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X-WR-CALNAME:Vermont Addiction Professionals Association
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Vermont Addiction Professionals Association
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20221215T162856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T190501Z
UID:1498-1775638800-1775665800@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
DESCRIPTION:Delta Marriott | 1117 Williston Rd. South Burlington VT \n\n\n\nregistration deadline 4/1/2026 \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTrainer:  Heather Stein \n\n\n\nBio:  Heather Stein\, MD is a native of West Virginia and grew up in Morgantown where her father still practices family medicine. Dr. Stein moved to Vermont for her family medicine residency at University of Vermont Medical Center where she was introduced to the CHCB community. Dr. Stein’s professional interests include addiction\, women’s health\, adolescent/young adult medicine and care of the underserved\, and comprehensive care for the whole family. She is a candidate for the addiction medicine boards this fall and teaches medical students about substance abuse disorder. She has a wonderful husband whom she met in medical school and who is also a family doctor in the area. She enjoys cooking\, gardening and spending time with her family. \n\n\n\nDescription:  This three hour presentation will give an overview of the history\, epidemiology\, risk factors\, and basic physiology of the most common substances of that cause functional impairment and use disorders. Through a case based model with interspersed clinical questions and examples\, we will review the most common presentations of and medications used to treat these conditions. \n\n\n\nAgenda:  \n\n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00am -12:15pm\n\n\n\nWelcome & Introductions\n\n\n\nIntroduction to neuropsychology of addiction\n\n\n\nOpioids\n\n\n\nAlcohol and Sedative hypnotics\n\n\n\nStimulants\n\n\n\nDissociatives\n\n\n\nBreak: 10:30 – 10:45 am.\n\n\n\nLunch: 12:15pm – 1:15 pm\n\n\n\nAfternoon: 1:15 pm – 4:30 pm\n\n\n\nPharmacology Addiction Treatment Medications and clinical cases\n\n\n\nMental Health Impact\n\n\n\nOpioids\n\n\n\nAlcohol and Sedative hypnotics\n\n\n\nStimulants\n\n\n\nBreak: 2:30pm-2:45pm\n\n\n\nAdjourn: 4:30 pm\n\n\n\n\nLearning objectives:   \n\n\n\n\nReview history\, epidemiology\, risk factors\, and basic physiology of most common substances ofabuse\n\n\n\nReview common presentations and medications used to treat most common substances ofabuse
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/psychopharmacology/
LOCATION:Vermont
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20260124T130230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T130412Z
UID:2873-1776238200-1776270600@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:"What you need to know: Comprehensive education to enhance treatment of the LGBTQIA+ communities"
DESCRIPTION:registration deadline 4/8/26 \n\n\n\n\nregister\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTRAINER \n\n\n\nFredrick Dombrowski is the AMHCA Past President and has extensive experience treating those living with co-occurring disorders since 1998.  He has been a supervisor and director for multiple programs including inpatient\, outpatient\, and forensic treatment. Currently a Department Chair at the University of Bridgeport\, he is focused on experiential learning through a perspective of cultural humility and an equitable clinical care. He has recently published the book Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders and has appeared on television\, radio\, and internet advocating for the helping professions. He has won several awards for his work with marginalized populations. \n\n\n\nDESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nDescription: Those from LGBTQIA+ communities are at greater risk for living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders when compared to heterosexual cisgender communities. Many members from these communities have often experienced discrimination and a lack of support from various treatment providers creating a lack of trust which can impact client success. Even well meaning providers may at times invalidate the experiences of individuals from these communities. This presentation will review specific needs of members of these communities while also discussing potential risks that these communities face. This presentation will identify ways to create an environment of inclusive care while enhancing the skills of team members to support the needs for these communities. This presentation will apply evidence based practices (CBT and MI) in the clinical treatment of LGBTQIA+ communities. Participants will also identify ways to navigate incidents of invalidation for these communities. \n\n\n\nAGENDA \n\n\n\nCheck-in & Coffee: 7:30am – 8:00am \n\n\n\nVAPA Annual Meeting (All are welcome!): 8:00am – 9:00am \n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 am – Noon Welcome & Introductions Self Evaluations General experiences of LGBTQIA+ clientsBreak 10:30 – 10:45 am. Reviewing specific populations Needs of LG clientsLunch: 12:15 pm to 1:15 pmAfternoon: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Reviewing needs of BTQIA+ clients Special needs for intersex and trans clients Creating an inclusive environmentBreak 2:30 – 2:45pm. Supporting Staff CBT Motivational Interviewing \n\n\n\nAdjourn: 4:30 pm \n\n\n\nLEARNING OBJECTIVES \n\n\n\n\nIdentify personal internal reactions toward members of the LGBTQIA+ communities to manage countertransference during treatment.\n\n\n\nIdentify 2-3 specific needs of LGBTQIA+ community members in relation to medical care\, assessment and treatment.\n\n\n\nIdentify 2-3 ways to create an affirming and validating environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.\n\n\n\nReview and discuss 3-4 basic clinical tools to explore the needs of LGBTQIA+ community members.\n\n\n\nIdentify 2-3 ways to respond to incidents of invalidation to LGBTQIA+ communities from staff or other patients. 
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/what-you-need-to-know-comprehensive-education-to-enhance-treatment-of-the-lgbtqia-communities/
LOCATION:Capitol Plaza\, 100 State St\, Montpelier\, Vermont\, 05602\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20251028T183524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T180926Z
UID:2704-1778144400-1778171400@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Substance Use 101
DESCRIPTION:Registration deadline 4/30/2026 \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrainer: \n\n\n\nDebby Haskins\, MS\, LADC (Masters of Science-UVM)\, Licensed Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor. She began her work at the Dawnland Center in Montpelier- at the time the only Native American Treatment Center in Vermont.  She was a former Student Assistance Counselor who worked in two Central VT High Schools for 10 years\, then served as the Executive Director of the Association of Student Assistance Professionals of Vermont (ASAP of VT) for 15 years\, overseeing 92 programs throughout Vermont. She was a U Matter Suicide Prevention Specialist/trainer/consultant for the Center for Health and Learning in Suicide Prevention; taught three courses online at Union Institute on Alcohol\, Tobacco and Other Drug courses\, Injury\, Violence Prevention\, and Cannabis & Mental Health; and travels throughout Vermont presenting Substance Misuse education to staff\, parents and community members. She recently served as a School-Based Prevention Workforce Facilitator for Prevention Works VT! Debby is again the Executive Director for ASAP of Vermont. \n\n\n\nDebby was the former chair of the Vermont Certification Board and has a private practice in Central Vermont.  She has been in the substance abuse field for 30 years\, from prevention to treatment. She has presented throughout Vermont on Vaping\, Electronic Devices & Artificial Intelligence\, and Cannabis and the connections to healthy mental wellness. Her passion is working with adolescents and their families in breaking the cycle of addiction and presenting information in an experiential and thought-provoking way. \n\n\n\nDescription:  \n\n\n\nWelcome to the Substance Misuse Workshop for Beginners\, a supportive and informative space where we embark on a journey towards understanding and addressing the challenges associated with substance misuse. In this workshop\, I aim to create a non-judgmental environment where participants can openly explore the complexities of substance use\, understand our belief systems about addiction\, its impact on individuals and communities\, and the pathways to recovery. Through interactive discussions\, educational resources\, and personal reflections\, attendees will gain valuable insights into the factors contributing to substance misuse and the importance of early intervention. My goal is to empower participants with knowledge and practical tools that can be used with any client while fostering your own personal exploration. \n\n\n\nAgenda:  \n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 am – Noon Welcome & Introductions Engagement & Boundaries Substance Misuse Overview Exercise: Risk Factors-Break 10:30 – 10:45 am. Protective Factors Promoting healthy coping mechanismsLunch: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmAfternoon: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Technology – How Artificial Intelligence is being used. Supervision & how to use it Dealing with Grief\, loss and Suicide: How do you ask the tough questions? Exercise:Break 2:30 – 2:45 pm. Intervention techniques – case studies and discussion Just what is spirituality & why it’s so important in treatment Evaluations & Closure-Adjourn: 4:30 pm \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives:  \n\n\n\nObjectives: To understand our bias with addiction\, develop new tools to workwith the substance misusing clients\, practicing techniques that will fosterengagement and help counselors look at hidden strengths that build trust.This interactive workshop will provide hourly skills\, visuals\, time to reflect\,learning how to set boundaries and more. Be prepared to have fun and learnin a very relaxed style.Each hour we will focus on readings\, personal reflection\, movement\, activities\, discussion and group interactions.
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/substance-use-101/
LOCATION:Delta Marriott\, 1117 Williston Rd\, South Burlington\, Vermont\, 05403\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260515T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260515T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20251105T115153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T114225Z
UID:2763-1778835600-1778862600@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Trauma-Informed Co-Occurring Treatment
DESCRIPTION:registration deadline 5/8/2026 \n\n\n\n\nregister\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrainer:  \n\n\n\nMelissa Hill\, M.S.\, LCMHC\, LADC\, is a dually licensed clinician with over 13 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions counseling. She specializes in treating adolescents and adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges and brings a strong focus on community mental health and systems-involved care. \n\n\n\nIn her role with Easterseals\, Melissa serves as a consultant and trainer supporting staff who work with at-risk and foster youth\, families formed through adoption or guardianship\, and those navigating involvement with the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Her work emphasizes trauma-informed and relationship-centered approaches that foster resilience and stability within youth and family systems. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her consulting and training work\, Melissa maintains a private practice in Burlington\, Vermont\, where she provides individual therapy. She is certified in EMDR therapy and integrates a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy\, Narrative Therapy\, Psychodynamic Therapy\, Motivational Interviewing\, Systemic Therapy\, and Expressive Art to support holistic healing and long-term recovery. \n\n\n\nDescription:  \n\n\n\nWorking with individuals who experience both mental health and substance use challengesrequires an understanding of the interplay between trauma\, motivation\, and regulation. Atrauma-informed approach to the treatment of co-occurring disorders supports providers inaddressing the complex interactions between trauma\, mental health\, and substance usesymptoms\, while fostering safety\, empowerment\, and collaboration in the therapeuticrelationship. \n\n\n\nAgenda:  \n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00am – 12:00pm ESTSection 1: Understanding the Complexity of Co-Occurring Disorders (9:00 – 10:30am)● Welcome\, introductions\, and overview of the day● Defining co-occurring disorders and understanding prevalence and impact● Exploring trauma\, diagnostic overlap\, shared neurobiology\, and developmental effects● Applying trauma-informed principles: Safety\, Trustworthiness\, Choice\, Collaboration\,Empowerment● Cultural humility and intersectionality in trauma and addiction \n\n\n\nBreak: 10:30am – 10:45amSection 2: Increasing Motivation and Internal Awareness (10:45am – 12:00pm)● Trauma’s impact on motivation\, ambivalence\, and readiness for change● Overview of Motivational Interviewing (Engaging\, Focusing\, Evoking\, Planning) througha trauma-informed lens● Deepening insight and commitment through reflective listening and change talk \n\n\n\n● Value exploration \n\n\n\nLunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pmAfternoon: 1:00pm – 4:30pm ESTSection 3: Somatic and Experiential Regulation Techniques for Co-Occurring Disorders(1:00 – 2:30pm)● Understanding how trauma and co-occurring disorders affect the nervous system● “Regulation before reflection”: stabilizing the body before processing emotion● Recognizing body cues and interoception as early signs of dysregulation● Core somatic techniques:● Integrating somatic regulation with motivational and values-based approaches \n\n\n\nBreak: 2:30pm – 2:45pmSection 4: Our Own Experience — Vicarious Trauma\, Resilience\, and Self-Care (2:45 –4:30pm)● Understanding vicarious trauma: mirror neurons\, empathy fatigue\, and moral distress● Differentiating burnout\, compassion fatigue\, and vicarious trauma● Exploring vicarious resilience and the reciprocal nature of healing● Identifying strengths\, meaning\, and purpose● Developing a personal self-care plan \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives:  \n\n\n\nThis full-day training will provide participants with:● Strategies to integrate trauma-informed principles into co-occurring treatment● An understanding of how trauma affects motivation\, readiness for change\, andregulation● Techniques to support body-based stabilization and values-aligned behavioral change● Opportunities to practice somatic and experiential regulation techniques● Exploration of vicarious trauma\, resilience\, and clinician self-care● Case examples\, experiential activities\, and reflective discussions to promote practicalapplication
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/trauma-informed-co-occurring-treatment/
LOCATION:The Summit\, 19 Roosevelt Highway\, Colchester\, Vermont\, 05446\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20260223T193010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T193011Z
UID:2894-1788512400-1788539400@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Codependency 101
DESCRIPTION:register\n\n\n\n\nregistration deadline 8/28/2026  \n\n\n\n\n\nNOTES: \n\n\n\n\nParking OFFSITE ONLY:  Suggestion – Rutland Laz Parking Garage $3 for all day parking and .1 mile from the ASA Bloomer Building \n\n\n\nAll attendees will need to check in with security on the first floor of the building. Conf. room 266 \n\n\n\nThe building closes at 4:30 p.m. the training will end timely\, so all attendees can exit the building. \n\n\n\n\nTRAINER: \n\n\n\nEshan E. LaCoste is a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) for the State of Vermont and has served as a Clinical Supervisor at Rutland Community Care Network for the past 3 years. He is a highly accomplished and compassionate master’s level clinician with over 20 years of progressive experience in clinical mental health and substance use disorder treatment\, including work with co-occurring disorders and forensic populations. A proven leader in program supervision\, compliance\, team management\, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions within mental health\, Intensive Outpatient (IOP)\, and community-based settings. His expertise includes integrating mental health and substance use services\, program development\, grant writing\, and professional education. \n\n\n\nDESCRIPTION: \n\n\n\nWithin the mental health world\, codependency is a theory that attempts to explain imbalanced relationships where one person or both individuals enable each other’s person’s self-destructive behavior’s\, such as addiction\, poor mental health\, immaturity\, irresponsibility\, or under-achievement. Definitions of codependency vary\, but typically include high self-sacrifice\, a focus on others’ needs\, suppression of one’s own emotions\, and attempts to control or fix other people’s problems. Some individuals who struggle with codependency characteristics on average exhibit low self-esteem\, but it is unclear whether this is a cause or an effect of characteristics associatedwith codependency. Codependency is not limited to married partnered\, or romantic relationships\, as co-workers\, friends\, and family members can be codependent as well. \n\n\n\nAGENDA: \n\n\n\nMorning: The Head & The Heart (09:00 AM – 12:00 PM)9:00 AM | Welcome & The Perimeter: Establishing psychological safety.o Somatic: The Boundary Bubble. Standing and rotating to physically define 360-degree personal space. \n\n\n\n9:30 AM | The Inventory: A 30-point diagnostic to identify patterns of external obsession.o Somatic: The Internal Anchor. Hand-on-heart/hand-on-belly breathing to pull energy back to the self. \n\n\n\n10:00 AM | Defining the Self: Differentiating the “Helper” (Healthy) from the “Enabler” (Codependent).o Clinical Context: Rationale for involving families and the metrics of treatment gains.10:30 AM | Break10:45 AM | Family Dynamics (The Heart): Mapping “Family Tree” roles (Hero\, Scapegoat\, etc.).11:15 AM | Inner Child & Transference: Discussing the “Savior” complex and childhood voids.o Local Focus: Identifying catalysts and barriers to family involvement specifically in Vermont. \n\n\n\n11:45 AM | Grounding II: Discharging heavy emotions from the family mapping.o Somatic: The Burden Drop. Tensing shoulders/fists and “throwing” the tension to the floor with a loud exhale. \n\n\n\nLunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMAfternoon: The Hands (01:00 PM – 04:30 PM)1:00 PM | Research-Based Engagement: Strategies for engaging family members effectively.2:00 PM | The “Yard” Framework: Understanding boundaries as gates\, not walls.3:00 PM | Break3:15 PM | The “Free” Strategy: Mastering the core clinical tool. \n\n\n\n\nIdentify: Notice the “itch” to fix (Mental) and throat tightness (Somatic).\n\n\n\nDetach: Stepping back. Somatic cue: Taking one physical step backward.\n\n\n\nDecide: Choosing a response based on capacity\, not compulsion.4:00 PM | Closing Circle: Commitment to one “Small Boundary” for the week.4:30 PM | Adjourn\n\n\n\n\nLEARNING OBJECTIVES: \n\n\n\n Map Codependent Cycles: Identify “over-reactions” (external fixing) vs. “under-reactions”(internal denial). Trace Behavioral Roots: Connect “savior” compulsions to childhood unmet needs. Apply Detachment Tools: Utilize the Identify\, Detach\, and Decide framework. Regulate via Somatics: Use body-based movements to manage the “Fawn” response.
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/codependency-101/
LOCATION:ASA Bloomer Building\, 88 Merchants Row\, Rutland\, Vermont
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20241023T104609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T193404Z
UID:2282-1789549200-1789576200@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Supervision of Supervisors
DESCRIPTION:Registration deadline 9/9/2026 \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\nVirtual/Zoom \n\n\n\nTrainer:  \n\n\n\nSamson Teklemariam\, LPC\, CPTM\, is the Vice President of Clinical Services for Behavioral Health Group (BHG). Samson also serves as the Southeast Regional Vice President for NAADAC\, the Association for Addiction Professionals. He is an accomplished leader with a history of driving organizational results with learning and development solutions. He was formerly the Director of Training and Professional Development for NAADAC and National Director of Learning and Development for Phoenix House Foundation. Samson is a certified lead trainer for the Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abuse (CBISA) curriculum\, Calm Every Storm: Crisis Prevention & Intervention curriculum\, and experienced in the treatment of trauma-related disorders using trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) and Seeking Safety. He is passionate about culturally responsive care for co-occurring conditions\, clinical supervision and mentorship\, improving access to care\, and advocacy for communities in greatest need. \n\n\n\nDescription:  \n\n\n\ncoming soon \n\n\n\nAgenda: \n\n\n\ncoming soon \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives:  \n\n\n\ncoming soon
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/understanding-employee-burnout-and-the-ethics-of-self-care/
LOCATION:Vermont
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261002T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261002T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20250415T193610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T193544Z
UID:2529-1790931600-1790958600@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Ethics
DESCRIPTION:registration deadline:  9/25/2026 \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\nTrainer: \n\n\n\nDana Poverman\, LCMHC\, LADC: Ms. Poverman has worked in the fields of mental health and substance use disorders for over 30 years. She has provided treatment to clients; created and directed clinical programs\, including treatment courts\, student assistance services and co-occurring treatment; and provided clinical supervision and training throughout her career. Her experience with MAT began in 2002 with the opening of the Chittenden Clinic\, a program of Howard Center\, Vermont’s first OTP.  Prior to Vermont’s implementation of the hub and spoke system\, she managed the ADAP-funded state-wide grant for the COBMAT project (Coordination of Office-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment) beginning in 2005. She worked with providers in Chittenden and Franklin Counties to expand OBOT services. Dana was the director of the Chittenden Clinic until July 2021. She currently provides training and LADC supervision for clinicians at Howard Center and Central Vermont Addiction Medicine. She serves as an Advisor to the Office of Professional Regulation for Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Her clinical interest lies in the intersectionality of trauma\, social injustice\, and substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. \n\n\n\nDescription: \n\n\n\nThis six-hour training will review the nine principles of the NAADAC Code of Ethics in detail. The foundation for these standards in the underlying principles of autonomy\, non-maleficence\, beneficence\, and distributive justice will be examined. The format will include didactic presentation\, group discussion and activities. Examples will be drawn from real-life cases to illustrate situations that pose risk and ethical dilemmas for those working in the field of substance use disorder prevention\, intervention and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding professional boundaries\, boundary extensions and boundary violations. Participants will also explore models for resolving ethical dilemmas. \n\n\n\nAgenda: \n\n\n\n9:00 – 10:30What are Ethics?Guiding principlesNAADAC Code 6/1/25Break 10:30 – 10:4010:40 – 12:10What is an ethical dilemma and how to resolve it\, including model for resolving ethical dilemmasBeginning the Relationship (including mandatory disclosures)Informed ConsentTelehealthConfidentiality – HIPAA and 42 CFRArtificial Intelligence – considerations for ethical practiceDocumentation \n\n\n\nLunch 12:10 – 1:10 \n\n\n\n1:10– 2:40Boundary extensions vs Boundary Violations – case examples and practiceProfessional Responsibility and Client Care – Ethical terminationCounter-transferenceCultural Awareness and Humility2:40 – 3:00 Break3: 00 – 4:30Case examples of Professional MisconductDual Relationships – Slippery SlopesMeta-ethical issues – implications for policy \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives: \n\n\n\na. Participants will be able to identify the principles of the NAADAC Code of Ethicsb. Participants will be able to identify the underlying ethical principles that are the bedrock of the professional codesc. Participants will be able to describe when informed consent must be obtained and the 4 elements needed to obtain informed consentd. Participants will be able to explain how culture\, race and socio-economic factors can affect the therapeutic relationshipe. Participants will be able to describe the difference between boundary violations and boundary extensionsf. Participants will be able to identify at least common areas for violations of ethics codesg. Participants will be able to define an ethical dilemmah. Participants will be able to identify steps to take in resolving an ethical dilemma
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/ethics-4/
LOCATION:Delta Marriott\, 1117 Williston Rd\, South Burlington\, Vermont\, 05403\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20260223T193658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T193700Z
UID:2901-1793955600-1793982600@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Crashing Out-Using Third Wave CBT's in the Treatment of Mood and Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults
DESCRIPTION:register\n\n\n\n\nregistration deadline 10/30/2026 \n\n\n\n\n\nTRAINER: \n\n\n\nBill Brown is an owner and Clinical Director at Confluence Behavioral Health in Thetford\, VT and Burlington\, VT.  He has worked with young adults\, adolescents and their families for over twenty years in clinical and coaching capacities. As a leader\, Bill is driven to nurture the enthusiasm and focus of his staff to consistently accomplish shared goals\, creating a culture of engagement and purpose. His work focuses on building strong teams that bring quality services and transformational experiences to the clients and families we serve. As a clinician\, Bill works at the intersection of a relational and behavioral approach\, finding avenues toward change through skills\, trust\, and a shared commitment to growth. \n\n\n\nDESCRIPTION: \n\n\n\nThis presentation explores the role of skills in fostering effective relational dynamics within mental health treatment. Often perceived as tools for symptom management or behavioral change\, skills\, in a relational context\, emerge as both the observable surface and the profound substance of therapeutic connection. \n\n\n\nSkill development is not simply a mechanistic intervention\, but rather a deeply relational process. On the surface\, skills provide concrete strategies for clients to navigate distress\, improve communication\, and regulate emotions. These techniques offer a common language and a shared focus\, facilitating initial engagement and building a sense of collaborative effort between client and therapist. \n\n\n\nHowever\, the substance of skills lies in their capacity to strengthen the therapeutic relationship. Exploring skills involves empathy\, validation\, and a shared commitment to growth. Through this process\, clients learn not only what to do\, but also how to relate\, how to trust\, and how to co-create solutions within a supportive interpersonal context. The therapist’s ability to skillfully deliver interventions\, adapt to client needs\, and maintain a non-judgmental stance becomes a living demonstration of relational principles. \n\n\n\nThis presentation will explore how seemingly technical skills are imbued with relational meaning. We will discuss how the development of skills can enhance self-efficacy\, foster secure attachment\, and ultimately empower clients to build healthier relationships beyond the therapeutic setting. Focus will be placed on treating mood and substance use disorders as well as tech overuse. By recognizing skills as both the outward manifestation and the internal scaffolding of relational healing\, clinicians can deepen their practice and optimize treatment outcomes. \n\n\n\nAGENDA: \n\n\n\n9:00 am – 10:30 am  \n\n\n\n\nWelcome & Introductions \n\n\n\nOverview of Training \n\n\n\nGen Z – Cultural and Developmental Factors \n\n\n\nThe Mental Health Crisis in Young People \n\n\n\nExercise: Exploring Generations – Cultural Impact on Mental Health \n\n\n\n\nBreak 10:30 am – 10:45 am.  \n\n\n\n10:45 am – 12:00 pm  \n\n\n\n\nRelational and Behavioral Approaches: Undoing the Dichotomy \n\n\n\nOverview of 3rd Wave CBTs \n\n\n\nExercise: Process-oriented CBT \n\n\n\n\nLunch: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm  \n\n\n\nAfternoon: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm  \n\n\n\n\nPostformal Thinking: Developing Adult Cognition through 3rd Wave CBTs  \n\n\n\nExploring Trauma: Gen Z and the impact of adversity \n\n\n\nExercise: Thinking Postformally \n\n\n\n\nBreak 2:30 pm– 2:45 pm \n\n\n\n2:45 pm – 4:20 pm  \n\n\n\n\nUsing 3rd Wave CBTs to address Gen Z Challenges \n\n\n\nThe Search for Meaning \n\n\n\nDeveloping a Sense of Mattering \n\n\n\nBuilding Connection \n\n\n\n\nAdjourn: 4:30 pm \n\n\n\nLEARNING OBJECTIVES: \n\n\n\nParticipants in this presentation will be able to:  \n\n\n\nArticulate the dual nature of skills in mental health treatment\, distinguishing between their “surface” function (symptom management\, behavioral change) and their “substance” (embodying and strengthening the therapeutic relationship). \n\n\n\nIdentify how the therapeutic process of teaching and practicing skills inherently involves and reinforces relational principles such as empathy\, validation\, boundaries\, and collaborative problem-solving. \n\n\n\nExplain the broader impact of skill development on client well-being\, including enhanced self-efficacy\, secure attachment\, and the ability to form healthier relationships outside of therapy.
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/crashing-out-using-third-wave-cbts-in-the-treatment-of-mood-and-substance-use-disorders-in-adolescents-and-young-adults/
LOCATION:Hotel Coolidge\, 39 S Main St\, White River Junction\, Vermont
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261204T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261204T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T115915
CREATED:20250605T181729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T193806Z
UID:2591-1796374800-1796401800@vapavt.org
SUMMARY:Cultural Competency
DESCRIPTION:Registration deadline: 11/27/2026 \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrainer: \n\n\n\nKarinne Comenzo\, MA\, LICSW\, LADC is the former Assistant Director of Clinical Services for the River Valley Therapeutic Residence. Prior to this role\, Karinne worked for the Vermont Department of Corrections as Chief Clinical Specialist for five years. Karinne currently runs a private practice and supports UVMMC Primary Care providers who prescribe medications for Opiate Use Disorder. The majority of her human services career was providing mental health and substance abuse treatment services to marginalized populations in New York City. This included individuals experiencing homelessness\, incarceration\, sex trafficking\, and domestic violences\, among others. Karinne holds an MA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an MSW from New York University. When Karinne is not focused on helping others in her work\, you can find her engaged in hot exercise classes\, dance class with her two young kiddos\, or throwing a ball for her Australian Cattle Dog.  \n\n\n\nDescription:  \n\n\n\nThis training will address the core concepts of Cultural Competency\, also referred to as Cultural Humilityor Cultural Sensitivity. This training is created to challenge your assumptions and take each participantout of their comfort zone. This training is meant to challenge each individual’s belief systems andperceptions of their work and clients. This training may be uncomfortable and triggering at times\, andparticipants are asked to be respectful of one another while navigating difficult conversations. The mainpurpose of this training is to enhance overall service delivery to each client. \n\n\n\nAgenda:  \n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Welcome and Introductions What is culture? What is cultural competency? Underlying principlesBreak 10:30 – 10:45 am Review of applicable Code of Ethics Challenging perceptionsLunch: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmAfternoon:  1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Challenging perceptions (cont.) and assumptions Self awareness as practitioners Applying Cultural Competency concepts to service deliveryBreak 2:30 – 2:45pm Programmatic considerations Cultural Competency \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives:  \n\n\n\n\nDefine culture\n\n\n\nIdentify three ways our own culture impacts our work\n\n\n\n​Identify three ways Cultural Competency can improve service delivery and client experience\n\n\n\nIdentify three general skills and strategies for culturally sensitive service delivery\n\n\n\nDefine the Intention Impact Model
URL:https://vapavt.org/training/cultural-compentency/
LOCATION:Delta Marriott\, 1117 Williston Rd\, South Burlington\, Vermont\, 05403\, United States
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