Thursday, February 16, 2017

7:45 - 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking in the Exhibit Area
8:30 - 10:15 AM
 
Joan Borysenko, PhD
 
The most important determinant of physical health is mental health. In this research-based practical presentation, participants will learn how adverse childhood experiences set the stage for chronic illness, and substance abuse later in life through epigenetic changes, neurochemistry, immune function, and brain wiring. In this session, Dr. Borysenko will examine how evidence-based psychological interventions can rewire neuro-hormonal circuitry, and help restore both physical and mental balance.  Read More
10:15 AM
Joan Borysenko Book signing
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
10:45  AM - 12:15 PM
 
Noah Levine, MA
 
Buddhism is a path to freedom from suffering. Such suffering originates in the addictive quality of the mind, and our habitual tendency to grasp at pleasure and push away pain, all addictions stem from these roots. The Buddhist path offers a spiritual and psychological process of transformation that has proven to be a most effective treatment for our human addiction to thinking, and all the suffering we create with the mind.  Read More
12:15 PM
Noah Levine Book signing
12:15 - 1:30 PM
Lunch on your own
1:30 - 3:00 PM
 
Early life trauma can cause long-term and persisting changes to the brain and brain chemistry, which can be measured and imaged, even decades after the childhood events. The presence (or absence) of childhood trauma can increase later-life vulnerability to addiction and mood disorders and also appears to influence which treatments are most effective.  Read More
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
3:30 - 5:00 PM
 

Pamela Harmell, PhD

Recent court cases highlight conflicts faced by students (in counseling, social work or academic programs focused on psychology), supervisors and psychotherapists when personal values conflict with diversity ethics requirements. Two legal cases involve student values related to client sexual orientation that were in conflict with diversity ethics codes. This workshop reviews ethical issues involved, legal outcomes and current standard of care. Read More

5:00  - 9:15 PM
 
Pamela Harmell, PhD
 
Psychotherapists struggle with the role of the DSM-5 system and ethical diagnosing of clients. This workshop examines the major changes to the DSM-5 including: the non-axial system, ICD-9 and ICD-10 requirements, substitutions for Axis I through V, and the primary “lifespan” chapter arrangement. Read More

Friday, February 17, 2017

7:45 - 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking in the Exhibit Area
8:30 - 10:15 AM
 
Marc J. Romano, PsyD, RN, PMHNP, BC, CAP, LHRM
 
Over the past several years new approaches to treating PTSD have been used to treat this very old disorder. Research has shown high rates of PTSD in individuals who present with substance use disorders. In fact, many women who present for addiction treatment report histories of sexual assault.  Read More
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Networking Break in Exhibit Area
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
 
Anthony J. Mele, PsyD
 
The co-occurrence of borderline personality disorder and substance abuse disorders is well-documented and poses specific treatment challenges. While borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often conceptualized as the behavioral manifestation of early life events amenable to intensive psychotherapy rather than biological approaches, more recent research suggests that it is a disabling brain disease well as a personality disorder.  Read More
12:15 - 1:30 PM
Luncheon Session
 
Sherry Daley, MIM, Senior Governmental Affairs Director, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals
 
As President Trump builds his team to reform healthcare, many behavioral health practitioners are uneasy about what the future may hold. Will essential benefits be preserved? Without a mandate, will states be able to afford continuation of coverage? What impact will interstate insurance options have on local healthcare markets for behavioral health services? Will a conservative cabinet mean that addiction policy will change? Walking through some potential scenarios is a valuable process for any practitioner or manager.  Read More
 
1:30 - 3:00 PM
 
Peter A. Levine, PhD,
 
Trauma is neither a disease nor a disorder, but is rather an injury caused by paralyzing fright, helplessness and loss. By grounding energetic experiences through the containment of bodily sensations, while engaging our innate capacity to self-regulate extreme states of arousal and intense emotions,  Read More
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Networking Break in Exhibit Area
 
Book Signing:
Rev Leo Booth 
Peter A. Levine,PhD
3:30  - 5:00 PM
 
Rev. Leo Booth, MTh
 
The basic aim of recovery is to move away from dependencies on drugs, sex, alcohol, food, or gambling and toward a powerful spiritual interdependence. One basic definition of spirituality is being a positive and creative human being.  Taking care of your body, avoiding harmful behaviors and unhealthy relationships are spiritual disciplines.  Read More