AMCAP Spring 2010 Convention – Brief

 

Thursday, April 1, 2010    (Lunch Included)

Registration & Check-In: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Welcome/Musical Number/Introduction to Theme/Opening Prayer: 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Keynote Address: 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

“The In and Out of Personal Ministry”
Bonnie Parkin, James L. Parkin, M.D.

Presentation Summary: “To minister” is defined as attending to the needs and wants of others.  Opportunities to minister are a part of the formal stewardship of our professional responsibilities.  These opportunities also come as we spontaneously extend ourselves to others in need.  Our impact more often will occur in one-to-one relationships, or in small groups where we can respond to an individual’s specific situation.  As we combine our training and experience with our spiritual knowledge, touching on the spiritual inclinations of those we help, powerful healing can take place.  Ministering does not need to be spectacular.  As Mother Teresa said, “We do small things with great love.”

 Plenary Address: 10:50 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
 

“Vulnerability to Infidelity: Prevention, Intervention & Reconnection”
Liz Hale, Ph. D
Presentation Summary: It is estimated by experts solely studying infidelity that 80% of all marriages will be affected by at least one partner’s unfaithfulness within the lifetime of that marriage. This presentation will explore society’s support, among other factors, that push and pull people into extramarital affairs. Regardless of the reason a couple has for entering therapy, counselors are encouraged to include candid information on avoiding infidelity in at least one marriage or pre-marriage counseling session.

Break: 11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Concurrent Workshops: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

1. The Critical Need for an Inclusion of Virtue in Psychology and Counseling
Michael Adams, Ph. D

Presentation Summary: An account of humanity that excludes such virtues as caring, courage, wisdom, or honesty is a sparse understanding of human behavior. Regrettably, the field of psychology has eschewed the examination of virtues to understand human action. This presentation argues that including virtues provides a fuller account of human behavior and a more informed clinical practice. The presenter will investigate which virtues have been promoted within psychological theory and which have been neglected and how this has influenced clinical practice. Lastly, discussion will cover how virtues can be included in counseling in a non-dogmatic manner where clients have the right to self-determination.

2. Forgive Yourself Therapy and Worksheets
Allan Roe, Ph. D Clinical Psychologist

Presentation Summary:       This presentation will examine behaviors, thoughts, feelings and attitudes that prevent clients from forgiving themselves,  keeping them stuck in guilt and preventing them from moving on with their lives. Worksheets will provide step by step procedures of specific, functional ways that will allow clients to forgive themselves and to stop obsessing about their shortcomings, mistakes, and sins. Clients’ values, culture, and religion will be taken into account.

3. “Life’s Problems Wouldn’t be Called Hurdles if we Couldn’t Get Over Them”
Noel C. Gill, Ph. D
Presentation Summary: Material presented in this workshop is drawn from a set of training material that has been used in schools, corrections settings, church settings, hospice work and training of crisis counselors. It features strategies and techniques to help individuals stay in the calm zone when facing adversity and get rid of obstacles that interfere with healthy functioning.

4. Upward Reach Foundation – Changing Lives Around the World!
Rick D. Hawks, Ed. D,
Rulon G. Craven

Presentation Summary: This workshop will illustrate how to use the power of social networking to distribute a mental health message and provide specific resources that help a clinician supplement therapy. Upward Reach Foundation resources are delivered through cell phones and podcasts as
well as contemporary social networking sites like Twitter, YouTube, blogs, and Facebook.

Lunch: 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Concurrent Workshops: 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

1. Imagery Techniques for Facilitating Change and Healing
Corydon Hammond, Ph. D

Presentation Summary: This is a practical workshop modeling practical imagery techniques that can be used in counseling to assist in working with emotional or physical pain, grief, and for confidence building and ego-strengthening.

2. “Should I Keep Trying to Work it Out?” A Guidebook for Helping Couples at the Crossroads of Divorce (and Before)
Alan J. Hawkins, Ph. D, Tamara Fackrell, J.D.

Presentation Summary: Divorce exacts a significant toll on both children and adults, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Recent research suggests that many divorces could be prevented–even at the point when one or both spouses are seriously thinking about ending the marriage–and the marriage repaired. Yet helpful, private, self-guided resources for individuals and couples struggling with the decision of whether to divorce are rare. This presentation is designed to inform mental health and legal practitioners, as well as clergy, of a free, research-based guidebook designed specifically to address questions commonly on people’s minds when they are thinking about a possible divorce.

3. Assisting Adult Clients in Maintaining Spiritual Balance While Asserting Their Personal Rights

Barbara Gearig, LCSW

Presentation Summary: When a client is experiencing abuse, divorce or family conflict, the steps necessary to secure personal rights and other complex issues may challenge the traditions and even “false doctrines” that may have been part of their family system. A therapist can assist the client as they challenge old beliefs that have kept them in the unhealthy situation. As these complex issues are addressed, the therapist needs to be aware of any personal biases he or she may have in connection with these difficult situations. There may also be a need for sensitivity that, for the client, challenging the status quo may mean risking family disapproval, alienation or abandonment.

Break: 3:15 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.

Plenary Address: 3:25 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.

Understanding the Psychological and Physiological Implications of Sleep Disorders
Beth Cole, Ph. D, ARPN, FAAN

Presentation Summary: This presentation will review the psychological and physiological implications of bereavement and related sleep disorders. Interventions for common sleep disorders will also be discussed and handouts given to attendees. We will also review the relationships of grief, sleep disorders and a compromised neuroimmune system. A reference list for the presentation and interventions will be available as well.

Closing Comments, Closing Prayer: 4:25 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 2, 2010        (Lunch Included)

Early Morning Student Workshop*: 7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Journaling: Building Bridges to Successful Therapeutic Outcomes
A. Dean Byrd, Ph. D, MBA, MPH

Presentation Summary: Journaling has been long used in psychological care but few really understand how journaling can build bridges to successful outcomes. In this session the beginning therapist will learn how journaling can help identify/repair ruptures, can help the therapist to customize the client-therapist relationship and monitor client’s translations of in therapy interventions to their “real life” situations. Graduate students only. Space is limited. RSVP to the AMCAP Office to reserve your seat: mail@ldsamcap.org. First come, first served.

*Workshop Location: Dean Byrd’s Office – Thrasher Research Fund, Gateway Tower West, 15 W. South Temple Street, Suite 1650 (across the street from the Joseph Smith Building)

Registration & Check-In: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Welcome/Musical Number/Opening Prayer: 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Plenary Address: 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
A Neuro View of Care for Self and Others: Using Attention to Intention to Improve Empathy and Emotional Regulation
Rebecca Jorgensen, Ph. D

Presentation Summary: New research on social neurobiology provides evidence that relationships are central to neurological development. The brain is the social organ of the body and requires resonance for healthy functioning. Brain functioning can be improved through developing neuro-integration. Strong neuro-integration is the “heart of health.” This presentation will review recent research findings, including: the basics of neuro-integration, and methods for strengthening the brain to improve emotional and mental health in self and with others.

Break: 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Concurrent Workshops: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1. The Use of Spiritual Imagery in Psychotherapy
Dr. Gary M. Weaver, Ph. D, LPC

Presentation Summary: There has been increasing interest towards the use of imagery in psychotherapy. This presentation will address the use of personal spiritual imagery in psychotherapy, covering the principles and practices of a spiritual guided imagery technique that has been developed by the presenter. Discussion will begin by establishing a foundation of both the spiritual and psychological principles. Next, the presenter will teach a process of spiritual guided imagery and demonstrate how it can promote therapeutic change. Finally, the workshop will discuss results and ramifications of this therapeutic process.

2. “Ethical Considerations in the Application of Spiritual Interventions”
Kraig Boyd, LPC, NCC,

Norma Boyd, Ph. D Candidate

Presentation Summary: This workshop will focus on the need for mental health professionals to determine if and when it is appropriate to apply religious and/or spiritual approaches in counseling or treatment settings. We will discuss the “Top Ten Questions” professionals should ask before applying spiritual interventions. Possible benefits of the use of spiritual/religious-related practices (e.g., prayer, mindfulness meditation) will be examined. Client spiritual wellness assessment tools will be discussed. Participants will practice using the “Spiritual Interventions Risk Assessment Matrix” to determine both the possible benefits and the potential for harm in employing spiritual interventions.

3. Utilizing Spiritual Assessments in our Work with LDS Clients
Gordon E. Limb, MSW, Ph. D

Presentation Summary: This interactive workshop will discuss the utilization of spiritual assessments with LDS clients. The purpose of this presentation will be to introduce and discuss six qualitative spiritual assessment instruments. These consist of a brief assessment instrument and five comprehensive instruments. One assessment instrument uses a completely verbal approach—spiritual histories— while four are pen-and-paper, diagrammatic approaches: spiritual lifemaps, spiritual genograms, spiritual ecomaps, and spiritual ecograms. One hundred LDS counselors and practitioners, with extensive practice experience with this population, reviewed, rated, and gave feedback on the relevance and consistency of utilizing spiritual assessment tools with LDS clients.

Poster Session: 11:30 a.m. – Noon

Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presentation of Service to AMCAP Award

Concurrent Workshops: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

1. Detection of Deception and Misinformation in Clinical and Forensic Interviews (part 1)

Mark Zelig, Ph. D

Presentation Summary: Research has indicated that clinicians typically rate their ability to detect deception as above average, while empirical research indicates their actual ability typically hovers around chance levels. The purpose of this workshop is to improve the clinician’s ability to detect deception. This introductory workshop will begin by discussing nonverbal correlates of deception and truth telling, including exposing several myths that may cause an evaluator to incorrectly believe that a subject is being deceptive. We will then discuss psychometric methods designed to detect various forms of deception including malingering. Participants will receive a painless introduction to how the binomial distribution (explicit alternative testing) can be applied to detect deception in a number of forensic contexts, including ruling out malingering and in criminal investigations. The final topic will discuss the state of the science in physiological techniques designed to detect deception, regarding child sexual abuse.

2. Using an Internet Blog as an Outreach Tool and Adjunct to Psychotherapy
Ryan J Hulbert, Ph. D

Presentation Summary: Stimulated by Elder M. Russell Ballard’s encouragement in the July 2008 Ensign to use the Internet to be a force for good in the church and in the world, the presenter developed a blog in the summer of 2009 (ryanhulbertphd.blogspot.com). The blog, so far, consists of 18 short videos of object lessons or mini-lessons with ideas for experiencing greater inner peace. The presenters will share practical considerations in planning, developing and promoting the blog, demonstrate some features of the blog, give examples of the positive effects reported so far, answer questions, and solicit ideas from the workshop participants for similar efforts.

3. Does Gender Really Matter? Are Gender-Specific Interventions Important in Psychological Care?

A. Dean Byrd, Ph. D, MBA, MPH

Presentation Summary: Women are overrepresented in mental health clinics. Masked depression seems to be a male phenomenon. More women than men attempt suicide. More men than women successfully complete suicide and the means of committing suicide reflect gender differences. Both men and women seek divorce but significantly more women than men actually begin divorce proceedings. Women have eating disorders more frequently than men, but the number of men with eating disorders is increasing. And the differences continue…. Are such differences “innate,” or are the differences more associated with social and cultural influences? Are gender-based interventions useful or do they simply perpetuate stereotypes? The presentation will focus on what science can and cannot say about gender differences and on whether or not such differences should be considered when providing psychological care.

Break: 2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

Concurrent Workshops: 2:10 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

1. Detection of Deception and Misinformation in Clinical and Forensic Interviews (part 2)

Mark Zelig, Ph. D

See Above Workshop for Details

2. Faithful Metaphors and Analogies in Ministering Counsel
John P. Livingstone, Ed. D

Presentation Summary: Much like Jesus Christ Himself, thoughtful clinicians and practitioners try to simplify complex concepts for the benefit of the troubled. Whether using coins, sheep, Samaritans or credit cards, pets, or stick shifts, metaphors and analogies help establish principles that are at once understandable and applicable to the listener. Who cannot use more of these? After a few examples from the presenter, participants will be invited to share some of their tried and useful metaphors and analogies.

3. Exploring the Forces of Healing and the Beef Stroganoff Principle or Spiritual Interventions in Psychological Care
LoriLee Critchfield, Ph. D, D.A., MPA

Presentation Summary: When Luke Skywalker was preparing to go into battle in the movie Star Wars, he was counseled “may the force be with you.”  Throughout history, healers have tried to discover the forces of healing, and attach themselves with them.  Mixing the symbolic and internal with the pragmatic and appropriate may be difficult, but psyche and culture are entwined in an “unholy marriage” where man’s sociocultural thinking is influenced by religious concepts.  This social principle has political consequences and best illustrates natural suffering that is closely connected with the cycle of life and death.  My summary asserts that man is a conditional being, and how he exercises a specific faculty of soul has repercussions throughout his individuality.  One may gradually become like that to which attention and energies are given.  

Break: 3:10 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Plenary Address: 3:20 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Mental Illness Goes to the Movies: Reflections on How Films Impact Stigma About Mental Illness

Marleen Williams, Ph. D, with Nate Page, Ph. D Candidate, and Laurie Hamer, B.S. Psychology

Presentation Summary: The media is one of the primary methods by which people get information about mental health. Movies play a large role in shaping cultural beliefs and attitudes, and many films have perpetuated stigmas and misperceptions towards those suffering with mental illnesses (Wahl, 1995). These stigmas and misunderstandings hinder people from seeking care (Corrigan, 2004). As LDS therapists interface with the world, it is important to have an accurate understanding of both cultural perceptions and scientific literature regarding mental illness. LDS therapists can help by becoming aware of opportunities for outreach and promoting a positive influence in the community.

Closing Remarks/Closing Prayer: 4:45 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

 

 

 

Save The Date:

September 30^th and October 1^st – AMCAP 2010 Fall Convention

 

Theme for the Fall Convention:

 

“Family Proclamation to the World – 15^th Anniversary”