Join Magistrate Albert S. Zweig in understanding the roots of addiction. He will discuss his journey and how it has become increasingly clear that addiction not drugs themselves, is the issue with which we must contend. Judge Zweig will discuss his history of heroin and cocaine addiction, and how negative emotions often contribute to substance-use issues and problems with addiction.

As a result of attending this key presentation, you will be able to:

1. Trace the origins of most problematic substance-use issues; and,
2. Discuss how the current drug problem is broader and deeper than simply an opioid epidemic.

The Utah Supreme Court led statewide Sequential Intercept Model initiative, supported by the Governor’s Office and legislative leadership has fully launched in the past year with broad partnership between state and local agencies and stakeholders. The objective of this initiative is to assess strengths and gaps in the mental health and substance use disorder service delivery system in relationship to individuals in the criminal justice system and advocate with a unified voice for resources needed in each county. This panel will provide lessons learned from the front lines of mental health providers, court liaisons, corrections, AP&P, and law enforcement. Discussion about direct services and collaboration, coordination and continuity of care will follow brief presentations from each panelist. As a result of participating in this session, you will be able to:

1. Provide a quick overview of perspectives and approaches to mental illness from law enforcement on the streets to courts, jails, prisons, and probation, and incorporate protocols within your own practices to improve communications and working relationships with these branches of the ‘system’; and,
2. Brainstorm ways to better fill current gaps and integrate the various systems to improve behavioral health treatment outcomes.

Clif was an early advocate and ally for prop 2 legislation, medicinal use of cannabis, and early adopter of medicinal cannabis in mental health and substance use treatment for PTSD in the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry. An original provider and pioneer for the expansion of  behavioral health services in the medical cannabis industry and medical cannabis community. He has drawn from existing literature and research related  to use of cannabis for PTS and is using qualitative study and anecdotal research to understand the key benefits of medical cannabis in-conjunction with PTSD treatment to improve the quality of service delivery for medical cannabis subscribers with PTSD and to offer medical cannabis as an adjunct or alternative to traditional treatment for patients with mental health and addiction problems. Clif will present key findings, best practice, and positive outcomes.

As a result of participating in this session, you will be able to:

1. Trace the historical and policy paths of marijuana and its current status in the U.S. and other continents including the pro and con arguments around both recreational and medical uses; and,
2. Discuss the emerging use of cannabinoids in mental health treatment including, but not limited to, trauma work.

Clinical documentation is the bane of every clinician’s existence. There is nothing “fun” about it, but it is an essential function of our overall clinical work. Yet, we tend to lack a comprehensible framework to conceptualize and organize assessment information, progress, initial treatment planning and subsequent adjustments in goals/objectives and interventions over time. In essence, we are creating an emerging (and changing) painting of a client’s clinical presentation. Additionally, if you are working with insurance/MCO’s, your clinical documentation acts as the vehicle to describe that painting to someone who knows nothing about your client and ultimately, insurance Case/Care Managers only perception of the quality of your clinical services is in the documentation you provide (whether we like it or not).

The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate how a clinician can comprehensively assess a client’s “functional impairments” due to the presence of mental health and substance abuse conditions in a manner that assists in developing a dynamic/evolving treatment plan (goals, objectives and interventions). Additionally, participants will be given a framework to organize and categorize information (LOCUS and ASAM) obtained in the initial clinical/medical assessment and when evaluating progress in treatment. Finally, a comprehensive clinical assessment and clarity in documentation creates a vehicle for transferring that information not only for adjustments to a client’s treatment plan, but is a critical element in maximizing the authorized days/units for each treatment level of care, along with the potential of increasing a clinician/facility’s revenue from third-party payers.

After attending this presentation, you will be able to:

1. List, describe how utilizing a comprehensive assessment of a client’s functional impairments due to mental health/substance issues can aid in the development of a dynamic/evolvinfg treatment planning process, identification of goals, objectives and interventions while taking this information and organizing it into framework that is digestible and placed in comprehensive categories; and,
2. List how to create clarity in clinical documentation that can lead to maximizing insurance reimbursements and days/units authorized for clients.

We have all heard the term “warm transitions”, but what does that actually mean and how critical are warm transitions to the success of individuals navigating the care system? This workshop will look at the critical roles that connection and integration play in effective transitions. Supported by the research of Brene Brown, Johann Hari, and Dan Siegel and demonstrated by the evidence-based Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Model used by Project Connection, you will learn specific elements of creating a transition model that is effective, meaningful and improves outcomes for the populations you serve. This workshop will benefit beginning, intermediate and advanced attendees from case managers through clinicians. As a result of participating in this session, you will leave able to:

1. Discuss the evidence-based practices, community integration, connection and other needs of individuals transitioning through the continuum of care such as moves from in-patient to out-patient settings and transitions from institutions back into communities; and,
2. Outline and develop a plan for such individuals which addresses the needs and most effectively supports ‘warm hand-offs’ and transitions for long-term success.

We are over two years into the COVID pandemic. Nearly a million people in the US have died from COVID. Millions more have lost family and friends. Healthcare workers are among many groups who have experienced a great deal of stress as they tried to balance caring for themselves and others. We will share stories to honor this experience and focus on what we have learned that may allow us to recover from the last two years, more fully appreciate the present moment, and thrive into the future.

After the conclusion of this breakout session, attendees will be able to:

1. Foster and build resiliency within themselves and in others by teaching their clients how to ‘find the good within the bad’ even by using circumstances forced by the pandemic; and,
2. Implement positive coping methods into their own lives and the lives of their clients.

Working with sexually-diverse and gender-diverse youth and families can raise thorny issues: How do we affirm and support these youth while still working within institutional structures, and cultural systems that present direct obstacles to affirmation? In this presentation, Dr. Diamond will advocate for a social safety approach to these issues. Social safety is defined as the experience of social inclusion, connection and protection. She will review research showing that social safety is a critical component of human health and well-being – in fact, the human immune system has evolved to continuously monitor the environment for signs of safety versus threat, and the perceived lack of social safety can trigger a cascade of biological stress responses that can interfere with learning, growth, adaptation, and positive development. There are multiple ways that service providers and families can amplify social safety for sexually-diverse and gender-diverse youths, such as using youths’ chosen pronouns and names, providing safe environments where they can express themselves without feeling self-conscious, communicating unconditional protection from harm, and consistently providing opportunities for connection. One of the strengths of a social safety approach is that it provides a powerful way for service providers to work with families whose religious traditions or ideologies are directly opposed to the acceptance and affirmation of sexual and gender diversity. By placing the emphasis on safety, rather than “acceptance”, service providers can work more effectively with families and communities toward developing concrete behavioral and interpersonal strategies for fostering youths’ well-being, regardless of whether family or community members “agree with” youths’ self-identification. By putting “safety first”, service providers can more effectively serve a broader range of individuals across a broader range of contexts.

After attending this presentation, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge around current terminology, pronoun use, navigation of appropriate services, and culturally competent care to honor individual identities; and
2. Work with individuals whose families may not be supportive of their choices while staying within professional practice and ethical guidelines and identify appropriate accommodations in family and treatment settings (i.e. RTC rules, physical housing and bathroom options).

The presentation will be covering information that will be important for providers to understand to work successfully with individuals and couples that are struggling with infertility. Participants will be instructed about the potential impact of an infertility diagnosis on the individual and their relationships. Participants will be given tools and resources for supporting individuals and couples during fertility challenges and the treatment process.

As a result of participating in this session, you will be able to:

1. Trace the common paths and impacts of couples discovering and dealing with infertility issues; and,
2. Work with these couples to help them recognize their choices and move forward in positive ways and lessen the negative effects on their relationship.

Personality Disorders have often been stigmatized in the media and many medical and/or mental health fields. In fact, I took a course in my undergraduate studies titled; Abnormal Psychology, which focused primarily on the Cluster B and Cluster C diagnoses. This alone demonstrates that even in my own profession there is still a need to develop empathy and a deeper understanding for the clients that we serve. Often, wheat we perceive as “abnormal” or “unhealthy” can be more carefully attributed to early attachment trauma that unfortunately goes undiagnosed or misrepresented and create a lot of hardships on individuals and their intra-personal and interpersonal endeavors. This presentation will provide information on early developmental trauma and attachment injuries and the connection to personality disorders in adult life.

Once you have heard this session, you will be able to:

1. Present the ways attachment insults and injuries may manifest themselves in adulthood; and,
2. Question, screen and assess for potential attachment insults which may be underlying personality disorders of clients then be able to address these issues in treatment plans.

We will discuss ways to reliably assess autism in adults, including references to specific tests/rating scales. The presenter will also elaborate on reasons why or why not to test for autism in adults (validation, access to services, better understanding of the self, etc.). At the end there will be a discussion regarding participants’ thoughts about the over or under diagnosis of ASD in the adult population.

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Debate if, and the potential reasons for, current hypothesis that autism and other neurodevelopmental issues may be over diagnosed and sharply misdiagnosed; and,
2. Showcase the impact on individuals in adulthood who have been misdiagnosed or undiagnosed with autism or other neurodevelopmental issues and how these situations translate into the therapy office.

Sand tray expressive arts have been used throughout psychotherapy for many decades. By engaging in a creative process, clients can access the unconscious, allow words for the unspeakable, and begin to make sense of their inner world, as well as life experiences in new and profound ways. This presentation will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about the basics of Sand Tray Therapy and it’s use with clients across ages and stages. A brief demonstration will occur, followed by time for questions and answers from the audience.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

Sharing the skills and protocols developed over the course of a decade of providing psychedelic peer support in the field, we will be utilizing the Zendo Project 4 principles  of: safe space; sitting, not guiding; talking through, rather than down; and difficult isn’t necessary bad; – to demonstrate how effective support can be applied to altered states of consciousness, extreme emotional states, and general community connection and conflict resolution. We will also be briefly addressing the nature of psychedelic substances as they relate to addiction tendencies, addiction recovery, trauma discovery, and trauma therapy. We will begin by sharing an overview of our principles through a clinical lens, examining protocols for extreme cases and where to escalate to higher levels of care (medical, psychiatric, law enforcement), and giving practitioners an opportunity to apply these skills through role-playing scenarios. This course is designed for all levels of education and experience (from lay-person to experienced therapist) and hopes to provide insights and new perspectives on how to approach and support colleagues, clients, and community ranging from individuals who just need an empathetic listener to those in extreme crisis who would benefit from compassionate care until a higher level of care is provided. This workshop is appropriate for health care workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement, emergency medical and all walks of life and any and all professionals who value connected and compassionate human interaction.

Upon completion of this session, you will be able to:

1. Present ways that harm reduction can help inform and transform difficult psychedelic experiences into opportunities for learning and growth; and,
2. Trace the historical incorporation of peers into various harm reduction programs and discuss their role and requirements as well as how they can, and have, improved care in those programs.

This presentation will identify myths and stigma that continues to exist in the US Military. We’ll address research and facts about mental health issues in the military and promote evidenced based strategies used to treat mental health issues. A main take-away will be to help participants learn more about underlying issues with service members and military family members and effective ways to work with this population.

Once you have attended this session, you will leave able to:

1. Run through common beliefs, truths and myths around access, support, and consequences of military members receiving mental health treatment; and,
2. Incorporate culturally appropriate practices into treatment plans when working with military members and/or their families. This shall include but not be limited to use of military-accepted terminology, medication use which will not jeopardize military status while effectively treating diagnoses, and application of appropriate interventions when personal beliefs conflict with military expectations.

Many clinicians don’t want to touch sex therapy with a 10-foot pole! And, it makes sense because most of us were never trained in sex therapy and let’s face it – there’s much taboo around sex. In this presentation, you’ll learn that sex therapy isn’t as scary (or as sexy) as it sounds. You’ll learn easy assessment options to ask your couples about their sexual health, important sexual health clinical pearls to share with your clients, and a basic sex therapy intervention (Sensate Focus) that any trained clinician can implement to treat common sexual health concerns. This presentation is for any therapist (beginning, intermediate, advanced) who does not have advanced training in sex therapy. As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Outline some of the common sexual issues faced by couples and be able to identify and assess these in their own practice; and,
2. Provide initial discussion and interventions with these individuals or couples and, based upon needs and progress, identify those with whom you can continue to work and those who may benefit from referral to a specialist for more in-depth treatment.

Healthcare professionals are widely regarded as heroes. Unfortunately, this view often leads to the misperception that healthcare professionals are not susceptible to illness themselves. They are human too and just like everyone else, they are susceptible to burnout / stress, substance use disorders, emotional or mental illness, and behavioral issues. However, unlike the general public, the issues healthcare professionals face can directly impact the safety of their patients. The Utah Professionals Health Program (UPHP) exists to support healthcare professionals on their road to recovery and to protect the safety of patients in Utah. In this session we will talk about he different approaches and special considerations which can help effectively confront and treat this population. We will share current research on how mental health professionals can work effectively with this population in the setting of treatment. After attending this presentation, you will be able to:

1. Provide an overview of the Utah Professionals Health Program (UPHP) and present common mental health and substance use disorder issues impacting healthcare professionals; and,
2. Discuss belief systems, stigma and barriers that prevention healthcare professionals from seeking help; present emerging best practices for working with healthcare professionals; and, share strategies that can be implemented to make your practice more healthcare professional friendly.

This presentation will focus on interventions and strategies relevant to treating child and parent trauma from a family perspective. A case example will be utilized to illustrate the impact of trauma on families and how use of evidence-based practices and collaboration between youth and adult therapists can promote family healing in the context of trauma.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Describe the impact of one individual’s trauma on their family; and,
2. Address these family issues in treatment with the modalities currently believed to be most effective.

Music Therapy- This presentation is focused on understanding the interventions and clinical benefits of music therapy in mental health populations. Participants will be involved in active music making, listening, and other music  therapy techniques. Come join  us in an overview of music therapy as an evidence-based practice and how this expressive therapy can complement your programming.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

This popularly requested speaker will provide an overview of end-of-life ethics and issues for young people. Case studies, interventions and helpful tools will be reviewed. You will be able to navigate sticky places when what the young, or dying person wants clashes with what the parent wants. As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Present the debates around end-of-life decisions and some of the common scenarios facing individuals near the end of their lives and their family members; and,
2. Demonstrate supportive actions and roles professionals can take in these cases and the ethical decisions they may confront with family members or their own conflicting beliefs.

After participating in this session, you will leave able to:

1. Identify individuals, especially those with severe mental disorders who may benefit from Cognitive Remediation Techniques and Therapy and describe how it can improve neurocognitive abilities such as attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility and planning, as well as executive functioning; and,
2. Show how this intervention can be delivered via computerized programs or one-on-one by trained clinicians.

How can you approach the topic of alcohol and other drug use and advance clinical discussions to help substance users most effectively? This presentation will enhance your skills in using initial and brief interviews and interventions with substance users, who present at various stages of change and interest in addressing their substance use.

After joining this expert, you will be able to:

1. Apply initial, crisis and brief interventions when individuals present with substance use disorders; and,
2. Specify some ‘warm hand-offs’ to enhance interventions and patient outcomes with substance users.

Utah issued a new 2022-2026 Suicide Prevention Plan, but what does this mean when providing behavioral health services? The Plan was written with a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Following an overview of the Plan, three panel members will share its implementation with individuals who identify as Veterans / Service Members, Native American, or LGBTQ+, sharing how suicide prevention is unique in each of these populations. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion. Presenters will include Cory Pearson, Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs; Ray Bailey, Youth Suicide Prevention Program Manager with the Utah Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health; Kristina Groves, Program Director at Red Mesa Behavioral Health; and, Carol Ruddell, Administrator also with the Utah Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health. After hearing various perspectives from this panel of experts, you will be able to:

1. Explain unique cultural aspects of different community groups and identify strategies to improve clinical services to individuals within these and other group; and,
2. Describe how suicide prevention is implemented from the state plan to the community to individual practices.

Monogamy and affairs overview – Lecture on definitions, trends, correlations, facts and challenging misconceptions. The root cause of affairs and multiple approaches – Lecture on research and theoretical approaches and interventions for infidelity. Case Studies – Study 1: Proper Assessment: Identify contraindications; Study 2: Proper Assessment: Identify and consider potential causes of infidelity; Study 3: Intervention: Consider potential approaches to treat the infidelity; Q&A

Once you participate in this session, you will be able to:

1. Outline what infidelity is and be able to assess contraindicators, potential causes, and potential approaches to treat; and,
2. Discuss evidence-based treatments for infidelity.

Ever wonder why helping others can feel so bad? In graduate school and conferences, we get taught about self-care from an academic and often cognitive perspective. We have also become accustomed to operating from empathy as the basis of therapeutic care. What if there is a different way of relating to clients that felt good? In this experiential session, we will dive into the drawbacks of empathy and learn how to operate from a mode of compassion for both you and your clients. We will discuss in-the-moment self-care approaches related to mindfulness and self-compassion.

After delving into this complex issue, you will be able to:

1. Distinguish and navigate empathy and compassion; and,
2. Skills to operate from place of compassion with empathy as a therapeutic tool.

Sand tray expressive arts have been used throughout psychotherapy for many decades. By engaging in a creative process, clients can access the unconscious, allow words for the unspeakable, and begin to make sense of their inner world, as well as life experiences in new and profound ways. This presentation will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about the basics of Sand Tray Therapy and it’s use with clients across ages and stages. A brief demonstration will occur, followed by time for questions and answers from the audience.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

HOW THE LAW CAN GUIDE DECISIONS & EHTICS AROUND COMMON ISSUES FACED BY OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES [0.5 Ethics Credit]
Alan Ormsby, JD

Once you have attended this session, you will be able to:

1. Present some of the common issues and potential conundrums faced by older adults and their families and some of the common, resulting scenarios that present in the law or clinical office including some of the related ethical questions which may accompany those; and,
2. Outline the laws pertaining to these issues and how these laws can guide individuals and families in settling legal and ethical dilemmas such as decision-making authority, advance directives, guardian, and conservator issues, and more.

This presentation will seek to introduce, outline, and explain the ASAM levels of care for those desiring access to addiction services. We will review the services offered in each of these levels of care, as well as provide an overview of the challenges in placement for persons with addictive disorders. Attendees will come away with a more nuanced appreciation for the ASAM levels of care and understand how placement is dynamic depending on a patient’s current state of illness.

After attending this presentation, you will be able to:

1. Outline and explain the ASAM levels of care, examine clinical matching of patient to services; and,
2. Overview and explain the challenges in placement for persons with addictive disorders.

Legal and ethical issues can be vexing as people age. Older adults who have been strong and competent their entire lives may begin to face challenges in their capacity. Substituted decision-making may become necessary. Who makes these complex decisions? And how do we ensure that the older adult’s capacity and dignity is maximized?

Once you have attended this session, you will be able to:

1. Present some of the common issues and potential conundrums faced by older adults and their families and some of the common, resulting scenarios that present in the law or clinical office including some of the related ethical questions which may accompany those; and,
2. Outline the laws pertaining to these issues and how these laws can guide individuals and families in settling legal and ethical dilemmas such as decision-making authority, advance directives, guardian and conservator issues, and more.

Neural regulation and brain state is becoming recognized as a key factor in a majority of mental health conditions. Neurofeedback uses the brain’s own self- regulating ability to resolve brain dis-regulation, reduce or eliminate symptoms, help increase the effectiveness of other techniques and treatments, and increase the ability for individuals to more effectively employ skills. Neurofeedback integrates well into most clinical settings. This presentation is for all who want to learn about neurofeedback, what it is, and basics of how it changes the brain and how it improves the overall health of individuals. Whereas neurofeedback has been around for over fifty ears, there are numerous systems and various methodologies that generally can be divided into two primary methodologies – clinical-assessment-guided methodologies and qEEG- guided methodologies. The basics of these two primary methodologies will be described along with some of the various commercially available systems associated with each. A variety of cases will be presented where neurofeedback has been used to dramatically improve mental health and physical health of a broad range of individuals. Neurofeedback is a well-established research-supported method for calming and stabilizing neural regulation, but it does require advanced training and an investment in equipment. This presenter will share brief information on a variety of other non-neurofeedback systems and methodologies that have demonstrated or shown promise in helping to establish neural stability and to decrease negative symptoms as well as improving overall mental and physical health; these systems vary from inexpensive and simple administration to expensive along with requiring advanced training and professional licensing to administer. You will be provided a symptom assessment form you can use in your own practice. As time permits, Q&A will follow.

After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Trace the development of neurofeedback in behavioral health treatment and explain how this modality impacts the brain and, consequently, behaviors and thinking; then,
2. Explore the use of, and system options with which you can apply some of the basic techniques of neurofeedback with appropriate individuals.

What are safety behaviors, their relationship with anxiety and trauma, and how they impact treatment. How to assess and identify problematic safety behaviors. How safety behaviors and underlying fears/beliefs maintain each other. A brief overview of Behavior Therapy for Anxiety-Related Disorders, case examples, and outcomes. All participants will be provided with a therapist and client workbook and the Safety Behavior Assessment Form.

Once you have attended this session, you will be able to:

1. Outline safety behaviors (definition, category systems, relationship to fears/beliefs, and how they maintain anxiety and trauma; and,
2. Assess for safety behaviors, interventions for addressing safety behaviors, effectiveness of safety behavior interventions, and case-examples.

During this presentation, clinicians and behavioral health specialists will learn about the latest knowledge, interventions, and skills needed to implement and enhance practices to help improve patient care through the use of peer support specialists. After attending this presentation, two key points with which you will leave are to:

1. Trace the development of expanded paradigms and integrated care uses for peer support. This shall include, but not be limited to peer recovery, and peer support in correctional, mental health, and substance use disorder settings; and,
2. Present this and other data to reduce hesitancy and increase buy-in of clinicians for the incorporation of peer support specialists in their own practice settings.

Approximately 10 percent of divorced families can be considered to fall into the “high conflict” category. The parents are in heated battles with each other and the battles will often go on for years. Their anger prevents them from engaging in positive co-parenting strategies and the children are usually fully aware of the ongoing conflict. Unfortunately the children often end up taking sides and, particularly in high conflict families, resort to a strategy of resist/refuse regarding parent time in order to protect themselves or side with one of the parents. The anger is so intense that the professionals often become engaged in the anger. Finger pointing abounds as the system finds reasons for the lack of progress and unfortunately the landscape becomes ripe for DOPL complaints. This presentation will help therapists understand how to move from a “reunification” stance to a family systems perspective that tends to be more productive and gives the therapist more latitude for effective interventions involving the children and the parents. Red flags for therapists to be aware of will be presented to help them make decisions to effectively avoid DOPL complaints.

After joining this expert, you will be able to:

1. Describe some common occurrences and presenting dynamics of spouses working through high-conflict divorce and determine the best therapeutic options to assist them through this high-stress time and, if children are involved, ways to shelter them from negative involvement and consequences; and,
2. Work with the couple to facilitate the best possible communication and relationship plans when working through this divorce process.

In this presentation I will review current research involving psychedelic-assisted therapies, as well as evolving research trajectories, exploring their potential for catalyzing transformational change in end-of-life Anxiety, PTSD, depression and addiction. This research will be presented alongside reported clinical experience with Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and soon-to-be approved MDMA-assisted therapy. The evidence indicates that such therapies will bring a paradigm shift, in which modern medical treatments may induce impactful mystical experiences and pivotal emotional breakthroughs. These therapies exist within the developing framework of trauma-informed practices. Psychedelic-assisted therapies are exposing a number of new relevant mechanisms including shifts in neural network activity, limbic brain function, emotional processing, and potentially at the level of epigenetic biology. Curiously, associated symptomatic improvement from these therapies, guided by clinically-trained experts, have also resulted in improvements in spiritual well-being. These psychedelic-assisted therapies have their origins in traditional ceremony with sacred plant medicines. These ancestral practices teach that in order to heal we must address spiritual well-being, and in turn, our capacity to process our emotions, which is further linked to mental and physical resiliency.

As a result of hearing from this trail-blazer, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the current and future research directions around psychedelic agents and how the use of these gents, now being ‘scientized’, can be traced back to ancient traditions; and,
2. Predict the future trajectories of psychedelics in the U.S. and how epigenetics and new directions may impact treatment and catalyze healing. This shall include, but not be limited to treatment of common behavioral health disorders and the difference between ‘guided’ and ‘unguided’ use.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard of evidence-based practices for the treatment of insomnia. It has shown better long- term data over sedative hypnotic medications for treating insomnia. CBT-I can be applied to both psychiatric and medication conditions where insomnia is part of a client’s presentation. This includes psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis as well as medical conditions such as pain or cancer. In this presentation psychotherapists not familiar with CBT-I can learn and being to apply both behavioral and cognitive strategies for treating insomnia. Behavioral strategies such as education about sleep regulation, factors that affect sleep, and behaviors that interfere or promote sleep will be briefly addressed so that the behavioral prescription-based strategies such as stimulus control and sleep restriction therapy can be addressed. In addition, cognitive strategies for unhelpful, inaccurate thoughts and attitudes about sleep will be addressed. If time allows a practice exercise for sleep specific relaxation therapy will be provided.

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Briefly explore the research supporting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia as well as the use of CBT-I for comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, psychosis, cancer); and,
2. Implement the behavioral and cognitive skills of CBT-I with clients who have insomnia.

As a result of participating in this session with this expert, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the gaps and potential reasons that the ‘brain model’ in mental health and addictions is not working; and,
2. Explore theories connecting shamanic healing to modern medical practices and parallel how these practices may be able to ‘fill said gaps’, be integrated into care, and positively impact individuals and their ‘treatment’ outcomes.

In 2019, the Utah Hospital Association sponsored a study to (a) evaluate Utah’s mental health/substance use disorder system and (b) outline a blueprint for how to improve Utah’s system to the optimal level. The study was conducted by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, part of the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. That October 2019 study has been most beneficial to our group of stakeholders and the Utah State government. We have seen many bills passed and multi-millions of dollars in funding in support of our joint goals.

The 2019 study and blueprint (the 2019 Report) and our follow-on action have focused mostly on our crisis system, including community receiving centers which act as diversion facilities for those in law enforcement custody instead of being arrested or committed to the mental health system. Utah has developed a crisis line and several outreach efforts as the fruit of our collaboration and study. Many other things have been accomplished.

However, the 2019 Report did not evaluate our substance use disorder treatment system, nor did we involve the courts, corrections and law enforcement as we hoped.

We have partnered with USAAV+, The Gardner Policy Institute, and Leavitt Partners to conduct a comprehensive study of Utah’s behavioral health system and propose a new system that works for all Utahns. Our goal is to understand how we can achieve the goal of ensuring each citizen in the state has access to quality behavioral health services and supports we need to understand where we are and where we need to go.

After hearing about recent findings in healthcare, you will be able to:

1. Report on the recent UHA survey and discuss the study results including, but not limited to, receiving centers and Bill 988; and,
2. Explore how this data will change the healthcare landscape in Utah and how it may affect individual practices in both the public and private sectors.

Learn about why addressing social determinants of health in your practice will improve long term outcomes and the ethical considerations around doing so effectively. Also, learn about a closed loop referral system being used and preliminary results from a pilot being done to address social determinants of health in two communities with collaboration from behavioral health providers.

After hearing about recent findings in healthcare, you will be able to:

1. Outline the most recent research around access, use, and aftercare for behavioral health conditions in various culturally and economic sectors; and,
2. Brainstorm ways to overcome the gaps and inequities created by these social determinant of health – from the system and individual practice perspectives.

This presentation is targeted toward practitioners who are treating and diagnosing individuals who have experienced complex trauma situations and who work with individuals who meet criteria for personality disorders – primarily borderline personality disorder. Understanding and having empathy for individuals experiencing complex trauma injuries and who are emotionally vulnerable to bio-psycho-social triggers is important for practitioners who may feel hopeless or burned out from treating individuals with these symptoms. Generally, practitioners will work with these individuals for a longer period (over a year) before many of their bio-psycho-social injuries have begun to dissipate. Ensuring that practitioners are treating the correct diagnosis with interventions that will target individual symptoms is key to improving the therapeutic relationship and alleviating therapeutic burn out for the individual and therapist.

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to;

1. Describe the presentation of individuals with personality disorders and complex trauma injuries and be able to provide a differential diagnosis; and,
2. Explain the similarities and contrast the differences of how behavior and life patterns are created and maintained by individuals with personality disorders and those individuals who have experienced complex trauma and show how the treatment issues and directions of these two types of presentations should differ.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

This panel will offer a discussion regarding the major entities of law-enforcement, advocacy, and mental health in dealing with crisis situations, primarily in the community. Different approaches will be offered to illustrate creative ways that crises are handled in different areas of the state.

After hearing from this panel of various professionals, you will have the knowledge to:

1. Explain the critical roles of law enforcement, advocacy, and mental health in responding to mental health crises in the community; and,
2. Outline the different models and working relationships in various CIT/MCOT approaches.

Share a brief overview of challenges and conditions associated with aging and providing care (5 minutes). The presentation will share case studies, real life challenges, and work with assessments, gap group collaborations, on-line assessment tools (managing care guides), new education tools (Caregiver Talking Points), senior center socialization projects, and partnership collaborations that make overcoming tough challenges more likely. Q & A and in-depth discussion will take place throughout the presentation.

After attending this presentation, you will be further able to:

1. Outline some of the common issues faced by older adults at all levels of health with which they may need assistance as well as the corresponding issues faced by their caregivers; and,
2. Make appropriate adaptations (i.e. living arrangements, preventive wellness education, and specific interventions and tools) to help caregivers and older adults make transitions during today’s tough challenges.

Interpersonal trauma often leaves unhelpful and unwanted residue such as not feeling valued, connected, heard, or respected. Distrust and not feeling in control are also common outcomes from interpersonal trauma. This training will review and show how several Motivational Interviewing strategies can be used to counter such experiences. For example, Elicit-Provide-Elicit is a strategy that can help clients feel heard, seen valued, and in control. Partnering language can be used to counter feelings of isolation and permission questions can be used to signal a client’s choice. This presentation will also review how MI can be used to promote client engagement while simultaneously reducing resistance to promote better client outcomes.

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Discuss Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a case management tool and trauma-informed practice; and,
2. Apply MI techniques in various settings and with even the most resistant clients.

An Introduction to Human Trafficking: Vulnerability, Impact and Action

Defining different types of sex trafficking locally in Salt Lake City;  Understanding the significance of night street outreach;  Recognizing trafficking with victims;  Long Term affects on a survivor of trafficking;  Hearing from a lived experience survivor and victim advocate

As a result of this eye-opening presentation, you will be able to:

1. Report on the current status of human trafficking in the U.S. and what clinicians should know in order to recognize and intervene with individuals who may be victims; and,
2. Work with individuals and families confronting this issue both in initial and post-trafficking stages. This shall include appropriate and effective interventions and referrals as may be indicated.

After this session, you will be able to:

1. Portray the mind and life changes that occur for individuals and family members upon receiving news of neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as autism and describe ways this news can be delivered in hopeful and supportive ways; then,
2. Trace the various stages caregivers and family members go through as the diagnosed individual progresses through age and developmental stages and describe ways clinicians and others can support the family members to create easier life routines and emotional strength.

Overview of recent developments in psychedelic science with background about psychedelic-assisted therapy. This will include a discussion of current projects at the University of Utah that are underway.

After hearing from this researcher at the cusp of psychedelics, you will be able to:

1. Present the current research around ketamine and psylocibin in Utah along with the initial findings and future predictions / hypothesis; and,
2. Lead discussions around the impact common use of such psychedelics may have on clinical practices, steps clinicians can take to be prepared for these changes, and potential benefits as well as ‘red flags’ which must be considered legally, ethically, and for safety of users.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

This program will focus on non-denominational framework for evaluating the needs of religiously dis-affiliated and dis-affiliating clients. It will explore common therapeutic needs of this group and how to ethically treat those needs both in scenarios where you know little about the specific religious background as well as when you may know too much. Once you have attended this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Explore general frameworks for understanding the individual impact of leaving religion and/or religious community, and assessing the needs of the religiously disaffiliated; and,
2. Translate improved understanding into practice to provide supportive and ethical therapy to clients and families as they transition to new paradigms and lifestyles.

My overall goal is to describe the current status and role of genetics within mental health care, including current potential, future possibilities, and how local groups are contributing to this effort. Specific points that will be covered should be relevant for any level of mental health provider who wishes to understand more about genetics in mental health and include (but are not limited to):

-The Utah Genome project; The Utah Suicide Genetics Risk Study and intersection with the Utah Public Database; The current status of genetic studies in identifying genetic risk for major disorders (including mood disorders, autism, schizophrenia, and suicidal behavior); Limitations regarding the interpretation of current results; Genetic testing in the clinic; what it can and cannot do for our patients; General statements and recommendations by major mental health groups on the current status and utilization of clinical genetic testing; The future of genetic work, including ongoing efforts, within mental health; Discussion or resources for enrolling patients within genetic research; discussion of risks and benefits; Question and answer session.

As a result of participating in this session, you will be able to;

1. Present some of the current research and computer-based genome work currently in process; and,
2. Showcase how this research may be utilized in the near future to predict mental health issues and how that may change treatment directions and event suicide prevention efforts.

Mental health providers often don’t’ feel like they have the tools or foundational knowledge to support transgender and gender diverse people. This is due to the overwhelming lack of integration of health profession curriculum covering gender diverse people and their health needs. This presentation is targeted at beginner / intermediate level practitioners. The goal is to help providers feel confident in using inclusive language, recognizing barriers to care, and become the gate-opener our patients need us to be through providing comprehensive letters of support for gender affirming surgery and affirming transgender people through evidence-based therapy techniques. As a result of participating in this session, you will leave able to:

1. Quickly review terminology, current healthcare disparities and other nuances around serving transgender individuals; and,
2. Apply best practices to meet the needs of these clients. This shall include, but not be limited to, affirming therapy and roles in tasks such as writing letters of support.

Share a brief overview of challenges and conditions associated with aging and providing care (5 minutes). The presentation will share case studies, real life challenges, and work with assessments, gap group collaborations, on-line assessment tools (managing care guides), new education tools (Caregiver Talking Points), senior center socialization projects, and partnership collaborations that make overcoming tough challenges more likely. Q & A and in-depth discussion will take place throughout the presentation.

After attending this presentation, you will be further able to:

1. Outline some of the common issues faced by older adults at all levels of health with which they may need assistance as well as the corresponding issues faced by their caregivers; and,
2. Make appropriate adaptations (i.e. living arrangements, preventive wellness education, and specific interventions and tools) to help caregivers and older adults make transitions during today’s tough challenges.

We will discuss common challenges that parents face during the peri-partum time period and tools for helping them survive and thrive even when they are navigating challenges. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and impact 1 in 4 moms and approximately 1 in 10 dads nationwide. Our goal is to provide the audience with tips for recognizing symptoms during the perinatal time period, assessment, and tools that any professional can use to connect clients with skills to relieve their symptoms.

Once you have participated in this session, you will leave able to:

1. Outline some of the common challenge post-partum maternal mental health including, but not limited to post-partum depression and psychosis; and,
2. Be able to screen and assess for these disorders and treat them with current evidence-based practices either alone or with the inclusion of other specialists on an interdisciplinary team. Also, identify current resources and tools that parents can use to address the challenges presented during the transition to new parenthood.

Clients with trauma, neurodevelopmental issues, or severe symptoms can be difficult to reach in therapy. This presentation will discuss incorporating a paradigm based on Interpersonal Neurobiology and Porges’ Polyvagal Theory to conceptualize symptoms and state, deliver psychoeducation, and lead the client out of activation into a Full Function state. Once you attend this session, you will be able to:

1. Explain the role of the vagal nerve in emotion regulation, social connection, and fear response; then,
2. Translate this information into practice when working with individuals experiencing the effects of trauma including those with pre-existing neurodevelopmental issues.

Crisis Work Across the State consists of Crisis Work directors from Steward Healthcare, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and Mountainstar/HCA. This panel will answer any and all questions about the who, what, when, where, and how of assessments, interventions, determining risk levels, and care coordination for individuals in crisis in hospital settings. Participants will learn about hospital resources, determinants of care, inpatient admission criteria, coordination of services, and challenges and successes of fast paced triage, assessment and dispositioning. Please come prepared with questions to ask this qualified team

Once you join these panelists, you will be able to:

1. Portray the various perspectives of professionals in the crisis response system – from law enforcement and communities to emergency departments and long-term care; and,
2. Translate these perspectives into the various practices seen, explore the gaps in and positive procedures within the system as a whole, and describe how professionals in various settings may be able to work best together in providing warm hand-offs and a smooth transition of care for the best long-term outcomes.

Join this investigative reporter on this journey of Utah and the rest of the country while in the middle of a massive labor transformation. Thanks to the pandemic, employees have taken time to evaluate their relationship to work. Some have changed jobs, careers and even dropped out of the job market all together. Chris will talk about what has triggered this, and what the future holds.

As a result of hearing this investigator’s work, you will be able to:

1. Trace the development of the ‘Great Resignation’ and discuss its trajectory from inception to predicted future directions; then,
2. Discuss ways employers may need to change practices to retain and incentivize employees including, but not limited to, those in health environments.

Join this speaker as she gives an overview of technology trends that have potential impact. Then, hear experiences and survey data from technology and tech safety class participants. You will learn research-based strategies on creating norms and rituals in your own home. Developmental stages and the potential impact of technology will also be covered. Explore risk and protective factors and walk away with handouts to use in your own home or with clients who are struggling with technology use in their homes. As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to;

1. Trace the development of a tech changes during the past five years and tech impacts on developing and differing brains; and,
2. Help clients apply research-based strategies for creating healthy norms and rituals around technology in their homes.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals make up a substantial proportion of the population in the United States. Yet, professionals who have been specifically trained to work with this population are scarce. This presentation is not intended to prepare clinicians to effectively work with a Deaf of Hard of Hearing individual with no difficulties. Rather, it will be an introduction to the cultural and linguistic diversity of this population, and why it is pertinent to consider these factors prior to the provision of  clinical services. As this is a culturally-focused workshop, beginning, intermediate, and advanced professionals will find it useful. The presentation will touch on the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, the risk of language deprivation, and resources that professionals can use to further their learning.

Once you attend this session, you will be able to:

1. Identify 3 Adverse Childhood Experiences that are unique to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children; and,
2. Describe 2 ways in which interventions should be adapted to effectively work with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual.

Music Therapy: This presentation is focused on understanding the interventions and clinical benefits of music therapy in mental health populations. Participants will be involved in active music making, listening, and other music therapy techniques. Come join us in an overview of music therapy as an evidence-based practice and how this expressive therapy can complement your programming.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

In recent years, ethical dilemmas have seeped into even the most mundane of daily decisions. There is a collective weariness from the chronic stress and mental load of living with ambiguity, ever evolving risk calculations, and heightened social discord. When making judgements in high states situations, there is the added risk of sustaining a moral injury. This can occur when healthcare providers, soldiers, and others are compelled to act against their own conscience, where they must make a choice despite their own unresolved inner turmoil, or when they experience others’ ethical violations (e.g., inequitable allocation of life saving resources). This presentation will explore the continuum of moral distress and injury, examine why traditional trauma treatments may be ineffective for individuals presenting with these concerns, and will provide practical clinical options for healing.

After joining this speaker, you will be able to:

1. Translate the concept of moral injury into practice by identifying the common cognitive, behavioral and emotional responses which may arise after an adverse event; and,
2. Identify the distinctions between PTSD and moral injury as well as the appropriate modifications to a treatment intervention.

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to;

1. Quickly outline some of the common issues faced by individuals with dementia and their caregivers; then,
2. List and describe some adaptations individuals or families as a whole can make to reduce struggles and burnout and enhance daily activities and communication among themselves and the individual with dementia while maintaining dignity for all. Describe some common adaptations that can also be made in the therapeutic setting when working with said individuals and their family / caregivers.

Drug overdose and suicide rates remain high in Utah. A critical first step in addressing any public health concern is understanding the problem. Data collected from the Medical Examiner’s Office (OME) will demonstrate how big these problems are, where the burden is the worst, and who is impacted. Additionally, data collection methods employed by the OME to understand the “why” will be discussed. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of drug overdose and suicide mortality in Utah and how data collected by the OME are being used to help prevent future tragedy.

Once you participate in this session, you’ll be able to:

1. Provide the current state and national pictures of overdose and suicide deaths from data and forensic perspectives; and,
2. Combine said information with national insights and demonstrate how these occurrences are a public health emergency and how a multi-systemic approach can positively impact individuals and families.

Examine and explore the impact of trauma of real world events, eg. (Covid-19 and World Conflict) on Clients and Practitioners 2022.

Once you join this session, you will be able to:

1. Report on some different sources and types of trauma which impacted people. This shall include but not be limited to circumstances around war, mass casualty incidents, the pandemic – including the trauma which impacted healthcare workers who were forced to interact with families via i-pads rather than face-to-face during very trying times. The different presentations of these types of trauma, the assessment thereof will also be included; and,
2. Discuss how common, evidence-based therapeutic interventions for trauma may need to be adapted for these special circumstances. This shall include both one-on-one interventions as well as systemic or organizational interventions which may be most effective.

“What Do We Do Now? The difficulties and how to help those with developmental disorders in crisis” discusses the difficulty for Crisis Workers to assess and disposition individuals with development disorders from the Crisis Work perspective. This presentation will also have representatives from the Neurobehavior HOME Program and DSPD who will provide resources to manage this concern.

After gaining insights from these panelists, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the difficulty for Crisis Workers to assess and disposition individuals with development disorders from the Crisis Work perspective; and,
2. Provide resources to assist in the management of individuals with developmental disorders who may be in crisis.

Functional Medicine provides a unique perspective on the treatment of behavioral health diagnoses including SUD. In addition to evidence-based medications to support recovery and behavioral interventions, five modifiable lifestyle factors central to treatment of chronic disease in Functional Medicine should be included in our treatment plans. This presentation will focus on these 5 modifiable factors, including nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and social connection, and how these relate to the treatment of this challenging diagnosis.

Once you have attended this session, you will be able to:

1. Outline and describe the five pillars of functional medicine; and,
2. Translate and consider these pillars into your own practice on an abbreviated platform and/or partner with a functional medicine specialist for a more integrated and holistic plan for appropriate clients.

This talk will address how clinical practices have changed in the last three years with the surge of tele-health. We will discuss some of the resulting ethical dilemmas which may confront clinicians and explore practice protocols to steer clear of professional practice violations and lawsuits.

After attending this presentation, you will leave able to:

1. Identify trends in tele-mental health practice before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
2. Outline 8 ethical considerations when setting up a telemental health practice. Also, identify potential ethical pitfalls that could occur when working in a virtual setting.

After participating in these experiential ‘escapes’ from didactics, you will be able to:

1. Explain various complimentary and alternative treatments in behavioral health and addiction (music, art, nutrition, yoga, etc); and,
2. Demonstrate some simple skills they can incorporate into their current practices.

Before survivors develop a therapeutic relationship with a therapist, they more than likely have had interactions with a victim advocate. Victim advocates provide trauma-informed services to victims of crime, and first contact with a survivor can be a vital first step in the survivor’s healing process. This session will provide you with an understanding of victim advocacy, and a firsthand account of a victim’s journey of healing that has allowed her to become a survivor and advocate for social change. By the end of this session, you will have an understanding of red flags of domestic violence, trauma-informed interventions, supports for victims of violence, how they can help a victim navigate the criminal justice system, and how victim advocates and therapists can work together to enhance positive outcomes for survivors.

This session is appropriate for beginners to therapists at advance levels and anyone who is interested in creating a network of professionals who are working together to improve the lives of victims of crime.

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Recognize the ‘red flags’ of abuse and provide trauma-informed interventions from safety planning to later therapy; and,
2. Explain how a victim advocate and therapist can work together to help a victim of violence through the healing process.

Mixed mood states occur frequently in bipolar disorder but they are often missed by clinicians and confused with depressed states. Recognition of mixed states are important as they are associated with high risk of suicide. Identification of mixed states involves looking for key symptoms that demonstrate the presence of both depression and mania concurrently. The treatment of mixed states is different from the treatment of depression, and often involves avoiding the use of antidepressants and focusing on mood stabilization. This presentation will help providers identify mixed states through the use of case presentations, and a review of recent research.

Once participants have attended this session, they will be able to:

1. Discuss the DSM changes around bi-polar disorder and be able to assess and provide accurate diagnoses and differential diagnoses for similarly presenting disorders; and,
2. Outline the effective treatments – pharma and non-pharma, currently available for bi-polar disorder and be able to provide this treatment in combination with prescribers and non-prescribers.

We have been in the midst of a triple pandemic – COVID19, Racial/Social Injustice & Mental Health. Behavioral Health workers have been on the front lines of it all.  Being immersed in this trauma has impacted all of us, and we often experience exhaustion and burn out, which can also be compassion fatigue. Compassion Fatigue is the combination of secondary traumatic stress and burnout that creates profound emotional and physical exhaustion and depletes us of our hope and empathy. Compassion fatigue can impact our personal lives, physical health and emotional wellbeing. This presentation will explore the following questions: Why does one person suffer from compassion fatigue while another appears to be able to “power through” without consequence? How do we deal with our compassion fatigue before we lose interest in the work that we love? When can compassion fatigue become dangerous?

As a result of joining this popular presenter, you will be able to:

1. Participants will be able to identify the elements of Compassion Fatigue, vicarious trauma, secondary trauma and moral injury; and,
2. Participants will be provided individual and organizational tools to address compassion fatigue and build provider resilience.

As Utah prepares for 988, the landmark transition of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a three digit Behavioral Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline, it’s professionals should be adequately prepared to address the multifaceted individual who presents with a myriad of concerns. This presentation will prepare the user to understand and address crisis intervention at both the individual and system level to create personal and public health based solutions. The presentation will prepare users with a series of best-practice competencies to work towards when offering interventions to persons with substance use comorbidities who present in a crisis state.

As a result of attending this program, you will be able to:

1. Access individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders and target the root causes; then,
2. Create targeted, and collaborative disposition and follow up plans which address the interplay of the overlapping diagnoses and effectively address both diagnoses.

Improving the Organizational Culture of Our Agencies: Exploring the Implicit Bias

This workshop is focused on creating and sustaining an organizational culture and climate that is based on belonging.

This workshop will give us an opportunity to explore the impacts of implicit bias on the organizational culture of our healthcare agencies. Together we will look at how implicit bias impacts culture, how this impact negatively impacts our clients, and create ways to address this within your agency.

As a result of participating in this workshop, individuals will be able to:

1. Describe implicit bias and its impact on organizational culture, and examine Utah-based cases reflecting bias in providing care; and,
2. Explore ways to reduce the impact of bias in your organizational culture.

As the healing professions move towards a more holistic view of wellness for clients or patients, working with individuals from different cultures often requires an understanding of the individuals cultural, spiritual, community and historical background. Native American clients often view the past, current, and future worlds differently from mainstream culture; valuing “treatment plans” that include balancing the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical parts of their worlds. How Native American clients view the world may mean a difference in the interventions “prescribed” in order to heal the “presenting problem.” This presentation will share different Native American perspectives on how they view the world and how they support healing.
You’ll hear from a Shoshone, Paiute and Goshute traditional elder, a Native American LCSW, who has provided mental health and substance use disorder treatment at a Native American non-profit agency for over a decade and a Navajo MA at a small Native American clinic in an urban setting.
This presentation will also discuss ways to integrate evidence-based practices with practice-based healing interventions and support clients’ understandings of what will help them heal.

Join Martha, Sonya, and Yvette as they share stories that introduce cultural and spiritually grounded practices that sustain healing for Brown bodies. In this presentation, they will weave personal and professional experiences, offering a framework that is racially and ethnically responsive. The objective is to engage participants in an experiential approach that deviates from standardized practices in a field that has historically excluded brown bodies.
**If you are a body of color, we invite you to slow down and join us for an experience that centers brown bodies.
**If you’re a white bodied person, we encourage you to pause and notice resistance or reactions to the opportunity to engage in an experience that centers brown bodies.

Dr. Tafur will share his experience with traditional healing ceremony, drawing upon his work in the Peruvian Amazon, and demonstrate how techniques can be relevant in modern healthcare.

This presentation will explore various indigenous and cultural technologies with a challenge for the listener to expand the paradigm of mental health outside of the bias of western thinking. This exploration will consider the spiritual as it relates to body, mind health and will draw from the presenter’s experiences in working with indigenous healers from various shamanic practices from around the world including South America, Africa and Mongolia.

Mindfulness is living life with awareness in order to reduce suffering for ourselves and others. This concept has been practiced and studied for over 2500 years or more by Buddhist and spiritual communities in Asia. In this session, participants will learn the Buddhist roots and context of mindfulness and experience some traditional meditations to cultivate calm and connection.

Explore self-development and healing through the philosophy and practice of yoga

Talking on the basics of ayurvedic medicine. Understanding how our awareness and its either harmonious or disharmonious relationship with nature determines our health. How to create a harmonious relationship with ourselves and with nature. Understanding the elements, planets and how archetypal awareness of these things can help us understand ourselves and how to navigate life more harmoniously. I will go over the Three Pillars of Health according to Ayurveda (Optimal Sleep, Digestion/microbiome, and healthy management of vital energy)

Jerry has spent his life exploring and apprenticing with indigenous elders/shamans from around the world learning systems of healing, ritual, and ceremony. This presentation will explore this unique path and how these relationships have shaped his personal life as well as professional perspectives as a mental health provider. He will specifically focus on his introduction to Sweat Lodge Ceremony

The art of divination is a basic teaching of Dagara (Dano, Burkina Faso) technology as it relates to direct communication with the Ancestors. By using the interactions of elemental concepts and objects that have been consecrated  for the use in communication with the ancestors, the diviner can channel insights and information to the client. At times rituals are prescribed to help bring alignment to the stated need for guidance as part of the reading process. This presentation will be an explanation of basic Dagara technologies and cosmologies and how this is interpreted in the reading of the shells (stones, shells, bones, coins, etc.) This approach of communion with the Ancestors was taught by Dagara Elder Malidoma Some’ and serves as a powerful tool for insights and guidance as offered by the ancestral realm.