Clinical Foundations of Couples Work

Saturday, April 8th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST (via Zoom)

Shirlene Elledge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Gottman Couples Therapist will present on her work with the Gottman Institute and how it informs her work with couples. At the end of Shirlene's portion of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how research informs couples work
2. List and describe the primary domains of relationship counseling
3. List and explain the best practices for couples work
4. List the primary predictors of relationship decline
5. List and explain the elements of the basic tool kit for couples
6. Define and explain the gold standard for connection in couples relationship

Charlie Pohl, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Group Psychotherapist will present two protocols he has devised over the years which can be helpful in couples work: the Collateral Contact Session used in individual psychotherapy and the High Quality Couples Protocol. At the end of Charlie's portion of the training, participants will be able to:

7. State the rationale for the use of collateral contact as an essential ingredient for individual
therapy with coupled patients
8. List the steps of the process and the rationale for each
9. Describe the utility of the protocol for individual psychotherapy
10. Identify the couples for whom a High Quality Couples Protocol may be indicated or
contraindicated
11. List the essential elements of the Protocol
12. Discuss adaptations for couples with more limited goals in treatment

What we’ve learned about mass shootings: Implications for clinical practice Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Learning Objectives.

At the end of training, participants will be able to:

1) Summarize latest information based on the most comprehensive database of mass shootings
2) Identify characteristics of mass shooters as it relates to their mental health, background, and importantly to recent and ongoing environmental stressors
3) Articulate how this knowledge can be used in practice with individuals, community, and organizations to create better preventative efforts
4) Utilize practice skills aimed at identifying potential breaking points for clients

Let's Talk about Sex: Addressing Sexuality in Clinical Practice

Presenter: Rachael Bazzett, LMSW

Objectives
At the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify strategies for addressing the topic of sexuality with new and existing clients.

2. Describe impacts of provider discomfort and bias on explorations of sexuality in clinical settings.

3. Identify language that can be utilized to be more inclusive of clients' experiences of gender, sexuality, and relationship styles.

4. Explain impacts of trauma on sex and sexuality.

5. Develop understanding of dual control model of sexual response and explore implications for clinical practice.

Presenter Bio/Credentials: Rachael holds a bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies and completed her MSW at Boise State in 2015. Much of Rachael's career has been in the field of intimate partner violence and sexual violence, and she is passionate about issues related to gender and sexuality, having earned a certificate in Sex Therapy and Sex Education from the University of Michigan in 2020. Outside of clinical work, Rachael teaches as an adjunct in the School of Social Work at Boise State University and consults for local organizations on issues related to trauma and sexual health. Rachael spends lots of time snuggling with her three dogs, running in the mountains, and drinking tea.

Presenter: Dr. Jill Chonody

Overview: Loneliness impacts health and well-being, and the pandemic has had profound social implications, including increased levels of loneliness and social isolation. This lecture will explore the importance of social contact and how different protective factors can prevent the negative consequences of loneliness.

Objectives
At the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain  the impact of loneliness across the age spectrum.
• Use specific knowledge and skills to assess for loneliness/social isolation in clients.

Presenter: Scott M. Rasmussen, MSW, LCSW