Given the fact that countless traumatized clients suffer from co-morbid medical and mental health disorders, in this 6-hour workshop participants will learn about the etiology, epidemiology and diagnostic criteria for all of the affective and anxiety disorders in DSM-5. The first half of the workshop will be led by Dr. Kevin Ferentz, a primary care physician nationally recognized in the treatment of depression and anxiety. He will address the medical and mental health impact of these diagnoses, especially when they go undiagnosed and untreated. Participants will get information about assessing for suicidality. They will learn about the most recent pharmacological treatment options, as well as their potential side effects. This will also include an important discussion about the difference between “response” to a drug and full “remission” and alleviation of symptoms. He will also discuss the research, benefits and risks associated with supplements, “medical” marijuana, ECT, and other alternative treatment approaches. The somatization of depressive symptoms will be explored, as clients often present in Doctor’s offices with physical, rather than emotional complaints. An emphasis will be placed on a collaborative treatment approach between mental health providers and primary care physicians.
In the second half of the workshop, we will explore a variety of non-pharmacological treatment options for clients who either refuse medication or for clinicians to use in conjunction with pharmacological intervention. We will look at the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model and discuss the intra-psychic, inter-personal, and environmental stressors and life events that trigger or exacerbate depression and anxiety. Participants will learn how to address the “medication myths” that often make clients initially resistant to considering an anti-depressant or anxiolytic, so clients can make informed and educated decisions about medication. We will also process creative ways to help clients navigate depressed or anxious moods including: cognitive re-framing and positive self-talk: using art therapeutically; parts work; guided imagery and visualizations; journaling; and Solution-focused strategies.
8:45-10:00 am
10:00-10:07 am Break
10:07-11:00 am
11:00-11:08 am Break
11:08-12:00 pm Pharmacological treatment options
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-2:00 pm
2:00-2:08 pm Break
2:08-3:00 pm
3:00-3:07 pm Break
3:07-4:15 pm