Speakers for ALAMFT 2025:
Elizabeth Gervais, MA. M.Ed., LMFTA
Neuroaffirmative Relational Work & Understanding Unmasking (Fri Feb 7th, 1:30-2:30pm)
We will focus on a thorough overview of what is neuroaffirmative practice with a focus on communication and genuine understanding. A walk through the unmasking process & the importance of co-regulation and empathy to a healthy relationship. We will walk through common misconceptions and key psychoeducational work to incorporate into your practice to help facilitate conversations to improve collaboration on responsibility and support to improve reciprocity within relationships.
Allen Sabey, Ph.D., M.S., LMFT
Understanding and Working with Men and Fathers in Family Therapy, (Fri Feb 7th, 2:45-6pm)
This session will include a discussion of theory and research on masculinity and fatherhood, particularly as it relates to family therapy, and provide an introduction to micro and macro ways of working with men and fathers in family therapy.
Jim Norris, M.Div., M.Ed., LMFT
Working with the Issues of Aging Clients (Sat Feb 8th, 8:45am-12pm)
In this session, we will look at the myths and realities of aging and their impact on the aging process. We will look at three major transitions involved in aging (retirement, health, and changes in the family system) and discover how we might best help clients navigate these transitions. Finally, we will look at strategies for helping aging clients engage the process of coming to an acceptance of their mortality.
Erica Hartwell, PhD, LMFT
Affirming Care for LGBTQ+ Clients: Unpacking Biases, Assumptions, and Minority Stress (Sat Feb 8th, 1-3pm)
Affirmative health professionals face challenging questions: How do I work with someone who is unsupportive or harmful toward the LGBTQ+ people in their lives? And, how do I make sure I am not unsupportive or harmful to the LGBTQ+ people I work with? Addressing these questions is critical, as the impact of such harm, often referred to as minority stress, directly affects the physical and mental health of queer and trans individuals. Delving into the roots of harmful biases and assumptions, we recognize that homophobia and transphobia are learned within our culture through the gender binary—a pervasive, persistent, and restrictive system interwoven with other forms of oppression.
This workshop employs a simple visual model to unveil the intricacies of the gender binary. Through real-life examples, participants gain a profound understanding of its impact and learn to apply the model to themselves and others. The goal is to foster self-awareness and empathy, enabling therapists to interrupt harmful biases more effectively and compassionately. Join us in creating a more affirming therapeutic space for LGBTQ+ individuals, as we collectively navigate the complex landscape of minority stress and work towards a more inclusive and understanding future.
Carole Lovell, PsyD, LCSW
EMDR - Treating the Link Between Shame and Substance Use (Sat Feb 8th, 3:15-5:15pm)
This session will introduce and cover the harm reduction method of treating substance use disorders.