Please be aware that the schedule reflects the Eastern Time Zone. The programming schedule will be continuously updated leading up to the event.
Breakout Sessions 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Relationally-Centered Integrated Behavioral Health: #SystemsHeal, Part 1 [Family Therapists in Healthcare Network Track]
Angela L. Lamson, PhD, LMFT
Jennifer Hodgson, PhD
Rylan Hellstern, PhD
This presentation delivers evidence on the value of MFTs and MedFTs in health care. This presentation offers an overview of the Relationally-Centered Integrated Behavioral Health model with attention to workforce pathways for therapists in diverse practice settings, and results from our machine learning analyses revealing the significant benefits to mental and physical health markers through our model.
Clinical Application of Person of the Therapist (POTT) Model, Part 1
Senem Zeytinoglu Saydam, PhD, LMFT
Alba Nino, PhD
It is through the humanity of the therapist that the empathic connection is made with the client, that the therapist understands and intuits what is driving the presenting issue in the client and clients’ relationships, and that the therapist reaches the most wounded and vulnerable places in the client when intervening. We will present here on how therapists can more fully and effectively utilize all of their selves, taking their therapy to another level when working purposefully and professionally through their own person.
The Neurobiology of Major Models of Couples Therapy, Part 1
Harvey H. Joanning, PhD
This webinar will briefly summarize neurobiological research regarding couple relationships, analyze Gottman's Relationship House, Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Atkinson's Pragmatic Experiential Therapy from a neuroscience perspective, then detail what could be added to these models to make them more in line with contemporary research in affective neuroscience. Examples of this combination will be included in the presentation. An overview of developing technology that monitors physiological processes driving relationships will be included, along with how these technologies can be incorporated into the therapy process.
STRONG: A Trauma-Informed Therapy Model for Men and Couples, Part 1
Kristal DeSantis, LMFT
This workshop will introduce the STRONG Model, a trauma-informed framework designed to engage therapy-resistant men in systemic therapy. Participants will learn to identify masculine trauma presentation, create structured therapeutic contracts, and implement goal-oriented interventions. The model addresses first responder, veteran, and high-achieving populations while maintaining relational focus. When men are engaged authentically, entire family systems experience enhanced regulation and connection.
Healing Relationships with Awareness Integration Theory, Part 1
Foojan Zeine
This presentation introduces Awareness Integration Theory (AIT), a structured model that addresses both individual and relational dynamics in couples therapy. Through guided inquiry, emotional processing, and cognitive restructuring, AIT helps partners uncover emotional blocks, build empathy, and improve communication. Clinicians will gain practical tools to implement AIT, enhancing intimacy, accountability, and long-term relationship satisfaction.
Differentiation of Self: Clinical Measurement, Psychometric Insights, and Cross-Cultural Research [International Insights]
Kleanthis Neophytou
Join Dr. Neophytou for a comprehensive exploration of Bowen’s cornerstone construct of Differentiation of Self (DoS), integrating foundational clinical theory, psychometric rigor, and cultural sensitivity. Dr. Neophytou will initially present the clinical aspects of DoS, using Murray Bowen’s clinical continuum and the concept of the solid self to highlight common misconceptions. He will then contextualize DoS within Bowen’s multigenerational framework and the dynamics of the nuclear family system. Next, the session will delve into Professor Elizabeth Skowron’s operationalization of DoS, emphasizing the four subfactors derived from her original Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI; Skowron & Friedlander, 1998). The webinar will focus on the recently published adaptation and psychometric validation of the Greek short-form version of the DSI-Revised (“Measuring Differentiation of Self within the Greek Culture: Theoretical and Psychometric Validation of a Greek Short Form of the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised”), highlighting its clinical utility and sharing cross-cultural insights from various adaptations of the DSI-R. Kleanthis will conclude with a discussion of the contradictory findings in the literature regarding partner similarity in DoS, considering implications for future research and clinical practice.
Failure to Launch: Addiction’s Impact on Emerging Adult Independence, Part 1 [SUAOD Network Track]
Jennifer C. Ross, PhD
Meri Shadley, PhD
This presentation examines how addiction disrupts emerging adults' transition to independence through family systems theory. Participants will learn how addiction creates enmeshed dynamics that inhibit healthy launching, explore assessment strategies for identifying systemic barriers, and gain practical interventions to help families restructure around emerging adult independence while supporting addiction recovery simultaneously.
Healing Eating Disorders Through Family and Faith
Rubina Rahiman
This workshop will introduce a culturally responsive framework for treating eating disorders in Middle Eastern families using systemic and parts-based therapy. Participants will explore internal conflicts, family dynamics, and faith-based values. Practical tools will be provided to reduce shame, enhance engagement, and apply trauma-informed interventions rooted in the Integrated Parts and Relational Framework for Eating Disorders (IPRF-ED).
Making Systemic Therapy Neurodiversity-Affirming [Neurodiversity Network Track]
Katherine J. Glaves, MA
Botha & Chapman (2022) state neurodiversity-affirming therapy is by definition relational and systemic, yet family therapists have struggled to integrate neurodiversity-affirming principles into systemic work. This workshop will present a checklist for neurodiversity-affirming practice and encourage a discussion of steps family therapists can take to support neurodivergent individuals within family systems.
Breakout Sessions 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Working with Divorce Ambivalent Clients, Part 1
Ginny Wright, PhD
Serious divorce ideation is common, often showing up in therapy even when it isn’t the presenting problem. Sessions can become dominated by client indecision: should they stay in their marriage or end it? In this workshop, participants will learn actionable skills for working with clients seriously considering divorce. Discernment Counseling will be introduced as an optimal intervention for these clients.
Clinical Application of Person of the Therapist (POTT) Model, Part 2
Senem Zeytinoglu Saydam, PhD, LMFT
Alba Nino, PhD
It is through the humanity of the therapist that the empathic connection is made with the client, that the therapist understands and intuits what is driving the presenting issue in the client and clients’ relationships, and that the therapist reaches the most wounded and vulnerable places in the client when intervening. We will present here on how therapists can more fully and effectively utilize all of their selves, taking their therapy to another level when working purposefully and professionally through their own person.
Relationally-Centered Integrated Behavioral Health: #SystemsHeal, Part 2 [Family Therapists in Healthcare Network Track]
Angela L. Lamson, PhD, LMFT
Jennifer Hodgson, PhD
Rylan Hellstern, PhD
This presentation delivers evidence on the value of MFTs and MedFTs in health care. This presentation offers an overview of the Relationally-Centered Integrated Behavioral Health model with attention to workforce pathways for therapists in diverse practice settings, and results from our machine learning analyses revealing the significant benefits to mental and physical health markers through our model.
The Neurobiology of Major Models of Couples Therapy, Part 2
Harvey H. Joanning, PhD
This webinar will briefly summarize neurobiological research regarding couple relationships, analyze Gottman's Relationship House, Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Atkinson's Pragmatic Experiential Therapy from a neuroscience perspective, then detail what could be added to these models to make them more in line with contemporary research in affective neuroscience. Examples of this combination will be included in the presentation. An overview of developing technology that monitors physiological processes driving relationships will be included, along with how these technologies can be incorporated into the therapy process.
Healing Relationships with Awareness Integration Theory, Part 2
Foojan Zeine
This presentation introduces Awareness Integration Theory (AIT), a structured model that addresses both individual and relational dynamics in couples therapy. Through guided inquiry, emotional processing, and cognitive restructuring, AIT helps partners uncover emotional blocks, build empathy, and improve communication. Clinicians will gain practical tools to implement AIT, enhancing intimacy, accountability, and long-term relationship satisfaction.
Failure to Launch: Addiction’s Impact on Emerging Adult Independence, Part 2 [SUAOD Network Track]
Jennifer C. Ross, PhD
Meri Shadley, PhD
This presentation examines how addiction disrupts emerging adults' transition to independence through family systems theory. Participants will learn how addiction creates enmeshed dynamics that inhibit healthy launching, explore assessment strategies for identifying systemic barriers, and gain practical interventions to help families restructure around emerging adult independence while supporting addiction recovery simultaneously.
STRONG: A Trauma-Informed Therapy Model for Men and Couples, Part 2
Kristal DeSantis, LMFT
This workshop will introduce the STRONG Model, a trauma-informed framework designed to engage therapy-resistant men in systemic therapy. Participants will learn to identify masculine trauma presentation, create structured therapeutic contracts, and implement goal-oriented interventions. The model addresses first responder, veteran, and high-achieving populations while maintaining relational focus. When men are engaged authentically, entire family systems experience enhanced regulation and connection.
From Client Stories to Policy Change: Tools for Meaningful Advocacy, Part 1
Amy A. Morgan, PhD, LMFT
Joseph Lascaze, BBA
This workshop will offer practical tools for turning clinical experience into meaningful policy action. Participants will learn how to spot policy connections, craft clear messages, and work alongside communities to support change. Real examples, hands-on practice, and take-home resources will help participants feel more prepared to engage in advocacy that meaningfully supports the families and communities we serve.
Ethical Dilemmas in Interwoven Individual and Couple Therapy, Part 1
Rahim Thawer
This workshop will examine nine complex ethical dilemmas that arise when individual and couple therapy intertwine, highlighting risks of dual alliances, confidentiality breaches, and ruptures. A systemic ethics framework will guide participants in analyzing tensions and building sound decision-making practices.
Breakout Sessions 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Working with Divorce Ambivalent Clients, Part 2
Ginny Wright, PhD
Serious divorce ideation is common, often showing up in therapy even when it isn’t the presenting problem. Sessions can become dominated by client indecision: should they stay in their marriage or end it? In this workshop, participants will learn actionable skills for working with clients seriously considering divorce. Discernment Counseling will be introduced as an optimal intervention for these clients.
Federal Advocacy for MFTs: Updates and Opportunities for MFTs
Patricia Barton
Roger Smith
This session will cover recent federal policy changes that impact the MFT profession, including federal funding for behavioral health programs, inclusion of MFTs in the Medicare program, and ways that the budget reconciliation bill will impact MFTs. Join AAMFT government affairs staff to receive updates on key federal advocacy issues for MFTs, as well as an overview of how to get involved in advocating for the MFT profession at the federal level.
Ethical Dilemmas in Interwoven Individual and Couple Therapy, Part 2
Rahim Thawer
This workshop will examine nine complex ethical dilemmas that arise when individual and couple therapy intertwine, highlighting risks of dual alliances, confidentiality breaches, and ruptures. A systemic ethics framework will guide participants in analyzing tensions and building sound decision-making practices.
Bringing Family Therapy to Trans Youth [QTAN Track]
May Fianna, LMFT
Trans youth experience rates of physical assault, sexual assault, homelessness, and suicide attempts many times their cisgender peers. But one factor protects trans children from these outcomes: family support. After nearly a decade of experience, I share my hard learned lessons for working with families of trans youth using family systems theory.
From Client Stories to Policy Change: Tools for Meaningful Advocacy, Part 2
Amy A. Morgan, PhD, LMFT
Joseph Lascaze, BBA
This workshop will offer practical tools for turning clinical experience into meaningful policy action. Participants will learn how to spot policy connections, craft clear messages, and work alongside communities to support change. Real examples, hands-on practice, and take-home resources will help participants feel more prepared to engage in advocacy that meaningfully supports the families and communities we serve.
Reel Love: Using Cinematherapy with African American Couples [Couples Network Track]
Shea Dunham, PhD, LMFT
Cinematherapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that uses film as a catalyst for emotional processing, psychoeducation, and relational insight. While this method has been increasingly utilized in counseling settings, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding its application with African American couples. This presentation explores how culturally responsive cinematherapy—grounded in media literacy and culture-informed clinical practice—can enhance therapeutic engagement, emotional resonance, and relational healing among Black couples.
Outcomes Framework for Supervision: The Acid-Test [Advancing Supervision]
Violeta D. Kadieva, PhD, LMFT-S
Misti Sparks, PhD
To track the effectiveness of supervision, we suggest a simple framework based on Results-Based Accountability. This provides an organized system for measuring psychotherapy performance regardless of the therapy modality. Clinicians focus on targets and measurements using the RBA Clinical Scorecard and the Turning the Curve tool.
Supporting Families/Caregivers Raising Children with Special Needs
Brad Lee
Raising a child with special needs impacts every dimension of family life, yet access to coordinated care and caregiver support remains limited. This workshop will examine the challenges faced by families—including systemic barriers, caregiver strain, and marital stress—while highlighting emerging trends in family therapy with this underserved population. Participants will gain practical tools for supporting couples and families navigating these unique challenges, and will learn strategies to provide inclusive, family-centered care that fosters resilience and connection.
Infusing and Maintaining Hope During Couples Therapy
David B. Ward, PhD
This workshop will introduce participants to the foundations of hope (Options, Connection, Evidence, and Action) and teach participants strategies to infuse their couples therapy sessions with hope. In addition, strategies to maintain one's own hope during difficult couples therapy cases will be addressed.
Breakout Sessions 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
The Korean Integrative Family Therapy Model for Family Violence [International Insights]
Tai-Young Park, PhD
Yangin Park, PhD
This paper offers a conceptual background for the Korean Integrative Family Therapy Model and two examples of the treatment process of the Korean Integrative Family Therapy Model.
Supporting Motherhood: Systemic Assessment and Intervention, Part 1
Ashley J. Huffman, DBH, LMFT, CCTP-II, PMH-C
A systemic exploration of prenatal and postpartum therapy, focusing on DSM diagnoses, integrated assessments, and tailored interventions. This session highlights the impact of relational and cultural dynamics, clinician self-awareness, and practical tools for supporting clients through the perinatal period with compassionate, inclusive care.
Caring for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families from an Ecological Perspective, Part 1
Katie Heiden-Rootes, PhD, LMFT
Jody Russon, PhD
Kristen E. Benson, PhD
Xiaolu Zhang
This workshop presents four research studies that focus on the ecosystems surrounding LGBTQ+ youth and families. Starting at the outer layers of the ecosystem, the first studies examine the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and use of a public health model to inform services. The final studies describe an LGBTQ+ inclusive training for clinicians as well as familial experiences of caregiving.
School-Based Family Therapy: An Idea Whose Time Has Come, Part 1
Anne Rambo, LMFT
Misty H. Schmidt, ABD, MS
Nakisha Randolph ABD, MS
Kathie Laundy
Sandy Cox
At this critical time, family therapists in schools are needed more than ever, and the possibilities for involvement are also greater. We will highlight current research about the new opportunities available for MFTs in schools, give examples of the varied daily experience of school based family therapists, and share employment and contract options available nationwide.
Mapping Emotion and Social Power: A Clinical Guide, Part 1
Carmen R. Knudson-Martin, PhD
This workshop will examine emotion as a sociocultural process that creates and sustains the flow of relational and social power, and introduce “My Emotional Map,” a tool to contextualize and process socio-emotional experience. Video clips of couple therapy illustrate how to map the interplay of power and emotion, with an emphasis on implications for clinical decisions and the therapist’s role.
From Substance Misuse to Support: SBIRT in Relational Practice [SUAOD Network Track]
Rikki Patton, PhD, IMFTS
Lauren Kairys, MS
Maggie Dickerson, MA
This interactive workshop introduces couple and family therapists to the SBIRT model, adapted for relational practice. Participants will learn to integrate substance use screening and brief interventions into therapy with couples, using practical tools, case examples, and emerging research to guide ethical, collaborative conversations that support connection and change.
Creating Psychological Safety for Supervisors and Teams, Part 1
Lorne Epstein, MSOD, SHRM-SCP
This workshop will equip participants with experiential tools to foster psychological safety in supervision and team settings. Attendees will explore research-backed strategies to build trust, enhance communication, and co-create safety rituals, while also examining risks such as group complacency and suppressed dissent. Practical applications will support systemic, inclusive, and accountable learning environments.
Trauma-Informed Supervision
Violeta D. Kadieva, PhD, LMFT-S
Jeremy Pierce, PhD Candidate, LMFT-S, LPC-S
As supervisors we need to be trauma-informed professionals, who focus on creating supportive environment, building trust, and fostering empowerment for all of our supervisees. In this workshop, we will discuss the spectrum of trauma-savvy practices and work on becoming self-aware through critical self-reflection. We will explore our inner systems of meaning. We will complete a self-reflection activity and a multicultural trauma-informed social identity profile.
Welcome Parent-Child Discord: Transform the Experience of Conflict, Part 1
Kat Scherer, PhD
Elizabeth Sylvester, PhD
Therapists are skilled in working with emotion, however sitting with active conflict can be stressful, leading to efforts to shut down disagreement. Parents too can have strong reactions to family friction and respond with escalating emotion or conflict avoidance. This training presents steps to transform parent-child discord, including fostering the ability to speak up, tolerate differences, regulate during conflict, and cooperate in finding resolution.
Building Bridges: Reunifying Families in Family Therapy, Part 1
Ashley L. Landers, PhD, LMFT/IMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Aimee E. Miley, M.S.
Jessica E. Simpson, PhD
In the wake of family separation by immigration, parental incarceration, child maltreatment, foster care, and adoption, this workshop illuminates the complex experiences of reunifying families. Implications for family therapists working with reunifying families will be explored. The experiences of reunifying families, current research, and the application of family therapy models can offer guidance to MFTs to better serve reunifying families.
Breakout Sessions 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Supporting Motherhood: Systemic Assessment and Intervention, Part 2
Ashley J. Huffman, DBH, LMFT, CCTP-II, PMH-C
A systemic exploration of prenatal and postpartum therapy, focusing on DSM diagnoses, integrated assessments, and tailored interventions. This session highlights the impact of relational and cultural dynamics, clinician self-awareness, and practical tools for supporting clients through the perinatal period with compassionate, inclusive care.
Relational Interventions to Promote Family Caregiver Wellbeing
Carol Podgorski, PhD
Family caregivers tend to rely on those closest to them for help, often at the risk of increasing family distress and caregiver burden. Limited instrumental and social support for caregivers is also associated with poor health outcomes. This presentation will provide an overview of factors that largely contribute to help-seeking avoidance, unclear/unstated family expectations, and social isolation, followed by an overview and demonstration of relational evidence-based interventions that can be used to promote caregiver support and wellbeing. The interventions presented in this session are rooted in: the social-ecological family framed care model, self-determination theory, and motivational interviewing. Presentation content will: 1) promote understanding of family resistance and related negative health and relational outcomes; and 2) include demonstration of interventions, including decisional balance exercises and social connection planning, that can be used with caregivers and families to challenge resistance, promote help-seeking, and expand social support.
School-Based Family Therapy: An Idea Whose Time Has Come, Part 2
Anne Rambo, LMFT
Misty H. Schmidt, ABD, MS
Nakisha Randolph ABD, MS
Kathie Laundy
Sandy Cox
At this critical time, family therapists in schools are needed more than ever, and the possibilities for involvement are also greater. We will highlight current research about the new opportunities available for MFTs in schools, give examples of the varied daily experience of school based family therapists, and share employment and contract options available nationwide.
Creating Psychological Safety for Supervisors and Teams, Part 2
Lorne Epstein, MSOD, SHRM-SCP
This workshop will equip participants with experiential tools to foster psychological safety in supervision and team settings. Attendees will explore research-backed strategies to build trust, enhance communication, and co-create safety rituals, while also examining risks such as group complacency and suppressed dissent. Practical applications will support systemic, inclusive, and accountable learning environments.
Caring for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families from an Ecological Perspective, Part 2
Katie Heiden-Rootes, PhD, LMFT
Jody Russon, PhD
Kristen E. Benson, PhD
Xiaolu Zhang
This workshop presents four research studies that focus on the ecosystems surrounding LGBTQ+ youth and families. Starting at the outer layers of the ecosystem, the first studies examine the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and use of a public health model to inform services. The final studies describe an LGBTQ+ inclusive training for clinicians as well as familial experiences of caregiving.
Systemic OCD Care in Black Families: Aligning Evidence with Culture
Charlece Bishop, MA
This session will explore how therapists can deliver evidence-based OCD treatment in Black families using a systemic, culturally-aligned approach. Strategies will include adapting psychoeducation, increasing caregiver engagement, and integrating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in ways that honor cultural values while improving treatment outcomes.
Welcome Parent-Child Discord: Transform the Experience of Conflict, Part 2
Kat Scherer, PhD
Elizabeth Sylvester, PhD
Therapists are skilled in working with emotion, however sitting with active conflict can be stressful, leading to efforts to shut down disagreement. Parents too can have strong reactions to family friction and respond with escalating emotion or conflict avoidance. This training presents steps to transform parent-child discord, including fostering the ability to speak up, tolerate differences, regulate during conflict, and cooperate in finding resolution.
Building Bridges: Reunifying Families in Family Therapy, Part 2
Ashley L. Landers, PhD, LMFT/IMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Aimee E. Miley, M.S.
Jessica E. Simpson, PhD
In the wake of family separation by immigration, parental incarceration, child maltreatment, foster care, and adoption, this workshop illuminates the complex experiences of reunifying families. Implications for family therapists working with reunifying families will be explored. The experiences of reunifying families, current research, and the application of family therapy models can offer guidance to MFTs to better serve reunifying families.
Supporting Trans Clients Amidst Political & Legal Instability
Sar Surmick, MA
There are consistent attempts to undermine the care of Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive folks. Legislation seeking to block trans healthcare, education, legal recognition, and public existence has dramatically increased. The legal, ethical, and practical issues this creates for clinicians are significant. This workshop will explore navigating these issues and the current political climate.
Mapping Emotion and Social Power: A Clinical Guide, Part 2
Carmen R. Knudson-Martin, PhD
This workshop will examine emotion as a sociocultural process that creates and sustains the flow of relational and social power, and introduce “My Emotional Map,” a tool to contextualize and process socio-emotional experience. Video clips of couple therapy illustrate how to map the interplay of power and emotion, with an emphasis on implications for clinical decisions and the therapist’s role.