Author: Beth Sharkey, MSW

Developing Comfort and Confidence with Tapping (EFT)

Catherine Ewing, LCSW, MDivRegister Now for CE programs

Fri, Sept 27, 2024
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
4 CECs

Fee: $100
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

**Optional 6 Week Follow Up Mastery Class Available To Attendees (See description below. Separate registration required.

Getting comfortable using EFT comes with practicing on yourself and with clients who are generally well-functioning, but may be struggling with anxiety, physical pain, intrusive thoughts, past trauma, self-limiting beliefs, or life changes.

The more you use EFT and see the consistent positive results, the less strange it will feel and the more opportunities you will find to use it for your own self-care, with family and friends, and for your clients.

The seminar will include a review of the Basic Recipe for tapping, including tapping points, set-up phrase and basic tapping protocol.

Additional topics to be introduced and further explored will be the Personal Peace Procedure, Tap & Breathe Procedure, Tapping to Install Positive Beliefs, Borrowing Benefits, and how EFT dovetails with the Law of Attraction.

This program is a great follow up for those who have taken Fundamentals of Emotional Freedom Technique: Care for Clients and Practitioners, for those who have taken any Entry Level EFT class, or have been practicing on their own. While the workshop will briefly review the basics of EFT, it is not intended for participants without any prior knowledge.

There will be ample time for group tapping, demonstration with participants, and Q&A.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop more comfort and confidence using EFT for self and with clients
• Understand the Personal Peace Procedure and its appropriate use
• Learn protocol for Tapping in Positive Beliefs
• Learn about the power of Borrowing Benefits in group settings
• Understand the energetic integration of EFT and the LOA
• Learn the Tap & Breathe Procedure

** Mastering EFT Online Follow-Up Series
6 – 90 minute classes: Wednesdays, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23,11/6, 11/13, 11/20 from 6:30 – 8pm.

Mastering EFT Online Follow-Up Series

Catherine Ewing, LCSW, MDivRegister Now for CE programs
6 – 90 minute classes
Wednesdays, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23,11/6, 11/13, 11/20
6:30 pm – 8 pm
9 CECs*

Fee: $225
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

This 6-week, virtual mastery class series will be made available to participants who have taken the Developing Comfort and Confidence Class or any Level 1 or Fundamental EFT Training, with Catherine Ewing or another EFT certified teacher.

Over the course of 6 weeks participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding, sharpen their skills, and develop their confidence in delivering EFT in their clients’ sessions.

Each 90 minute session will include:

  • a check in and time for Q&A regarding tapping sessions from the previous week
  • additional teaching on the aspects of tapping taught in Level 1 or Developing Comfort classes
  • time for practicing the different ways to deliver EFT
  • opportunities for “role play” tapping sessions

* Please be aware that the classes will be recorded for participants to be able to rewatch and review.  Due to the interactive/experiential nature of the teaching modality, and in order to fulfill the requirements, participants MUST attend all 6 classes live and have their video ON in order to receive CECs.

Mastering the Mental Status Exam

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister Now for CE programs
Friday, November 1, 2024
In-person
9:30 am – 4 pm
5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

The Mental Status Exam has long been used as a vital tool in the assessment and diagnosis of clients, yet how to administer this tool effectively is often not learned during the masters level education in the helping professions.

This training will break down each section of this tool, explore exactly what you are assessing, and the best questions to ask to get the needed information.

  • Explore all of the assessment areas of the Mental Status Exam
  • Collect useful questions and methods of assessing each area
  • Practice using the Mental Status Exam tool with clinical examples through vignettes

Clinician Burnout in a Post-Pandemic Politically Charged World

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister Now for CE programs
Friday, September 13, 2024
In-person
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

Clinicians are faced with significant strains on the boundaries of the clinical relationship in this politically charged, post-pandemic climate. Exhausted and pressured, clinicians need support and tools to navigate these unique stressors on clinical practice.

This training explores how clinician burnout has changed under the unique pressures we face today, and offers tools we need to address them.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore the ethical strains on the clinical relationship due to the politically charged climate among health care clinicians
  • Examine the concept of power, what it is and how to build it in oneself and in the workplace
  • Investigate passion for work and how to reignite it when under pressure
  • Connect the concept of values-based purpose with job satisfaction

Compassionate Care: Elderly Protection and Advocacy

Qur-an Webb, MSW
Thursday, August 22, 2024Register Now for CE programs
Live Webinar
2 pm – 4 pm
2 CECs

Registration Fee: $50
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

This training addresses a critical concern in today’s society by focusing on the protection of the elderly from abuse and neglect. Participants will examine the various forms of mistreatment that older individuals may face and explore strategies for prevention, detection, and intervention. The webinar will emphasize the importance of creating safe environments and nurturing a culture of respect and dignity for the elderly. In this interactive training, participants will learn skills to identify signs of abuse and neglect, report incidents appropriately, and work collaboratively with relevant authorities. This training aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to champion the rights and well-being of the elderly and foster a society that values and safeguards its senior members.

Participants in this webinar will:

  • become familiar with mandatory reporting procedures and increase their knowledge of elders’ rights to self-determination
  • examine the role of staff when working with the elderly population to better understand their unique needs and challenges
  • learn about available resources and effective strategies tailored to address the specific needs of the elderly population

From Frazzled to Flourish: Building a Sanctuary for Your Work-From-Home Wellbeing

Yoko Kawai, PhD
Lecturer, Yale School of Architecture
Mon, November 18, 2024Register Now for CE programs
9 am – 12 pm, In-person
3 CECs

This workshop will be recorded. The camera will focus on the presenter, not participants.

Registration Fee: $75
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

The pandemic has significantly impacted the wellbeing of social workers and other practitioners with increased anxiety, depression, and isolation due to demanding caseloads and the shift to telehealth. This workshop will empower you to create a supportive work environment that nourishes your mental health and enhances your professional capacity. By prioritizing self-care as a foundational step to providing optimal client care, you’ll learn how to design a “healthy spatial journey” for your work-from-home space. Discover research-backed strategies to transform your environment into a sanctuary that fosters both personal renewal and professional effectiveness.

Participants are encouraged to bring photos (on your phones) of your work-from-home spaces. These photos can serve as reminders of your typical work environments. Sharing your photos is entirely optional. The photos should ideally capture spaces you frequent or move through during your workday. This could include your home office, kitchen, bathroom, living room, backyard, or even neighborhood parks and cafes. The workshop will include a 1 hour lecture and 2 hours of experiential learning.

By attending this workshop, you will:

  • understand how your work environment can impact your mental wellbeing.
  • discover a six-step process for creating a supportive work-from-home space.
  • apply the first steps of this process through interactive exercises.
  • develop a personalized plan for improving your work-from-home environment.

Challenging Stereotypes of the Black Woman

Shauna Figueroa, LCSW
Tuesday, October 29, 2024Register Now for CE programs
6 pm – 8 pm
Live Webinar
2 CECs – this program provides 2 hours of content on cultural competency

Registration Fee: $50
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

The Challenging Stereotypes of the Black Women training is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the stereotypes and realities surrounding the Black Woman narrative. This training series seeks to unpack the historical roots, societal impact, and contemporary implications of this harmful stereotype, while fostering understanding, empathy, and allyship among participants.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore the origins and perpetuation of the Black Woman stereotype, examining its portrayal in media, literature, and popular culture, and its impact on the lived experiences of Black women.
  • Discuss the intersectional nature of identity and oppression, emphasizing how race, gender, class, sexuality, and other factors intersect to shape individuals’ experiences and perceptions within society.
  • Empower participants to become allies and advocates for racial and gender equity, fostering inclusive environments where all voices are valued and respected.
  • Develop strategies for challenging stereotypes, disrupting bias, and promoting positive representations of Black women in their personal and professional spheres.

Psychedelic-Assisted Mental Health Treatment

C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHPRegister Now for CE programs
Distinguished Professor and Chair, Pharmacy Practice, UConn School of Pharmacy
Wed, Sept 25, 2024 – Live Webinar
10 am – 11:30 am
1.5 CECs

Registration Fee: $37.50
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor and Chair, Pharmacy Practice at the UConn School of Pharmacy, will discuss the clinical evidence behind psychedelic treatments for mental health disorders. While more research is needed on the effectiveness of psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health disorders, Dr. White will discuss and clarify their potential therapeutic benefits and risks.

At the conclusion of this lecture, the participants will be able to:

  • Describe the similarities of common mental health disorders and the mechanisms of action for current pharmacologic treatment options and psychedelics.
  • Describe the pooled impact of psychedelics on mental health disorders and the strength of evidence for benefit.
  • Describe the potential implications for treating patients with psychedelics for mental health disorders and what are the risks (including risks of self-medicating with illicit products)
  • Describe the unique role of social workers when dealing with patients who have mental health disorders if psychedelics are a treatment option
  • Describe what legal hurdles need to be overcome

Unmasking Gang Culture: Understanding and Addressing Gang Behavior

Anthony Gay
Thursday, November 21, 2024Register Now for CE programs
Live Webinar
6 pm – 8 pm
2 CECs – this program provides at least 1 hour of content on cultural competency

Registration Fee: $50
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

In this training we will look at the psychological and social factors that contribute to gangs and their historical roots and evolution in America to gain an understanding of the socio-economic factors that fuel their existence. We will examine the alarming intersection between gangs and Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), shedding light on the complex dynamics that perpetuate exploitation. We will analyze the pervasive influence of media on gang culture, from its portrayal in movies to the role of music in shaping perceptions and recruitment. Finally, we will explore effective strategies and solutions aimed at addressing gangs, encompassing community-based interventions, law enforcement approaches, and preventative measures to create safer societies.

Participants in this webinar will:

  • understand the historical roots and evolution of gangs and the socio-economic factors that impact their existence
  • explore the psychological and social factors that contribute to the formation of gangs
  • examine the intersection between gangs and Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST)
  • explore a range of strategies aimed at addressing gang-related issues

Client Affect Management: Helpful Tools for Success

Donald deGraffenried, LCSW
Friday, July 19, 2024 – in-personRegister Now for CE programs
9 am – 4:30 pm
6 CECs

Registration Fee: $150
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and current SSW Field Instructors

Client Affect Management involves working with your client to learn and practice specific relaxation skills that help with stress management and contribute to an increase in resiliency and coping. The goal is to help the client with a reduction of anxiety, an increase in self-esteem and an increased ability to be proactive in the management of personal distress.

Using an Ericksonian perspective, this seminar will draw from his successful techniques of introducing “state change” into the client’s perspective. The program is designed to provide clinicians with training and practice with proven Affect Management tools. These tools are structured to reduce client distress, increase positive states and engage a solution building process. Techniques include One Stone, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Healing Light Visualization, An Enhanced Safe Place and Heart Math.

These tools are appropriate for all age levels and will have direct application for practitioners working in community mental health, nonprofit agencies and private practice settings.

At the conclusion of this seminar, participants will:

  • learn a one-minute relaxation tool and be able to teach it to clients
  • be able to describe the core elements of positive affirmations
  • learn Seven Basic Principle’s for success with clients
  • have an opportunity to practice Affect Management tools
  • be able to identify which tool(s) to use and when to use them in their practice with clients