University of Montana Department of Counseling Workshops
Summer Addictions Workshop
The course is scheduled to meet via Zoom on Mondays June 21st- July 23rd between 9:00a-12:00p, Zoom link will be sent prior to class. Please contact Becky Hawkins with any questions. Presented By: Emily Anderson, LCPC
Description: Students will learn history of addiction treatment, commonly misused substances and their effects, and how to assess someone for a substance use disorder, as well as choose a diagnosis. Students will learn the preferred forms of group and individual treatment, and practice application through case studies and role plays. Students will hear from practitioners in the field on issues such as university students seeking treatment, ASAM assessment and levels of care, local resources, trauma and addictions, addiction treatment in private practice, as well as licensure.
The cost to participate is $850 for University of Montana students AND for Community Professionals.
Working with Targeted Populations
Session 1- Strong Couples: Counseling Skills that Transform Relationships The course is scheduled to meet Friday, September 17th and Saturday September 18th between 9:00a-5:00p in person at the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education Building, Room TBD Presented By: Kristen Murray, PhD, LPC
Description: Couples counseling skills are at the core of this workshop. Designed for practitioners seeking to strengthen the foundations of their couples counseling practice, this model will teach the integral skills counselors use to improve couples' relationships. Together, we will learn about the 10 guiding principles for effective couple work, apply these to complex cases, and practice the skills necessary to help couples change. Guided by her recent book, Strong Couples, the presenter will teach and apply a model of 10 foundational couple counseling tenets. Perfect for practitioners preparing to work with couples or seeking to strengthen their approach with couples. Join us as we explore specific tools for holding space and leading couples’ discoveries while enacting change. Together, we will use the model to conceptualize cases and apply skills necessary for helping couples change. Learning Objectives: After completing the workshop, participants will have a greater understanding of:
The foundational model for couples counseling outlined in the book Strong Couples, the research it draws from, and the 10 trans-theoretical, integrated principles the model is based on.
Participants will hold the work to (1) establish necessary boundaries, (2) define the client, and (3) co-construct the identified problem with couples.
Participants will lead discovery by (1) fostering self-awareness, (2) increasing knowledge of family of origin patterns, and (3) foster congruent communication with couples.
Participants will enact change by (1) promoting vulnerability, (2) increasing empathetic response, (3) holding responsibility, and (4) sharing gratitude with couples.
Presenter Bio: Kirsten Murray is a Professor at the University of Montana. Her passion is training counselors, and she is especially drawn to preparing clinicians to work with couples and families. Guided by the belief that strong core relationships are necessary for healing and health, she helps counselors develop skills that transform clients' most intimate relationships. Informed by her grounded theory research and recent book, Strong Couples, she will emphasize the core tenets of how to help couples change.
The cost to participate is $300 for University of Montana students AND for Community Professionals.
Session 2- Providing Affirmative Services for LGBTIQ+ Clients: A Crash Course in Everything You Wish You Would Have Learned in Graduate School The course is scheduled to meet Friday, October 8th and Saturday October 9th between 9:00a-5:00p in person at the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education Building, Room TBD Presented By: Bryan Cochran, PhD
Description: Although LGBTIQ+ individuals are at increased risk for health disparities and are more likely to seek treatment than heterosexual and cisgender individuals, very few practitioners receive training in working with clients who are diverse in terms of sexual orientation, gender identity, or both. This workshop is intended to fill the gaps of "what you wish you would have learned in graduate school" about LGBTIQ+ individuals. Research regarding health disparities, the Minority Stress model, and affirmative treatments will be covered in detail. The focus of this workshop is on celebrating the diversity among LGBTIQ+ clients and approaching therapeutic work with this population from a stance of cultural humility. Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn basic terminology about LGBTIQ+ identities and experiences.
Workshop participants will learn about health disparities faced by the LGBTIQ+ population (and sub-populations).
Attendees will come to understand the Minority Stress model, the Psychological Mediation Framework, and other explanatory models for LGBTIQ+ health disparities.
Attendees will learn about both current and historical events/stressors impacting the well-being of LGBTIQ+ people.
Attendees will be able to provide improved, affirmative services to LGBTIQ+ individuals using an affirmative approach.
Workshop participants will learn about the role of collaborative/inter-professional consultation in providing affirmative care.
Attendees will learn about resources in Missoula and surrounding communities for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Presenter Bio: Bryan Cochran, Ph.D., is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Montana. He received his graduate training at the University of Washington in Seattle and at the Seattle VA Medical Center, completing his doctorate in 2003. His career is focused on the well-being and health of LGBTIQ+ individuals, on affirmative treatment, and on addressing health disparities. He is a licensed psychologist in the state of Montana and has published on LGBTIQ+ health in numerous venues.
The cost to participate is $300 for University of Montana students AND for Community Professionals.
Session 3- Suicide Assessment and Treatment Planning: A Strengths-Based Approach The course is scheduled to meet Friday, November 19th and Saturday, November 20th between 9:00a-5:00p in person at the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education Building, Room TBD Presented By: John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD
Description: Join John Sommers-Flanagan for two days of learning and building your skills for providing evidence-based suicide assessment and treatment. Using a strengths-based foundation, this workshop includes a review and critique of traditional suicide assessment along with skill-building activities on how to use nuanced and therapeutic approaches to suicide assessment. Instead of automatically viewing suicidal ideation and impulses and signs of psychopathology that require treatment, we will focus on understanding underlying suicide dynamics and providing treatments that are relevant, meaningful, and oriented toward positivity. To facilitate learning, time will be dedicated to watching short, instructional video clips, engaging in group discussions, and participating in skill-building practice. Throughout the two days, we will explore how to integrate evidence-based happiness and wellness strategies into suicide assessment, treatment, and professional self-care. Learning Objectives: Founded on current research and consistent with national suicide assessment and treatment competencies, this workshop will help you:
Embrace attitudes and beliefs linked to effective suicide assessment and treatment
Understand the limits of suicide risk factor assessment
Use nuanced and creative approaches to connect with distressed clients, while collecting useful assessment information
Respond compassionately and effectively to client hopelessness, irritability, passive suicidality, and more
Develop personally relevant and meaningful treatment plans with clients who are suicidal
Initiate collaborative safety planning protocols
Presenter Bio: John Sommers-Flanagan is a professor of counseling at the University of Montana, a clinical psychologist, and author or coauthor of over 100 publications, including nine books and numerous professional training videos. His books, co-written with his wife Rita, include Tough Kids, Cool Counseling, How to Listen so Parents will Talk and Talk so Parents will Listen, Clinical Interviewing, Suicide Assessment and Treatment Planning: A Strengths-Based Approach, and more. John is a sought-out keynote speaker and professional workshop trainer in the areas of (a) counseling youth, (b) working with parents, (c) suicide assessment, and (d) happiness. He has published many newspaper columns, Op-Ed pieces, and an article in Slate Magazine. He is also co-host of the Practically Perfect Parenting Podcast.
The cost to participate is $300 for University of Montana students AND for Community Professionals.
Fill out the form with all the details to register and pay for the class.
