Self Care

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Gargis, Heather, MA, LPC, SEP, NATP (In Training)

Heather Gargis, LPC, SEP, NATP (In Training), has a thriving therapy practice in St. Louis, MO. She is certified in Somatic Experiencing and NeuroAffective Touch as well as EMDR and IFS trained.
Through a holistic therapeutic approach, she helps clients who have endured complex trauma by focusing on fostering a compassionate relationship between the mind and body. A seasoned somatic trauma therapist, Heather’s diverse skill set allows her to offer a range of services in trauma healing, making a real impact on her client’s well-being.
Beyond one-on-one therapy, Heather loves teaching at different trainings and workshops, consulting with other practitioners, and guest lecturing at the local universities where she equips mental health professionals with holistic and practical applications for trauma recovery and embodiment.
Outside of the office, Heather enjoys reading fantasy fiction (the more witches, the better!), playing tennis and pickleball, as well as trying new restaurants.
 

Presentation(s):

Somatic Therapies and Trauma: Healing for the Whole Self

 

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Thomas, Sarah, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Dr. Thomas currently serves as the Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness at A.T. Still University. Founded as the original osteopathic medical school in Kirksville, Missouri, ATSU has expanded to include campuses in Phoenix, Arizona, Santa Maria, California, and an online program. In her role, Dr. Thomas leads a team of professionals to provide quality behavioral health care to students in professional healthcare programs. In addition, Dr. Thomas serves as a subject matter expert to lecture regarding all aspects of well-being, including an elective course for medical students on resilience and mindfulness in medicine. Dr. Thomas previously worked in a federally qualified health center, adolescent residential care, and community mental health. Dr. Thomas completed a Doctorate of Education in Healthcare Professions in May of 2022 from A.T. Still University and received her MSW and BSW from the University of Missouri School of Social Work in 2005 and 2003.

Presentation(s):

Real Self-Care for Mental Health Practitioners: Strategies to Prevent and Treat Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

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Somatic Therapies and Trauma: Healing for the Whole Self

Room Parasol II

Speaker(s):

Heather Gargis, MA, LPC, SEP, NATP

Description

Embark on a transformative exploration of somatic therapies and trauma in this presentation, where the focus extends beyond conventional cognitive approaches. We will delve into a deeper understanding of the nervous system, unraveling the complexities of the trauma response, and moving beyond mere cognition into the profound healing wisdom of the body. Participants will be able to define the innate threat response cycle and its role in fostering resilience and facilitating a comprehensive healing process that recognizes the body as an integral player in the narrative.
In this journey, participants will learn about key concepts of interoception and proprioception as they explore the internal landscape of sensation and movement through experiential exercises. Building a profound relationship with the body becomes a cornerstone, unlocking the wisdom and intellect inherent in the body. The presentation serves as a roadmap for participants to venture into nuanced realms, cultivating a deeper understanding of the body’s language. Through gaining an understanding of the importance of attuning to the nervous system in therapy and supporting clients in redefining their relationship with the bodies, participants will be empowered to guide clients toward profound self-discovery and restoration, transcending the boundaries of traditional talk therapy.

Objectives

    • Define “somatic” therapies: Establish a professional understanding of the term within a conceptual framework.
    • Analyze the phases and methods of completing the threat response cycle for fostering resilience and comprehensive healing.
    • Describe 3 somatic interventions that can be used in clinical settings
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Self-Awareness

Room Parasol II

Speaker(s):

Le’Anne Schlotzhauer, BS

Description

This presentation is interactive and includes background information on the concept of self-awareness and how we can use both internal and external self-awareness to create a purposeful life.

Objectives

    • Identify the benefits of self-awareness.
    • Discuss ways to enhance your personal self-awareness.
    • Utilize effective ways to develop external self-awareness.
    • Explore your personal potential.
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Real Self-Care for Mental Health Practitioners: Strategies to Prevent and Treat Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

Room Parasol II

Speaker(s):

Sarah Thomas, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Description

When we think about self-care we often visualize vacations, spa days, dinner out, and maybe even that morning cup of coffee. While these strategies are important, in this presentation we will go deeper. Let’s talk about strategies to improve your work day, advocate for your needs, prevent burnout and fatigue, and recover from the difficult and essential work that you do.

Objectives

    • Define burnout and compassion fatigue.
    • Discuss the detrimental effects of burnout and compassion fatigue on mental health care professionals.
    • Describe key strategies for mindfulness and flow state.
    • Identify a personalized essential self-care plan to prevent and work-related distress.
    • Utilize tools to advocate for wellbeing in your workplace.
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YOU GOT TO DO SOMETHING “Balancing Your Life”

Leeward 74-75

 

Speaker(s):

Brooks, Estelle, MSW

Description

The Wheel of Life is a simple, yet powerful concept that can help you move from feelimg stuck in your current state of living to have a vision for a more balanced and purposeful life. Usimg the Wheel of Life visual worksheet gives participants an immediate overview of how balanced their current life is at this moment.

Participants will learn how to identify their six most important areas, create a vision for each area and develop plans for action that lead to a well-balanced life with greater energy, happiness, love, and meaning.

Objectives

1. Consider each area of your life and assess what’s off balance
2. Assess the amount of attention you’re currently devoting to each area.
3. Identify the areas that need attention, it’s time to plan the actions needed to work on regaining balance

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Compassion Fatigue for Behavioral Health Workers

Leeward 74-75

 

Speaker(s):

Sandidge, Isaac, MA

Description

This course is intended for behavioral health workers who wish to learn more about how experiencing traumatic events, either directly or indirectly, as a first responder reacting to an emergency or crisis situation may impact their professional and personal wellbeing. Taught through a behavioral health (mental health and substance use) lens, the instructor will incorporate lecture, PowerPoint and activities.

Objectives

Define and discuss the impact of trauma, vicarious trauma, and burnout on professional and personal wellbeing
Identify compassion fatigue and burnout warning signs
Describe individualized self-care and resiliency strategies to mitigate the damaging impacts of trauma and associated stress responses

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We Understand Trauma for Patients…What About Us as Providers?

Leeward 74-75

 

Speaker(s):

Keeton, Zhanna, MBA, MA, LPC, CCTS, BA

Description

Let’s talk about how trauma affects providers in the behavioral health field and what we can do as peers and leaders of organizations.

Objectives

1. Describe the physiology behind trauma as it relates to providers.
2. Review realistic calming techniques in the workplace.
3. Discuss ways to shift towards supporting providers through policies and procedures.
4. Discuss expanding your perspective of compassion for fellow providers.

Keeton Presentation

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Using “Dosing” as a Model for Self-Care: Clinicians and Clients Alike

Leeward 74-75

 

Speaker(s):

Scaccia, Jamie, PsyD

Wilson, Amy, PsyD

Description

Self-care. Did you flinch? Did you roll your eyes? Self-Care has developed a bad reputation. With caregivers and professionals regularly overtaxed and under-resourced, self-care is like a weight at the bottom of a to-do list. Unfortunately, we remain stressed, anxious, depressed, and burnt out as a result.

Instead of spa days, let us start thinking about self-care as a dose of medicine. Each spoon full is a few minutes of recharging time that adds up to a healthy treatment of our minds, bodies, and relationships. We will use our time to explore what dosing means, how it can be understood within a clinical relationship, and how we may apply it to our own lives.

(Please note for this and our other presentation submission, slides do not include those that are copyrighted and will be more thorough for presentation. Copyrighted slides will be used with permission from author.)

Objectives

1. Define “dosing” within the context of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Dr. Bruce Perry).
2. Identify what makes self-care hard to follow through on, despite knowing its value and relationship to secondary trauma and burn out.
3. Practice dosing self-care and outline how it may be implemented in their lives and lives of their clients.

Sccaccia Wilson Handout

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Understanding My Normal vs Their Normal

Leeward 74-75

 

Speaker(s):

Zwolak, Steve, MEd

Description

The is an opportunity to begin to unpack how you “”Normal”” influences how you see others.
WHY…WHY have I chosen my profession?

WHY do I do what I do?

Why do I only see what I see?

Why do I feel what I feel?

Understanding your WHY, truly inspires the WHAT and HOW.

Teaching/clinical work today must have deep roots in REFLECTIVE ENGAGEMENT within ourselves, our children/students, clients and families. It is tightly knitted braiding of education and mental health to advance Mental wellness

Today, more so than ever!

Objectives

1. Describe the deep need for reflective practices
2. Describe the long term impact of COVID on our children and families
3. Discuss high levels of resilience is necessary, particularly now!

Zwolak Presentation