incarcerated and have to deal cues in their environment which trigger urges to return to drugs or psychiatric decompensation post discharge. Some individuals seeking recovery return to communities where there is easy access to drugs, a drug using peer group and family, a non-supportive family, high unemployment and communities in despair. This increases the risk of a reoccurrence of symptoms. In this presentation you will learn: a paradigm shift which will enable you to view the entire community as the recovery center. Topics covered includes: how to create "a healing forest" to promote recovery; how to shift from the acute care model solely towards a recovery oriented system of care anchored in the natural environment; the use of ROSC Councils to promote recovery; the role of families, persons in long term recovery; nurses, doctors, faith based and business communities in promoting recovery; how to mobilize the entire community to promote recovery. Examples of Healing Forests will be drawn from rural, urban, suburban. Metropolitan, and Native American Communities.
​

1) SUD Clinical Supervision and Practitioner Burnout

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Dan Bizjak, MSW, LCSW, ICS, CSAC

With over 20 years addiction experience and 15 years as a supervisor, he provides humor filled lectures on addiction, mental health, medicated assisted treatment and leadership. Dan has worked with mentoring and providing leadership throughout his career. He is the Immediate Past President of Recovery & Addiction Professionals of Wisconsin, RAP-WI, and is currently serving as the NAADAC Student Committee Chair. Dan has worked across the treatment continuum and is currently the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) for the State of Wisconsin's Department of Health Services.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain knowledge of how to recognize and identify burnout.
2. Gain understanding of techniques for prevention of staff burnout.
3. Gain knowledge of tools to use to improve team effectiveness to counter burnout.
   

2) Session Cancelled

This session has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. ​

3) Applying a Harm Reduction Philosophy in Clinical Work and Practice Environments

Presenter: Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH; Associate Professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health and Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin.​

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

During this session, Dr. Salisbury-Afshar will describe the origins of harm reduction, how it has evolved over time, and how harm reduction principles can be applied in clinical practice. She will then describe the evidence behind various harm reduction services including but not limited to syringe service programs, fentanyl test strip distribution, naloxone distribution, and overdose prevention sites. Participants will be asked to work in small groups to discuss what harm reduction activities they have or are planning to implement in their own settings. 

Learning Objectives:

4) Ginoojimomin Maamawi: We Recover Together

 Presenters: Michelle Uetz, M.Ed., CPPS, Owner/Director, Rocky Hill Parent Peer Specialists, River Falls, WI

                      Michelle Terrana B.S., CPPS, Rocky Hill Parent Peer Specialists, River Falls, WI​​

Certified Parent Peer Specialists are under utilized resources for families in recovery. Mental health and substance recovery in youth is not an individual event. When parents/caregivers seek help for the child struggling with mental health and substance use challenges they often experience shame, blame, and isolation instead of support. For youth to recover they need parental support. Parents need support from a parent, who has gone through similar lived experiences, to feel heard, and supported. As a leader in Wisconsin's Certified Parent Peer Specialist Program Michelle will share the benefits that research has shown and the benefits she has seen first hand for parents receiving parent peer support. Michelle will also explain the differences between parent peer support and other parent services such as parent coaching, parent aides, and family therapy. 

Learning Objectives: 

5) Integrating the US Surgeon Generals Framework for Mental Health and Well Being into your Workplace

Presenter: Sallie Scovill, PhD, Professor of Health Sciences and Wellness, Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP)

The Associated Press (2022) reported on estimates that show untreated mental illness may cost companies up to $300 billion annually. Another report (Mind Share Partners, 2021) indicated that millennials and Gen Zers, as well as LGBTQ+, Black, and Latinx respondents were all significantly more likely to experience mental health symptoms than the rest of adult workers. This information indicates addressing mental health training is imperative to organizational DEI strategies. In response to the growing mental health needs of US Workers accelerated by the COVID 19 Pandemic, the US Surgeon General published a comprehensive document on Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing.  This workshop will help participants examine the 5 part framework and create or expand strategies to integrate  mental health strategies in their workplaces. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to recognize mental health challenges at work both Pre and Post COVID 19 Pandemic​
   
2. Participants will be able to comprehend the Five Essentials for Workplace Mental Health.
   

3. Participants will be able to u​tilize the Framework to develop an action plan for Worksite Mental Health.​
   

6) Slow Down to Speed Up - Using an Implementation Framework to Achieve Fidelity and Sustainability

Presenter: Monique Larson Hicks, Mental Health Services Coordinator, DHS

"Slow down to speed up" refers to the initial stages of implementation that are essential to success - exploration and installation. These stages are often rushed or overlooked, but when a team takes the time to look at the strengths of a practice and how it matches with agency context, the likelihood of successful implementation and improved outcomes for individuals increases.  This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn more about how to successfully implement evidence-based practices with sustainability and fidelity in mind. Currently, several agencies are in the installation stage of implementing Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) which provides services to individuals who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. Their work and lessons learned will be shared along with ideas of how to adapt the framework to other evidence-based practices.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to understand the implementation framework - specifically exploration and installation.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify how to assess an evidence-based practice and explore how that practice matches agency context prior to implementing. 
   
3. Participants will be able to reflect on how to adapt the framework to other evidence-based practices.
   

7) Holistic Case Management: A Culturally-Responsive Model of Recovery and Mental Health Support for Southeast Asians and Refugee  

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Dao Xiong

                     Davun Ou, Case Manager

                     Kala Regmi, Case Manager/Service Facilitator​

Refugees and immigrants face unspeakable traumas that impact their overall health, particularly their mental health.  Factors such as socioeconomic, language, and housing barriers can hinder one's journey toward achieving or maintaining good health.  Presenters of this workshop will share one model that adopts best practices for supporting Southeast Asians and Nepalese.  Programs that integrate a holistic, strength-based, and culturally-responsive approach leads to best outcomes for communities of color. Presenters will share how social connectedness and belongingness, holistic case management, clinical interventions, and social-emotional support through a linguistically-competent and culturally-inclusive model have positively impacted their clients' mental health. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to understand what holistic case management looks like for SEA and Nepalese clients on a daily basis.
   
2. Participants will be able to recognize what a holistic, strength-based, and linguistically and culturally-responsive approach look like.
   
3. Participants will be able to appreciate what and why social connectedness and belongingness can be a key factor in holistic clinical intervention
   

9) Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: Moving Beyond Harm Reduction Into Healing

Presenter: Matthew Felgus, MD, DFASAM

Prescribers are being trained that individuals on medications for Opioid Use Disorder can never stop taking them without risk of relapse and death. And that it does not matter how high the dosage goes. Is this truly best practice for all individuals with OUD? Or are we reinforcing a mindset that encourages numbing of uncomfortable emotion and quick fixes? Can we utilize medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) as a tool to help individuals grow themselves and heal their underlying mental health conditions rather than simply maintain? This workshop will present such a model of MOUD, developed over 21 years as a prescriber of buprenorphine-naloxone. Several patients who have successfully 'graduated' from medication treatment for their opioid use disorder will appear by video clips (or possibly in person, if available.)

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to identify differences within treatment models for MOUD in the manner of self-growth rather than maintaining.
   
2. Participants will be able to describe one way that an individual or a counselor working with an individual taking MOUD can advocate for a 'healing' rather than 'maintaining' method of prescribing.
   
3. Participants will be able to understand at least one internal and one external barrier that can hinder individuals with MOUD from shifting from maintaining on their MOUD.

10) Connection is Prevention: Combating Social Isolation & Loneliness

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY​

Presenters: Lynn McLaughlin, BA, CPS, Owner/Members of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative​

                     Karen Iverson Riggers, BA, CPS, Owner/Members of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative

Social isolation and loneliness were public health issues long before the pandemic happened. With the pandemic,  they became a public health crisis. As human beings, we are wired for connection. Yet, even with technological advances and instant access to people, the connection many are longing for is unmet and isolation and loneliness deepens. In this workshop, participants will learn how connection can be used as a prevention strategy in suicide prevention, mental health, substance use and wellness programs, and the importance of emotions in creating authentic, healthy connection. Participants will be introduced to the Community Living Room - a community-based, non-clinical support model in the Fox Valley whose only desired outcome is connection.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to understand why social isolation and loneliness has become a public health crisis.
   
2. Participants will be able to understand how connection is formed and the vital role that emotions play in creating connection.
   
3. Participants will be able to utilize the principles of connection in deepening our connection with ourselves and others​.

11) Therapeutic Use of Humor in Recovery

Presenters: Andrew Schreier, Wisco​nsin Clinical Coordinator, ICS, CSAC, LPC, BACC, ICGC-II, CCHP​​

                     Tom Farley, Community Relations Coordinator

Humor is a part of daily living that has shown to not only improve physical and mental health and laughter can bring us together in some of the darkest times when hope seems glim.  Despite all the benefits and need for laughter and humor, laughter and humor are easily discouraged in the arenas within the helping profession.  Helping professionals are often held back from using humor in treatment because of uncertainty of how to use it appropriately, having any kind of training, and uncomfortable with how it could impact the people they are serving.   Connection is a vital part of recovery and what better way to facilitate those connections with the use of humor and laughter.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to discuss some of the reasons why the use of humor is often discouraged when it comes to treating and recovering from mental health and substance use.
   
2. Participants will be able to review the research behind the use of humor and the beneficial benefits it has to offer people working towards recovery.
   
3. Participants will be able to learn about strategies and ways to include the use of humor in the treatment process that can lead to facilitating better connection and growth as we help those recover. 

12) Tailoring Treatment: Specialized Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Treatment for Adolescents and Emerging Adult 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

This presentation highlights the unique treatment needs of adolescents and emerging adults with Mental Illness and substance use disorders. Emphasis will be placed upon: Engaging adolescents and emerging adults in substance use disorders and mental health treatment; Evidence based approaches to working with adolescents and emerging adults; How the substance use disorders and mental health treatment needs of adolescents (ages 14-17) differs from the needs of emerging adults (ages 18-25); Research on adolescent and emerging adult recovery; Race, equity, mental health and substance use disorders treatment with adolescents and emerging adults; Family focused therapy with adolescents and emerging adults.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to articulate the components of the most successful adolescent treatment programs.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify treatment needs of emerging adults with mental illness substance use disorders.
   
3. Participants will be able to be influenced by 3 evidence based approaches to working with adolescents and emerging adults.
4. Participants will be able to articulate issues of race and equality and how they influence access to services and outcomes with adolescents and emerging adults.
5. Participants will be able to be guided by research when working with each population.
6. Participants will be able to initiate family focused work with adolescents and emerging adults.
   

13) Lessons from Individual Placement and Support: The Importance of Team Integration and Zero Exclusion

Presenters: Stacey Teegardin, MS, CRC, CIPS

                     Theresa Iacullo, BA

In this workshop, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment State Trainers Theresa Iacullo and Stacey Teegardin will guide attendees through a deep dive of the IPS Practice Principles relating to the Integration of employment specialists on treatment teams and Zero Exclusion of anyone seeking support for their employment goals. While IPS is a specific, evidence-based program, the lessons we learn from IPS can be applied by many support professionals. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will become familiar with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of Supported Employment, with a focus on two of the Practice Principles: Team Integration and Zero Exclusion.
   
2. Participants will learn the benefits of and specific skills to use when integrating employment specialists into a treatment team.
   
3. Participants will learn strategies for advocating for Zero Exclusion of any job seekers seeking support. 

14) A Culturally-Responsive Trauma Treatment Approach for Healing the Whole Self

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Alyssa Kaying Vang, PsyD, LP​

The Western model for treating trauma often includes talk therapy, which may not be culturally responsive for high-context communities, populations that focus on holistic wellness, and groups where spiritual healing is core to overall health.  This presenter will share her experiences of treating trauma in refugee clients. Trauma intervention models that have been developed by mainstream providers for mainstream clients may not generalize well to clients from a different culture.  This presenter will discuss trauma-informed approaches that are linguistically-relevant and holistically efficacious for refugee clients.  She will share specific strategies and talk about how historical trauma, ambiguous loss, and other traumas have impacted communities of color.   

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to understand why it is important to implement culturally-responsive and linguistically-relevant trauma treatment approaches for refugee and immigrant populations.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify how trauma impacts refugees and immigrants differently. 
   
3. Participants will be able to learn specific strategies to treat trauma focused on the whole self. 

15) Innovative Mental Health Programs & Resources for Farmers 

Presenters: Karen Endres, DATCP, Wisconsin Farm Center

                     Dorothy Harms, Farmer Angel Network 

                     Megan Wolf, SAC, LPC

Farmers and their families are committed to their land, animals and the legacy they inherited to produce safe, healthy food products and protect our natural resources. Long hours, uncertain market conditions, increasingly complex business systems and working with family often lead to stress, injury and/or exhaustion. Higher suicide rates, substance use, depression and/or anxiety or issues that no one wants to talk about. Learn first-hand from each speaker with professional and lived experience in farming how we are developing innovative resources to help Wisconsin farmers and their families with mental health.

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will be able to understand why farm culture is unique and the mental health challenges facing rural Wisconsin.
   
2. Participants will be able to see an example of how a rural community is coming together to build local resources for farmers.
   
3. Participants will be able to understand how to counsel farmers and to have the biggest impact. ​

16) Centering the Client in Their Treatment- Lessons Learned from DBT's Consultation to the Client Strategies and Development of Life Worth Living Goals

Presenter: Lesley Chapin, Psy.D.

Often times consumers of mental health services are not as deeply involved in planning their treatment, measuring their outcomes or advocating for their needs and their care as other professionals are. Often times, mental health providers, other professionals, and other authorities within the client's life consult about the client and their treatment outside of the client's presence and clients may grow comfortable with this reality. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy, the default strategy is called "Consultation to the Client" which challenges the provider to serve as a consultant to the client/consumer rather than a consultant to the environment in most cases. The balance between assisting and advocating for can be a delicate balance and this strategy provides guidelines for when more active intervention is needed. Further, the entirety of the treatment is structured around the client's own life worth living goals and the way the treatment plan is formulated is directly related to things that need to increase and decrease to move closer to those goals, with each intervention being a planful step in the direction of meeting them. This workshop will address both consultation to the client strategies, rationale, and obstacles as well as helping clients identify their most meaningful goals and a pathway to reach them. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to describe the consultation to the client rationale and application.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify times when environmental intervention may be required. 
   
3. Participants will be able to engage a client in a discussion about life worth living goals. 

17) What Do Peer Specialists Actually Do? Myths and Realities of Peer Support Work

                     Nze Okoronta, Certified Peer Specialist 

DHS Listening Session 

​Leaders from the DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services will host a listening session that follows a question-and-answer format. Share your thoughts about current programs and service needs. People in recovery, service providers, tribal nation and county health and human services staff are welcome.​

SCAODA Listening Session 

The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has been providing leadership and coordination regarding alcohol and other drug use issues confronting Wisconsin for more than 50 years. SCAODA's work includes advising state agencies on substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery activities; reviewing pending legislation, including state budget proposals; and developing plans to guide administration of the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. Members are appointed by the Governor and represent state agencies, the legislature, treatment providers, consumers, and citizens. This session will briefly cover the history of the Council and explore its current role in addressing substance use issues across Wisconsin. The majority of the session will feature the Council’s annual listening session, which is a public forum and opportunity for conference participants and members of the public to provide input to the Council on statewide substance use disorder issues, utilization of the Substance Abuse Block Grant funds, and programmatic and service needs. Representatives of the State Council will be present to take input and participate in the discussion.

This meeting is for anyone in recovery and will be chaired by a person in recovery to offer and provide the opportunity for support. This meeting is an informal gathering of all forms of recovery and not specific to any single support or fellowship group. Out of respect to everyone’s anonymity this meeting is not open for observation from individuals not in recovery.

Check-in to pick up your conference materials. 

23) The Mindful Therapist

​​Presenter: Tim Bautch, LPC, CSAC

Participants in this workshop will learn how to incorporate mindfulness practices into their professional development. This workshop is intended for people at any level of knowledge of mindfulness techniques. Participants will have an opportunity to learn and practice several ways that they can integrate mindfulness into one's life and practice, including the five daily practices for the mindful therapist. This workshop will include lecture, discussion, and opportunities to practice techniques.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to identify some of the benefits of mindfulness, including the potential effects on helping professionals.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify techniques that one can practice after the workshop.
   
3. Participants will be able to identify the differences between a mindful therapist, mindfulness informed therapies, and mindfulness based therapies.

24) Meta House Recovery Community: Women in Early Recovery Need More Than a Sober Living Environment​

Presenters: Sarah Joyce, LPC, CSAC, ICS

                     Robyn Ellis, Certified Peer Specialist 

Meta House staff will discuss the importance of gender-specific, strength-based, trauma-responsive substance use treatment for women-identifying individuals. Meta House will provide an overview of our comprehensive substance use treatment program that includes evidenced-based curriculums, Peer Support and wrap-around services which address the unique needs of each client and her family from a holistic perspective. We will further discuss the importance of supportive sober living and how to incorporate principles of contingency management into the development of a structured recovery housing program.

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will be able to understand the principles of gender-specific, trauma-informed, strength-based care and the unique needs of women in substance use treatment. 
   
2. Participants will be able to understand the importance of holistic, wrap-around care in substance use treatment and sober living for individuals in early recovery. 
   
3. Participants will be able to overview of the basics of contingency management and practical ways to implement a rewards system for skill development into a recovery housing program.

25) When Mental Health Crises and Domestic Violence Crises Collide: How to Help Your Victim Client Effectively

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Jennifer Paine

What happens when domestic violence impacts your client's recovery? It happens. Over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and almost half of all women and men in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime (48.4% and 48.8%, respectively). Black, M.C., Basile, K.C., Breiding, M.J., Smith, S.G., Walters, M.L., Merrick, M.T., Chen, J., & Stevens, M.R. (2011). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This workshop explores typical victim behaviors, how domestic violence affects victim recovery, and what you can do about it. You will learn about "trauma informed care" from the DV perspective, how to safety plan, and what resources exist to give your client the best tools to leave an abusive relationship and recover.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will learn how to identify common behaviors of a DV victim.
   
2. Participants will learn how to engage in "trauma informed care" for a DV victim. 
   
3. Participants will learn how to create a safety plan for a DV victim in immediate danger. 
4. Participants will learn how to create a safety plan for the participant treating a DV victim.
5. Participants will learn how to​ identify resources in Wisconsin for the DV victim.  

26) Data-Based Approaches to Recovery Coaching and Peer Work Overcoming Data Fatigue and Funding Barriers 

Presenters: Tanya Kraege, MSW, APSW, CSAC, RC trainer, WI CPS

                      Kristina Vaccaro BS, CCAR Coach, CCAR Trainer, CPS

                      ​Dexter Lane​, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Safe Communities

This workshop focuses on how organizations who do peer work can get organized and incorporate data-based approaches to tracking their peer work and improving outcomes. New research and approaches will be discussed. Tanya will also share how Safe Communities successfully grew their peer program budgets from 200k to more than 1.25M, helping to reach more people in the Madison, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. This workshop is great for anyone who does peer work, supervises peers, or interfaces with peer organizations.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to learn how to scale peer program operations.
   
2. Participants will be able to utilize data-based approaches to peer work (and the challenges with that).
   
3. Participants will be able to apply for more funding to grow peer programs.

27) Ethics & Boundaries: Utilizing the Evidence-Based Practice Process in the Helping Professions Training (Part 1 of 3)

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Katherine Drechsler, DSW, LCSW-SA

                     Kristen Prock, PhD, LCSW

                     Sarah Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW

This four-hour interactive virtual workshop will use lecture, small group discussions, and personal reflections to explore the importance of using evidence-based practice to inform practice-based decisions. Ethical decision making includes how to utilize evidence-based practices in the helping professions. Participants will be provided with an overview of the evidence-based practice process. The evidence-based practices used in the helping professions, highlighting those used by the State of Wisconsin, will be reviewed. Participants will also gain an understanding of how to use a problem-solving model to address making ethical decisions when using evidence-based practices. The training is developed to meet the continuing education requirements as outlined under MPSW 19.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will have examined factors related to the evidence-based practice process.
   
2. Participants will have reviewed professional standards that guide using evidence-based practices.
   
3. Participants will have clarified the role of personal values and beliefs that influence the utilization of evidence-based practices.
4. Participants will have applied ethical decision-making scenarios related to evidence-based practices.​

28) How Culture, Power, and Privilege Impact Substance Use and Recovery​

Presenters: Marcia Galvan

                     Carmella Glenn, Certified Peer Specialist

In this session, the presenters will explore how culture, power, and privilege impact substance use and recovery. Since substance use transcends all identities, it's imperative that when working with those whose world view and lived experiences differ from our own that we are providing culturally responsive services.   Presenters will share resources and present action steps that will empower attendees to make changes on a personal level and equip them to begin creating culturally responsive and inclusive spaces for those that they work with.     

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to define power, privilege, and oppression.
   
2. Participants will be able to have a better understanding of how culture, power, and privilege impact substance use and recovery.
   
3. Participants will be able to have a better understanding of how attendees privileges and identities may influence their perception of others and inform their service delivery.
4. Participants will be able to establish personal accountability and empower attendees to be agents of social and system's change. 

30) The Art and Science of Holding Space

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Tami Bahr, LCSW, CSAC, ICS, Natural Lifemanship Trained

                     Gretchen Arndt Hoernke, Natural Lifemanship Trained and pursuing Advanced Certification with Natural Lifemanship

The Art and Science of Holding Space: Participants will learn about the neuroscience of connection and how holding space impacts our nervous system and the nervous systems around us. We will also explore the art of holding space and the nuances of leaning towards and leaning away. This experiential workshop will give you an opportunity to explore what holding space feels like in your nervous system whether you are the holder or receiver of space.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will learn about the brain and how our nervous systems are impacted by other nervous systems.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify 3 ways to notice how their nervous systems respond and react to other nervous systems.
   
3. Participants will be able to identify cues that will help them decide if they should hold space, lean towards or lean away.

31) Recovery in Rhythm

Presenters: Laura Mengar, MSW, LCSW, CSAC Owner/Psychotherapist

                     Katie Lund, Equine Professional for Psychotherapy with Equine Assistance

This workshop is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the importance of rhythm in recovery. Participants will learn about the development of the brain and the role of different rhythms as well as how rhythms help support connection with ourselves and others. Participants will be invited to engage in and experience rhythmic activities they are are able to utilize for their own recovery and providing support for others. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will be able to understand brain development based on the Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model of brain development and bottom-up brain regulation.
   
2. Participants will be able to understand the importance of and connection with incorporating rhythm in brain development and emotion regulation
   
3. Participants will be able to understand the co-regulation and building connection with others through use of various types of rhythms, including experiencing engagement in various rhythmic activities to help support recovery 

32) Supersensers, Superparents, and Super Powers: How Applying DBT-C Can Promote Familial Change

Presenter: Lisa Dunham, LCSW

                   Heather Simonson, MSE, Psychotherapists with Pauquette Center

DBT-C is an evidence-based practice designed by Dr. Francheska Perepletchikova through Behavioral Tech and this workshop will focus on how participants versed in DBT or DBT-informed therapy can apply practices to young children (ages 5-11) and their parent(s). The practice takes a new approach, training parents as therapists to best help their children with intense emotions.  Through viewing children with intense emotions and behaviors (particularly those with diagnosed DMDD) with a strengths-based lens, and viewing them as "supersensers," this approach trains parents as "super-parents."   Included in the workshop will be discussion on the parent training portion of DBT-C, the skill-building portion for children and parents together, as well as strategies for promoting behavioral change.  This workshop will allow participants to view DBT through a new lens, with practical application strategies for children and their parents. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to describe what a "supersenser" is and how this relates to a new view on the Biosocial Model.
   
2. Participants will be able to identify how to engage parents in the Behavior Change Model, to allow them to be the most integral part of their child's behavior change by creating a validating and change-ready environment. 
   
3. Participants will be able to identify the main treatment targets of DBT-C and how addressed with Behavioral Change Model through use of validation, prompting, reinforcement, shaping, restructuring, skills training, points charts, etc. 

33) Hmong Mental Health Podcast: Lessons Learned from an Unconventional Way of Providing Culturally-Specific Education to a Community Where Mental Health is Still "not talked about"

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Alyssa Kaying Vang, PsyD, LP

                     Chue Her, LMFT

                     Houa Vang, LICSW

                     Mosi Thao, MA

Social media is increasingly one of the most popular ways in which the public consumes mental health knowledge. This workshop will address how a team of mental health clinicians leaned into trendy platforms to disseminate information about mental health to their cultural group, a group that has historically underutilized mental health services because of barriers and stigma. The presenters will talk about lessons learned from this unconventional approach. They will also discuss how this podcast has impacted listener's understanding of mental health, influenced listeners' attitudes about mental health, and helped with access to services. The presenters will end with tips and recommendations on how others can leverage similar platforms to effectively educate underserved communities about mental health in culturally-responsive ways. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to learn why an unconventional approach may be needed to get mental health information to an underserved population.
   
2. Participants will be able to understand unique needs of communities when considering unconventional approaches.
   
3. Participants will be able to learn tips and recommendations on leveraging a different approach to get education to the public. 

34) Ethics & Boundaries: Utilizing the Evidence-Based Practice Process in the Helping Professions Training (Part 2 of 3)​

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Katherine Drechsler, DSW, LCSW-SA

                     Kristen Prock, PhD, LCSW

                     Sarah Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW

This four-hour interactive virtual workshop will use lecture, small group discussions, and personal reflections to explore the importance of using evidence-based practice to inform practice-based decisions. Ethical decision making includes how to utilize evidence-based practices in the helping professions. Participants will be provided with an overview of the evidence-based practice process. The evidence-based practices used in the helping professions, highlighting those used by the State of Wisconsin, will be reviewed. Participants will also gain an understanding of how to use a problem-solving model to address making ethical decisions when using evidence-based practices. The training is developed to meet the continuing education requirements as outlined under MPSW 19.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will have examined factors related to the evidence-based practice process.
   
2. Participants will have reviewed professional standards that guide using evidence-based practices.
   
3. Participants will have clarified the role of personal values and beliefs that influence the utilization of evidence-based practices.
4. Participants will have applied ethical decision-making scenarios related to evidence-based practices.

35) What is Moral Injury? A Possible Answer to Profound Disruption

Presenter: Rachael E. Goldmann, PsyD, M.S., LPC​​

This workshop will address the following concepts: trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Moral Injury. I aim to spend most of our time together discussing the myriad of limitations of conceptualizing and treating trauma within the narrow lens of PTSD. I will address bridging the gap between PTSD and Moral Injury. There will be education about the importance of differentiating between adaptive and nonadaptive guilt (NAG) and how NAG contributes to the development of Moral Injury. Lastly, I put forth some recommendations for how to start healing Moral Injury.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to differentiate between Moral Injury and PTSD.
   
2. Participants will be able to understand the applicability of Moral Injury to a variety of populations.
   
3. Participants will be able to have some idea of how to best address Moral Injury in either practice and/or a professional/organizational context.

36) The Activist Storyteller: Personal, Social, and Institutional Change Through Creativity ​

​Presenters: Katinka Hooyer, PhD

                     Rene Livingston-DeTienne, Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), CPS Trainer, SAC-I

                     Richard Damien Johnshom, Peer Support Specialist, Soar Solstice House

This panel will introduce artistic methods of storytelling that can be used to communicate with allies, clients, and policymakers. Methods include video portraits, activist poetry, and visual art as entry points to discuss social issues around mental health and recovery. We will provide an example of a statewide project to integrate mental health into primary care, where we used video portraits to convey the lived experiences of Medicaid recipients to healthcare system leadership. Our panel of participants will discuss how this approach can activate personal healing and institutional transformation. The workshop is for people in recovery who want to claim their own story, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as administrators, educators, and mental health providers who want to initiate practice and policy change in their systems.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to identify how art, writing, and other creative methods can engage decision-makers and facilitate systems change at institutional levels.
   
2. Participants will be able to learn of the deeply personal and systemic challenges facing those navigating the Medicaid mental health system, including health inequalities, racial disparities, and stigma.
   
3. Participants will be able to learn how persons with mental health challenges can benefit from personal and/or public storytelling. ​

37) "Embracing the Wounded Healer": Counselor Development and Clinical Supervisor Growth 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Susan T. Sigl M.S., LPC, CSAC, ICS​

"Embracing the Wounded Healer": Counselor development and Clinical Supervisor growth as mirrored via the stages change, by managing constructive criticism,  learning self acceptance, self care/burnout prevention,  building self confidence and owning our insights achievements, as well as difficult lessons learned along the way.  We will be Exploring Clinical Supervision approaches, using myths, metaphors, creative story telling as strategies for personal and professional stages of change throughout our life experiences, which are also often mirrored in our professional & personal development throughout our career span as well.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will consider the different roles they may play throughout their career paths as expressed through the four stages of relationship development relationship and the stages of change.
   
2. Participants will review some of the tools they may use: exploring different stages, phases, challenges or tasks both as counselors/clinicians and as clinical supervisors.
   
3. Participants will discuss Dual Diagnosis considerations in clinical supervision: considering both physical health and mental health and coordination of care.
   
4. Participants will gain awareness of the importance of managing healthy boundaries while thinking outside the box when needed. ​

38) Session Cancelled

This session has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. ​

39) Support to Communities: Fostering Opioid Recovery Through Workforce Development

Presenters: Marjean Griggs

                     Marcia Galvan

                     Melissa Rabska, Director of Operations & Communications​

In this session, we will explore the work being done with the Support to Communities (STC): Fostering Opioid Recovery Through Workforce Development grant.  Funded by the Department of Labor to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Support to Communities seeks to promote a path to employment for individuals who have been impacted by opioid or other substance disorders.  Data will be shared regarding the number of individuals impacted by SUD that were served with training, employment services, comprehensive screening services, outpatient treatment recovery care and other supportive services. Information will also be shared regarding individuals who were encouraged to enter professions that address the crisis and/or provide relevant skills training to help personally impacted individuals find and retain employment in in-demand occupations. An early grant lesson is that employer and community relationships are key to a successful recovery journey. We will present innovative approaches for addressing the economic and workforce-related impacts on local communities affected by the opioid and substance misuse epidemic. Examples will be shared of how employers were engaged as essential partners to pioneer creative ways to support individual skills attainment.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to describe how the Support to Communities grant promotes a plan to employment for individuals who have been impacted by opioid or other substance disorders. 
   
2. Participants will be able to explain the importance of employers as essential partners in creating ways to support skills attainment for those in recovery.
   
3. Participants will be able to identify innovative approaches for addressing the economic and workforce-related impacts on local communities affected by the opioid and substance use. 
   

40) Social Aspects of Prescribing Psychiatric Medication

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY​

Presenter: Ron Diamond 

Psychiatric medication is often thought of as the core issue of treatment, without thinking clearly about the goals of the medication. Medication is neither “good” nor “bad.” Rather it is a tool that may, or may not, be useful. This workshop will discuss the social and psychological issues connected to the use of psychiatric medication and suggest ways that medication can be used to help people be more effective in working towards their own goals.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will learn how to engage clients more in medication decisions.
   
2. Participants will discover how to target medication towards client's own life goals.
   
3. Participants will learn how to increase the effectiveness of prescribed medications.
   

41) Ethics & Boundaries: Utilizing the Evidence-Based Practice Process in the Helping Professions Training (Part 3 of 3)​​​

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Katherine Drechsler, DSW, LCSW-SA

                     Kristen Prock, PhD, LCSW

                     Sarah Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW

This four-hour interactive virtual workshop will use lecture, small group discussions, and personal reflections to explore the importance of using evidence-based practice to inform practice-based decisions. Ethical decision making includes how to utilize evidence-based practices in the helping professions. Participants will be provided with an overview of the evidence-based practice process. The evidence-based practices used in the helping professions, highlighting those used by the State of Wisconsin, will be reviewed. Participants will also gain an understanding of how to use a problem-solving model to address making ethical decisions when using evidence-based practices. The training is developed to meet the continuing education requirements as outlined under MPSW 19.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will have examined factors related to the evidence-based practice process.
   
2. Participants will have reviewed professional standards that guide using evidence-based practices.
   
3. Participants will have clarified the role of personal values and beliefs that influence the utilization of evidence-based practices.
4. Participants will have applied ethical decision-making scenarios related to evidence-based practices.

42) Outreach and Homelessness in Wisconsin

Presenters: Chelsey Myhre Foster, Certified Peer Specialist and Certified Parent Peer Specialist, Contract Administrator with the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.

                      Scott Metzel, MA Organizational Leadership, Eastern University, Executive Director, HOPES Center of Racine

The workshop will focus on serving people who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This population lives in places not meant for human habitation and is more likely to have a serious mental illness, substance use disorder and other health concerns than the general population, yet is frequently reluctant to seek or accept services. The workshop explores features unsheltered homelessness and locating and engagement strategies for serving people who are unsheltered through street outreach. The workshop will also provide statewide resources and starting points for service connections for people who are experiencing homeless.

Learning Objectives:   

1. Participants will be able to understand the different types of homelessness and how the definition used impacts program design and services provided for success.
   
2. Participants will be able to learn best practices related to locating and engaging people who are unsheltered and not seeking services to form relationships that leading to service connections. 
   
3. Participants will have knowledge of statewide resources and starting points for service connections to serve people who are unsheltered or at risk of becoming homeless. ​
   

Empowered to Serve: Unveiling the H.E.A.L. Framework

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Keynote: Chardé Hollins, Founder & Executive Director; LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; CCTP-II, Certified clinical Trauma Professional II​

This transformative presentation celebrates the hearts of service that beat within us, while delving into the profound impact of the H.E.A.L. Framework in overcoming burnout and nurturing self-compassion. Through heartfelt storytelling and thought-provoking insights, we will explore how honoring past experiences, embracing healing compassionately, and attuning to present needs empower us to reignite, sustain, and enjoy our passion for service.

Learning Objectives:   

1. Participants will be able to identify the key elements of the H.E.A.L. Framework and its relevance in maintaining self-care.

2. Participants will be able to reflect on their past experiences and explore the connections between their history and current caregiver approach, gaining insights for growth.

3. Participants will be able to examine the concept of self-compassion and its role in breaking free from the cycle of burnout. 

The 19th Annual Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference reserves the right to deny sponsorship, booth content, and/or donations for any company, organization, or individual it deems unsuitable for the conference.

Sponsorships are non-refundable.

Exhibitor Opportunities

​Rooms at the Kalahari are sold out. 

Room blocks have opened at surrounding hotels due to the block of rooms at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center being sold out. Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate for Wednesday, October 18, 2023 and Thursday, October 19, 2023. The group rate will only be available until Monday, September 18, 2023 or until the resort is sold out. Reservations can be made with the below link. 

​

UWSP Continuing Education, the Conference Planning Team, and WI DHS do not have control over Kalahari policies or room rates once the room block expires or fills to capacity. 

Due to waterpark maintenance, overnight guests that have an arrival or departure date that goes from September 4th to October 27th, will be provided complimentary Tom Foolery passes for all the registered guests in their room. This is in consideration of the slide tower work and all the other projects around here this fall. Day pass and voucher guests will NOT receive TF passes.​​​

Important Information from the Kalahari
Per their policy, the Kalahari does not accept completed Credit Card Letter of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders at hotel check-in. They have a dedicated team that pre-approves these forms to ensure validity prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days prior to check-in via email or fax 608-254-6116.

The Kalahari highly suggests attendees submit these forms at least two weeks in advance of check-in so their team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to your personal card, since their Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. The Kalahari General Policy Page explains their policies in full detail.  

Additional charges for waterpark passes may apply.  

Kalahari FAQ
Additional Information about Staying at the Kalahari

UWSP Continuing Education works hard to communicate all special meal requests and allergies to the conference venue. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot guarantee all special dietary needs can be met. If you have dietary needs (i.e., kosher, low salt, low carb, keto, etc.), you may wish to make alternative meal arrangements. 

Conference fees cannot be adjusted due to special dietary needs. 

Learn more about the importance of Person-First Language.

Learn more about why Pronouns Matter.

Learn more about appropriate language with respect to suicide at Prevent Suicide® Wisconsin.  

KALAHARI COVID POLICY

At this point, to attend the conference, there is not an official mandate on masking or attendee vaccination status/proof of negative test. The situation remains very fluid and, as such, if protocols should change, we will be certain to inform all conference registrants.

Please direct questions or concerns to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum computer standards for participating in the virtual conference via Zoom. Zoom works best with Chrome or Firefox. UWSP is not responsible for participant technological issues, including, but not limited to, inadequate bandwidth and/or registrant equipment malfunction. 

Need help with using Zoom? Click here for our Zoom Tutorial Help page! Click here to download Zoom Client for Meetings.