Speaker(s):

Sara Schmitz, MEd, LPC

Presentation:

Children who have been adopted face unique challenges. These challenges range from overcoming early life trauma to identity formation and logistical challenges regarding health history. Children adopted and brought to the United States from foreign countries can face even greater identity challenges and unanswered questions. Special considerations need to be given when treating a child of adoption. The child’s history of developmental trauma and early environment need to be considered when developing a framework, a treatment modality and/or a diagnosis. Identity development is an important stage of growth for all individuals. Children of adoption face these identity challenges, but with an added layer of uncertainty. This presentation will educate providers on the unique challenges faced by children of adoption, as well as provide a culturally competent lens through which to provide treatment.

Objectives:

• Identify how trauma symptoms can mimic those of other psychiatric diagnoses
• Identify the unique challenges faced by children who have been adopted
• Describe the challenges that children adopted from other cultures can face

Slides and Handouts:

Schmitz_Adoption

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker(s):

Caroline Cooper, MS, CMPS

Presentation: “Living with Mental Illness: Inspired by Life” – Every person has the potential to inspire others. People who are challenged by the day-to-day effects of mental illness can impact others by demonstrating the importance of taking recovery seriously and persevering in difficult situations. This presentation includes the following elements: speaker testimony; resources for finding inspiration; and exercises to identify one’s strengths, challenges, and personal wellness/recovery activities. The presentation also includes tips for recognizing our ability to inspire and be inspired. Attendees will be given opportunities to practice tips and discuss presentation content in small groups.

Objectives:

• Describe the positive contributions a mental health consumer can make to society and use this knowledge when providing services to consumers
• Discuss how utilizing wellness/recovery tools can prepare an individual to inspire others
• Present tips to inspire people to make better choices and live a full, productive life

Slides and Handouts: