2023 ALAMFT Annual Conference

Starts:  Apr 14, 2023 07:30 AM (CT)
Ends:  Apr 15, 2023 03:15 PM (CT)
Associated with  AAMFT Alabama

Thank you for your interest in our conference! The purpose of this program is to provide a continuing education opportunity for Alabama therapists to meet the state-required hours of ongoing training and to enhance the proficiencies of therapists with this annually offered conference. 

We are excited to be partnering with The University of Mobile as our 2023 Annual conference location! We will be using their College Woods facility.





REGISTRATION CLOSES April 9th @ 11:59PM.

**Registration includes breakfast, lunch, a networking event, and 12 CEs if you attend both days!**

Full Conference - Both Days

Early Bird

Regular

Late

Alabama Network Students

$40.00

$60.00

$80.00

Alabama Network Members

$175.00

$200.00

$225.00

AAMFT Students

$80.00

$100.00

$120.00

AAMFT Members

$265.00

$290.00

$315.00

Non-Members

$315.00

$340.00

$365.00

Volunteer

Waived

Waived

Waived

Presenter

Waived

Waived

Waived

 

 

 

 

Friday Only

Early Bird

Regular

Late

Alabama Network Students

$30.00

$40.00

$50.00

Alabama Network Members

$97.50

$110.00

$122.50

AAMFT Students

$50.00

$60.00

$70.00

AAMFT Members

$142.50

$155.00

$167.50

Non-Members

$167.50

$180.00

$192.50

Volunteer

Waived

Waived

Waived

Presenter

Waived

Waived

Waived

 

 

 

 

Saturday Only

Early Bird

Regular

Late

Alabama Network Students

$20.00

$30.00

$40.00

Alabama Network Members

$87.50

$100.00

$112.50

AAMFT Students

$40.00

$50.00

$60.00

AAMFT Members

$132.50

$145.00

$157.50

Non-Members

$157.50

$170.00

$182.50

Volunteer

Waived

Waived

Waived

Presenter

Waived

Waived

Waived

New in 2023: micro-sponsorship opportunities!

When you get to the registration page, you will see an additional option to add onto your registration the following: in an effort to continue to highlight our amazing clinicians throughout the state, we are offering micro-sponsorship spots! Micro-sponsors are individual clinicians or whole practices who have the desire for increased visibility at our annual conference. ALL micro-sponsors will be featured on our screensaver slideshow throughout the entirety of the conference. One micro-sponsor from each region of the state will be selected at random to set up a table with the other conference sponsors for the duration of the event. Please have your logo ready for upload when completing the google form. The logo upload is mandatory so that we can feature you on the slides. Please be prepared to complete the google form at the time of registration. Applicants who do not complete the google form will not be able to be featured. 

AAMFT is pre-approved as a continuing education sponsor for: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): AAMFT has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5209. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AAMFT is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Many regulatory boards accept AAMFT event attendance to fulfill CE requirements, but do not have a pre-approval process. If in doubt, check with your board.

Note: AAMFT members can save up to $40.00 in conference registration fees by joining ALAMFT Network before registering for the conference. To sign up to be an ALAMFT Network member click this link: Join Now!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

DAY 1 - April 14, 2023

7:30-8:15am Registration/Breakfast

8:15-8:30am Welcome and Speaker Introduction

8:30am-11:45am Self-Compassion Interventions for Emotional Resilience and Trauma Recovery, Parts 1 and 2, Presented by Dr. Coralis Solomon, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC

Self-compassion transforms lives! It is re-defined as the ability to care, to soothe, and to comfort but also to strengthen when it is needed. It is revolutionizing self-care and emotional coping skills in psychotherapy. Through self-compassion practices, we can safely tap into our vulnerability as human beings and face our failures, inadequacies, and traumatic experiences from a place of growth instead of emotional destruction. Participants will learn that practicing self-compassion is not about self-indulgence, narcissism, or self-pity but a new way to reconnect with the self and others to ease pain and gain greater emotional strength, resilience, and well-being. This workshop will teach you how to help clients cultivate the portable skills of mindful self-compassion including interventions from a trauma- informed lens. Warning! These practices might be hazardous to your misery.

3 CEs

Learning Objectives: 

  • Describe the theory and research supporting self-compassion skills.
  • Understand the three key components of self-compassion.
  • Understand the misconceptions about self-compassion.
  • Practice motivation with encouragement rather than harsh self-criticism.
  • Learn self-compassion interventions within a trauma lens.

11:45-12:45pm Lunch provided on site.
(Students, MFT Interns, and MFT Associates meet over lunch.)  

12:45pm-4:00pm Self-Compassion Interventions for Emotional Resilience and Trauma Recovery, Parts 3 and 4, Presented by Dr. Coralis Solomon, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC

Self-compassion transforms lives! It is re-defined as the ability to care, to soothe, and to comfort but also to strengthen when it is needed. It is revolutionizing self-care and emotional coping skills in psychotherapy. Through self-compassion practices, we can safely tap into our vulnerability as human beings and face our failures, inadequacies, and traumatic experiences from a place of growth instead of emotional destruction. Participants will learn that practicing self-compassion is not about self-indulgence, narcissism, or self-pity but a new way to reconnect with the self and others to ease pain and gain greater emotional strength, resilience, and well-being. This workshop will teach you how to help clients cultivate the portable skills of mindful self-compassion including interventions from a trauma- informed lens. Warning! These practices might be hazardous to your misery.

3 CEs

Learning Objectives: 

  • Describe the theory and research supporting self-compassion skills.
  • Understand the three key components of self-compassion.
  • Understand the misconceptions about self-compassion.
  • Practice motivation with encouragement rather than harsh self-criticism.
  • Learn self-compassion interventions within a trauma lens.

4:15pm-5:15pm Getting Better with Gaming: Introduction to Therapeutic Use of Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs) Presented by Jennifer E. Andress, M.S., MFTA

You may not know what tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are, but you have probably heard of Dungeons & Dragons (commonly known as D&D or DnD). Thanks to television and streaming shows like Big Bang Theory, Stranger Things, The Legend of Vox Machina, and Dimension 20, these kinds of games have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity. While some may think of games as only for little children, the truth is that older children, teens, and even adults can tap into the power of play, and TTRPGs offer age-appropriate, socially acceptable ways for multiple age groups to reap these benefits. This course covers the basic elements of TTRPGs and utilizing them in a clinical setting. Participants will learn the connections between TTRPGs and multiple treatment modalities; advantages of integrating TTRPGs with treatment; how to structure sessions and course of treatment; and opportunities for use.

1 CE

Learning Objectives: 

  • Identify the common elements and supplies of tabletop role playing games (TTRPGs).
  • Identify 3 advantages of using TTRPGs therapeutically with clients.
  • Identify 4 skill areas that TTRPGs can help develop.
  • Describe the structure of session flow and treatment course using TTRPGs.
  • Discuss the potential uses and "goodness of fit" of this tool for therapists and clients.


6:00pm-7:30pm Networking Mixer
Please join us for a time of social connection after day 1 of the conference ends! 

DAY 2 - April 15, 2022

7:30am-8:15am Registration/Breakfast

8:15am-8:30am Welcome and Speaker Introduction

8:30am-12:45pm Working with Individuals, Couples & Families after Major Loss Parts 1 and 2, Presented by Dr. Louis A. Gamino, PhD, ABPP, FT 

Suffering a major loss imposes significant stress on individuals, couples, and families, particularly death of a child. However, non-death losses such as estrangements or cut-offs can be just as real and painful as the physical death of a family member. Major losses can tax the coping abilities of every member of the family network. In this presentation, the speaker first outlines steps to take in assessing an individual or family presenting for professional help following a major loss. Known risk factors that increase the likelihood of a person developing complicated or prolonged grief are identified. Conversely, protective factors that promote healthy grieving and recovery are also described. Prominent models from the grief literature are summarized to provide a theoretical framework for how to approach individuals or families who are bereaved. Special emphasis is given to the Dual Process Model of bereavement, task models of coping, and narrative therapy methods. Based on a brief review of empirically-supported grief treatment protocols, 10 key interventions are explained and illustrated. Case studies are incorporated to provide attendees with actual practice examples of how bereaved couples and families present for treatment. Videotape excerpts of the presenter’s clinical work demonstrate application of some of the key interventions described. Attendees will be encouraged to submit their own case examples for consultation advice.

4 CEs

Learning Objectives: 

  • Identify 9 commonly recognized risk factors for complicated or prolonged grief.
  • List 9 protective factors that moderate grief distress and promote healthy coping.
  • Discuss how the Dual Process Model of bereavement informs grief therapy.
  • Describe 10 key interventions derived from empirically-supported grief treatment protocols.


12:45pm-2:15pm Lunch provided on site.
**ALAMFT Business Meeting will be held from 1:00pm-1:45pm**

2:15pm-3:15pm Black Families & Body Image: A Need for a Holistic Approach When Treating Individuals, Presented by Charlece "Charlie" Bishop, M.S., LMFT

This presentation provides participants with a historical and cultural understanding of the role of the Black family when offering therapy to Black clients faced with body image issues. Therapists will come away from this session with an awareness of culturally affirming and sensitive approaches as well as understand how personal biases can influence their treatment of Black clients. Moreover, therapists will develop interviewing skills and techniques that allow them to begin to think about and ask questions that get at the multigenerational factors that could be shaping clients’ body image awareness. In addition to beginning to develop an understanding of the role of Black family dynamics in body image, participants will learn about psychoeducational tools and techniques as these relate to conducting therapy with Black families.

1 CE

Learning Objectives: 

  • Understand the historical and cultural roles of the Black family when offering therapy to Black clients faced with body image issues.
  • Understand social media’s role on body image within Black families
  • Learn about psychoeducational tools and techniques as these relate to conducting therapy with Black families


OUR PRESENTERS


Dr. Coralis Solomon, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC

Dr. Coralis Solomon is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and Virginia, and a National Certified Counselor. Her doctoral studies were completed at the University of Central Florida in Counselor Education. Currently, she works as an Assistant Professor for William & Mary in their online Mental Health Counseling Program.  Her dissertation research explored self-compassion and emotional resilience with teachers of color working in elementary schools. She has served as a board of governor’s member for the European Branch of the American Counseling Association and for the Mental Health Counselors Association of Central Florida.  As a consultant to prevent burnout in teachers, she developed and facilitated the curriculum on Self-Compassion for Educators in Seminole County Public Schools located in Central Florida. 

In her private practice she implements contemplative mind and body interventions including Restorative Yoga, Laughter Yoga, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and Mindful Self-Compassion. Dr. Solomon also specializes in trauma focused interventions including advanced training in EMDR. Her commitment to the mental health counseling field goes beyond private practice as she is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker with over 75 presentations including keynote speaker for the 2021 American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA) annual conference and selected as the featured wellness presenter for the 2016 American Counseling Association (ACA). 

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Solomon is passionate about fitness and holds a certification with the Athletics and Fitness Association of America as a fitness instructor. She teaches spinning, Pilates, and yoga for the YMCA. She lives in Orlando, FL with her partner Antonio and their fluffy Goldendoodle Sofia.


Jennifer E. Andress, M.S., MFTA

Jennifer E. Andress received her Master of Science degree in Human Development & Family Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Alabama in 2020. She is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate in the state of Alabama that specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ Issues, Kink/Sex Positivity, and Polyamorous & Open Relationships. At her private practice Inclusive Therapy Solutions, she works with individuals, couples, and families, welcoming them to an inclusive, safe atmosphere where they can be heard and validated.

Jennifer also specializes in using tabletop roleplay games as part of therapeutic treatment. She started playing and running games with Dungeons & Dragons Edition 3.5 while in college and since branched out to other systems. With her clients she utilizes the narrative power of rules-light game systems—such as Masks: a New Generation, Honey Heist, Exquisite Polycule, and others—to facilitate therapeutic transformation. As a founding member of the Community of Applied, Spiritual, & Therapeutic Tabletop Gamers (CASTT), Jennifer believes that games give us opportunities for fun, challenging, new experiences as well as for forming relationships that we may not have otherwise.


Dr. Louis A. Gamino, PhD, ABPP, FT

Dr. Louis A. Gamino, PhD, ABPP, FT is Professor (Affiliated) of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White Health in Temple, Texas. Dr. Gamino is a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and a Fellow in Thanatology (FT) through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). He is co-author (with R. Hal Ritter) of Ethical Practice in Grief Counseling (Springer Publishing Company, 2009) and co-author (with Ann T. Cooney) of When Your Baby Dies Through Miscarriage or Stillbirth (Augsburg Fortress, 2002). Dr. Gamino was honored with the Clinical Practice Award by ADEC in 2008 for outstanding service as a practitioner and served as ADEC President from 2018-2019. Dr. Gamino’s research concerns adaptive models of grief. He is currently writing a textbook for professionals who work with bereaved parents.


Charlece "Charlie" Bishop, M.S., LMFT
Charlece “Charlie” Bishop, MS, LMFT is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow, the co-chair for the
African American Eating Disorder Professional (AAEDP) BIPOC subcommittee, serves
on the IAEDP Alabama chapter board, and is the owner of private practice. In 2021, she
published an article in the Family Therapy Magazine. Charlie hosts a raw and uncut
audio podcast titled Black Girl Body. She is an international speaker on topics related to Black culture, social equality, eating disorders, and body image issues. Further, her
research interests include eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety disorders,
systemic racial trauma, and Black mental health.

    Location

    College Woods
    5860 College Pkwy
    Prichard, AL 36613

    Pricing Information

    Registration Early Bird Regular Late
    Alabama Network Students Waived Waived Waived
    Alabama Network Members Waived Waived Waived
    AAMFT Students Waived Waived Waived
    AAMFT Members Waived Waived Waived
    Non-Members Waived Waived Waived
    Special Waived Waived Waived
    Volunteer Waived Waived Waived
    Presenter Waived Waived Waived
           
    Full Conference - Both Days Early Bird Regular Late
    Alabama Network Students $40.00 $60.00 $80.00
    Alabama Network Members $175.00 $200.00 $225.00
    AAMFT Students $80.00 $100.00 $120.00
    AAMFT Members $265.00 $290.00 $315.00
    Non-Members $315.00 $340.00 $365.00
    Special Waived Waived Waived
    Volunteer Waived Waived Waived
    Presenter Waived Waived Waived
           
    Friday Only Early Bird Regular Late
    Alabama Network Students $30.00 $40.00 $50.00
    Alabama Network Members $97.50 $110.00 $122.50
    AAMFT Students $50.00 $60.00 $70.00
    AAMFT Members $142.50 $155.00 $167.50
    Non-Members $167.50 $180.00 $192.50
    Special Waived Waived Waived
    Volunteer Waived Waived Waived
    Presenter Waived Waived Waived
           
    Saturday Only Early Bird Regular Late
    Alabama Network Students $20.00 $30.00 $40.00
    Alabama Network Members $87.50 $100.00 $112.50
    AAMFT Students $40.00 $50.00 $60.00
    AAMFT Members $132.50 $145.00 $157.50
    Non-Members $157.50 $170.00 $182.50
    Special Waived Waived Waived
    Volunteer Waived Waived Waived
    Presenter Waived Waived Waived
           
    Micro-Sponsorship Application Early Bird Regular Late
    Alabama Network Students Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    Alabama Network Members Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    AAMFT Students Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    AAMFT Members Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    Non-Members Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    Special Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    Volunteer Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration
    Presenter Priced at registration Priced at registration Priced at registration

    Contact

    ALAMFT Leadership Team

    alabamamft@gmail.com