Agents of Change Workshop Series

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Session I:
Friday, January 10 – Saturday, January 11, 2020, 9:00 – 5:00
Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals  presented by Olin Martin MA, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, Room 334
The aim of this course is to provide mental health clinicians a synopsis of the use of psychotropic medications for treating mental disorders. The emphasis is on what mental health clinicians need to know in order to provide clients with the best treatment possible. An overview of neurotransmitters, neuropathways and the mechanism of action of medication classes will be provided. Common terminology associated with psychotropic medications, who prescribes them and the role of the prescriber will be discussed. Different classes of medications will be reviewed with a chance to test knowledge both before and after each session. Case examples will also be provided to facilitate discussion and time will be allotted for Q and A.
After completing the workshop, participants will have a greater understanding of:

• How to best educate clients about their medications
• What positive effects clients can hope to experience from specific medications
• What side effects might clinicians observe and clients experience and how clinicians can help clients navigate them
• What dangerous side effects clinicians should be aware of
• How to effectively collaborate with prescribers

 
Session II: 
Friday, February 7 – Saturday, February 8, 2020, 9:00 – 5:00
Promoting Professional Resiliency:Combating Compassion Fatigue  presented by Julie Ballew, M.A., LCPC
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, Room 334 
This professional training is designed for workers in caring professions including: mental health and health professionals, school employees, law enforcement professionals, among others. Participants will learn the essentials of preventing compassion fatigue and bolstering their resiliency. This knowledge will be highlighted with opportunities for professional caregivers to continue the process of intentional self-growth and maturation. This is an invitation to rediscover joy, purpose and enthusiasm in their professional mission in the midst of challenging and sometimes painful work. A combination of didactic, reflective, and experiential learning activities will be utilized. Participants will be provided with the training’s companion workbook, “Professional Resilience: Helping Doesn’t Have To Hurt” by J. Eric Gentry, Ph.D., LMHC and Marette Monson, LCSW. This workshop is based off of Dr. J. Eric Gentry’s compassion fatigue seminar and the training itself is an evidence-based treatment for ameliorating the symptoms of compassion fatigue. 
Learning Objectives:

• Understand the history, causes, treatment and prevention of work-related stress for professional caregivers
• Identify the true causes of stress in personal and professional life
• Learn skills for successful self-regulation of anxiety, no matter the external context
• Develop knowledge and skills necessary to prevent the symptoms of work-related stress and fatigue through enhanced resiliency
• Utilize self-regulation and perceptual maturation skills to significantly lessen the negative effects of work
• Develop a self-directed Professional Resiliency Plan that can be easily integrated into professional practice and personal life

Presenter Bio:
Julie Ballew, LCPC, CCFP has over a decade of experience working in the mental health field. Her professional interests include: promoting resiliency, trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and couples counseling. Following her passions, she completed advanced training to become a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP) as well as an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. She has witnessed burnout and secondary traumatic stress symptoms in the workplace (and in her own life) and is passionate about educating professionals about the topic and assisting the cultivation professional resiliency. As a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Counseling at the University of Montana, she balances her studies with a part-time private counseling practice. Additionally, Julie facilitates resiliency workshops and groups. She can often be found along a mountain trail with her beloved husband and dogs.

Session III: 
Friday, April 24 – Saturday, April 25, 2020, 9:00 - 5:00
Experiential Outdoor Healthcare Workshop  presented by Brie Shulman, M.A., LCPC
Recreation Hall at the University of Montana's Lubrecht Forest
This course offers a hands-on introduction to the evidence-based model of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare and activities to blend into any practice. The two-day course invites attendees to participate in activities used to facilitate empowerment, belonging, self-worth, and reflection through a holistic and interactive approach to mental health. Activities will continue into the evening around a campfire for those who choose to spend the night, with indoor lodging and camping available on site at the University's Lubrecht Experimental Forest. Attendees will leave with a tool kit of techniques to practice in offices, schools, and forests with individuals, families, and groups, all while gaining an understanding into the science behind Outdoor and Adventure-Based interventions.
This workshop will be based out of the Recreation Hall at the University of Montana's Lubrecht Forest--a beautiful 45 minute drive from the University alongside the Blackfoot River. Instruction will include outdoor activities upon permitting weather, requiring attendees to dress appropriately for early spring temperatures. For those choosing to stay the night, accommodations at the Lodge are available for an additional cost, and reservations can be made by visiting the website at https://www.cfc.umt.edu/lubrecht/lodging/lodge.php. Cell phone service is more reliable a couple minutes up the road. Please bring your meals, and we will provide the hot beverages. Don't forget your insulated mugs!
Presenter Bio:
Brie acquired her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montana in 2015, and has since continued her work in the field of outdoor and experiential therapy. She is passionate about equal access to mental health care and enjoys coordinating services between non-profit agencies in Missoula. Her role as the Executive Director and Program Therapist of a local outdoor youth program provides many opportunities for her love of mentorship. Brie enjoys working beside students of all ages to meet their personal and professional goals, with a focus on adventure and empowerment in the pursuit of aspirations. 

Fill out the form with all the details to register and pay for the class.