48th Annual Adolescent Symposium of Texas FEBRUARY 14-15, 2024 | PLANO, TEXAS

  • 50 experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health
     
  • 2 Full days of cutting-edge presentations
     
  • Exhibit hall full of mental health advocates, providers, and services
     
  • Up to 12 CEU's available
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About the Symposium

For nearly five decades, this symposium has been a cornerstone of MHA-Greater Dallas's efforts to raise awareness and educate the community on child and adolescent mental health. Whether you are a mental health professional, counselor, teacher, parent, or advocate, this symposium is an excellent opportunity to learn from experts, talk with industry partners, and network with like-minded individuals.

Speakers

Each year, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas invites over 40 speakers from all over the U.S. to share their expertise and experiences with child and adolescent mental health. Here's a look at our 2024 speaker line-up along with workshop information:

Keynote Speakers

DREW ROBINSON  | 
ADOLESCENT 2024 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DREW ROBINSON | OPENING KEYNOTE
Wednesday, February 14th
Drew Robinson is a former Major League Baseball player for the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, a suicide survivor, mental health advocate, and co-founder of the Better Universe Foundation.



Drew Robinson is a former Major League Baseball player, mental health advocate, speaker, and co-founder of the Better Universe Foundation.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Drew was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school and went on to play parts of 12 seasons with the Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants organizations. In 2020, Drew miraculously survived a suicide attempt that resulted in the loss of his right eye.

In 2021, ESPN released an E60 documentary to tell Drew’s story, create awareness around mental health, and reduce the stigma around it. After Drew’s attempt, he made a comeback to professional baseball and retired after the 2021 season to pursue a role in the mental health & wellness department with the San Francisco Giants. Drew is dedicated to advocating for mental health through working to end to stigma, sharing his journey to inspire others to prioritize their own mental health, and encouraging peer-to-peer support so people can share their stories and find the necessary support they need.

E60 Drew Robinson Trailer from ESPNFrontRow on Vimeo.





Drew Myers Speaking High Res

DREW MYERS | CLOSING KEYNOTE
Thursday, February 15th

Drew Myers is an intentionality coach, author, and professional speaker. He generates hope, inspires action, and reminds people to make the important things important – starting with themselves.

Keynote: Make the Important Things Important – starting with YOU!

Are you making yourself a priority?

Are you putting an emphasis on your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing?

According to a lot of research, you're probably not. One Harris Poll discovered that only one third of Americans actually claim to be happy.

Why?

Drew Myers thinks the source of this tragic statistic is associated with the lack of self-care and self-love. He believes we're not making the important things important - starting with ourselves.

We become an afterthought. We give ourselves the scraps after we pour into our families, our jobs, our social media addiction.

In this keynote presentation, Drew shares the part of his story where he was living this way - where he lost sight of putting an emphasis on loving himself. He also shares how he pulled himself out of the metaphorical ditch and started living a bold, adventurous and intentional life.

Most importantly ... Drew gives YOU permission to follow his lead.



SPEAKER BIO

Drew Myers is an enlivener and a story seeker. Through speaking and one-on-one coaching, he generates hope, inspires action and reminds people to make the important things important – starting with themselves. He utilizes his podcasts and speaking engagements to showcase and celebrate individuals who have given themselves permission to live radically honest lives, pursue their dreams and live on purpose.

Mental Health 101 Workshops

Twila Farrar
Twila Farrar, M.ED., LPC-S, RPT-S, CAS

Chief Executive Officer, University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC

Why Do They Act that Way? Understanding the Adolescent Brain

Come and learn about the unique changes that occur during adolescent development, strategies to better connect with teens, and ways to support their family members.
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Jenifer Balch, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, CAS

Chief Clinical Officer, University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC

Why Do They Act that Way? Understanding the Adolescent Brain

Come and learn about the unique changes that occur during adolescent development, strategies to better connect with teens, and ways to support their family members.
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Paulina Guzzardo, PhD, LMFT

Intervention Specialist, FWISD Wedgwood MS

Building Connections Between Adults and Youth That Maintain Equilibrium

This workshop will demonstrate how to build positive connections between adults and youth that foster relationship and growth.

Bridget Camacho
Bridget Camacho, LCSW

Executive Director, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Barriers and Solutions to Youth Resiliency

Attuned challenge that encourages adolescents to connect with their creativity, capacity, and worth can cultivate and strengthen their resiliency.

Taylor Zebrowsky
Taylor Zebrosky, LPC

Therapist, Highland Village Counseling, PLLC

DBT Crisis Survival Skills

This workshop is designed to teach the 6 DBT Crisis Survival Skills. The goal of this workshop is to obtain skills to use in crisis situations without making the situation worse. These are ideal to use for suicidal ideation, self harm urges, and all other impulse urges.
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Lauren Debose, DSW, LCSW

Trauma Specialist, Birdville ISD

How to Get to the Heart of Student Behavior & Mental Well-being

This workshop will examine how mental health and trauma in students have been impacted. We will also dive deeper into the hidden meanings behind student behavior and how to decipher what the child tries to communicate.
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Michelle Broadwater, LMSW

Assistant Director of Counseling Services & District Crisis Management, Birdville ISD

How to Get to the Heart of Student Behavior & Mental Well-being

This workshop will examine how mental health and trauma in students have been impacted. We will also dive deeper into the hidden meanings behind student behavior and how to decipher what the child tries to communicate.

Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Eating Disorders, OCD, Self-Harm, Suicide

Leanne foell
Leanne Foell LCSW

Adolescent Therapist, Bright Space Therapy

Trendy to Be Depressed: The Hidden Reasons Teens Aren't Getting Better and How to Help

This workshop reviews the hidden rewards or benefits a teen may get from being mentally unwell. Audiences will learn how social media perpetuates hidden rewards, making mental health issues like ADHD and depression trendy. Audiences will learn how to identify hidden rewards and how to help teens avoid them.

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Jennifer Crutsinger LPC-S

Youth Suicide Grant Project Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Screening Youth for Suicide: Understanding Suicide's Impact & How to Help

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Texas youth. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, an evidence-based tool, is a series of questions anyone can ask to identify individuals at risk of suicide. Understanding suicide's impact and knowing mental health resources is vital to ensuring a pathway to care.

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Michael Maxwell, PhD, LPCS, CSC

Director of Clinical Training, The Chicago School, Dallas

Managing Adolescent Anxiety for Teens and Parents

This workshop will be an interactive experience to help mental health professionals understand, recognize, and remediate significant anxiety experienced by today's adolescents.

jasmine Ghannadpour
Jasmine Ghannadpour PhD, ABPP

Board Certified Clinical Child Psychologist Children's Health/Children's Medical Center

The Reality of Pediatric Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are when young girls choose to lose weight, right?  We will debunk myths about eating disorders, and spoiler alert! It's about more than food and weight, and impacts all genders and ethnicities.  Hear from experts in the field on the reality of the deadliest mental health disorder.

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Urszula Kelley, MD

Psychiatrist, Children's Health/Children's Medical Center)

The Reality of Pediatric Eating Disorders

We will debunk myths about eating disorders, and spoiler alert! It's about more than food and weight, and impacts all genders and ethnicities. Hear from experts in the field on the reality of the deadliest mental health disorder.

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LaShundra Thomas Ph.D.

Educational Specialist, Children's Health Plano

Management of Eating Disorders in Children & Adolescents Under the MTSS Framework: School Transition Collaboration

An eating disorder is a mental illness that could have long term effects without proper management. Through collaborative treatment and support, children and adolescents can receive the tools needed to be able to manage the disorder when they transition back to school through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports Framework.

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Katie Purvis MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BasePoint Academy

Building Resilience through a Strengths-Based model of Treatment for ADHD

Explore the intricate world of adolescent ADHD in this insightful presentation. Navigate through the challenges, misconceptions, and coping mechanisms that shape the lives of young individuals with ADHD. Gain a deeper understanding of this neurodevelopmental disorder and discover practical strategies to support adolescents on their journey to success.
susan sugerman
Susan Sugerman, MD, MPH

Physician, Co-Founder Girls to Women and Young Men's Health and Wellness, Dallas

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders: When should I worry? What should I do?

Adolescent medicine physicians explain medical complications of eating disorders and how to recognize them in your practice or educational setting. Participants will learn how to intervene to support clients’ safety and, when necessary, gently educate less experienced consulting medical health care providers through this process.

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Shanna Garza, MD

Physician and Co-Founder, Girls to Women and Young Men's Health and Wellness, McKinney)

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders: When should I worry? What should I do?

Adolescent medicine physicians explain medical complications of eating disorders and how to recognize them in your practice or educational setting. Participants will learn how to intervene to support client's safety and, when necessary, gently educate less experienced consulting medical health care providers through this process.

Paige Helms
Paige Helms, LPC

Owner and Lead Therapist, Novel Changes Therapy

I am Not Broken, Don't Try to Fix Me - Working with Neurodivergent Teens

Come learn how to move away from the idea that Autism and ADHD are not missing puzzle pieces but are instead whole puzzles built outside of the confines of neurotypical development.

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Brittany Williams, LPC

Manager of School-Based Mental Health for KIPP TX and Co-Owner of Rain Therapy DFW

Empowering Excellence: Strategies for Easing Anxiety in High-Achieving Teens

Discover how to empower high-achieving teens to navigate anxiety while excelling. Gain practical strategies for balance, effective communication, and nurturing resilience and the tools to share with parents to create supportive environments that promote both achievement and well-being.

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Courtney Riggs, LPC

Owner of Courtney Riggs Counseling, Courtney Riggs Counseling

Empowering Excellence: Strategies for Easing Anxiety in High-Achieving Teens

Discover how to empower high-achieving teens to navigate anxiety while excelling. Gain practical strategies for balance, effective communication, and nurturing resilience and the tools to share with parents to create supportive environments that promote both achievement and well-being.

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Perry Leynor, LPC

Counselor, Specialists in OCD & Anxiety Recovery (SOAR)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An overview of Exposure therapy and Treatment of Adolescents

This workshop will focus on a lecture regarding obsessive compulsive disorder, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and special considerations when treating adolescents. This includes overview of diagnostic features, examples of ERP and creation of a hierarchy, as well as clinical factors to consider when working with adolescents.

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Findley Harris, LPC

Counselor, Specialists in OCD & Anxiety Recovery (SOAR)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An overview of Exposure therapy and Treatment of Adolescents

This workshop will focus on a lecture regarding obsessive compulsive disorder, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and special considerations when treating adolescents. This includes overview of diagnostic features, examples of ERP and creation of a hierarchy, as well as clinical factors to consider when working with adolescents.

Addiction - Gambling, Pornography, Substance Use

Saul Malek
Saul Malek

Board of Directors of Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling Professional speaker

Parlays, Bookies, and Debt. Oh My!

Saul Malek uses his experience and research to educate school faculty on youth gambling- a largely undiscussed topic in schools.

In this presentation, Saul provides educators with tools they may implement to not only detect youth gambling, but also prevent it from becoming a problem on campus.

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Olivia Mason MS, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT

Clinical Director, The Carpenter Shed

Pornography and Sex Education

This workshop will be for educators, clinicians, clergy, and any that work with adolescent boys and girls. The focus will be to share the huge impact pornography and a sexual culture is having on today's teens and their relationship with others and themselves.

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Michelle Schwolert LPC, EMDR, LCDC-I

CEO, Owner Roots Adolescent Renewal Ranch

Repairing Future Generations: Preventing Addiction in Adolescents

There are many reasons adolescents turn to substances, self-harm and other risk taking behaviors. It is important that we acknowledge and cleanse the primary problem, typically unaddressed childhood trauma and/or family systems issues, instead of focusing solely on the behaviors, or the secondary issues. Knowledge is power.

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John-Mark Meulman LPC, LCDC

Program Administrator, Collin County Substance Abuse Program

Fentanyl epidemic and adolescents

Fentanyl has become the number one killer among drugs. Street drugs are being "cut" with fentanyl and young people are dying by not knowing what they are taking. This workshop will equip you to identify the dangers of fentanyl, risks associated nd resources for help.

josh munkeby
Josh Munkeby, MA Counseling

SUD Educator/Trainer North Texas Behavioral Health Authority

Getting Candid: Framing the Conversation Around Youth Substance Use Prevention

Early identification and intervention of youth substance use decreases the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder in the future and experiencing consequences related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. Knowing what information young people want and need can open doors to productive conversations.

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Dean Porterfield LPC/MHSP, NCC, Approved LPC Supervisor

Executive Director, ARCH Academy

Meaningful Engagement with the Substance Abusing Adolescent Male

How to best engage adolescent males and young men who suffer from primary substance abuse diagnosis and co-occurring issues. Research driven approaches and techniques. The modalities taught will be multisensory focused, explaining
approaches: Impact Therapy, kinetic engagement and experiential exercises
lead to an enhanced comprehension of traditional therapeutic skills and techniques.

Rick Rayl
Rick Rayl RPh

Director of Pharmacy, University Behavioral Health of Denton

Fentanyl a Roll of the Dice

In 2016 there were 42,000 deaths attributed to opioid overdose. The opioid epidemic has taken a dangerous turn with fentanyl being used indiscriminately as an adulterant. How did we get here? What safeguards are in place and are they working? This presentation will answer these questions and much more.

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Michael Roeske PsyD

Senior Director, Center for Research and Innovation Newport Healthcare

Adolescent substance use: Trends, the link to insecure attachment, and implications for treatment

Adolescent substance use is a concern for parents, educators, police, and communities, alike. This presentation will examine teen alcohol and drug use trends, factors leading from experimentation to a substance use disorder (SUD), discuss attachment theory and the correlation of SUDs to insecure attachment, and provide implications for treatment.

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Tashea Walker M. Ed., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor and CEO, A Glo of Hope

The Cultural Aspects of Increased Substance use for Black & Brown Teens

In this session, current research on substance use trends and mental health stigma will be discussed as it relates to our Black and Brown communities. Participants will gain insight into current adolescent trends, create an engaging treatment process, and help minimize stigma in these marginalized communities.

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Adeli Cortez, M. Ed., LPC, RPT, CSC, CCTP

Mental Health Intervention Counselor, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

The Cultural Aspects of Increased Substance use for Black & Brown Teens

In this session, current research on substance use trends and mental health stigma will be discussed as it relates to our Black and Brown communities. Participants will gain insight into current adolescent trends, create an engaging treatment process, and help minimize stigma in these marginalized communities.

Technology in Youth

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Russell Baxter LPC-Supervisor

Founder, Foundations Counseling PLLC

Technology and Mental Health

Technology is a nonnegotiable in today's ever-changing world, but too much of a good thing can become very unhealthy. We will walk through the many aspects of technology and how it is impacting our mental health as a society, especially for teens and young adults.

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Jeremy Edge LPC, IGDC

Founder and Owner, Escapingthe.com

The Balancing Game: Navigating Healthy Gaming, Social Media, and General Screen Use

In 2024, teens live online. They work, play, and socialize through online platforms and activities. With so much time spent online, teens can struggle with finding a healthy balance. We will explore the challenges and solutions for teens experiencing a healthy, balanced life with screens.

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Alex Frascino M.S., LMFT-S

Clinical Director, Oak Bluffs Therapy Group

The Social Experiment: Adolescents and Social Media

This presentation is designed for mental health professionals, teachers and parents to expand our knowledge about various social media platforms adolescents most engage with.

Dealing with Trauma

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Mike Giresi CAC, ICADC, CTP

Chief Clinical Officer, Family First Adolescent Services

Complex Trauma & Adolescence

This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of adolescent mental health from the lens of complex trauma, including evidence-based interventions for assessment, clinical conceptualization, and treatment. Attendees will participate in exercises to practice trauma-informed skills for assessing and treating underlying patterns of complex trauma in adolescent clients.

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Liz Dobrowolski, MSW

Senior Therapist, Family First Adolescent Services

Complex Trauma & Adolescence

This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of adolescent mental health from the lens of complex trauma, including evidence-based interventions for assessment, clinical conceptualization, and treatment. Attendees will participate in exercises to practice trauma-informed skills for assessing and treating underlying patterns of complex trauma in adolescent clients.

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Katelyn Lara, MA, LPC, NCC, CCPT

Licensed Professional Counselor, Mineral Wells ISD

When Trauma Walks Into the Room

When trauma walks into the room, you may or may not know it. Together, we will explore what trauma behaviors look like and practical ways of helping hurt adolescents in your world.

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Kimberly Montgomery, LPC Supervisor

Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Dallas Children's Advocacy Center

Trauma-Informed Treatments for Teens

This workshop will discuss trauma and the impact trauma has on the adolescent brain. We will discussed evidenced-based treatments that are trauma informed and proven to decrease trauma symptoms. We will learn fun and engaging interventions that help teenagers learn how to cope in healthy and effective ways.

Jeff Noles
Jeff Noles LAC, LPC, CTT, CCS

Clinical Director, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery

Resurrecting the Child Within

The general understanding of trauma is that it must be a catastrophic event. If we approach trauma treatment from that perspective, we are missing out on the share of the trauma that impacts our clients. We will discuss inner child work and healing trauma that is often never acknowledged.

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Koren Hudson, LPC

Clinical Director, The Meadows Adolescent Program/ Meadows Behaviorial Healthcare

Trauma-Informed Care Healing for the Patient and the Family

Come learn how creating a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental, and felt-safe environment can help avoid re-traumatization and promote a person's healing process.

Working with LGBTQ+ Youth

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Brian Kennedy, LPC

Mental Health Counselor, Room for Change

Whose Closet Is It: Understanding Coming Out and the Impact of Heteronormativity on LGBTQ Youth

In this session, we will explore the concept of covert cultural sexual abuse as the foundation for many problems that LGBTQ individuals face. We will also explore the 6 Stages of Coming Out to assist our adolescent clients with confronting their own emotional conflicts throughout the process.

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Helena Roberson LPC-S, NCC, MA

Clinical Director, Better You Counseling

Gender Affirming Care 101

This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the best practices and strategies when providing gender-affirming care to transgender or gender expansive clients. Attendees will be taught multiple specific strategies to use when working with this population of youth.

Rachel Allen, LPC, Better You Counseling
Rachel Allen, LPC-Associate, NCC, MS

Therapist, Better You Counseling

Gender Affirming Care 101

This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the best practices and strategies when providing gender-affirming care to transgender or gender expansive clients. Attendees will be taught multiple specific strategies to use when working with this population of youth.

Peter Thomas
Peter Thomas PhD

Psychologist, Thomas Psychology Services LLC

Navigating the World of Trans Adolescents

Education and experiential activities to help explore our care for gender dysphoria with adolescents. This workshop explores the standards of care we need to know in working with this population and explore how current politics and cultural issues impact their care.

The Latino Community

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Nelida Medina, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Clinician, Purple Crayon Counseling

Latino Education: A Texas Size Problem

The growth of Latinos has brought about a shortage of Latino professionals to serve this community in a culturally competent manner. The American school system is failing Latino students as evidenced by their high dropout rate compared to their white peers. Action is needed to create a more equitable tomorrow!

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Ingrid Pedre LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Ingrid Pedre Counseling

Issues that influence the conflicts between Latin American immigrant parents and their first generation adolescents

Intergenerational conflict is a common theme studied in our field. Research shows that these conflicts have the potential to increase when parents were born in a different country. This workshop will explore risk factors and interventions useful to assist adolescents and their families to manage conflicts.

Ana Marcela Rodriguez, LMFT, Therapy Works Counseling
Ana Marcela Rodriguez MS, LMFT

Founder / CEO Therapy Works Counseling

Transgenerational and Intergenerational Trauma in the Hispanic Community

By understanding the mechanisms of trauma transmission, the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities, and therapeutic interventions that can help clients overcome the effects of this trauma, we can work towards healing and building resilience in the Hispanic community.

Workshops for Parents

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Catherine Baggett LCSW-S

Owner/Clinician Unity Mental Health Services

Good-Mood Food: Using Nutritional Psychiatry to Promote Well-Being and Family Connectedness

Good food soothes the soul, but did you know it soothes the mind, too? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about nutrients found in many common ingredients that boost brain functioning. We'll also discuss the benefits of family meals as a creative (and tasty!) intervention for holistic well-being.

Prime Counseling
Jennifer Shotwell LPC, LCDC, CS, MBA, MS, NCC, EMDR Consultant

Therapist & Consultant, Prime Counseling

Why Your Kids Don't Have To Do Anything

With technology, there is always a way for kids to fool their parents. Instead of fighting and arguing, learn how to use consequences to empower your child and help them learn from their experiences. Utilizing natural consequences allows you to be a parent instead of a probation officer.

Therapy & Counseling

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Amanda Esquivel LPC-S

Owner & Lead Counselor, Room for Change

Prepairing for Rupture & Repair in Therapeutic Relationships

Rupture and repair in counseling relationships with teen clients is a complex phenomenon that must be anticipated, proactively addressed and reactively tended to. In this session we will spend time discussing the unique nuances of rupture in our relationships with teen clients as well as ways to repair those wounds.

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Benjamin Brockman LPC-S, NCC, DBT-LBC

Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Therapist New Perspective Counseling Services

Adolescents and DBT: Creating Stability in Teens and Their Family Systems

Presentation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy treatment and the specific treatment modifications for the adolescent population including the Multi-Family skills training format. A summary of the research to date supporting the effectiveness of DBT treatment with adolescent populations, how to identify competent DBT therapists, and treatment programs will be discussed.

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Meredith Dellorco LCSW

National Director of ABFT Training Program, Newport Healthcare

Rediscovering the Adolescent-Caregiver Bond through Attachment-Based Family Therapy

This presentation will review attachment theory and highlight the impact of attachment ruptures on adolescent mental health. It will then provide an overview of how to utilize Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) to rebuild or establish a secure base between an adolescent and caregivers.

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Jose Lopez PhD, LPC Supervisor (TX), CSC (TX)

Professor, The Chicago School of Psychology

Why Is It challenging for adolescent men to be in therapy?

The workshop is design to provide professionals with a understanding of the specific challenges that male adolescents face in therapy. The workshop will provide an explanation of what some of the challenges male adolescents face in therapy such a differences in emotional expressions, and differences in communicating.

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Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S

Executive Director, STEPS With Horses

Equine Assisted Counseling for Adolescents: The Power of the Human-Equine Bond

In this presentation, explore the transformative impact of the human-equine bond on adolescents with mental health concerns.

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Amara Yachimski, BA

Graduate-Level Counseling Intern, STEPS With Horses

Equine Assisted Counseling for Adolescents: The Power of the Human-Equine Bond

In this presentation, explore the transformative impact of the human-equine bond on adolescents with mental health concerns.

jasmine Ghannadpour
Jasmine Ghannadpour PhD, ABPP

Board Certified Clinical Child Psychologist, Children's Medical Center

Cultural Diversity in Family Based Treatment

Working in a family-based treatment program, we serve a diverse population. As Texas becomes more diverse each year, it benefits us to become more educated on how to help the families we see. We will review components of family-based treatment, acculturation, attitudes toward treatment, and culturally competent care models.

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LaShundra Thomas Ph.D.

Educational Specialist, Children's Health Plano

Management of Eating Disorders in Children & Adolescents Under the MTSS Framework: School Transition Collaboration

An eating disorder is a mental illness that could have long term effects without proper management. Through collaborative treatment and support, children and adolescents can receive the tools needed to be able to manage the disorder when they transition back to school through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports Framework.

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Lindsey Hernandez MS, NCC, LPC, CSC

Mental Health Clinician, Dallas Independent School District

What's FAMILY got to do with it?

This presentation will focus on the impact of family therapy. Attendees will learn different interventions to use with families and help clinicians feel more comfortable with family work. We will also explore how generational trauma impacts family systems and how to create inviting, safe spaces leading to greater family connectedness.

Janie Stubblefield, LPC-S, Mobile Counseling
Janie Stubblefield, LPC-S

Owner, Mobile Counseling, PLLC

Ethics: Tell Me No Lies & Keep Your Hands to Yourself

This interactive workshop on Counseling Ethics will engage in dialog over today’s top ethics questions. This workshop is designed to help mental health professionals enhance their professional standards and meet foundational ethics criteria.

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Tanya Stuart LCSW-BACS,LAC

Co-owner, The Maples Residential

Working with Adolescents and Their Families Using a Holistic Approach

Participants will learn how to set clear boundaries with the family unit
Identify different types of parenting styles
Participants will learn how to identify the family roles. Identifying levels of care for the adolescent. Helping families identify individual and family strengths.

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Brooke Soard, M.Ed., BCSE

Educational Specialist/Educational Diagnostician, Children’s Health Plano

Cultural Diversity in Family Based Treatment

Working in a family-based treatment program, we serve a diverse population. As Texas becomes more diverse each year, it benefits us to become more educated on how to help the families we see. We will review components of family-based treatment, acculturation, attitudes toward treatment, and culturally competent care models.

Miscellaneous Topics

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Aaron Robb Ph.D., LPC-S

Program Director, Forensic Counseling Services

Families in court, professionals on trial: Surviving and thriving with litigating families

Anytime children are being raised between two homes professionals encounter a number of unique issues. When families litigate issues can become hazards. Awareness of best practices with this population is critical to prevent inadvertently harming children and parents, and to achieve maximum effectiveness when providing services.

Christy Bradshaw Schmidt
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, LPC

Expert Consultant and Child Custody Evaluator, Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC

Families in court, professionals on trial: Surviving and thriving with litigating families

Anytime children are being raised between two homes professionals encounter a number of unique issues. When families litigate issues can become hazards. Awareness of best practices with this population is critical to prevent inadvertently harming children and parents, and to achieve maximum effectiveness when providing services.

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Kristin Wolfe PhD, LPC

Clinical Practice Manager, Psychologist Children's Health

Building Resilience and Decreasing Psychological Distress for Mental Health Professionals

This workshop will help participants better understand the risk and protective factors associated with working in mental healthcare, as well as apply practice skills to reduce psychological distress.

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Anetria Hardeman LPC

Owner, Psychotherapist Sacred Spaces and Connections

Understanding the Impact of Grief and Loss in the African-American Adolescent Community

In the African-American adolescent community, grief and loss can carry unique challenges. This interactive workshop aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics within this community. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of these issues, equipping them with the knowledge and empathy to support African-American adolescents facing loss.

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Brittany McGowan MSW

Training & Community Outreach Specialist, Dallas Children's Advocacy Center

REPORT: Best Practice for Professionals Responding to Child Abuse

This training offers practical guidance for professionals on how to best work with investigative parties in a way that protects the investigation, the organization, and most importantly, the child.

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The schedule

The schedule for Tuesday, February 14 + Thursday, February 15 is being finalized and will be released soon. To be the first to get it, be sure to sign up for our email list here.

The location

We're back at the Plano Event Center which offers convenient access to DFW’s major airports and highways, over 900 free parking spaces, and ample space to accommodate 20+ workshops daily.

"Amazing conference, very interesting topics and knowledgeable speakers."

"I have been coming for more than 20 years! Excellent in all areas. Will be back next year!"

"Exceptional event. Loved every workshop attended and both keynotes were amazing. Also, awesome booths!"

"Everything was amazing. This was a wonderful experience. I hope to return next year."

"Great conference! Great facility. Conference organizers very helpful and nice/respectful. Speakers were knowledgeable."

"I have been coming for more than 20 years! Excellent in all areas. Will be back next year!"

Act fast, registration closes January 31

BEST VALUE

2-Day Ticket: February 14-15

$375 per person
  • Includes breakfast and lunch both days, access to Drew Robinson and Drew Myers keynotes as well as their fireside chat on Wednesday, plus access to all workshops and the exhibit hall.

1-Day Ticket: February 14

$250 per person
  • Includes breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, February 14th, access to Drew Robinson's keynote and fireside chat with Drew Myers, all Wednesday workshops, and the exhibit hall.

1-Day Ticket: February 15

$250 per person
  • Includes breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, February 14th, access to Drew Robinson's keynote and fireside chat with Drew Myers, all Wednesday workshops, and the exhibit hall.

Keynote ONLY ft. Drew Robinson

$50 per person
  • Join us Wednesday, February 14 at 8:30am for this unforgettable keynote featuring former MLB player and inspiring suicide survivor, Drew Robinson! Come hear about his incredible journey of strength and resilience.
If you need to register with a PO, please email Pennie Beauchamp at pbeauchamp@mhadallas.org with a copy of the PO and list of attendees & emails.
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