Workshop Description/Objectives

Friday, November 13th


 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM


F01. Racial Healing: The Next Step in Our Collective Psychological Liberation and Racial Justice, 2 CE

Presented by Anneliese Singh, Ph.D. - Featured Presenter

In this presentation, Dr. Anneliese Singh describes ten core strategies of racial healing that psychologists can engage in to build toward collective liberation and racial justice. In this didactic and experiential session, attendees will have the opportunity to explore their own racial healing in order to be able to work more effectively with clients across multiple races/ethnicities and more effectively challenge structural racism within institutional settings. Attendees will receive hand-outs related to exploring racial privilege, confront systemic racism, and engage in collective healing.

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Identify the 10 strategies of racial healing
  • Learn how to apply the 10 strategies of racial healing to mental health practice
  • Describe the challenges to engaging in racial healing as a mental health practitioner
  • Describe the opportunities to engaging in racial healing as a mental health practitioner

 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM


F02. Oh The Places You’ll Go: Ethically Serving the Lifespan in a Telehealth World, 3.0 CE

Presented by Dan Florell, Ph.D. & Rachel Buehner, Ph.D.

As telehealth becomes more prevalent across the world, exciting strides in technology are making waves in the areas of the mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of child, adolescent, and adult clients. As clinicians endeavor to understand how best to provide ethical and evidence-based care to their clients, a discussion of which therapeutic approaches are showing promise, and with which types of clients, is vital in this time of necessitated computer and telephone-based care. Techniques and therapeutic approaches that have been useful for decades have evolved in their telehealth iterations, with some models especially suited to telehealth. State of the art techniques and related research will be discussed. Additionally, a discussion of strategies for using technology to manage ethical concerns related to client data and communications will be covered. Skill Level: Beginning. This workshop fulfills the KRS 319 ethics/risk management requirement for psychology professionals.

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe legal and statutory considerations related to the provision of telehealth to child, adolescent, and adult clients.
  • Identify evidence-based practices for providing telehealth to child, adolescent, and adult clients.
  • Identify strategies for overcoming ethical dilemmas related to the use of telehealth, including issues related to the management of client data and communications.
  • List multiple state of the art technological advances in the provision of mental health care.

 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM


F03. Payer and Provider Partnerships for Addressing Trauma within a Health Plan, 1.5 CE

Presented by David Hanna, Ph.D., Stephanie Stone, M.S., & Elizabeth McKune, Ed.D

After an opening review of the impact of trauma on health outcomes, this workshop will describe two pilot programs for children and youth initiated by Passport Health Plan to address trauma within the Medicaid population. Outcomes from each program, one involving high fidelity wraparound and the other residential trauma-focused care, will be presented. Discussion will focus on addressing trauma through payer/provider partnerships and challenges and opportunities for innovation within the Medicaid environment. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of trauma on health outcomes across the age span
  • Describe two innovative models for addressing trauma within a Medicaid pediatric population
  • Identify issues to be addressed in contracting for new services with a managed care company

9:30 AM - 1:00 PM


F04. Assessing and Treating OCD in English and Spanish speaking Children, 3.0 CE

Presented by Brenda Arellano, MS, LPA & Clement Street Russell, Psy.D, HSPP

This workshop will provide an introduction to basic theoretical and practical knowledge specific to the treatment of OCD in English and Spanish speaking children.  Participants will learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of OCD in children, discuss cultural considerations in OCD assessment and treatment and gain practical techniques for engaging both English and Spanish speaking children and their families in treatment. Skill Level: Beginning. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe the signs and symptoms of OCD in children.
  • Describe effective and developmentally appropriate treatment for OCD in children.
  • Identify cultural considerations in OCD assessment.
  • Apply cultural considerations to OCD treatment for children and their families.

 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM


F05. Fostering Flourishing in Older Adults Using an Interdisciplinary Team Approach, 1.5 CE

Presented by Anna Faul, Ph.D., Sam Cotton, Ph.D., & Joe D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.

To foster older adults flourishing, our FlourishCare model of care coordination was developed to transform PC sites by delivering coordinated services including behavioral health. FlourishCare is unique in its integration of academic teams, community health teams and mental health specialists within age-friendly primary care health systems. One of the major components of Flourish is the involvement of health navigators, community education coordinators and community coalitions working with the health teams to respond to all determinants of health. This workshop will focus on the interprofessional team approach to holistic care. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • List the benefits of the FlourishCare model and a holistic approach to health care.
  • Describe how the FlourishCare model uses interprofessional teams to address the needs of older adults.

 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM


F06. Becoming an Anti-Racist, Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Oriented Agency, 1.5 CE

Presented by Rashaad Abdur-Rashman, MSSW, Miriam Silman, MSW, Vestena Robbins, Ph.D., & Shambra Mulder, Ph.D.

This presentation will highlight the recent activities of the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities to commit to being Anti-Racist and Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Oriented. Presenters will share the change model being utilized, and highlight essential content elements and process components to facilitate successful agency transformation. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe essential elements of an Anti-Racist agency
  • Describe essential elements of a Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented agency
  • Explain, replicate or adapt the change model and transformational activities being implemented at Kentucky DBHDID

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM


F07. Trauma-Informed Approaches for Adolescent Substance Use Disorders, 1.5 CE

Presented by Geoff Wilson, LCSW, LCADC

Many adolescents diagnosed with a substance use disorder will have often experienced a traumatic event in their life. The utilization of Trauma-Informed Care has been shown to aid caregivers with increasing engagement, recognizing trauma, and improving interventions with adolescents. This training will provide attendees with a review of trauma informed approaches for working effectively with substance abusing adolescents. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe components of trauma informed care and how this approach can be utilized with the adolescent substance abusing population
  • Describe therapeutic approaches that incorporate trauma informed care with the youth population.

F08. Differentiating between Alzheimer's Disease and Its Mimics, 1.5 CE

Presented by Jordan Harp, Ph.D. & Fred Schmitt, Ph.D.

Alzheimer's disease is a characteristic set of brain pathologies that usually presents as a progressive memory disorder in older age. There are, however, a number of other brain pathologies that may have a similar presentation. This workshop will discuss these "Alzheimer's disease mimics," features that may distinguish among them, and approaches to addressing suspected Alzheimer's disease in older individuals. The presentation will incorporate neuroimaging, neuropathology, and neurocognitive aspects of these newly described disorders. Skill Level: Beginning. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Identify the major conditions with presentations similar to Alzheimer's disease.
  • Describe how to follow up effectively on the suspicion of Alzheimer's disease in older individuals

 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM


F09. Unsafe in a Safe Space: Microaggressions in the Therapeutic Relationship, 1.5 CE

Presented by Aesha Uqdah, Psy.D.

Many of us have learned and talked about microaggressions in various settings, but what about in the therapy space? What happens when we convey a microaggression towards our client? What happens when our client conveys a microaggression towards us? Is it always ok to address the client directly? Is it ever ok? We will unpack these questions and more as we process how to manage microaggressions when they emerge during our work with clients. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Identify both overt and covert microaggressions.
  • List ways to address microaggressions with a client, and distinguish when it is therapeutically appropriate to do so.
  • Explain how their own biases and backgrounds affect their clinical work with clients from demographic groups that are similar to and different from their own.

 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM


F10. The Intersection of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders and Chronic Pain, 3.0 CE

Presented by A.J. Steele, Psy.D.

Providers must equip themselves with the knowledge to understand and treat the aftermath of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Research consistently identifies how these events connect to mental health and substance use disorders, in addition to chronic pain conditions. Our clients must be treated by providers who recognize how these issues interact with one another. This workshop will explore these connections and provide treatment options for clients experiencing mental health, addiction, and chronic pain conditions. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

 Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Identify research supporting the connection between clients experiencing ACEs, Mental Health, Substance Use, and Chronic Pain issues.
  • Identify how the use of Opiates for pain management has increased Substance Use Disorders in clients with Mental Health and/or Chronic Pain issues.
  • Identify how the Biopsychosocial Model used in MH/SUD interfaces with the Biopsychosocial Model used in Physical Therapy to assess clients' current treatment needs.
  • Utilize knowledge from the workshop to develop a trauma-responsive, Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan that includes in-house or community-based providers.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM


F11. Trauma Informed Care and Mental Health Professionals: An Opportunity for Leadership within Medical Settings, 1.5 CE

Presented by Meghan Marsac, Ph.D.

Being diagnosed with a medical condition, enduring medical treatments, and interfacing with the medical system can bring unique trauma exposures and challenges to families. Additionally, healthcare providers often encounter potentially traumatizing medical events in their daily practice that places them at an increased risk of negative mental health consequences (e.g. secondary trauma exposure, burnout, compassion fatigue, decreased work satisfaction). Mental health professionals have a unique opportunity to assist in implementing a trauma-informed approach to medical care that has the potential to mitigate emotional trauma reactions and improve patient health outcomes. This workshop will offer a practical framework for how mental health professionals can promote and facilitate the integration of trauma-informed care into daily medical practice to help alleviate the consequences of trauma exposure in medical environments. Skill Level: Beginning. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Describe how trauma exposure and trauma reactions impact patients, families, and healthcare professionals in the context of medical care.
  • Create a plan for implementation of trauma-informed care trainings in medical settings.
  • Equipped to advocate for trauma-informed care practices in medical settings.

2:00 PM - 5:30 PM


F12. ACT-Enhanced Exposure Therapy Skills Addressing Anxiety In Uncertain Times, 3.0 CE

Presented by Street Russell, Psy.D.

There is much to be learned from exposure-based therapy approaches in response to a global climate of uncertainty, fear, and rapid change. Attendees will learn how to confront said uncertainty, fear, and change using skills rooted in exposure with response prevention therapy (ERP), as well as ERP enhanced by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Attendees will learn to respond to discomfort and uncertainty in a manner that is consistent with their values, as opposed to a manner that serves fear. Furthermore, attendees will grow in their awareness of common pitfalls in the provision of exposure-based therapy, so that they might help their patients confront their fears more effectively and therapeutically. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Identify exposure-based skills relevant to managing anxiety in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Apply acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) skills to enhance psycho-educational material, by teaching clients how to confront fears willingly and mindfully
  • Develop skills in the acceptance of uncertainty, which is at the foundation of change in confronting fear and worry
  • Identify common pitfalls by therapists providing exposure-based treatment according to the latest research

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM


F13. Ethical decision-making in the identification and treatment of first responder trauma and impairment, 1.5 CE

Presented by Lee Look, Ph.D.

The current pandemic and racial tensions have created an entirely new class of 'first responders'; not just firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, ER nurses and doctors; but also, skilled nursing/long-term care staff, food service workers, educators, delivery drivers, and parents.  This session will begin with a brief introduction of first responder trauma, followed by a look at how trauma and other mental health symptoms impact the ability of a first responder to function effectively.  Ultimately, we will explore the ethical challenges that come into play when assessing and treating this growing population. Skill Level: Intermediate. This workshop fulfills 1.5 of the 3 hours necessary according to the KRS 319 ethics/risk management requirement for psychology professionals.

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Identify specific characteristics of first responder trauma and the culture of the first responder.
  • Identify unique ethical concerns in the treatment of first responders and apply the code of ethics in  a person-centered manner when treating this population.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM


 F14. The Re-authoring of Race Narratives for Students of Color: Empowering Lived Experiences, 1.5 CE

Presented by Adrianna Fisher-Willis, Psy.D. & Walter Malone, Ph.D.

This workshop will address the adaptation of narrative therapy practices through the facilitation of the creative uniqueness of artistic self-reflection. The workshop will also focus on culturally-specific relationship-building as the essential tool for healing from harmful, dysfunctional narratives. Participants will be led through a brief experiential exercise. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Identify ways race can permeate the experiences of people of color and adapt narrative therapy toward this racialized lens.
  • Utilize authenticity as a relationship-building tool to model support, resilience and healing.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM


F15. It's Not What You Think: Differentiating Toxic/Metabolic Encephalopathy from Dementia and Psychosis, 2.0 CE

Presented by Donald Burton, Ph.D., Laurel Everett, M.A., & Shruti Shastri, M.A.

We will define Toxic Metabolic Encephalopathy (TME) clinically and physiologically in a manner that can allow the practicing clinician to identify the disorder, provide a definition of how the disorder functions neurophysiologically, detail the etiologies that can induce TME, and provide a clinical action plan for the practicing clinician to follow. Information on how TME can be easily misidentified as dementia or primary psychosis will also be reviewed and material detailing how such misidentification can lead to an inappropriate clinical trajectory will be discussed. Skill Level: Intermediate. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Use a brief clinical protocol to identify key diagnostic indicators of TME
  • Deploy a treatment plan for use in conjunction with medical consultation and after care services.
  • List specific etiologies that represent the most common causes of TME.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM


F16. Advocacy When It Counts: What KPA is Doing and What You Can Do To Be Involved, 1.5 CE

Presented by Georgeann Stamper Brown, Ph.D. & Sheila Schuster, Ph.D.

It is a critical time to make our voices heard in meaningful ways. Advocacy is a vital part of promoting and protecting the science and profession of psychology on behalf of our students, our clients, and the general public and to fight for social justice. This workshop will focus on multiple types of advocacy, including legislative/executive/regulatory at state and federal levels, through public education, and through KPA’s policy positions. This workshop will also include ways KPA is advocating for psychology, public welfare and social justice, with a review of the 2020 legislative session, current issues, upcoming legislative priorities and looking ahead to 2021 legislative session, discussion of past/present advocacy victories and hurdles, and what KPA committees/members are doing to help. Participants will learn more about the legislative process, how to establish relationships with their legislators, and opportunities to get more involved with advocacy. Skill Level: Beginning. 

Based on the content of this workshop, attendees will be able to: 

  • Describe how KPA is advocating for the profession of psychology, for public welfare and for social justice as well as recent advocacy victories and hurdles.
  • Describe how the legislative process and the KPA Legislative Committee works. They will be able to list multiple opportunities to become more involved as an advocate and to develop advocacy competency skills.