SPEAKERS

2025 Social Work Conference Fall Edition

“Nurturing Holistic Wellness & Exploring Alternative Approaches to Mental Health”

Healing Beyond the Couch: Alternative Approaches for Couples on the Brink

Melissa ratliff sorrell, LCSW

Presentation Content

Identify limitations of traditional couples therapy and explore alternative approaches that foster emotional safety and relational growth
Apply a structured framework with experiential interventions for high-conflict couples and trauma survivors
Demonstrate use of 'The Clearing Process' for emotional healing and relationship repair through interactive practice
Evaluate personal biases, countertransference, and boundaries to improve work with diverse and emotionally intense relationships

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Standing in the Gap: Ethical and Culturally Competent Approaches to the Treatment of Vulnerable Populations in times of Political and Social Unrest

Presentation Content

To identify the unique challenges faced by vulnerable/marginalized individuals and communities in times of political and social unrest
Identify potential barriers to treatment of such individuals (unconscious bias, microaggressions, countertransference, cultural incompetence, unidentified privilege, etc.)
Identify through exercises and assessment any unrealized barriers to treating vulnerable populations
Offer strategies for intentionally working through potential barriers to the treatment of vulnerable populations

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Meditation: Application to Military-related and Other Trauma

Presentation Content

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Music Stimulates Our Minds

Presentation Content

Explore the therapeutic benefits of music in enhancing emotional and mental well-being.
Examine how music can serve as an alternative or complement to traditional pharmaceutical interventions.
Understand the science behind music as medicine and its role in trauma recovery and emotional regulation..
Identify practical ways to integrate music-based interventions into mental health and wellness practices.

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Holistic Care for Individuals with Gender Dysphoria

Presentation Content

Implement evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), affirmative therapy, and gender exploration therapy.
Collaborate with medical providers to support informed decision-making around gender-affirming medical care.
Guide clients in accessing social support, including family, peer groups and affirming community spaces.
Address and promote wellness and self-care strategies.

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Ethics Outside the Box: Navigating Non-Traditional Therapist with Integrity

Presentation Content

Define non-traditional therapeutic modalities and distinguish them from traditional approaches.
Identify at least five examples of non-traditional modalities and understand their basic principles and applications.
Recognize key ethical considerations, including competency, informed consent, and maintaining professional boundaries when using non-traditional modalities.
Understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and evidence-based practice in integrating non-traditional therapies.
Discuss the legal and regulatory implications of incorporating non-traditional modalities into clinical practice