Training

Training

GECS Training is designed to help you translate research into action.  You will learn tactics for communications, ideas on how to assess problems, tips for specific action on alcohol and substance abuse issues to create sustainable change and steps to accomplish your goals.  Find out how to mobilize and empower your coalition with one of our comprehensive training programs.

GECS will work with you to make sure your training fits the needs of your group!

Jeff Georgi regularly conducts seminars and workshops to audiences throughout the United States on a range of topics.  He is a national trainer and respected author in the areas of clinical spirituality, ethics, Motivational Enhancement, the clinical applications of our growing understanding of the brain and the Bio/Psycho/Socio/Spiritual model of mental health and disease. He has contributed to a number of Treatment Improvement Protocols which are seen as the best practice guidelines by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Washington D.C.

National Speaker

“ There is no one who compares with Jeff’s presentations! His experience, knowledge and teachings are so enlightening – I am so grateful to be able to learn from him, and to be able to put this information to use within a clinical setting is priceless”
— Participant comment from the Mountain Area Health Education Center’s 2010 Annual ADDICTION: Focus on Women Conference

Jeff Georgi is a national lecturer and respected author in the areas of clinical spirituality, ethics, and the clinical application of our understanding of the adolescent brain, its development and vulnerability.  With over thirty years of clinical experience, Jeff is an inspirational, motivational speaker, who brings empowerment and hope along with solutions and answers to professionals, individuals and families coping with life’s difficult challenges.

Jeff is a member of the National Speakers Association and is available for speaking engagements and custom training.  He also presents with other independent professionals from his wide network of colleagues.

If you are looking for a keynote speaker for your conference or event, consider Jeff Georgi.  Inspiring and educational, he will help you to raise awareness and help mobilize your audience as well as provide useful information that challenges and motivates those working on creating change in their communities.  With over 25 years of experience working in the alcohol and substance use prevention and policy arena, he can help you get your conference started in a unique and powerful way.

Training Topics

“Awesome! I have never known anyone so intelligent and so real.
— Participant comment on Jeff Georgi’s presentation at the Mountain Area Health Education Center’s 2010 Annual ADDICTION: Focus on Women Conference

Index of Workshops

descriptions of each topic are below

Descriptions forthcoming:

The Care and Feeding of the Adolescent Brain

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Adolescence spans the second decade and a half of the human experience. It is almost always full of wonder and awe yet under certain circumstances it can present extreme challenges to the entire family system. There are even times when adolescence can simply be awful. This address will review our growing understanding of the adolescent brain and the importance of recognizing that adolescence are not young women and men but are rather big kids. There will be special attention given to learning, and how the adolescent brain parallels psychosocial development. In addition, there will be a brief examination of what can interfere with healthy adolescent brain development as well as how we as adults can help our youth reclaim their path to success.

Attention will be given to the (educational implications) (specific treatment implications) of our growing understanding of the Adolescent Brain. These will also be a review of targeted interventions.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the definition of adolescence.

2. Participants will examine the developing brain and its implications for (treatment) educational) interventions.

3. Participant will discuss what interferes with healthy development of the adolescent brain

The Adolescent Brain: Treatment Implications (Substance Abuse)

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Adolescence spans the second decade and a half of the human experience. It is almost always full of wonder and awe yet under certain circumstances it can present extreme challenges to the entire family system. There are even times when adolescence can simply be awful. This address will review our growing understanding of the adolescent brain and the importance of recognizing that adolescence are not young women and men but are rather big kids. There will be special attention given to learning, and how the adolescent brain parallels psychosocial development. In addition, there will be a brief examination of what can interfere with healthy adolescent brain development as well as how we as adults can help our youth reclaim their path to success.

Attention will be given to the specific treatment implications of our growing understanding of the Adolescent Brain. These will also be a review of targeted interventions.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the definition of adolescence.

2. Participants will examine the developing brain and its implications for treatment interventions.

3. Participant will discuss what interferes with healthy development of the adolescent brain

The Adolescent Brain: what gets in the way of learning (Educational)

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Adolescence spans the second decade and a half of the human experience. It is almost always full of wonder and awe yet under certain circumstances it can present extreme challenges to the entire family system. There are even times when adolescence can simply be awful. This address will review our growing understanding of the adolescent brain and the importance of recognizing that adolescence are not young women and men but are rather big kids. There will be special attention given to learning, and how the adolescent brain parallels psychosocial development. In addition, there will be a brief examination of what can interfere with healthy adolescent brain development as well as how we as adults can help our youth reclaim their path to success.

Attention will be given to the educational implications of our growing understanding of the Adolescent Brain. These will also be a review of targeted interventions.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the definition of adolescence.

2. Participants will examine the developing brain and its implications for educational interventions.

3. Participant will discuss what interferes with healthy development of the adolescent brain

Psychology of Shame

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Shame: the psychological energy that drives addiction

Shame is a corrosive state of being or emotion that sends the message “I am not good enough.” Shame is different from guilt in that the latter is anchored in what we do and the former is tied to how we see ourselves. As seen through the lens of the biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual experiential model of addiction shame is the affective energy that ignites the biology of the disease. Utilizing the works of Heinz Kohut, Sylvan Tompkins, Nathaniel Robinson and Phil Flores this workshop will examine the origins of shame and its implications in terms of appropriate treatment protocols for the substance abusing patient. Specific attention will be given to issues of limbic resonance and the potential clinical pitfalls that can damage the therapeutic relationship which is so essential to supporting the recovery of patients with substance use disorders. The role of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous and their relationship with shame will also be examined in this workshop.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to discuss a working definition of shame as an important treatment variable.

2. Participants will be able to examine how best to avoid activating the shame of their clients.

3. Participants will discuss the negative impact of shame upon the therapeutic relationship.

Group Psychotherapy for substance abusing adolescents

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This intermediate level of course is targeted to clinicians who have some group experience and have had either informal or formal group therapy training. Utilizing an interpersonal approach model, this workshop will not only provide an experiential base for the advancement of group skills, but will also detail techniques and interventions specific to the alcohol and other drug abusing client population. This workshop will also examine interplay of a modified interactive group model expressed within the context of cognitive behavioral group interventions. Emphasizing the intermediate nature of this course, active student participation is important and individual participants are encouraged to bring case histories and/or their own group work for discussion and review. A review of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual definition of addictive disease will give further focus to the workshop and will involve advances both in neurochemistry and psychopharmacology as further supports for group process.

Objectives:

1. The examination of group psychotherapy as a primary modality the adolescent substance abusing patient population.

2. The necessary modifications in group psychotherapy when dealing with the adolescent patient population.

3. A review of potential pitfalls inherent in group psychotherapy and adolescent treatment.

Children/Adolescents of Addicted Systems

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This workshop will first provide a conceptual frame for the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of addictive disease. Utilizing this model, participants will be given information on how addiction interferes with normal family processes and how this interference impacts developing children. There will be a review of characteristics of children from addictive systems and a discussion regarding how best to identify these children in a variety of settings.

In addition to issues of identification and clarification, this workshop will also provide a brief overview of interventions targeted towards assisting children coming from addictive families. Using the work of Robert Ackerman, Ph.D., Claudia Black, Ph.D and others, participants will be given a frame of reference to develop their own individual interventions to facilitate the growth of children affected by families struggling with addictive diseases.

Objectives:

1. Provide a conceptual frame for addictive disease and its impact on family systems.

2. Define characteristics of children of addicted families for early identification and intervention.

3. Examine intervention strategies to support children of addicted families.

Defining the Disease of Addiction: Disease vs. Choice: it only matters if you care

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

For many years the scientific community has been clear that a diagnosis of drug and or alcohol dependency meets the same criteria as asthma, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s in terms of its definition as a disease. All the above are chronic and incurable yet to treatable. All have biological, psychological, social and spiritual variables that conspire to express the disease within the lives of the afflicted. Unfortunately the medical community, the general public and the treatment community has continued to confuse what we loosely term as addiction with poorly placed choices or failures of character. Such a position is not only ill founded but dangerous. Only 50 years ago it was generally believed that asthma was caused in large measure by over protective mothers. As absurd as this position seems today it made the appropriate treatment of asthma difficult and led the to unnecessary guilt and shame. To misunderstand the complexity of substance use dependency as any saying other than the disease aviators leads to an appropriate treatment, misplaced interventions, public stereotyping and unnecessary mortality.

Objectives:

1. Identify how drug and or alcohol dependency is misconstrued by the treatment community.

2. Review the science that challenges a cognitive frame as the dominant intervention for drug and or alcohol dependency.

3. Examine the potential stigma and its impact addressing substance use disorders as volitional anomalies.

The Female Brain: Women, Relationship and Recovery

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This workshop will be an overview of the emerging information that identifies the unique aspects of the female brain and the significance of limbic resonance giving a biological foundation for the relational nature of recovery. Despite the growing sensitivity to the importance of gender specific treatment far too many models of treatment still find their theoretical foundations in the male experience. Utilizing the works of Louanne Brizendine, M.D., author of The Female Brain; Nancy Andreasen, M.D., PhD, author of the Brave New Brain, Candice B Pert, Phd, author of Molecules of Emotion and other important neuroscientists participants will be provided with a review of the female brain and a discussion of the treatment implications. In many aspects this workshop will repeat information shared in the pre-conference workshop.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the emerging understanding of the female brain.

2. Participants will be able to discuss the treatment implications specific to the female brain.

3. Participants will be provided the opportunity to discuss the importance of relationships for women in recovery.

Geriatric Issues in Substance Abuse Treatment

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Traditionally, the substance abuse treatment community has not done well in addressing issues of geriatric concern. This often hidden population has a wide range of psychosocial needs which they often medicate with alcohol or other drugs. Encountering a variety of ailments, our older citizens often are seeing multiple physicians who are not coordinating medical care, which leads to drug interactions and drug toxicity. In addition to the above, most of the treatment interventions are designed primarily for younger individuals who are working and seem to have fuller lives.

The geriatric patient not only is encountering significant biological and metabolic changes, but inevitably encounters multiple levels of loss in terms of the death of friends and family, the loss of prestige associated with work and productivity, and the loss of freedom as they are confined more and more to the home or skilled nursing facility. All these issues compound drug and alcohol abuse, requiring specific interventions to address this special patient population. In the six-hour workshop clinicians will be given a brief review of the most poignant issues facing the geriatric patient. These issues will then be tied to specific interventions, utilizing a motivational interviewing frame to help engage the older patient in their own treatment plan. A review of psychotropic intervention will also be part of this workshop, as well as a review of traditionally abused prescription medications by this special patient population.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to internalize and discuss the special needs of the geriatric patient population.

2. Participants will review both from a biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual point of view the special vulnerabilities associated with aging.

3. Participants will learn specific interventions and be able to articulately tie those interventions to the specific needs of the geriatric substance abusing patient population.

The Bio/Psycho/Socio/Spiritual: experience model of addiction

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Addiction: A new Paradigm

Substance sue disorders still accounts for the greatest percentage of preventable illness with in our culture. Defined by the American Medical Association as a disease well over half a century ago, addiction remains clouded in misunderstanding, false information and the stigma. This two day workshop will examine the biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual and experiential variables of addictive disease providing an integrated overview which will help practitioners define their clinical interventions and broaden their patient’s understanding. Practitioners and/or educators will be provided with an in-depth and cohesive review of the phenomenon of addiction. Based on this clinical interventions will be discussed which are congruent with our current scientific understanding of the disease. Utilizing recent research related to the brain and its motivational pathways participants will leave this workshop with an adequate understanding to evaluate their clinical response to addiction and begin to make evidence-based changes if necessary.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be provided with a working definition of the underlying biology of addictive disease.

2. Participants will be given a review of the psychological, social and spiritual variables which give energy to the biology of addictive disease.

3. Given this biological/psychological/social/spiritual/experiential model participants will review a holistic approach to both understanding and treating addictive illness.

4. Discuss the treatment implications of addictive disease based on a cohesive model of substance use disorders grounded in our growing understanding of the brain and a broader understanding of the disease of addiction.

Limbic Resonance: what is it and why is it important

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Why are families so powerful? How do we fall in love? How do we “pick” our closest friends. Why do we remember our first kiss? How does your dog “know” when we are sad? While these questions are important to all of us they are even more powerful when seen through the lens of adolescence. In an attempt to answer the above questions this workshop will focus on our growing knowledge of structures deep within the adolescent brain. We will examine what the science is telling us about how we form relationships, how relationships change our lives, the importance of connection and the central rule of the therapeutic relationship. Addition participants will be introduced to the concept of “limbic resonance” and the powerful role it plays in how we relate to others and how we learn. There will also be a brief discussion of limbic “dysregulation” caused by grief, dysfunctional families and tobacco, alcohol and other drug use.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the biological foundation of connection.

2. Participants will be introduced to the concept of limbic resonance which is the life’s blood that holds families and relationships together.

3. Participants will examine why the dysregulation in the limbic system makes addiction primarily a “limbic” disease.

Dual Diagnosis

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This course will address the needs of those patients who are dually diagnosed – those with a substance abuse diagnosis in combination with any other Axis I, II, or III disorder. A theoretic framework that embraces both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders will be presented with special attention given to the interplay of personality disorders and substance abuse from a self-psychology point of view. Within this bio-psycho-social-spiritual definition, participants will have the opportunity to improve both their diagnostic assessment and treatment skills in the areas of dual diagnosis. The presenter will also focus on the difficult clinical issues associated with chronically mentally ill substance abusers who suffer from a combination of chemical dependency and thought disorder. Additional focus will be on the chemically dependent patient who struggles with issues of chronic pain and/or whose treatment may be compromised by a variety of other Axis III medical problems. A review of the pharmacological interventions best suited for the dually diagnosed patient population will also be provided. Participation will be strongly encouraged and participants are asked to bring both case studies from their own clinical practice for review and copies of the DSM-IV to the workshop, which will facilitate the structured learning exercise.

Objectives:

1) Outline a theoretical frame, which supports a therapeutic approach to the dually diagnosed patient blending mental health and substance abuse treatment into a cohesive continuum of care.

2) Describe assessment strategies related to identification and intervention of the dually diagnosed patient.

3) Provide an overview of dual diagnosis treatment identifying clinical interventions that effectively addresses the needs and issues of the dually diagnosed patient.

Treatment Issues for Dual Diagnosis

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This workshop will review the bio-psycho-social-spiritual disease paradigm, which unifies mental illness and substance abuse within a cohesive therapeutic framework. Using this theory base, there will be a detailed review of the special treatment considerations required when patients struggle with addictions and anxiety disorders, particularly PTSD. The role of sexual trauma and its function in the development of PTSD and addiction will be examined in depth. In addition, Axis II issues will be reviewed as they impact the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependencies. Attention will be given to the antisocial, dependent, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders, which are most often connected within a person’s life to their history of chemical dependency. Specific interventions will be discussed which will help clinicians work specifically with this challenging patient population.

Objectives:

1. Describe the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of mental illness/substance abuse in providing an overall framework for the understanding of the dually diagnosed patient.

2. Discuss the interaction of anxiety disorders and substance abuse with an emphasis on PTSD and the appropriate treatment interventions for this population.

3. Describe personality disorders, which are most expressive in substance abuse.

4. List specific interventions and a therapeutic approach specific to each personality disorder as expressed within the context of dual diagnosis.

Interactive Group Psychotherapy with Substance Abuse Clients

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This intermediate level of course is targeted to clinicians who have some group experience and have had either informal or formal group therapy training. Utilizing an interpersonal approach model, this workshop will not only provide an experiential base for the advancement of group skills, but will also detail techniques and interventions specific to the alcohol and other drug abusing client population. This workshop will also examine interplay of a modified interactive group model expressed within the context of cognitive behavioral group interventions. Emphasizing the intermediate nature of this course, active student participation is important and individual participants are encouraged to bring case histories and/or their own group work for discussion and review. A review of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual definition of addictive disease will give further focus to the workshop and will involve advances both in neurochemistry and psychopharmacology as further supports for group process.

Objectives:

1) Be able to recognize how the bio-psycho-social-spiritual components of addictive disease can be addressed in a multi-faceted approach when modified interactive group psychotherapy is used in an appropriate way.

2) Become familiar with the different levels of group interaction: intrapsychic, interpersonal, structural and group as a whole.

3) Identify specific skills that can be utilized across different forms of group psychotherapy setting which both help the therapist identify the process in the group and make interventions within that process.

4) Compare and contrast different modalities of group.

Advanced Modified Group Psychotherapy

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Building on the introductory 30 hour course to Interactive Group Psychotherapy, this advanced workshop will combine an experiential group process with continues didactic discussion of the modified interactive group model. Utilizing the theoretical base formed by the theories of Carl Jung and Heinz Kohut, this advanced seminar will look more deeply into the unconscious processes involved within the interaction between group members, between group members and the leader, and within the group as a whole. Participants are encouraged to bring case histories of their group work for review. Emphasis will be on the therapeutic factors expressed within the modified interactive group model that makes it so potent as a treatment modality for addictive disease. This model will continue to receive greater definition as participants will be encouraged to engage the model with their own theoretical frameworks and clinical points of reference.

Objectives:

1) Become familiar with the theories of Carl Jung and Heinz Kohut as they relate to addictive disease and

group process.

2) Become familiar with the different levels of group interaction.

3) Become aware of individual countertransference issues and how to utilize those issues as helpful tools within the group process.

4) Learn how to structure a modified interactive group specific to the treatment of addictive disease addressing such issues as self-care, vulnerability of self and regulation of affect.

Advanced Modified Interpersonal Group

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Building on the introductory 30 hour course to Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy, this advanced workshop will combine an experiential group process with continues didactic discussion of the modified interactive group model. Utilizing the theoretical base formed by the theories of Carl Jung and Heinz Kohut, this advanced seminar will look more deeply into the unconscious processes involved within the interaction between group members, between group members and the leader, and within the group as a whole. Participants are encouraged to bring case histories of their group work for review. Emphasis will be on the therapeutic factors expressed within the modified interactive group model that makes it so potent as a treatment modality for addictive disease. This model will continue to receive greater definition as participants will be encouraged to engage the model with their own theoretical frameworks and clinical points of reference.

Objectives:

1) Become familiar with the theories of Carl Jung and Heinz Kohut as they relate to addictive disease and group process.

2) Become familiar with the different levels of group interaction.

3) Become aware of individual countertransference issues and how to utilize those issues as helpful tools within the group process.

4) Learn how to structure a modified interactive group specific to the treatment of addictive disease addressing such issues as self-care, vulnerability of self and regulation of affect.

Facing the Ethical Dilemma: The ABCD’s of Ethical Thought

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Duke University School of Nursing

Program Description:

As professionals, we often find ourselves in situations which “do not feel right.” Such concerns seem to be raised more often these days as the legal boundaries of confidentiality are challenged and interpreted differently under various circumstances. In addition there are significant changes with in our field which raise profound ethical questions. Who is being helped? Who might be getting hurt as a result? Who deserves treatment? Is addiction really a disease? This workshop will not simply review present ethical codes of behavior nor provide simple answers to very complex questions. Rather this workshop provides a process overview of a four stage level of ethical decision making which allows individuals to move beyond the specific situation and examine their own professional codes of behavior and make their own individual ethical decisions. Participants will review specific case examples as they embark on an internal journey of self-reevaluation and definition.

Objectives:

1) Discuss how personal values affect ethical decision-making.

2) Identify how treatment assumptions impact ethical decisions.

3) Identify the ethical issues associated with treatment.

4) Identify the convergence of personal and professional values.

5) Review the four stages of ethical decision-making

Twelve Core Functions of Substance Abuse Counseling

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

The Twelve Core Functions (screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis management, client education, referral, reports, record keeping and consultation) as defined by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium, described the basic clinical competencies of the substance abuse counselor. This course defines and reviews each core function providing the participants with an integrated approach to these twelve areas of clinical competency. This course should not be seen primarily as “test preparation” for the “case presentation method” portion of the certification process. However, individuals preparing for the case presentation method of more senior clinicians providing supervision for those involved in the certification process will find this workshop helpful. By design, this course is directed toward those relatively new in the field or those providing supervision to counselors certified.

Objectives:

1) Define the Twelve Core Functions of substance abuse counseling.

2) Provide an integrated review of the Twelve Core Functions within the context of clinical practice.

3) Establish the relevance of each core function to the treatment of chemical dependency within the context of a bio/psycho/social/spiritual disease model.

Motivational Interviewing for the Substance Abusing Patient

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

For many years, motivation had been seen in traditional substance abuse treatment as a trait or disposition that the client brought with them into treatment. Perhaps without explicitly saying so, the inference was that if the patient was not motivated for change, it was somehow their fault. A fundamental paradigm shift has occurred over the last 15 years supported by the research of Miller, Rollnick and DiClemente. Rather than seeing motivation as a trait, motivation has been inexorably linked to the process of change itself, which is accessible to the skills of the clinician. This full-day course in motivational interviewing will examine this paradigm shift. Further, it will provide a review of the transtheoretical model of the stages of change and the appropriate interventions utilized during each of these stages to enhance motivation and, thus, facilitate the continued growth process. Just as the disease of addiction itself is understood through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, so too is the capacity for change and motivation. Participants will be given insight into how a patient’s biology, psychology, social context and spiritual resiliency can either be harnessed in support of motivation and change, or conspire against the patient leading them further into their addictive illness. It is stressed that motivational interviewing and the paradigm shift to broaden an understanding of motivation as a dynamic force rather than a character trait will provide participants with the opportunity to examine how to enhance motivation through a variety of interventions including individual, group and family sessions. Particular attention will be given to the therapeutic relationship and how that relationship itself enhances the motivation for change.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy for Adolescents

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

For many years, motivation had been seen in traditional substance abuse treatment as a trait or disposition that the client brought with them into treatment. Perhaps without explicitly saying so, the inference was that if the patient was not motivated for change, it was somehow their fault. A fundamental paradigm shift has occurred over the last 15 years supported by the research of Miller, Rollnick and DiClemente. Rather than seeing motivation as a trait, motivation has been inexorably linked to the process of change itself, which is accessible to the skills of the clinician. This full-day course in motivational interviewing will examine this paradigm shift. Further, it will provide a review of the transtheoretical model of the stages of change and the appropriate interventions utilized during each of these stages to enhance motivation and, thus, facilitate the continued growth process.

Just as the disease of addiction itself is understood through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, so too is the capacity for change and motivation. Participants will be given insight into how a patient’s biology, psychology, social context and spiritual resiliency can either be harnessed in support of motivation and change, or conspire against the patient leading them further into their addictive illness. It is stressed that motivational interviewing and the paradigm shift to broaden an understanding of motivation as a dynamic force rather than a character trait will provide participants with the opportunity to examine how to enhance motivation through a variety of interventions including individual, group and family sessions. Particular attention will be given to the therapeutic relationship and how that relationship itself enhances the motivation for change.

Objectives:

1) Provide a brief working definition of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual variables that impact both the disease of addiction and the patient’s capacity for change.

2) Review the paradigm shift that embraces motivation as a dynamic force, which is accessible to the patient, and the clinician as they work together to enhance the change process.

3) Specific motivational interview techniques will be addressed within the context of a transtheoretical model of the stages of change.

Nicotine dependence: the forgotten addiction

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Tobacco use represents the number one drug of abuse and the single most preventable cause of death in our country. Diseases associated with nicotine dependency annually kill more alcoholics than alcohol. Current research documents that tobacco use is one of the primary relapse triggers for both the alcoholic and the addict. Further research done by Richard Hurt, MD and others demonstrate that the outcomes for addiction treatment are actually improved when nicotine is addressed along with other drugs of abuse. Yet despite all the available information, the addictions treatment community has been slow to embrace nicotine dependency treatment as an integral part of its overall mission. This workshop will review the pharmacology of nicotine and its impact on a variety of body systems. In addition, participants will be introduced to the “state-of-the-art” interventions currently being used for nicotine dependency treatment and smoking cessation. Finally, participants will be given the opportunity to examine how best to integrate nicotine dependency treatment within traditional substance abuse treatment models.

Objectives:

1. Discuss a theory base that explains the neuropharmacology of nicotine and its aggressive addictive nature within the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual context.

2. Provide participants with a review of the most up to date interventions associated with smoking cessation and nicotine dependency.

3. Provide participants with opportunity to learn how best to integrate dependency treatment and smoking cessation within their treatment settings.

The Spiritual Platform

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

For years, in the treatment of addictive disease, spirituality has been seen as an important aspect to be addressed. First coming out of the Twelve Step community, and then finding its way into more clinically grounded treatment interventions, spirituality and its importance had been recognized, but its definition has been unclear. This full-day workshop will give a clinical definition to spirituality and its clinical presentation.

Utilizing the spiritual platform as a foundation, participants will learn how to evaluate individual’s competencies and deficits in the face of spirituality and work toward repair in this dimension of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual express of the disease of addiction.

Specifically, clinicians will be given the opportunity to examine interventions tied to a process of sensitivity associated with spirituality. From a clinical perspective, spirituality will seek definition not from the content of our lives, but by the experience of life’s process. It is through this involvement that patients access their own personal potency and relatedness, which strikes at the core of addictive illness.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be given the framework that will allow them to quantify the role of spirituality in their patient’s life and begin specific interventions to expand that role as they move toward health.

Objectives:

1) Provide a clinical definition of spirituality within the framework of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual frame of reference defining addictive disease.

2) Provide specific interventions to use within the clinical arena to strengthen individuals’ sense of their own spirituality.

3) Create a clear differentiation between spirituality and religion, allowing the clinician to support the patient’s spiritual growth independent of religious commitment.

4) Examine the role of spirituality not only in determining health, but also in the expression of addictive disease.

Clinical Supervision

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Clinical Supervision is the very backbone of the professionalism of our field. As wee have moved out of our adolescence and into our young adulthood, the importance of clinical supervision maintains its importance. This course will focus on the integration of clinical supervision within the context of the Twelve Core Functions, which are the defining clinical structures which give definition to substance abuse treatment in those states who are members of the ICRC. Specific attention will be given to the working definitions of each core function, identifying particular trouble areas, which require specific supervisory intervention. In addition, there will be detailed discussions on how best to create the supervisor/supervisee relationship within the context of motivational interviewing. Utilizing role plays and discussions, participants will have an opportunity to actually practice their supervisory skills in situations where their supervisees may be struggling to either define their treatment philosophy or integrate that philosophy within the Twelve Care Functions themselves. Ethical issues will also be reviewed within the context of this workshop specific to clinical supervision.

Objectives:

1. Define clinical supervision in practical terms.

2. Incorporate the clinical supervision process within the context of the Twelve Core Functions.

3. Provide practical application in terms of supervisory implementation, utilizing motivational interviewing within the context of the supervisor/supervisee relationship.

4. Review of ethical issue from a clinical supervision perspective.

Substance Abuse Treatment 2000: An Advanced Course to Address the Administrative, Clinical and Research Issues Taking the Field into the Next Century

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

The substance field has long moved out of its earliest stages of development and into the mainstream of medicine. This advanced course for clinicians, clinical supervisors, program directors and administrators will provide participants with an in-depth review of the interplay between administrative structure, organizational development, clinical activity and research. Designed to offer a practical perspective, this course will address the changing professional and clinical environment and the emerging systems of care designed to effectively treat addictive disease in the context of a cost containment driven world. The most up-to-date research and its clinical applicability will be reviewed and discussed. Planning and implementation issues related to these clinical advancements will be reviewed and participants will be given the opportunity to address the pervasive clinical, professional and administrative challenges of the day.

Objectives;

1) Review the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of addiction: implications for diagnosis and treatment.

2) Identify emerging trends and technologies in the treatment of addictive disease.

3) Discuss current research findings and outcome data related to substance abuse treatment.

4) Address issues related to professional staff development and training in preparing for new administrative expectations and clinical challenges.

5) Develop a plan of action for preparing to keep pace with the rapid challenges and opportunities created within a changing world.

Contemporary Ethical Challenges to the Substance Abuse Treatment Professional

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

In face of an increasingly challenging treatment population and changing health care environment, the substance abuse treatment professional encounters complex and difficult ethical issues. This workshop will provide an overview of general ethical concerns and specific case based scenarios with an interactive opportunity to discuss these situations and determine best ethical approaches and practices.

Objectives:

1) Identify contemporary clinical, administrative and professional ethical challenges to the substance abuse professional.

2) Become aware of the influence personal values and treatment assumptions have on ethical decision making.

3) Learn the five underlying principles of ethical behavior and identify related ethical dilemmas that exist in substance abuse practice.

4) Identify a model for ethical decision making and apply this model to actual cases.

Nicotine Dependency Treatment

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Tobacco use represents the number one drug of abuse and the single most preventable cause of death in our country. Diseases associated with nicotine dependency annually kill more alcoholics than alcohol. Current research documents that tobacco use is one of the primary relapse triggers for both the alcoholic and the addict. Further research done by Richard Hurt, MD and others demonstrate that the outcomes for addiction treatment are actually improved when nicotine is addressed along with other drugs of abuse. Yet despite all the available information, the addictions treatment community has been slow to embrace nicotine dependency treatment as an integral part of its overall mission. This workshop will review the pharmacology of nicotine and its impact on a variety of body systems. In addition, participants will be introduced to the “state-of-the-art” interventions currently being used for nicotine dependency treatment and smoking cessation. Finally, participants will be given the opportunity to examine how best to integrate nicotine dependency treatment within traditional substance abuse treatment models.

Objectives:

1) Discuss a theory base that explains the neuropharmacology of nicotine and its aggressive addictive nature within the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual context.

2) Provide participants with a review of the most up to date interventions associated with smoking cessation and nicotine dependency.

3) Provide participants with opportunity to learn how best to integrate dependency treatment and smoking cessation within their treatment settings.

Clinical Supervision for Substance Abuse

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

Clinical Supervision is the very backbone of the professionalism of our field. As wee have moved out of our adolescence and into our young adulthood, the importance of clinical supervision maintains its importance. This course will focus on the integration of clinical supervision within the context of the Twelve Core Functions, which are the defining clinical structures which give definition to substance abuse treatment in those states who are members of the ICRC. Specific attention will be given to the working definitions of each core function, identifying particular trouble areas, which require specific supervisory intervention. In addition, there will be detailed discussions on how best to create the supervisor/supervisee relationship within the context of motivational interviewing. Utilizing role plays and discussions, participants will have an opportunity to actually practice their supervisory skills in situations where their supervisees may be struggling to either define their treatment philosophy or integrate that philosophy within the Twelve Care Functions themselves. Ethical issues will also be reviewed within the context of this workshop specific to clinical supervision.

Objectives:

1.) Define clinical supervision in practical terms.

2.) Incorporate the clinical supervision process within the context of the Twelve Core Functions.

3.) Provide practical application in terms of supervisory implementation, utilizing motivational interviewing within the context of the supervisor/supervisee relationship.

4.) Review of ethical issue from a clinical supervision perspective.

Addictions: Its Impact on Families and Children

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

This workshop will first provide a conceptual frame for the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of addictive disease. Utilizing this model, participants will be given information on how addiction interferes with normal family processes and how this interference impacts developing children. There will be a review of characteristics of children from addictive systems and a discussion regarding how best to identify these children in a variety of settings.

In addition to issues of identification and clarification, this workshop will also provide a brief overview of interventions targeted towards assisting children coming from addictive families. Using the work of Robert Ackerman, Ph.D., Claudia Black, Ph.D and others, participants will be given a frame of reference to develop their own individual interventions to facilitate the growth of children affected by families struggling with addictive diseases.

Objectives:

1.) Provide a conceptual frame for addictive disease and its impact on family systems.

2.) Define characteristics of children of addicted families for early identification and intervention.

3.) Examine intervention strategies to support children of addicted families.

Rational Behavior Training for Substance Abusing Patient’s

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

There is a natural marriage between the criminal justice system and substance abuse treatment. Not only is the incidence of substance use disorders as high as 80% within the adjudicated population, the courts can often provide the necessary leverage to keep an individual client in the treatment continuum. There is a wide range of clinical interventions available.

In the late 1970’s Maxie C. Maultsby, Jr., MD and Albert Ellis, Ph.D., developed a substance abuse treatment approach specific to the criminal justice population. Although not termed therapy, Rational Behavior Training utilized a cognitive behavior frame, which allows clients to evaluate both their emotional choices and behavioral choices with greater levels of control. Specific to substance abuse, Rational Behavior Training, helps those involved identify relapse triggers, move beyond the relapse potential and develop specific and concrete interventions to stay ahead of relapse in the future.

Rational Behavior Training is usually help within a thirteen-week course. It will be presented in a condensed version during this workshop. Participants will not only develop a familiarity with a cognitive behavioral frame that supports Rational Behavioral Training, but they will leave with specific leadership skills to actually implement a Rational Behavior Training intervention within their setting.

Objectives:

1.) Participants will be able to identify the concepts that support the cognitive behavioral frame that supports Rational Behavior Training

2.) Participants will review specific group leadership techniques, which support successful Rational Behavior Training.

3.) Participants will learn to modify Rational Behavior Training to specifically address substance abuse issues and relapse representation.

What’s the Buzz: the adolescent brain, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

There is a variety of epidemiological data that indicate drug and alcohol use among the adolescent population is either declining slightly or a least not increasing. However, while this trend is positive, research substantiates that those adolescents who do use are exposed to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at younger ages that they were a decade ago. Given our growing understanding of the differential vulnerability of the adolescent brain, this is a disturbing trend. While it is tempting to find security in how quickly adolescents recover from common childhood illnesses or even physical trauma such as a broken bone, this security fades in the face of our growing understanding of the developing adolescent brain. As a culture, parents and professionals alike, we still tend to place most of our concern on illicit drug use within our adolescent population. We clearly cannot dismiss such use. However, the drugs of greatest concern and potential “harm” to the adolescent brain are those that are still legal within our adult community; alcohol and tobacco. This workshop will examine our emerging understanding of the developing adolescent brain and its vulnerabilities specific to alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Specific screening and assessment tool will also be reviewed in order to facilitate participants identification of adolescence at highest risk. Prevention and intervention strategies will also be briefly reviewed.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to articulate the importance of seeing our adolescent not as young adults but rather as “big kids.”

2. Participants will be able to identify areas of specific growth in the developing adolescent brain.

3. Participants will be introduced screening and assessment tools which help to identify adolescence at the highest risk for use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The Biology of Addiction

Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

The Psychology of Addiction

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

The Social Aspect of Addiction

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Clinical Supervision for Substance Abuse

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Motivating the Motivators

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Addiction: a brain disease

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Dsyregulated Eating

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Personality Disorders Constructs

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Mindfulness Craving Management

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

((Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Parenting With Love and Limits

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Parenting and Treatments

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Grief

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

ADHD

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description to come shortly)

Objectives:

Group Therapy In Teens

Presenters: Jeff Georgi, M.Div., LSAS, LPC, CCS, CGP, Program Coordinator, Duke Addictions Program and Clinical Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Program Description:

(Description To Come Shortly )

Objectives:

THE FEMALE BRAIN: Women, Relationship and Recovery

Date & Time: Tuesday, September 07, 2010; 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Check-in Time: 8:30:00 AM

What Can I Expect?

This workshop will be an overview of the emerging information that identifies the unique aspects of the female brain and the significance of limbic resonance giving a biological foundation for the relational nature of recovery. Despite the growing sensitivity to the importance of gender specific treatment far too many models of treatment still find their theoretical foundations in the male experience. Utilizing the works of Louanne Brizendine, M.D., author of The Female Brain; Nancy Andreasen, M.D., PhD, author of the Brave New Brain, Candice B Pert, Phd, author of Molecules of Emotion and other important neuroscientists participants will be provided with a review of the female brain and a discussion of the treatment implications. In many aspects this workshop will repeat information shared in the pre-conference workshop.

Course Objectives:

Who Should Attend?:

This program has been planned for substance abuse professionals, psychologists, social workers, case managers, counselors, and others who work in the substance abuse field. Other interested mental health professionals are welcome to attend.
Location: MAP

Southern Regional AHEC, 1601 Owen Dr, Fayetteville, NC – Gerald A. Strand CE Auditorium

Faculty: Jeffrey Georgi M.Div, MAH, LPC, LCAS, CCS, CGP; Program Coordinator/Clinical Associate, Duke Addictions Program

Credits: 0.5 CEU ; 5 Contact Hours ; 5 Contact Hours (category A) CE for NC Psychologists ; 5 NBCC ; 5 NCSAPPB SS

Cost:

$10.00 – Discount for online registrations valid after August 27, 2010 – $95.00
$10.00 – Discount for online registrations valid through August 27, 2010- $85.00

REGISTRATION: https://www.aheconnect.com/registration/srahec/step1.asp?EventID=31611

For Assistance Please Call: 910-678-7226

“Teens, Trauma and Treatment – Understanding Adolescent Brain and Psycho-social Development

October 8, 2010 – 9:00 am to 4:45 pm

Program Description:

Adolescence spans the second decade and a half of the human experience.  It is almost always full of wonder and awe yet under certain circumstances it can present extreme challenges to the teen as well as the entire family system.  There are even times when adolescence can simply be awful or includes awful events. This program will review the growing understanding of the adolescent brain, the impact of trauma and ways to support adolescents through effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Key points of adolescent brain development will be reviewed to begin the program that stress the importance of recognizing adolescents are not young women and men but are rather big girls and boys. There will be special attention given to learning, how the adolescent brain parallels psychosocial development, how trauma may disrupt development, gender specific differences and the best ways to help get the brain back on track. Discussion about how trauma can exacerbate, co-occur and/ or mimic many mental health, substance abuse, attention issues and behavioral challenges will help participants effectively support adolescents and their support systems. Based on the understanding of what can interfere with healthy adolescent brain development and the impact of trauma, participants will learn more about recommended strategies and specific ways adults can help youth grow to be healthy adults.

Objectives:

1.  Participants will review the definition of adolescence.

2.  Participants will examine the developing brain and the impact of  trauma

3.  Participant will identify gender specific differences related to brain development, trauma and treatment strategies

Audience: Your target audience will consist of mental health professionals including substance abuse counselors, social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, school counselors and other professionals interested in this subject.

Location: Mountain Area Health Education Center, Classroom 4, 501 Biltmore Ave, Asheville

Credits:

0.60 hours CEU
6.00 hours Contact Hours (category A) CE for NC Psychologists
6.00 hours Contact Hours, MAHEC is a Provider approved by NAADAC Approved Education Provider Program. Provider #647. Full attendance is required. Partial credit will not be issued for partial attendance. 6 Hours
6.00 hours Contact Hours, Social Worker
6.00 hours NBCC
6.00 hours NCSAPPB GSB

Fees:

$120.00 Early Registration Fee
$108.00 Early Registration Fee – Group Rate per person (applies to 5 or more individuals from the same agency registering & paying at the same time)

Registration: https://www.mahec.net/calendar/detail.aspx?a=1&eid=31576&sid=0&str=3

If you need assistance with registration please contact:

Elizabeth Flemming, LPC
Associate Director,  MAHEC Mental Health
501 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville NC  28801
828-257-4466 W
828-257-4768 Fax
Elizabeth.Flemming@mahec.net

Applications of Best Practice for The Treatment of Dual Diagnosis

Application of Best Practices for the Treatment of Dual Diagnosis

October 15, 2010 – 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Description

This six-hour course is unusual in that it builds upon a series of other requisite courses covering such topics as motivational enhancement therapy, dual diagnoses, clinical spirituality and the bio/psycho/socio/spiritual process of addiction. Although new content will be reviewed, this workshop is predominately focused on skills training and the implementation of information already shared in specific areas of clinical practice. Using motivational enhancement therapy as the primary evidence based application that will be presented, a review of special issues related to personality disorders, spirituality, and diagnostic conclusion will all be utilized to help participants anchor what they have learned into their clinical functions. This workshop will involve role plays and case presentations as the primary means of “pulling it together.” Participants are encouraged to bring specific cases and their willingness to involve themselves in role plays in order to ensure the success of this workshop.

Objectives

• Participants will learn how to identify a patient’s place in the process of change and use appropriate interventions to that phase of change

• Participants will review how diagnostic issues and personality structures help to shape clinical interventions

• Participants will learn use of the spiritual platform as a guide to clinical interventions

Target Audience: Case managers, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clergy, clinicians, nurses, health and human service practitioners, parents, and other interested persons and health care professionals

Fee:

$45.00 – Registration Fee- Professionals who provide services to people WITHIN Mecklenburg County. Breakfast and Lunch provided

$115.00 – Pre-registration (before October 8)- Breakfast and Lunch Provided

****REGISTRATION FEES REDUCED, for those providing services to people within Mecklenburg County, with support of a grant from the ABC Board****

Contact: Amanda Rogers, 704.512.6038

Location: Charlotte AHEC,5039 Airport Center Pkwy, Bldg K,Charlotte, North Carolina 28232-2861

Credit:

600.00 Contact Hours (category A) CE for NC Psychologists/The program will provide (Category A) Continuing Education for Psychologists.
0.60 CEU – Continuing Education Unit
6.00 Contact Hours – Certificate of completion based on a 60 minute teaching hour

Room: Classroom 17

Phone: 704.512.6523

The Adolescent Brain: a learning machine and behaviors that can pull the plug

November 17, 2010 – San Francisco, CA

Program Description:

Adolescence spans the second decade and a half of the human experience. It is almost always full of wonder and awe yet under certain circumstances it can present extreme challenges to the entire family system. This address will review our growing understanding of the adolescent brain and the importance of recognizing that adolescence are not young women and men but are rather big kids. There will be special attention given to learning, and how the adolescent brain parallels psychosocial and biological development In addition, there will be a brief examination of what can interfere with healthy adolescent brain development as well as how we as adults can help our youth reclaim their path to success.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the definition of adolescence.

2. Participants will examine the developing brain and its implications for treatment interventions.

3. Participant will discuss what interferes with healthy development of the adolescent brain with special attention given to alcohol, nicotine and marijuana.

4. Participants will define the major areas of brain development during adolescent and its implication to learning and parenting.


http://www.thebodingroup.com/

Shayna Abraham, MA, Educational Consultant

Main: 925-283-9100, ext.115

1st International US/European Conference on Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Youths Dying to Be An Adult

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

1st International US/European Conference on Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Youths Dying to Be An Adult

villa monte

Algarve, Portugal
Villa Monte Resort Conference Golf & Spa
www.vilamonte.com

Sponsored by Recovery in Reality, Portugal
Sponsored by GECS, United States

(More information on registration will follow)

Why This Conference?

Substance abuse and dependence accounts for one of the major disease groups in Europe within mental health in terms of prevalence as shown in the previous section, but has earned little attention in previous health economic research (Rehm and Gmel, 2001).

Prevalence of addiction in Europe is high and affects more than 10% of the population, with nicotine dependence being the most prevalent, and illicit drug dependence the least prevalent of SUDs. However, data on alcohol and drug dependence are scarce in several European nations, especially in the new admission countries. As SUDs constitute a major public health problem, for healthcare planning as well as for health policy it is indispensable to be able to quantify the problem. Although a fair amount of cost studies exist in addiction in Europe, there is a strong need for further studies in the field. Most studies identified are from the early 1990s and are based on methodology of varying quality. Moreover, most studies are top-down studies incorporating assumptions about the resource use in people suffering from addiction. Moreover, all studies identified were conducted in the major European countries or the Nordic countries, and thus no studies were found from the Central and Eastern European countries.

Five Conference Topics

If you would like to be a sponsor for this conference please contact GECS at jeff@georgicounseling.com.

THE FEMALE BRAIN

December 2, 2011 – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Program Description:

This workshop will be an overview of the emerging information that identifies the unique aspects of the female brain and the significance of limbic resonance giving a biological foundation for the relational nature of recovery. Despite the growing sensitivity to the importance of gender specific treatment far too many models of treatment still find their theoretical foundations in the male experience. Utilizing the works of Louanne Brizendine, M.D., author of The Female Brain; Nancy Andreasen, M.D., PhD, author of the Brave New Brain, Candice B Pert, Phd, author of Molecules of Emotion and other important neuroscientists participants will be provided with a review of the female brain and a discussion of the treatment implications. In many aspects this workshop will repeat information shared in the pre-conference workshop.

Objectives:

1. Participants will review the emerging understanding of the female brain.

2. Participants will be able to discuss the treatment implications specific to the female brain.

3. Participants will be provided the opportunity to discuss the importance of relationships for women in recovery.

Location: McLeod Addictive Disease Center, 515 Clanton Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

CERTIFICATION: All trainings provided by the McLeod Center are certified through the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB). Training is for six continuing education credits. McLeod Center has a responsibility to the NCSAPPB to grant credit hours only to those who have attended the ENTIRE training. In order to receive a certificate, participants must sign in at the beginning of training and then turn in an evaluation at the conclusion of the training.

SCHEDULE: Sign-in begins at 8:00am.

In order to comply with the Certification Board requirements, timelines are strictly enforced.

McLeod Center reserves the right to refuse entry due to tardiness and no one will be admitted once the session is closed.

Lunch hours are 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Training will resume promptly at 1:15 p.m. Trainers may adjust the lunch and break schedules to suit their presentation.

COST: As a result of McLeod Center’s dedication to the growth and development of staff and others, all trainings are provided at NO COST to participants.

SNACKS: Coffee and tea are provided at no cost by McLeod Center. Snack and drink machines are located in the facility.

REGISTRATION: http://www.mcleodcenter.com/about.html

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