Agenda

Description

The workshop emphasizes addiction as a treatable, chronic disease involving interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and the individual’s life experiences. We will discuss the reward pathways in the brain and its rewiring during addiction. We also will cover the important issue of sex difference in addiction and its implication in treatment. Important for professionals to also understand, there is a strong relationship between co-occurrence of substance abuse/addiction and mental disorders such as schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, and ADHD. Understanding the underlying neuronal mechanism of co-morbidity is essential in adopting effective strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. The basic anatomy and physiology of the brain as they relate to addiction and related mental illness
2. The common underlying neurophysiology/neuropharmacology of comorbidity of addiction and some other common mental disorders
3. Sex differences in addiction and important ways that women’s brains are “wired” differently from those of men, allowing for a more gender-responsive approach in treatment of women in recovery

Elizabeth Reese, PhD is a licensed psychologist at Arise Psychological Wellness and Consulting, PLLC where she provides psychotherapy and trains and supervises clinical psychology doctoral students in clinical practice. She has expertise in the provision of evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders (SUD), and at present, primarily treats SUD among individuals dually diagnosed with trauma and stressor-related disorders. She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was involved in supervising and training in diagnostic assessment and implementation of behaviorally focused interventions for substance use disorders and where she continues to collaborate on SUD treatment evaluation research. She has additionally published on neurobiological mechanisms of substance use disorders and problematic barriers limiting the translation of neuroscience research into clinical practice in the context of SUD treatment.

Description

Relationships are one of the most central elements of gender responsive substance use treatment and can also be one of the most difficult to manage. While there are many contributions to the nature of any individual relationship between a staff member and their clients, there are a variety of ethical principles that should be considered as a guide for navigating these dynamics. This program will provide education regarding the foundations of relational theories that are embedded in women’s substance use treatment, will consider related ethical principles across a variety of treatment staff roles, and will offer strategies for navigating relationship questions or challenges in clinical settings.

This program is designed for a multidisciplinary audience of women’s substance use disorder treatment team members.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Reflect on the theoretical and foundational relational themes that are central to gender responsive substance use treatment
2. Identify related ethical principles that are shared by the variety of service providers in women’s substance use treatment
3. Explore practical applications of these theories and principles in relationship management in women’s substance use treatment, including case example
4. Consider where resources are available to seek ethical code clarity, and to navigate difficult relational questions

Andrea Winkler, LCSW, LCAS, PLLC is a practice-based trainer for Duke AHEC, specializing in topics related to substance use, gender responsive treatment and trauma informed care across healthcare settings. She currently provides integrated (MH and SUD) clinical services through her private practice. Andrea is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill’s MSW and Substance Use Certificate programs and began her clinical career with the Duke Family Care Program. Andrea spent twelve years with outpatient psychiatry at Duke University Hospital before starting her private practice and growing her training and consultation services. Andrea has been contracted with NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services for gender specific substance use disorder block grant activities since 2023.

https://www.andreawinklerpllc.com/

Description

Learn about common origins of co-dependence, how to identify signs and symptoms, and how to overcome unhealthy communication patterns. You’ll discover key strategies to create healthy connections to promote long-term recovery for women and their families and foster positive change, breaking generational patterns that no longer serve their best interests.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the root cause of codependency characteristics
2. List signs and symptoms of co-dependence and how they manifest in adulthood
3. Discuss ways to help clients become aware and change codependent communication and behavior patterns
4. Explore ways in which practitioners’ own codependency issues may show up in their work
5. Identify strategies for creating healthy connections in recovery

Judi Swayne, LCSW, LCAS has been active in the addiction field since 1995. She completed her master’s in social work at Temple University where she did her social work internships in mental health and substance abuse. She moved from the Philadelphia area to Asheville in 2002. She has her LCSW and LCAS. Since being in Asheville, she has worked in a variety of settings serving those with substance use disorders including detox, women’s day treatment, perinatal substance abuse, intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient and residential treatment. She is currently the Substance Use Disorder Coordinator at the Asheville VA where she has been since 2009. Judi began her own codependency work in 1998 when she learned that codependency is a root for many people with substance use and other disorders. She is passionate about helping others learn how their early childhood patterns impact their adult experiences. In her professional life Judi has seen many people return to use as the result of relationship issues or other codependency issues such as low self-esteem or perfectionism.

Description

This workshop focuses on bringing high ethical standards and cultural competence together in mental health and substance use clinical supervision. We will review ethical standards pertaining to supervision, including remote and electronic guidelines, which have recently added a layer of complexity.

Diversity and multicultural issues will be examined through the lens of a Supervisory Genogram. We will also explore supervisory boundaries in detail. This will be an opportunity to contemplate your own supervisory competence in an experiential manner.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two areas of growth needed to expand supervisory competence as mental health and substance use practitioners
2. Construct a Supervisory Genogram to explore diversity and multicultural issues
3. Describe at least two issues of supervisory boundaries pertaining to technology

Dayna Guido, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and educator in Asheville, NC, with 45 years of experience. She specializes in clinical supervision and ethical consultations for individuals, groups, and organizations. Dayna is the author of Creative Ways to Learn Ethics: An Experiential Training Manual for Helping Professionals and co-author of The Parental Tool Box for Parents and Clinicians.

Dayna is well known for the vast array of training she has delivered for many years, particularly in ethics and clinical supervision. She is described as innovative, creative, engaging, thought-provoking, and humorous in her style. For over 20 years Dayna was an Adjunct Instructor in Social Work and Counseling Graduate Schools. Currently, she serves on the NASW NC Committee for Ethics.

Description

This six-hour workshop will demonstrate how the 'spirit' of MI and the skills that are part of the intervention model can result in profound motivation for clients, while reducing frustration and burn-out for providers! Learners will have an opportunity to practice skills which may immediately be used upon completion of this workshop to help clients identify goals and chart a path for ongoing growth.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the four components of the 'spirit' of MI
2. Explain how embracing these components is helpful to both clients and provider
3. List the 4 key communication skills used in MI-informed interventions
4. Practice using the 4 key communication skills
5. Demonstrate an ability to incorporate ongoing learning goals for the use of MI with fidelity and skill

Laurie Conaty, LCSW, LCAS is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with more than 30 years of experience providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment, training, professional consultation, and clinical interventions. She is a member of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and is a MINT Certified Trainer. She is currently the MI Implementation Coordinator for NC TASC as they are committed to utilizing Motivational Interviewing with every client encounter.

Laurie is trained in “Love First Clinical Interventions” by Jeff and Debra Jay. She is EMDR Level 2 trained and trained in CBT, DBT and ACT. She has held clinical faculty appointments at both Duke University and UNC-CH and currently provides ASAM training for the State of NC for community mental health/SUD providers. She is in private practice in Sanford, NC and provides training and consultation to clinics and agencies about the integration of Motivational Interviewing and/or ASAM PPC into their work setting.

Description

The Greek myth of Chiron, the Wounded Healer, is often interpreted as a metaphor for personal growth through suffering, highlighting how one's deepest wounds can lead to wisdom and empathy for others. In this presentation, Dr. Greene weaves her personal journey of substance use disorder, trauma, mental illness, and recovery through the lenses of the original adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) study, positive childhood experiences (PCE), and recovery science. Participants will leave the presentation with a sense of hope and appreciation for the strength of the human spirit.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Tell the story of Chiron, The Wounded Healer
2. Explain the impact of PCEs in mitigating long-term consequences of ACEs
3. Describe key findings and insights of current recovery science

Description

Twelve times a day/night we go through creative cycles. When we are in the heart of challenge or difficulty it typically last 20 minutes before nature kicks us out to provide a break. So, all of us are geniuses of facing difficulty, but often forget to take nature’s break afterwards to renew and refresh. When challenged with substance use difficulties, imagine developing skills to face difficulties head-on and then being able to take a rewarding break in place of a substance.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how time heals according to chronobiology (the science of time) that underlies all change
2. Apply the 4-Stage Creative cycle of healing
3. List at least three key principles of how to live a fear-free life
4. Describe human dimensions that contribute and adapt to live a peaceful life (Physical, Behavioral, Emotional, Cultural, Social, Cognitive, Philosophical and Spiritual)
5. Explain how to help clients experience body-mind healing through the psychodrama of Yoga Story

Kathryn Rossi Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist who has extensively contributed to the field of psychotherapy and therapeutic hypnosis. She has edited, authored and/or co-authored 63 books/chapters, 75 scientific papers, 60 podcasts, videos and more. Dr. Rossi developed theories and practices to Transform Grief to Peace and created the mind-body psychodrama of Story Yoga. With her husband, Ernest Rossi, she founded the field of Psychosocial Genomics. Dr. Rossi teaches Internationally and has a private practice in Los Osos, California. She believes that each day is a precious day for learning and developing new consciousness, and she is dedicated to helping people find happiness and to overcome addictive behaviors. To learn more, please go to KathrynRossi.com. For podcasts on Experiencing Consciousness go to your favorite streaming service: YouTube, Spotify, Apple.

Description

Cultural shifts, amongst a myriad of other factors, have resulted in the highest rates of STIs in US history. As a result of these shifts, it is imperative that all professionals working with women in recovery are able to identify signs and symptoms of common STIs in general, and specifically have a deep understanding of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Time is of the essence in referring clients for care and helping them achieve sexual health. This session will help you become familiar with screening guidelines, based on an individual’s unique risks. Armed with this vital knowledge, you are an integral partner in supporting sexual health for women in recovery and their families. Together, we can prevent STIs across the lifespan and tremendously enhance quality of life.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the cultural shifts contributing to the highest rates of STIs in US History
2. Identify signs and symptoms of common STIs with a focus on syphilis and congenital syphilis
3. Describe the opportunities for prevention of STIs across the lifespan
4. Recognize screening guidelines matching an individual's unique risks
5. Verbalize an urgency to participate in supporting sexual health for women in recovery

Shannon Dowler, MD, is a Family Physician, Fellow, and Certified Physician Executive (CPE). Currently, she is an STI Consultant for the US HHS OASH supporting the Congenital Syphilis Task Force as well as a Deputy Medical Director for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Health Department. She serves on the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). She is an advisor on the Nurture NC Steering Committee, an initiative to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce disparities through targeted policy reform.

Immediate past CMO of NC Medicaid and Assistant Secretary for Health Access for NCDHHS, she led efforts throughout COVID with a focus on increasing testing and vaccination in Historically Marginalized Populations and rapidly transforming Medicaid clinical policies to accommodate telehealth. She blended her work on the payer side with department-wide initiatives geared towards improving health care and access for all populations and was a key leader in the Medicaid Expansion work.

An avid educator and advocate for sexual health, Dr. Dowler speaks at the local, state, and national level on STD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to professional and lay audiences. Known by the moniker, "RapDktaD,” she has produced many educational rap videos (the second – “STDs Never Get Old” - achieving brief international attention), and in 2023 John Hopkins Press published, Never Too Late: Your Guide to Safer Sex After Sixty. To learn more, go to ShannonDowlerMD.com!

A resident of Madison County, Dr. Dowler volunteers at ABCCM and teaches English as a Second Language when not playing with her baby goats, chickens, dogs, and barn cats.

Description

Have you felt overwhelmed with the needs of the people around you whether that be at home or at work? Do you find yourself feeling resentful or using the words "burned out" to describe your current situation? As people who are serving others daily, we often find ourselves lacking in areas that provide protection and wellness. Let's spend some time together to explore ways we can set healthy boundaries and find balance in our own lives, to improve our ability to meet the needs of women in recovery.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the importance of setting and respecting our own boundaries, as well as those around us in order to honor our core values and personal goals
2. List three key components to create a healthy sense of identity and self-awareness, improving healthy relationships and to ensure overall professional health and wellbeing
3. Establish flexibility and well-being in areas such as emotional, physical, mental, time and energy to prevent personal and professional burnout
4. Develop two strategies for learning to say “no,” even if that means saying no to yourself, while protecting your own mental health

Nicole “Nikki” Lewis is the owner of Redefined Counseling Center, PLLC in Kinston, NC. As a clinician and supervisor, Nikki has been in practice for 18 years and attended the School of Social Work program at East Carolina University, completing her bachelor’s degree in December 2002 and continued at ECU, completing her master’s degree through the advance standing program in April 2004. She began her career working at Cherry Hospital as a clinician and later the social work supervisor of the admissions unit. After leaving Cherry Hospital, she served as a clinician and supervisor at various non-profit, community mental health, and private practice offices doing what she loves the most; developing professional relationships with her clients and helping them discover their own path to meet their goals of life improvement and mental wellness. Prior to opening Redefined Counseling Center, PLLC; Nikki served at PORT Health for over 8 years as the Program Supervisor in the Kinston Office. She has extensive knowledge and experience working with clients with concerns related to grief, trauma, relationship loss, life transitions and stress, addiction, depression, and anxiety. She utilizes various treatment modalities and provides a person centered, solution focused approach to aid in quick recovery and stabilization. Nikki also has a passion for serving first responders and has provided critical incident stress management services throughout eastern NC since 2002. Of all the opportunities to serve and lead, Nikki is most proud of serving as an educator and advocate to help fight the stigma related to mental health and addiction. She has served on various committees and boards to help fight the opioid battle in Lenoir County and to provide a safe space for those seeking treatment, as they pursue mental wellness.

Description

The women’s gender responsive substance use disorder treatment in North Carolina has its roots in work that began in the 1970s. The foundations and evolution over decades, will be discussed, resulting in participants understanding the current context in which substance use disorder treatment work with women is occurring, and how that connects to their role in the larger picture.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the difference between traditional treatment programs and women’s gender responsive treatment programs
2. Recognize the evolution or updates in approaches over the past 50 years
3. State three key elements of women’s gender responsive substance use disorder treatment

Melissa L. Godwin, MSW, LCSW is a clinical social worker who has a Clinical Associate Professor appointment at UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work. Early in her career she provided substance use prevention services and mental health treatment services in school-based health settings and served as a high-risk perinatal social worker in urban Federally Qualified Health Centers. Melissa has provided women’s gender responsive substance use disorder services, technical assistance, and training in North Carolina since 2004, under a contract with the North Carolina NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. She obtained her Bachelor of University Studies at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University.

Description

Emerging research shows that addiction is a family disease that requires family interventions. Yet, many addiction treatment programs have not integrated interventions which include the unique needs of the family system (biological or chosen family) and the experiences of children who grew up with caregivers in recovery. For perinatal and parenting women with substance use histories, repairing familial and child relationships (minor and adult) are essential to one’s recovery journey. The purpose of this workshop is to help providers implement culturally responsive interventions to promote generational healing for women and families impacted by addiction.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define “Family Systems Framework” in addiction treatment.
2. Identify familial substance use and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
3. Describe culturally responsive tools and practices to promote familial healing and strategies for adults to reparent their inner child.

Essence Hairston, LCSW, LCAS, CCS is a Clinical Instructor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist at UNC Chapel Hill’s Department of Ob/Gyn. She serves as the Outpatient Program Manager and Director of Community Engagement and Integrated Treatment Services and Co-Chair of the DEI Taskforce at UNC Horizons-Wake. Most of her experience consists of intensive substance abuse treatment, with eleven years of working in residential treatment programs. She is focused on the intersectionality of perinatal and maternal substance use and mood disorders, adverse childhood experiences, reproductive justice, and integrative health care models that include a reproductive and social justice lens. She oversees the interdisciplinary outpatient SUD program and perinatal/maternal substance use legal services at Horizons. Additionally, Essence leads the statewide post-release SUD initiative for pregnant and parenting women with a SUD transitioning out of carceral settings in North Carolina, in which she provides clinical and administrative supervision for substance use providers that provide behavioral health services at carceral settings. She has worked with public defenders, district attorneys, and probation and parole offices to promote caregiver-child reunification efforts on the local, state, and federal levels.

Description

Beyond Anger and Violence: A Program for Women is a gender responsive curriculum developed by Stephanie S. Covington. Research has demonstrated that gender-responsive and trauma-informed programs designed by Covington are effective in engaging individuals with lived experiences of both incarceration and substance use. The program interventions help participants gain perspective

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Articulate an overview of the Beyond Anger and Violence curriculum by Stephanie S. Covington including topics, activities, strengths, and challenges
2. Discuss challenges in and techniques for addressing trauma-related topics within the substance use disorder treatment setting in ways that minimize triggering of trauma or addictive responses while creating space for healing and recovery work

Selden Holt, LCSW, LCAS-A works as an outpatient therapist with UNC Horizons in Carrboro, NC. During the past ten years she has provided individual therapy and helped refine and co-facilitate groups to empower pregnant and parenting women in recovery. Selden will provide a program overview, demonstration of activities, and insight into how to use Stephanie Covington's Beyond Anger and Violence curriculum to foster the growth of women in recovery today.

Description

Join our new Women’s Services Coordinator for an overview and update on current North Carolina clinical policy, system transitions and new legislation impacting the care of pregnant people, women, and their families in recovery and substance use disorder treatment. Due to its vital nature, this “must know” information is presented to all conference attendees.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Outline current clinical policy, practices, and legislation impacting the care of pregnant people, women, and their families, setting the stage for best practice in the provision of services and the continuation of optimal health outcomes in North Carolina

Description

Strategies are presented which help foster self-compassion and resilience in women in recovery with a specific emphasis on creating connection.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key challenges unique to women in recovery and explore strategies to overcome them.
2. Discuss the impact of stigma and shame on women’s recovery journeys and techniques for fostering self-compassion and resilience.

Elisabeth Johnson, PhD, FNP-BC, CARN-AP, LCAS is the Division Director for UNC Horizons, a comprehensive substance use treatment program for pregnant and parenting people. As a nurse practitioner, she has over twenty years of clinical experience in women’s health and pediatrics, including providing prenatal care for women with substance use disorders. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr Johnson has published in peer review journals and has presented at regional, state, and national conferences. She currently serves on the board of NC Society of Addiction Medicine and the Addictions Nursing Certification Board. Dr Johnson is a native of North Carolina. Her roots have deeply influenced her career and have helped to drive her deep commitment to serving her community through improving health outcomes and advocating for equitable care.

Description

In this session, participants will be introduced to the “New Kid on the Block” in the recovery ecosystem - Recovery Community Centers (RCCs). RCCs are frequently referred to as “recovery hubs,” filling the gap between substance use disorder treatment and recovery housing. Preliminary data suggests RCCs may be particularly impactful in supporting individuals with opioid use disorders who utilize medications to support recovery. Using the backdrop of Johnson City Recovery Center (JCRC), which Dr. Greene founded in 2022, she will share what’s known to date through both practical experience and scientific data. JCRC was built on the best and most current recovery science from Harvard’s Recovery Research Institute, and more specifically, the RRI’s research arm, Advancing the Science of Recovery Centers.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define recovery community centers
2. Discuss preliminary scientific findings regarding the efficacy of RCCs
3. Confidently refer clients/patients with OUD to RCCs

Dr. Greene is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at East Tennessee State University. She is also the Executive Director of Johnson City Recovery Center, which she founded in 2022. She has spent the past 40 years supporting people in recovery in a variety of settings: peer support, clinical services, and academia. Dr. Greene holds a PhD from the University of Utah and an MSW from UNC-Chapel Hill. Among her career highlights are the development of two graduate certificate programs for addiction counseling in two universities, Western Carolina University and East Tennessee State University; two terms on the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board; one term on the National Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers; and most recently, the creation of Johnson City Recovery Center, the first recovery community center in Northeast Tennessee. Dr. Greene’s scholarly interests include recovering addiction professionals, self-care, yoga, mindfulness, and recovery science.

Description

Group counseling is a frequently used substance use disorder (SUD) counseling format. This two-hour workshop provides a theory of group development as well as specific gender-responsive SUD group approaches for counselors who work with women in recovery. During a targeted Q&A session, participants will also have an opportunity to apply the information to their own clinical setting.

Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the theoretical development of groups
2. Articulate specific SUD group approaches which may work well for women in recovery
3. Apply the information to one’s own clinical setting through an organized Q&A period

Geri Miller, PhD, Diplomate in Counseling Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP); Licensed Psychologist (LP) (NC); Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) (NC); Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) (NC); Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) (NCCAP) is a Human Relations Trainer/Consultant. She taught in higher education for 32 years and retired as Professor in 2022. Dr. Miller has worked in the counseling profession since 1976 and in the substance use disorders field since 1979. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services and worked as a volunteer psychologist at the Watauga County Health Department for 25 years through December 2020. Dr. Miller has published and presented research on counseling. She currently has a book in press with Cognella, A Practical Guide to Facilitating Substance Use Disorder Recovery, which is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2025. In 2023 she published another book with Cognella, Academic Violence and Bullying of Faculty. She has published multiple books with Wiley Press: Incorporating Spirituality in Counseling and Psychotherapy (2003), Fundamentals of Crisis Counseling (2011), Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling (2012), and Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling (5th Edition) (2021). She is a member of the American Counseling Association's divisions of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC) and the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC); and the American Psychological Association's Psychology of Religion (Division 36) and Addictions (Division 50). She has served on The North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.