CASRA 3.0 Spring/Summer 2020

Recovery Tools
(10:30 AM - 11:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Tracy Harris, BM,Yamaha Performing Artist, Clinician and Author, Professor of Flute Bakersfield College.

Participants will receive an overview of important recovery tools that Tracy learned along the way. Using the principles of self-determination and empowerment, hope and individualized care, you’ll walk away with new strategies for helping people in their recovery process.

Healing through Spiritual Practices
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Patty Blum PhD, Executive Vice President, Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc..

This workshop weaves the value of supporting spiritual practices in recovery through weaving spirituality into a trauma-informed care lens. The practices are culturally relevant and personally meaningful as individuals are increasingly empowered to take responsibility for their own wellness and recovery.

Participants will be able to describe spiritual practices and spiritual inquiry as a culturally-competent service tool and identify a number of personal spiritual practices that support well-being, while opening the door to enriching the recovery process.As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:  

1. Identify 3 spiritual practices that are trauma informed.
2. Describe how spiritual practices as trauma tools can be applied in a therapeutic environment.
3. Describe the role of leadership to create policies that include spirituality as an assessment domain in holistic practice, self-defined by persons served.  

Finding the Right Notes/The Music of Recovery
(09:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Tracy Harris, BM,Yamaha Performing Artist, Clinician and Author, Professor of Flute Bakersfield College.

Tracy recounts her journey of recovery from a diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder. You will hear about the painful struggles as she tried to understand what was happening to her, how the support of her family helped her heal and of the ways she discovered to overcome the voices that tried to sidetrack her career as a musician. You will also be entertained with a beautiful flute piece picked just for this event!

From Paradigm to Practice
(09:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Chad Costello, Vice President of Policy, Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA).

Is Psychosocial Rehabilitation a paradigm or is it a practice, or is it both? What about recovery? Come and see how it all fits together.

To improve practitioner’s understanding of the primary goals of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and increase their ability to provide recovery-oriented services.As a result of this training, participants will be able to: 

1. Cite at least two articles that provide a research basis for psychosocial rehabilitation as a best practice.
2. Identify the three goals of PSR.
3. Identify at least three practices that support and exemplify PSR values and principles when working with people who have behavioral health challenges.

Strengths Model Case Management
(10:30 AM - 11:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Rick Goscha PhD, Senior Vice President, California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions (CIBHS).

The Strengths Model is recovery-oriented and focused on people's capabilities to build and rebuild lives apart from formal systems of care that ha ve meaning, purpose, and valued identity. Problems, barriers, and challenges that people experience are not ignored, but rather viewed in the cont ext of how they impact a person's ability to achieve meaningful and important goals in their life. Join Rick for an introduction to the principles , tools, and methods of the Strengths Model and learn how to help people make movement in key recovery outcome areas: housing, employment, educati on, supportive relationships, and community involvement/inclusion. Research on the model will be presented demonstrating the models effectiveness in improving outcomes in the areas of psychiatric hospitalization, competitive employment, post-secondary education, independent living, and other quality of life indicators.

Participants will learn and be able to apply the fundamental principles, tools and methods of the strengths model of case management.  As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Describe at least two ways that Strengths Model Case Management’s philosophical orientation, tools, methods, and interventions work together to help people make movement towards key recovery-oriented goals.
2. Utilize a Strengths Assessment to help people identify important and meaningful recovery-oriented goals.
3. Describe how the Personal Recovery Plan is used in an iterative way to help people make forward movement toward recovery-oriented goals.

Building Bridges to Recovery Through Community Partnerships
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Mark Smith MS, Occupational Therapist.

Carl Schuler MA, Peer Support Specialist, San Francisco VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.

Community membership can provide a sense of belonging, identity, and social connection. Serious mental health challenges often contribute to social isolation and loneliness. When services are cut off from communities, they can foster dependence and perpetuate this disconnect. By building relationships with strategic community organizations, programs can empower clients, connecting them with their communities and reducing stigma and social alienation. Our diverse local communities can be our greatest assets in promoting recovery. So, how can we build bridges that allow individuals to engage with their communities in meaningful ways? We will outline simple, effective tools and strategies to start building valuable community partnerships.

Workshop participants will go back to theircommunities with an understanding of how to effectively build relationships with community organizations to support community inclusion of individuals with mental health challenges.As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Understand the importance and value of cultivating relationships with community organizations.  
2. Identify the important considerations in choosing strategic potential partners that share their program's mission and promote community participation.
3. Implement effective tools and strategies to build and maintain strong community partnerships that enhance holistic, recovery-oriented services and help individuals gain a sense of empowerment, purpose, and belonging.
4. Describe at least two ways to overcome common barriers and challenges to building community partnerships.

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Part 1.1
(09:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Sandri Kramer BA, Suicide Prevention Project and Grants Manager.

Rebecca Gutierrez PsD, Program Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

This workshop series will provide an overview of suicide prevention and intervention strategies. In Part I, (3 hours) presenters will discuss the impact of suicide, statistics, risk factors, development of suicide ideation and attempts. Participants will also explore in depth assessment and safety planning through incorporations of role-plays and vignettes of sample clients.

Participants will develop greater awareness of suicide risk and progression, as well as improved clinical skills in suicide conceptualization, assessment and supporting the suicidal person.  As a result of this training, participants will be able to:   

1. Describe the reasons for the rising trends in suicide statistics and analyze suicide risk factors.
2. Identify at least three warning signs of suicide.
3. Demonstrate how to ask individuals about suicidality and how to identify ambivalent statements.
4. Implement basic safety planning

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Part 1.2
(10:30 AM - 11:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Sandri Kramer BA, Suicide Prevention Project and Grants Manager.

Rebecca Gutierrez PsD, Program Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

This workshop series will provide an overview of suicide prevention and intervention strategies. In Part I, (3 hours) presenters will discuss the impact of suicide, statistics, risk factors, development of suicide ideation and attempts. Participants will also explore in depth assessment and safety planning through incorporations of role-plays and vignettes of sample clients.

Participants will develop greater awareness of suicide risk and progression, as well as improved clinical skills in suicide conceptualization, assessment and supporting the suicidal person.  As a result of this training, participants will be able to:   

1. Describe the reasons for the rising trends in suicide statistics and analyze suicide risk factors.
2. Identify at least three warning signs of suicide.
3. Demonstrate how to ask individuals about suicidality and how to identify ambivalent statements.
4. Implement basic safety planning

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Part 1.3
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Sandri Kramer BA, Suicide Prevention Project and Grants Manager.

Rebecca Gutierrez PsD, Program Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

This workshop series will provide an overview of suicide prevention and intervention strategies. In Part I, (3 hours) presenters will discuss the impact of suicide, statistics, risk factors, development of suicide ideation and attempts. Participants will also explore in depth assessment and safety planning through incorporations of role-plays and vignettes of sample clients.

Participants will develop greater awareness of suicide risk and progression, as well as improved clinical skills in suicide conceptualization, assessment and supporting the suicidal person.  As a result of this training, participants will be able to:   

1. Describe the reasons for the rising trends in suicide statistics and analyze suicide risk factors.
2. Identify at least three warning signs of suicide.
3. Demonstrate how to ask individuals about suicidality and how to identify ambivalent statements.
4. Implement basic safety planning

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Part 2.1
(09:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Sandri Kramer BA, Suicide Prevention Project and Grants Manager.

Rebecca Gutierrez PsD, Program Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

In Part II of this workshop series on suicide prevention and intervention strategies, presenters will provide an overview of several evidence- based models (Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, O'Connor's Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior, and Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown's Safety Planning Intervention). Participants will explore assessment tools, learn how to identify ambivalence/chan ge talk, and practice utilizing these strategies in role plays.

Participants will be able to utilize key tools and strategies of two evidence-based models of suicidalbehavior in their work with clients.  As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Develop an assessment for clients who are at risk for suicide.
2. Develop a safety plan for clients who are at risk for suicide.  
3. Describe the importance of identifying and reflecting ambivalence and supporting change talk in clients at risk for suicide.
4. Identify three important resources for clients experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Part 2.2
(10:30 AM - 11:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Sandri Kramer BA, Suicide Prevention Project and Grants Manager.

Rebecca Gutierrez PsD, Program Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

In Part II of this workshop series on suicide prevention and intervention strategies, presenters will provide an overview of several evidence- based models (Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, O'Connor's Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior, and Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown's Safety Planning Intervention). Participants will explore assessment tools, learn how to identify ambivalence/chan ge talk, and practice utilizing these strategies in role plays.

Participants will be able to utilize key tools and strategies of two evidence-based models of suicidalbehavior in their work with clients. As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Develop an assessment for clients who are at risk for suicide.
2. Develop a safety plan for clients who are at risk for suicide.
3. Describe the importance of identifying and reflecting ambivalence and supporting change talk in clients at risk for suicide.
4. Identify three important resources for clients experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Part 2.3
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Sandri Kramer BA, Suicide Prevention Project and Grants Manager.

Rebecca Gutierrez PsD, Program Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

In Part II of this workshop series on suicide prevention and intervention strategies, presenters will provide an overview of several evidence- based models (Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, O'Connor's Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior, and Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown's Safety Planning Intervention). Participants will explore assessment tools, learn how to identify ambivalence/chan ge talk, and practice utilizing these strategies in role plays.

Participants will be able to utilize key tools and strategies of two evidence-based models of suicidalbehavior in their work with clients.  As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Develop an assessment for clients who are at risk for suicide.
2. Develop a safety plan for clients who are at risk for suicide.  
3. Describe the importance of identifying and reflecting ambivalence and supporting change talk in clients at risk for suicide.
4. Identify three important resources for clients experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Trauma-Informed Care: The Basics of Trauma
(09:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Bindu Khurana-Brown LMFT

This course will provide an introduction to trauma including definitions and understanding of how trauma can be integrated into an individuals’ functioning. The training will aid learners in their own definition of trauma and learn the skills to integrate it into a needs assessment for an individual. Attendees will learn factors to assess prior to beginning trauma work with an individual.

Attendees will be introduced to the core concepts of trauma including ways to frame and incorporate trauma work to promote healing and recovery with their clients.

1. Identify the four (4) core components of trauma
2. Learn three (3) biological responses to trauma
3. Integrate at least three to five (3-5) approaches to how to begin the discussion around traumas experienced by the individua

Harm Reduction: Engaging People with Co-Occurring Struggles, Part 1
(10:30 AM - 11:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Guyton Colantuono, Executive Director, Project Return Peer Support Network.

Harm Reduction, though originally developed in of the substance use field, mirrors the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation. This workshop will illustrate how using harm reduction in the delivery of services is not only empowering to staff but provides a more meaningful opportunity to engage people as they walk and define their recovery journey. The workshop will challenge many macro assumptions about mental health, substance use, and other behaviors and provide direct service staff with an intervention crosswalk that is more person centered than the one shoe fits all approach that permeates our field.

To develop participants' willingness and ability to provide integrated, person-centered care to people who are actively using substances. As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify two reasons why a person-centered model is essential for people with co-occurring disorders.
2. Identify three skills that are key to practicing harm reduction.
3. Distinguish between safety, moderation, and abstinence, when using a harm reduction model. 

Harm Reduction: Engaging People with Co-Occurring Struggles, Part 2
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Guyton Colantuono, Executive Director, Project Return Peer Support Network.

Harm Reduction, though originally developed in of the substance use field, mirrors the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation. This workshop will illustrate how using harm reduction in the delivery of services is not only empowering to staff but provides a more meaningful opportunity to engage people as they walk and define their recovery journey. The workshop will challenge many macro assumptions about mental health, substance use, and other behaviors and provide direct service staff with an intervention crosswalk that is more person centered than the one shoe fits all approach that permeates our field.

To develop participants' willingness and ability to provide integrated, person-centered care to people who are actively using substances.   As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify two reasons why a person-centered model is essential for people with co-occurring disorders.
2. Identify three skills that are key to practicing harm reduction.
3. Distinguish between safety, moderation, and abstinence, when using a harm reduction model. 

Chill Out: Tools for Addressing and Preventing Stress, Part 1
(09:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Rachel Michaelsen LCSW, Private Practice and Instructor.

Stress and trauma have a significant impact on the quality of all our lives. Learn how the nervous system becomes dysregulated by stress and trauma and research related to how simple, easy to learn and teach energy practices can regulate the nervous system and build resilience. Experience and practice techniques from the field of energy medicine and energy psychology. Make a self-care plan and plan ways to brings these techniques to those you serve.

To develop competency and be able to utilize alternative medicine practices that reduce or eliminate symptoms of general stress and post-traumatic stress in in working with clients and professional self-care.As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Explain at least two ways that stress and trauma impact the nervous system.
2. Demonstrate and lead at least three energy medicine techniques
3. Demonstrate and lead Trauma Tapping Technique
4. Develop a self-care plan using at least twotechniques learned in the workshop.

Chill Out: Tools for Addressing and Preventing Stress, Part 2
(10:30 AM - 11:15 AM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Rachel Michaelsen LCSW, Private Practice and Instructor.

Stress and trauma have a significant impact on the quality of all our lives. Learn how the nervous system becomes dysregulated by stress and trauma and research related to how simple, easy to learn and teach energy practices can regulate the nervous system and build resilience. Experience and practice techniques from the field of energy medicine and energy psychology. Make a self-care plan and plan ways to brings these techniques to those you serve.

To develop competency and be able to utilize alternative medicine practices that reduce or eliminate symptoms of general stress and post-traumatic stress in in working with clients and professional self-care.As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Explain at least two ways that stress and trauma impact the nervous system.
2. Demonstrate and lead at least three energy medicine techniques
3. Demonstrate and lead Trauma Tapping Technique
4. Develop a self-care plan using at least twotechniques learned in the workshop.

Writing for Wellness
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)

Andrea LaVoy Wagner BA, Crisis Counselor, Butte County Behavioral Health.

Writing is a wellness and recovery tool that research shows is an effective therapeutic technique, promoting increased self-esteem, purpose, self-worth and community building. It can be successfully employed in a peer group setting as well as collaboratively for personal growth and community advocacy. Participants will explore experiential, anecdotal and academic evidence for the benefits of writing for mental wellness and recovery. Get the tools and techniques for starting, facilitating and growing a writing for wellness program, including groups, collective publications, community events, and avenues for advocacy in the mental health system.

This workshop will provide tangible tools to inspire and implement writing-based groups and projects that promote individual healing and increased collaboration among peers in the mental health community.As a result of this training, participants will be able to:  

1. Identify at least three research perspectives on the proven benefits of implementing writing as a wellness tool in the mental health systems.
2. Describe three or more methods and/or inspirational ideas to implement writing for wellness in groups and collaborative projects.
3. Describe at least one method for how to use writing for wellness as a platform to encourage personal growth and self-worth while building community networks and advocating for change among peers in the mental wellness field.