LEGACY BUILDING
IN SOCIAL WORK:

We cannot continue to carry out social work in the same manner as before. Much effort remains to be made in order to achieve social justice for all while still living up to our principles. While new anti-racist social work scholarship and advocacy initiatives are underway, there is also a wealth of training content available and institutional review activities that bring hope and inspiration for the future. It is the responsibility of social workers to raise and rebuild communities by bringing hope and justice to them. We must take immediate action to safeguard democracy, the nation, and the global safety net.

Mildred (Mit) C. Joyner, DPS, MSW, LCSW,

Dr. Joyner will talk about the views of the profession and the association on issues that are rapidly occurring and changing in our society. What is social work' role in this sea change that is happening before our eyes?

Mildred (Mit) C. Joyner, DPS, MSW, LCSW,

Currently, our society is targeting transgender, non-binary and gender diverse individuals with laws and legislation that is harmful. As social workers, it is imperative that we learn as much as we can about these individuals and advocate for them to the best of our ability. This training will help social workers have a basic understanding of transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals, best practice for working with these individuals, and we will discuss common myths that are being spread in our society currently. This training will also give a basic understanding of ways that social workers can advocate for these individuals on a micro and macro level. It is important for social workers to understand that no matter the type of social work they practice, they are likely to encounter a transgender person, non-binary, or gender diverse individual and it is crucial with the current climate of our society that social workers are well equipped to support this amazing, resilient, and beautiful group of people.

Megan Gour (they/ them) MSW, APSW,

Social workers in all walks of practice are emerging from this pandemic in a different world. Our practices have changed, and not by a thoughtful plan or by choice, but rather, we were thrown into a world of technology that many of us were unfamiliar with and equally uncomfortable executing. As we emerge, we are now mindfully thinking about telehealth and its practical implications in clinical social work. In this session we will explore the question of best practice in telehealth services through the domains of care. What clients are best suited for telehealth services? How do we assess for appropriateness for telehealth services? What are the risks and legal implications of the use of telehealth services? And lastly, how do we, as social workers, embrace and execute services thoughtfully in this new world?

Roberta Bronecki, LCSW, MSW,

Kristen Golat, MSW, APSW,

Barbara Perkins, MSW, LCSW,

Ageism is a form of discrimination and stereotyping. Research shows that the discrimination of individuals based on their age is quite prevalent in the field of medicine and social services. Through a comprehensive study of research on the gerontological, research on attitudes on aging, and a phenomenological hermeneutic study of women on the value of aging, information will be presented outlining the problems of social services to the aging population. Documented research will be presented showing the effects of ageism on individuals and society. Educational options will be explored, offering positive approaches to aging that will not only help the older adult but can then be reflected in younger generations.

Dr. Karen Shilvock-Cinefro DSW, LSW, NHA,

Rothschild will make a 40-minute presentation on the dangers to our democracy in Wisconsin, and what we can do about them. Then, he will engage in conversation with attendees and answer their questions.

Matt Rothschild, Executive Director, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Participants will explore theories of colonization, which provide a framework for uncovering ongoing colonization and Indigenous erasure in social work. Participants will understand how Indigenous scholars and the social work profession are imagining and practicing decolonization in social work in partnership with Indigenous Nations.

Cary B. Waubanascum, PhD, MSW,

The Clinical Network Luncheon this year will focus on networking opportunities and ideas for engaging more with each other throughout the year. NASW-WI's Clinical Network has an active listserve where Network members communicate and receive important information from the NASW national office and other sources. You can sign up by emailing Roberta Bronecki, MSW, LCSW: roberta.bronecki@pinevalleywi.com

Roberta Bronecki, LCSW, MSW,

This course examines how one's culture impacts decision making in various treatment settings. Providers are constantly faced with ethical choices resulting in ambiguous outcomes and difficult decisions that may be morally confusing. Understanding cultural concepts enables providers to bridge the difference between themselves and diverse populations. Participants will acquire a better understanding of the ethical decision-making process when cross-cultural conflicts occur while addressing implications of unconscious biases. The workshop will address these issues through a combination of interactive dialogue, focused discussion, applied-practice exercises, and small group work.

Sheng Lee Yang, MSW, LCSW,

This four hour session is for social workers who want to increase their ability to maintain confidentiality in practice, professional/non-practice settings, and their personal lives. Using the NASW code of ethics framework along with requirements of HIPPA, attendees will better ensure the confidentiality of those they work with and minimize their risk for grievance, censure, and litigation. Ensuring confidentiality increases client rights and empowers them to disclose information as they deem appropriate. Participants in this discussion and case illustration-based workshop will use their existing knowledge of the NASW code of ethics to explore and examine their practices in an effort to demonstrate excellence in efforts to maintain confidentiality and boundaries. Attendees will take away methods and tools to help protect the client social worker relationship to avoid violating confidentiality, even when warranted, based on mandatory reporting requirements. When social workers and organizations take action to maintain confidentiality, client resiliency after crisis and during recovery increases. Practicing confidentiality with competence demonstrates to clients the integrity of our work to safeguard personal health and personally identifiable information. Practicing confidentiality with competence also demonstrates leadership in interdisciplinary teams or within organizations.

R. Paul Perales II MSW, LCSW,

The subject of trauma is gaining more attention as a significant public health issue. Social workers and other mental health professionals are on the front lines of addressing the multitude of social ills that result from trauma exposure. This workshop examines the unique ethical questions raised by our work with trauma survivors. Participants will explore the adequacy of current definitions of trauma and ways our profession can address traumatizing effects of toxic stressors such as racism, poverty and other forms of oppression. The unique ethical and boundary questions raised by trauma work will be reviewed. This presentation will look at ethical issues of trauma work through a social justice lens.

Debra Minsky-Kelly, MSW, LCSW,

The management of ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality in a world of constantly emerging technology and social media is especially challenging for human service professionals. This workshop will address the technology challenges encountered during the provision of human services. Strategies will be discussed utilizing the recently updated NASW Technology Standards and current best practices from the literature.

Jeanne Wagner, MSW, LCSW, ACSW,

Coaching is one of the fastest ways to improve client-centered care. Are you interested in coaching but want to do it ethically? Are you ready to expand your skills and keep up with current trends to meet client needs? A foundation of being a good coach is being able to embody a coaching mindset. This workshop will teach you how to cultivate a coaching mindset by teaching you exactly what coaching is, how it is different from therapy, and how to bridge coaching and social work.

Elizabeth Lasky, Ph.D., LCSW, ACC,

In 2018, filmmaker Zach Meiners discovered that his former conversion therapist was still practicing. Struggling with the trauma of his own experience, Zach began an endeavor to amplify and empower the voices of survivors, and expose the secretive and often deadly practices of conversion therapy. CONVERSION takes us on the cinematic and personal journeys of 5 survivors from the US and Canada, as they move through the mental and physical harms of conversion therapy, and find the hope and strength to fight against it.

Kristen Prock, PhD, LCSW,

THERE IS NO RECORDING AVAILABLE OF THIS SESSION

Unconscious bias is a learned stereotype that is automatic, unintentional, deeply ingrained, universal, and able to influence behavior. Unconscious bias seeps into decisions that affect recruitment, retention, hiring, access to healthcare, education, criminal justice, providing services, and outcomes in ways that can disadvantage both individuals and groups of people. We all have some form of unconscious bias, and the key is to recognize that we have it and employ techniques to mitigate it.

Judge Derek Mosley,

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on social work practice in Wisconsin and nationwide. The demand for mental health services has skyrocketed, especially for children and youth at mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and other settings. Tele-mental health and the use of video conferencing became universal during the height of the pandemic and is still used to a great extent to provide services. In this Town Hall meeting, a hospital social worker, a child welfare supervisor, a clinical social worker, and a school social worker will discuss how Covid-19 has changed their practice in terms of client needs and practice modalities. Following the presentations by these four experienced social workers, there will be time for participants to discuss how their social work practice has been impacted by this pandemic.

Joan Groessl, MSW, PhD, LCSW,

Roberta Bronecki, LCSW, MSW,

Cindy Dunst, MSW, CAPSW,

Teresa Nicholas, MSSW,

Marc Seidl, MSW, CSW,

Please join your health care peers both in person and virtually for the 4th Annual Health Care Luncheon. We will take the opportunity to update you on what the Health Care Network has done over the past year and where we hope to go in the future. There will also be time to interact informally with your peers for conversation and support.

Cindy Dunst, MSW, CAPSW,

Being a social worker in a rural area is a very unique experience that brings its own set of challenges and gifts. The Rural Mental Health Committee gathers together social workers who are working in rural areas across the state to support each other, share strategies and work to advance ideas and policies that will support rural communities. At the luncheon the committee's steering committee will give an overview of the committee, the challenges of rural social work and facilitate small group discussions regarding creative ways to meet the challenges of rural social work.

Katherine Drechsler, DSW, LCSW-SA,

Susan Townsley, LCSW,

Emily Stormont, LCSW,

Understanding our client's, as well as our own trauma experiences, emotional development/health and attachment style as a universal understanding of human experience rather than an "us vs. them" approach to our work, as we are all one in the same; We all experience emotional development in infancy and we all are susceptible to trauma in our lifetime. We all function in relationships that can serve as a source of stress/trauma and resiliency.

Elizabeth Lanter, LCSW, IMH-E,

More than 80% of Americans know little or are not familiar with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which can be an early stage of Alzheimer's disease. About one-third of people living with MCI due to Alzheimer's disease go on to develop dementia within five years. This session will provide information to attendees on MCI, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, tools to assist in developing a chronic disease management plan and how to connect individuals to resources and support so they can continue to live their best lives.

Jennifer McAlister, BA,

Jennifer Nowak, MSW C-ASWCM,

Law enforcement professionals, firefighters, and other crisis responders are historically reluctant to seek therapy for help with their own emotional struggles. This presentation highlights unique areas of concern when building rapport and engaging in therapy with those who pledge to protect and serve our communities.

Lucia Micheli, LCSW, CSAC,

The majority of Veterans who, unfortunately, die by suicide every day, are not using Veterans Health Administration services. If we want to make a difference and eliminate suicide for Veterans, we must seek opportunities to collaborate with healthcare systems, social services, peer support agencies, and other community stakeholders in order to increase the standard of care wherever Veterans choose to manage their health. Furthermore, we as community members have ways to help the mission of suicide prevention through involvement in local and state collective efforts. Attend this session to learn more about the problems and emerging solutions for Veterans within their communities – and to join the fight against Veteran suicide.

Adam Howarth, LCSW,

Personal safety in human service organizations is a critical factor for client and staff well-being. An understanding of safety risk analysis and safety management strategies are not skills taught in most higher education programs. Agencies have a responsibility to train staff on safety awareness, violence prevention, and non-violent crisis intervention strategies. This training is designed to raise awareness, learn strategies to minimize safety issues and learn strategies to deescalate clients whose emotions and behaviors are escalating.

Jeanne Wagner, MSW, LCSW, ACSW,

Our profession is especially susceptible to unprecedented times in our social and political environments. Additionally, many of us are parents of children and/or caregivers of older adults and have experienced a significant burden personally and professionally. There are various challenges within caregiving across the entire lifespan and these challenges have increased over the last two years during a global pandemic. During this presentation we will explore the experience of caregiving across the lifespan while juggling our duties as social workers in the field. We will discuss the most recent research related to COVID induced stress for caregivers and social workers. We will examine our resiliency, discuss ethical considerations and develop plans to combat compassion fatigue in our professional practice and personal lives.

Jennifer Taylor-McBride, MSW, APSW,

Devin Thomas, MSW, CAPSW,

In this presentation, NASW-WI Executive Director Marc Herstand will discuss the implications of the 2022 state and national elections for NASW-WI, social workers, the social work profession, and our clients. As part of this discussion, Herstand will review Senator Ron Johnson's positions and record in office versus the platform of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Senate candidate. He will also review the policies of Governor Tony Evers, including his budget and vetoes versus the policies of the Republican Party and of the Republican Gubernatorial candidate. In the Senate race, some of the issues that will be discussed include abortion, gun violence prevention, health care, elections and voting, Covid-19, immigration, and environment/climate change. In the Gubernatorial race, some of the issues examined will include the state budget, abortion, gun legislation, Medicaid expansion, voting restrictions, tele-mental health requirements for insurance companies, anti-racism education and training, Covid-19, environment/climate change, the Complementary and Alternative Health Care bill, the Child Victim's Act and LGBTQ issues. NASW-WI's legislative and regulatory agenda in the previous and upcoming legislative session will be integrated into this discussion. The NASW national legislative agenda will also be discussed.

Marc Herstand,MSW, CISW,

This session will explore how law enforcement officers and mental health clinicians can work together to provide the best response to individuals experiencing mental health crises. We will identify barriers to effective collaboration including divergent perspectives and system issues, and then discuss strategies for reducing those barriers to improve outcomes. Presenters will also share information about Madison Police Department's Mental Health Unit.

Sarah Henrickson, LCSW,

Officer Hannah Johnson,

The incidence of medically induced trauma has been documented, though is not always addressed in medical or therapy settings. The "lucky to be alive" approach, and concerns about liability, dismiss the reality of the estimated 20-30% of ICU patients that have PTSD. Research with patients who have had heart attacks and stroke, complicated childbirth and gynecological procedures, pediatric patients, ICU stays, and HIV all indicate that PTSD or PTSD symptoms following medical care is a problem that medical social workers and mental health social workers can not only be aware of, but also be on the front end of post hospitalization care, ensuring measures that will help alleviate traumatic reactions and suffering.

Barbara Perkins, MSW, LCSW,

Libraries across the country are beginning to recognize the importance of meeting the needs of patrons with a range of challenges. From adults experiencing homelessness, to unaccompanied minors, to seniors seeking public benefits, the skills of librarians have been tested as they face increasingly complex patron needs. This workshop will explore pathways for successful implementation of social work services in libraries and the uniqueness of practicing in this community-based public space. Challenges, social justice issues, and unique opportunities will be explored as these collaborative partnerships continue to grow. You might be surprised to learn about the common histories, values, and social justice commitments that these two disciplines share in common.

Debra Minsky-Kelly, MSW, LCSW,

Ashley Cedeño, MSW,

CANCELLED - Being "trauma-informed" is the new buzz word but how can one be trauma informed in a racialized world? And how can we talk about being trauma informed without understanding racial trauma? At this presentation you will understand and learn how to apply trauma informed interventions through an equity lens. This teaches you not only how to be a trauma informed clinician but a social justice clinician. Objective 1: Address racial trauma in our culture and in the workplace. Objective 2: Learn trauma-informed interventions through an equity lens. Objective 3: Self reflection and cultural humility.

Myra McNair, LMFT, M.S.,

The pandemic has brought mental health to the national stage and the world is talking about it. However, all conversations are not filled with hope and solutions suitable for everyone. Mental health needs have increased at disproportionate rates among Black people and unfortunately stigma and shame has as well. There are a variety of barriers that inhabits individuals from seeking help such as poverty, racial discrimination, inequalities and perhaps more importantly guilt, shame, and stigma. Consequently, there was an emerging need for a solution that draws engagement and normalizes discussions about mental health all occurring within an individual’s community. Thus, the emergence of Trap Therapy which uses music to draw engagement and comfort which is coupled with psychoeducation that is cultural relevant, inclusive, and implemented with dynamic energy.

Tarsha Wiggins, LCSW, CADC,

This session will include a review of evidence-based practices for empowering and healing youth survivors of sexual assault & abuse. The session will outline considerations in working with youth survivors, as well as practical application strategies for treatment using TF-CBT, DBT and EMDR skills.

Diana Johnstone, LCSW,

Veterinary Social Work (VSW) is a relatively new and actively growing field within social work. The root of the practice is to honor and tend to the human needs that arise within the complex relationship between humans and animals. In this lecture, we will discuss the conception of VSW practice, what current VSW practice looks like within animal hospitals, the future for VSW across the globe, and how to become a VSW. Learning objectives of this lecture will include: the ability to describe what VSWs do for their community; a deeper understanding on the importance of honoring the human-animal bond; and an adeptness in discerning the numerous mental and emotional challenges that veterinary professionals face in their every-day job, and why social workers are vital in bolstering their wellness.

Taylor St. Onge, MSW, APSW,

This session will challenge societal misconceptions about drug use and pregnancy. Every leading medical association to address the subject agrees that drug use in pregnancy should not be met with punitive responses. We will explore how punitive measures such as Act 292 prevent pregnant people from interacting with medical care and can increase generational trauma. We will discuss, at the federal level, what CAPTA/ CARA actually require. Keeping these factors in mind, we will formulate best practices for the multidisciplinary care team and explore social workers' role in this process. Finally, we will connect these issues to the profession's core values and Code of Ethics.

Ritu Bhatnagar, M.D.,

Jacquelyn Adams, M.D.,

The topics of religion and spirituality can be difficult for social workers. Social workers are sometimes afraid of addressing religion and spirituality with clients, worrying about issues such as facing boundary or ethical violations or worries about being oppressive. Religion is defined as an institutionalized pattern of values, beliefs, symbols, behaviors, and experiences that involves spirituality; a community of adherents; transmission of traditions over time; and community support functions that are directly or indirectly related to spirituality. Spirituality is defined as a process of human life and development which focuses on the search for a sense of meaning, purpose, morality, and wellbeing; orienting around centrally significant priorities; and engaging a sense of transcendence (experienced as deeply profound, sacred, or transpersonal). Spirituality has roots in social work. However, there has been some conflict in the social work field about addressing religion with clients. Some social workers worry that religion may discriminate against clients. Others believe social workers discriminate when they do not address religion with clients. More recently, religion has been increasingly addressed in the NASW Code of Ethics and the Council on Social Work Education Educational Program Standards. Data gathered from social workers and social work students on their religious and spiritual beliefs, engagement in religious and spiritual practices, and the use of religion and spirituality in social work practice will be shared with participants. The results and implications of the data will be discussed. Examples of spiritual and religious assessments and interventions will be presented.

Deanna Guthrie, PhD, MSW,

Sarah Hessenauer, PhD, MSW,

Faith Jones,

Milwaukee Child Abuse Prevention Services Coalition (MCAPS) was launched in 2005 as a successor to the former CAP-Network that was formed in 1989. The MCAP Coalition includes members and stakeholders from a variety of sectors that have a common interest in child welfare. You will hear how through MCAP we share best practices and work collaboratively to advocate within the system, share resources, and promote healthy and loving families. Come learn about how we've worked to be intentional with re-building this coalition through outreaching to new members, developing an engaging coalition structure and having shared investment with our work. Members of the MCAP coalition represent health and social service providers who provide an array of services that seek to prevent child abuse and neglect, including its causes. Cross-system collaboration has been fundamental in making progress towards the coalition's shared goal of strengthening the capacities of families, and preventing child abuse and neglect. This lecture seeks to share methods and tactics that have been successful for MCAP's collaboration, and equip those interested in forming their own community based coalition with tools to do so effectively.

Joyce Felker, MA,

Kari Southern, MPNA,

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing the right to abortion. Immediately, a criminal abortion ban from 1849 went into effect in Wisconsin, eliminating abortion access in the state. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin continues to help patients access safe and legal abortion care in states where abortion care remains legal. In addition, preventative reproductive health care services continue to be an important need -- perhaps now more than ever -- in communities across the state. Learn what you can do to connect the individuals with whom you work to the reproductive health care they need as well as how to advocate for access to this care in your community.

Tanya Atkinson, MSSW,

Advance Care Planning is the process of coming to understand, reflect on, discuss and plan for a time when you cannot make your own medical decisions. While we cannot plan for everything, we can talk with our loved ones about what matters most to us. As social workers, it is crucial that we understand Advance Care Planning and are able to articulate its importance to our clients. Advance Care Planning is the epitome of self-determination and by encouraging our clients to have these conversations, they are in a position where they have the most control over their healthcare.

Ramani Kutty-Patel, MSW, APSW,

This workshop will support social workers to step back and analyze their anti-racist practice within the schools. We will step back to look at our mission as social workers and collaborate on action steps for our community. This will provide time for reflection and work space for the ending of the conference

Laura Glaub,

Angela Green,

This workshop will cover the basic process of resettlement, an overview of the services that JSS offers for newcomers and benefits that the various immigrant groups are eligible for. There will also be discussion of the various populations and nationalities served by JSS (present and past) and the recently displaced groups: Afghans and Ukrainians. Finally, there will be a discussion among participants about best practices in working with them, community support, and how various agencies might be able to partner with JSS.

Becca Schwartz, MBA,

Maya Garbuz, MSSW, CISW,

The workshop will discuss current opioid trends around the state impacting our communities. Information shared will be around impacts of the State Opioid Response and access for MAT services.

Dan Bizjak, LCSW, ICS, CSAC, State Opioid Treatment Authority

Dr. Lindsay Emer, Opioid Data Analyst

Michelle Lund, LPC, State Opioid Response Coordinator

In this session, I will define Inter-Generational trauma and how it can lead to Substance Use Disorder if the proper coping skills are not learned. I will also discuss how intergenerational trauma can prevent an individual from seeking treatment. I will address the benefits of recognizing generational trauma and being culturally competent to treat African Americans diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder.

Kenneth Ginlack, LCSW, CSAC, ICS,

The annual meeting will include an annual report by NASW WI Executive Director Marc Herstand and the presentation of the annual Distinguished Social Worker, Public Service and Lifetime Achievement awards.   Attendees at this program will earn .25 hours of continuing education.

Dafna Berman, MSW, LCSW,

Marc Herstand,MSW, CISW,

This session will outline the principles and practice of supportive psychotherapy, which can be considered the therapeutic underpinning of all psychotherapies. The course will cover the history of supportive psychotherapy, developing a psychodynamic formulation, behavior of the therapist, transference/countertransference, strategies and techniques, trauma, and working with special populations (borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders). Clinical case examples will be woven throughout the session, and participants will be actively involved in discussion.

John Battaglia, M.D.,

Social work leadership is crucial, at all levels, within communities and human service organizations. Current expectations of social workers include leadership functions. However, attention to important skills, understanding and support is minimal within the field. This training session invites participants to explore their current understanding of leadership and leadership roles. Using learning from the pandemic, session will provide alternative perspectives on leadership and a framework for participants to utilize in professional practice.

Joan Groessl, MSW, PhD, LCSW,

This workshop will provide resources for rural social workers including information about ways to assist farmer mental health, work with local law enforcement to improve conditions for victims of domestic violence and address opioid and stimulant misuse. We will also explore other innovative programs across the state that are improving the mental health and quality of life for people in rural Wisconsin. The panelists include representatives from the Wisconsin Farm Center, The Vernon County Domestic Abuse Project, UW Madison Division of Extension, and the Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity. Participants will improve their knowledge about available resources and will learn how to advocate for clients to promote resiliency in their clients and in their rural communities.

Susan Townsley, LCSW,

Karen Endres, Farmer Wellness Program Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture

Jen Park-Mroch, Ph.D., Health and Wellbeing Specialist

Kietra Olson, Rural Initiatives Manager

Lisa M. Johanningmeier B.S., Vernon County Domestic Abuse Project Coordinator/Case Manager

As social workers we are charged with promoting social change; serving in public office provides a means to do so. In this session, four social workers currently holding elected office in Racine, Stevens Point and Eau Claire will discuss how they incorporate social work values and skills as elected officials. They will also discuss their experience running for public office. In addition, a staff person from Wisconsin Progress will discuss the nuts and bolts of running for office in Wisconsin. The session moderator, Wendy Volz-Daniel, herself a former elected official in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, will discuss how Wisconsin Social Workers PAC can assist social workers running for public office.

Wendy Volz Daniels, MSW, LCSW,

Mykeerah Zarazua, MSW, CAPSW,

Nicholas Smiar, PHD, ACSW, CISW,

Kate Beaton, BSW, CSW,

John Tate II, MSW,

Becky Rasmussen,

Social workers working with individuals in complex systems can feel like they're spinning their wheels trying to work in ineffective systems. This session will describe the process of collecting information and advocating for funding that ultimately led to the United Way Safe And Stable Homes Initiative to end family homelessness. We will discuss the importance of working in all levels- micro, mezzo, and macro- and discuss how we hope to make lasting changes in Southeastern Wisconsin. We will examine how social workers engage in policy change by creating a value proposition for decision-makers that is based in community truths.

Emily Kenney, LCSW,

Erika Olson, APSW,

Wendy Weckler, BA,

Krystina Kohler, MA,

This workshop focuses on issues that interfere with survivors’ abilities to realize their potential and protect themselves from abuse. It begins by identifying what intimate partner abuse survivors she surveyed said they found helpful in therapy. With that foundation, Jennifer explores common issues they present that increase their vulnerability to coercive control: mistrusting self & unconditionally trusting partner, confusion between selfishness and self-interest, and beliefs that interfere with assertiveness. Though sometimes these issues pre-date abuse, coercive control always makes them worse. Along with case examples, Jennifer will present evidence-based therapeutic strategies that enhance survivors’ resiliency and empower them in dealing with their issues. There will be time for discussion of anonymous case examples that participants offer. The presenter will be prepared to pose examples of her own for discussion if needed. Handouts will be available that professionals may use with clients. Jennifer will also have copies of her book Coercive Relationships: Find the Answers You Seek on sale.

Jennifer Parker, MSSW, LCSW, ACSW,