Dear {Contact_First_Name} {Contact_Last_Name}, The February SVC Training on Diversity was extremely powerful and moving. The morning started with the 3000 Club. Reggie Caldwell, LCSW gave a compelling presentation on racism. This was followed by the general training on diversity. We had a three person panel with a wide array of experiences. Thank you to the participation and input of everyone who attended. We would like to see this expanded to a six hour training. Please share any thoughts on this idea.
Seven of our board members attended the CAMFT leadership conference in the bay area. We came back with a wealth of ideas to expand what we are doing here in our Sacramento Valley Chapter.
We are in the process of setting up the monthly trainings for next year. Please share any ideas you have for possible trainings.
This month we delayed the newsletter 4 days so we could bring you the latest information from the BBS Meeting on March 4th. See our Legal Beagle Column for the latest.
Welcome to the section of the SVC-CAMFT newsletter, Legal Beagle written by Darlene Davis, LMFT. The chapter thought it would be helpful to keep you updated on new laws, legislative pursuits or actions, as well as ongoing legaland ethical dilemmas we all face in our career as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Interns, and Trainees. Please feel free to ask questions that you have and I will do my best to investigate and post your answer in the newsletter. Please note that articles are based on information from CAMFT and/or the BBS and have been researched to the best of my ability. This is not meant to be legal advice. Please contact CAMFT or Board of Behavioral Sciences for any legal matters you need assistance for.
I attended the Board of Behavioral Sciences meeting today in Sacramento and thought you might be interested in some of the highlights. This is not a complete report of every topic or all discussion. You can access the webcast on the BBS website.
Processing Applications:
The good news is the processing time has diminished significantly! Here are a few of the timelines:
MFT Intern application 12-22 days
MFT Examination application 47-51 days
ASW application 11-19 days
LCSW Examination application 15-19 days
LEP Examination application 7-14 days
LPPC Intern application 30-33 days
LPCC Examination application 28-32 days
Supervision Committee Update:
The supervision committee has been working hard for the last several years meeting quarterly. We can thank them for the ease in accumulating hours for licensure. Yay buckets!
Here are some of the informal decisions that will bebrought back to the board for consideration:
Initial supervisor training - 15 hours for all the professional licenses (Currently it is 6 hours)
Six hours ongoing supervision training may include other professional development activities such as writing articles, (there will be guidelines for what type of articles), participating in peer supervision consultation groups, teaching supervision courses…
The Board would like to set up a way to register those supervising. Supervisors would also perform self-assessment of their qualifications and provide a copy to the Board and to supervisees.
The Board will conduct random audits to ensure a standard level of competency.
Allow triadic supervision (2 supervises and one supervisor) Can I get a yay from the agencies!
Allow supervisees to count 1/2 hour increments above and beyond the minimum required one hour individual and two hours group. e.g. 1.5 hours individual supervision and 3 hours of group supervision.
Remember these are not in effect yet they are being considered.Coming to the supervision committee meeting and/or board meeting will give your voice consideration on these topics.
Exam Restructure:
There have been many a rumor going around about the exam and scoring. The BBS is working diligently to manually ensure the correct exam candidate eligibility data is captured and sent to the testing vendors. Fo rthose of you that sent in requests to sit for an examination in JANUARY and have not heard anything yet can email or call the BBS. Here are a few myths debunked:
PO boxes are legitimate mailing addresses
There were false positives and false negative exam scoring results circulating. The Board explained that candidates were calling PSI and requesting their scores before the exam statistical analysis was verified. If you find yourself taking the exam during a time the scores are not given instantly please be patient.
The average passing score has been in the mid 70% . Two hundred Thirty Five (235) candidates took the exam in January 2016.
If your registration expires before June 30th please renew your registration by June 30th to be eligible to take the exam after June 30th.
There was lots of talk on moving towards a national exam, using the Association of Marriage andFamily Therapist Regulatory Board (AMFTRB). In the past it was decided to reject the exam because it was administrated using paper/pencil among other factors. The Board wants to look again now that the exam is administered via computer, although the exam needs to be assessed to see if it meets the requirements of MFT’s in California and the cost is significantly higher. Many board members expressed that MFT’si n California look very different than in other states. It was noted that the American Counseling Association reports that as of 2013 there were 58,007 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in the United States. As of June 30,2013 33,731 were regulated by the Board in California. As of February 1, 2016 California’s LMFT population has grown to 39,721!
Proposed Regulations:
The board approved proposed language to approve additional examination time for English as a second language. There would be three options that would offer additional time (1.5) for the examination:
1. A test of English as a Foreign Language,Internet Based Test (TOEFL-IBT) certification score of 85 or below, sent by Educational Testing Service directly to the board. The TOEFL must have beent aken within the previous two years prior to application or…
2. Documentation, to the satisfaction of the board,from the qualifying master’s degree that the program had granted the applicant additional examination time or other allowance due to speaking English as a second language while he or she was enrolled in the program. or…
3. Documentation, to the satisfaction of the board,that the qualifying master’s degree was obtained from an educational institution outside the United States, and that coursework was presented primarily in a language other than English.
Uniform Standards and Templates for Reports and Evaluations
The board wants a more standardized reporting from psychiatrists and psychologists requested in disciplinary cases. They will also discuss report standardizing from Therapists at the next Report Committee meeting .
Legislative Updates:
The board is currently pursuing the following legislative proposals:
1. AB1917 (Obernolte): Educational Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Clinical Counselor Applicants.
a.It amends the coursework and practicum required of LPCC applicants in order to ensure that the degree was designed to qualify the applicant to practice professional clinical counseling.
b.It amends the law to define education gained out-of-state based on the location of the
school, instead of based on the residence of the applicant.
2. Omnibus Legislation (Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee)(No Bill number assigned at this time)
a.Change the name of marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor interns to “associate”
Hope this information is helpful. See you in three months! In the meantime stay on the right side of the law!
Our Legal Beagle is a quarterly column for our newsletter with the latest information.
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Darlene Davis, LMFT Executive Director HOPE; Healthy Outcomes for Personal Enrichment MFT Stipend Coordinator for Greater Sacramento Instructor of University of Phoenix www.darlenedavismft.comwww.hope-counselingcenter.org
Renew your SVC-CAMFT Membership if you have not already.
Renewal notices have been sent so if you haven't please remember to renew so you don't lose your great benefits. Please note - all SVC-CAMFT members must also be a member of the state CAMFT so make sure your CAMFT membership is up to date and you have your membership number in your profile.
February Presentation Summary In Honor of Black History Month: A Panel Discussion on Cultural Diversity (2 CEs)
Panelists: Najjiyya Arnold, Adele James, and Makram Samaan, PhD
Announcements
Omni Youth Programs, a local non-profit organization in the greater Sacramento area, is offering free training and certification in the area of teen alcohol use. The training is over the phone and addresses issues such as how to talk to teens about alcohol use, how to help parents communicate with their teens, and how to model correct behaviors. For more information, contact Shari Egeland at shari@omniyouth.net or (916) 362-2000 ext. 14.
WIND Youth Services adolescent homeless shelter is shutting down. This is the only homeless shelter in Sacramento County for youth between the ages of 12 and 18.WIND is looking for funds and volunteers in an effort to continue providing services to this vulnerable population.
Workshop
This month’s workshop addressed “The African Diaspora”. The discussion panel consisted of Najjiyya Arnold, Clinical Psychology PhD candidate and creator/CEO of Profiles Unlimited; Adele James, immigrant from Trinidad and founder of Adele James Consulting and Coaching; and Makram Samaan, PhD, retired professor of Psychology at CSU Sacramento.
In honor of Black History Month, the discussion focused on the continued struggle of African Americans, as well as the need for greater understanding of the issues in order to provide adequate services to individuals of African heritage. Of paramount importance is the need to empower people with the words to address their feelings, as well as overcoming the fear of engaging in difficult discussions. Each member of the panel brought a unique perspective to the discussion. Ms. Arnold provided the perspective of a mature woman with a long history of the African American experience. Ms. James’ perspective is that of an immigrant to the United States from Trinidad at the age of 8, being of a multi-cultural mindset, but not really “fitting in” to any one culture. Dr.Samaan had the experience of being raised and educated in Egypt before immigrating to the United States in 1960. A lively question and answer session follow the panelists’ presentations.
Summary by Lynda Dickerson, MS, LMFT
March Meeting Information
FREE 3000 Club Pre-License Training
Date: Friday, March 18, 2016 Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM Topic: A discussion on Metahabilitation Presenter: Dr. Mikal-Flynn Location: Cedar Point Recovery 8950 Cal Center Drive Suite 165 Sacramento, CA 95826 (directions) (Suite Location Map)
Monthly Training
Networking starts at 9:30 AM and Training starts at 10:00 AM Topic: Metahabilitation: A Contemporary Treatment Strategy and System of Recovery Presenter: Dr. Mikal-Flynn Date: Friday, March 18, 2016 Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00PM Location: Cedar Point Recovery 8950 Cal Center Drive Suite 165 Sacramento, CA 95826 (directions) (Suite Location Map)
This program will benefit MFT and LCSW licensees and pre licensees by helping the clinician understand and leverage survivors’ potentials, resilience and courage, and focuses on strengths and possibilities to promote and guide posttraumatic growth - turning tragedies into triumphs. Includes: Breakfast and meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Sacramento Valley Chapter of California Marriage and Family Therapist CAMFT CEPA CE Provider #62279 CE Credit will be awarded on site and to participants at completion of the course
Workshop Information:
Individuals experience trauma causing troubling problems acutely and throughout their recovery process. Problems are compounded when the estimation of resources needed to successfully manage trauma are greater than resources perceived available to survivors. The current biomedical model of rehabilitation is insufficient. It tends to ignore incorporating survivor’s prior experience of trauma and strengths in planning for recovery.
Implementation and utilization of this system, including stages, characteristics, and facilitating conditions of Metahabilitated survivors, will be the focus of the session.
Learning Objectives: * Gain clarification and enhanced knowledge of the unique and troubling issues associated with survival of major trauma and catastrophic events from the survivor’s perspective.
* Gain understanding of the recovery process, including grief, loss and identify crisis, suffered by survivors and those caring for them.
* Understand the basic outline of the model and system of Metahabilitation, including stages, characteristics and facilitating conditions.
Presenter Bio: A marathon runner and triathlete, Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn survived sudden death in 1990 requiring 22 minutes of CPR. Currently, an Associate Professor at Sacramento State University, she received a BSN from University of San Francisco, a Nurse Practitioner Certificate from University of California and a MSN from California State University. In 2007, she earned a Doctor of Education completing her dissertation: Transforming Life Crisis: Stories of Metahabilitation After Catastrophic Life Events.
She speaks nationally and internationally on her contemporary system of rehabilitation – MetaHabilitation.
2016 Licensed Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $20
2016 Pre-Licensed Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $15
Non-Member: $30
*Add $5 for late or "at-door" registration
For information on joining SVC-CAMFT or renewing your membership for 2016 please email: info@svccamft.org
Refund Policy Cancellations received more than 7 days prior to an event may be subject to an administrative fee to cover costs of the initial transaction. No shows, failure to attend, and cancellations 7 or fewer days prior to an event for any reason are non-refundable, including registrations received fewer than 7 days prior to an event. No credit, refunds, or price adjustments will be given for typographical advertisement errors. A $25 fee in addition to the registration fee will be charged for insufficient funds, denied credit cards, or charge-backs. By registering for the event you agree to the terms of the Refund Policy.
Board Meetings are FREE for anyone to attend BUT you MUST register so we have an accurate headcount. To Register click on the board meeting(s) you wish to attend.
Reflections on Growth After Trauma By Dr. Mikal-Flynn
"[We] may find meaning in life even when confronted by a…fate that cannot be changed. For what matters then is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform personal tragedy into a triumph….Suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning." - Viktor Frankl
My journey began on July 22, 1990. That was the day I died requiring 22 minutes of CPR to return to life. Already a nurse practitioner, I was presented with the distinct opportunity to experience hospitalization and the recovery process from the perspective of both patient and provider. What I discovered was both troubling and exciting, informing my destiny, changing the trajectory of my life personally and professionally.
My Experience
A nurse practitioner, wife, busy mother of three young children and extremely physically active prior to my event, striving toward getting back the life I knew was initially my only goal. That eventually changed. I came to understand I needed time and required some adaptation and adjustment of my original desires. This was difficult to acknowledge and accept but the most difficult part of my recovery, something I was not prepared for, was the negative mindset and lack of understanding by those who cared for me. Although in great health prior to my traumatic event, regularly participating in marathons and triathlons, I was consistently reminded of the things could not and was not going to be able to do. ‘When can I run? When will I swim again?’ I desperately asked only to be told, ‘oh, you will never be ableto do that again.’ I was keenly aware things were not right and living with the aftermath of traumatic brain injury due to the extended CPR as well as physical issues, given little optimism or hope for a productive recovery was disheartening and depressing.
Unwilling to accept this fate, I struggled toward recovery asking for and accepting help. I go tbetter – eventually. I navigated through this life crisis, studied and reflected on its meaning and challenges for months following my hospitalization.Besieged with anxiety and depression I eventually found hope provided by one cardiologist, a runner himself, who suggested cardiac rehab. He also referred me to a therapist. I got support and became hopeful, focusing on what I could do and with some trepidation set goals for the future. Using my wits and family encouragement, I created my own rehab program. Overtime I began to understand and appreciate not what the event took from me, but more importantly, all that it gave me. I saw this first in myself and later in others. I came across stories,patients I would eventually care for, books, movies and plays that presented this same idea – traumas, even major life crisis can be opportunities, fertile field for profound growth and development. I found it both fascinating and professionally necessary to synthesize what I learned from this experience into a coherent picture and offer some ideas as to the nature and evolution of human behavior that allows for and promotes post traumatic growth (Sagan, 1977).
Positive Response to Trauma - Post Traumatic Growth: Metahabilitation
When faced with challenges individuals have the ability to generate new thoughts, ideas and turn them into superior ways of being (Bauwens & Tosone, 2014, Tedeshi,& Calhoun 2004). We all have the potential but it is not often noted without a causative or generative event. However, these breakthrough moments occur. In fact they happen many times with lesser traumas or disruptions of our lives,but unfortunately many times we fail to acknowledge them as growth events. It is essential, from the beginning, to learn from the smallest or simplest of life’s disruptions so that we are prepared to deal with the trauma and crisis we may bring on ourselves or brought by life itself (Mikal-Flynn, 2010; Park &Ai, 2006).
I learned this after my trauma and have committed to bring this assurance and understanding into my personal and professional life. How prepared are we and what do we choose in these situations as individuals and clinicians? How does one respond when life presents circumstances that one would not choose? The insight I gained as a patient and enhanced through formal research focused not only on ones capacity to grow but revealed how this is accomplished. Health care professionals, clinicians and therapists have a role to facilitate post traumatic growth by providing hopeful support, drive and guidance for those faced with the challenges of re-entering life in a meaningful and productive manner. To rehabilitate in a way that goes above and beyond baseline, what I termed Metahabilitate - growth post trauma (Mikal-Flynn, 2010). The choice to Metahabilitate, to accept the experience, become engaged with what life brought, to decide who you are, but more importantly who you can be, takes time, support, enormous effort and courage. To choose otherwise brings only disappointment, perceived limitations and ultimate despair.
Hope for the Future
"The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life.It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started." - Norman Cousins
I hold out great hope that knowledge gained from mine and others experiences as well as ongoing research will generate continued discussion, productive interventions, and ongoing work in this area. The unacceptable alternative is to be content with limiting human potential and the unique contributions to personal growth and development provided by trauma and life crises - life’s change agents. Challenges, large and small, allow one to face dangers and recognize opportunities provided by such events (Bauwens & Tosone, 2014).
There has been noteworthy progress in acknowledging and applying this concept into clinical practice but more can be - must be done (Park and Ai, 2006, Tedeshi &Calhoun 2004). Why some choose this path and others do not I am not certain,but I am clear professionally and personally, that when one bravely chooses the path of transforming a personal challenge into victory and embraces the behaviors,mindsets, even gifts provided by such an experience they are enhanced spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically. They discovered hope.And that hope lead to insight and strength which lead to growth after trauma. I now understand it - from both sides.
References
Ai, A. L. & Park, C. (2005).Possibilities of the positive following violence and trauma: informing the coming decade of research. Journalof Interpersonal Violence, 20, 242-250.
Bauwens, J. & Tosone, C. (2014). Post traumatic growth following hurricane Katrina: the influence of clinician’s trauma histories and primary and secondary traumatic stress. Traumatology, 20:3,209-218.
Frankl, V. (1984). Man’s search for meaning: An introduction to logotherapy. (I. Lasch,Trans.)New York: Washington Square Press.
Mikal-Flynn, J. (2010). MetaHabilitation: how to survive life after trauma. Nursing Times.Online Issue, 10.04.12.
Park, C.L. & Ai, A.L. (2006). Meaning making and growth:new directions for research on survivors of trauma. Journal of Loss and Trauma: International Perspectives on Stress and Coping, 11:5, 389-407.
Sagan, C.(1977). The dragons of eden. Speculations on the evolution of human intelligence.Ballantine Books, NYC.
The views expressed in the Special Feature Articles do not necessarily reflect the Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAMFT or CAMFT. They should be understood as the personal opinions of the author. No information in this article will be understood as official. Other views and commentary are welcome and will be published as long as they are respectful and stick to the topic.
Letters to the Editor
Welcome to the Letters to the editor Section. We want to hear what you want to say about SVC-CAMFT, CAMFT, current events and issues. Please see below guidelines on submitting a letter.
We Have No Letters to the Editor! Let your voice be heard! Write a letter to the editor!
__________________________________
Letters to the Editor Guidelines
You must be a current SVC-CAMFT member.
You cannot be a SVC-CAMFT board member or employee.
It must be no more than 250 words.
You must send in your full name so I can verify that you are a member.
If you wish your name not to be published please indicate.
Any letter published without a name will be listed as Anonymous MFT or Anonymous pre-license or Anonymous Associate
All letters must be respectful and without inappropriate words or phrases including name calling.
If you do not get a response back within 2 days that it has been received please email back.
ALL LETTERS RECEIVED WILL RECEIVE A RESPONSE THAT IT HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND WILL BE IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER.
If there is a problem with the letter (language, misspellings, length or appropriateness) you will receive an email back with the reason for the rejection and a chance to fix the problem and send it back in.
Psyched about Books and Movies
Welcome to "Psyched about Books and Movies!" Each month we include a book or movie review by one of our readers. Please see below guidelines on submitting a review.
Title: OC87 Rated: Not Rated Released: 2012 Reviewer:Heather Blessing, LMFT
Review: This is an interesting movie about a man named Bud Clayman. He has OCD, is on the Autism Spectrum, is bipolar and suffers with depression. He always wanted to be a film maker but his mental illness really caused him to struggle. This film is made by Bud Clayman about his life. One of the things I really liked is that he voice-overs what he is thinking during simple things like bus rides or eating at a restaurant. A good inside look into what it is like to have a mental illness.
Book/Movie Review Submission Policy
All reviews are not to exceed 1000 key strokes. Your review should include the title, a short synopsis about why you like or dislike it, and the author’s name & publication date.You can also include a picture of the book and/or movie. After review, we will publish your review in our next newsletter. Reviews submitted that are longer than 1000 characters will be returned for editing. It is best to type your review in a Microsoft Word document to note how many key strokes (characters with spaces), how big your review is, and for your own record keeping. You can then copy and paste it into the online submission form located here (http://www.svccamft.org/Newsletter.html) To learn more about checking your review for key strokes, spelling grammar and size click below: (http://www.svccamft.org/How_to_check_review_in_microsoft_word.doc).
It is your responsibility to check for spelling and grammar errors. Reviews must be received by the 20th of the month in order to appear in the next newsletter.
You can submit your review by: Visiting our webpage: www.svccamft.org
Mailing it in: P.O. Box 163385, Sacramento, CA 95816
Advertising and Announcements
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT THE COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY CENTER OF SACRAMENTO VALLEY
The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Sacramento Valley in Roseville is seeking a Licensed Therapist or experienced Registered Intern for an employment opportunity in our newly opened Roseville office. We specialize in evidence-based therapy for anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders in adults, children and teens. Please visit http://cognitivebehaviortherapycenter.com/mft-therapy-jobs-sacramento-roseville to learn more about the job opportunity and our center as well as how to apply.
REPRESENTING VICTIMS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Law Offices of Joseph C. George, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist (PSY 7480) Attorney at Law (SBN 119231) Free consultation. Website: www.psyclaw.com Telephone: 916.641.7300
BRINGING BABY HOME
When: March 12th Saturday 9am-4pm and March 19th Saturday from 9am-4pm Where: The Place Within Counseling in Folsom 530 Plaza Drive, Suite 130 Folsom, CA 95630 Cost: $160 per couple due at time of registration.
The Bringing Baby Home workshop is designed for expectant and new parents to develop skills and techniques that will help ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to the family. The 2- day Bringing Baby Home Workshop addresses many of the common concerns and experiences of new parents.
Workshop offered by Alicia Pharis, MFT Intern and a certified Bringing Baby Home educator under the supervision of Suzy Lee, LMFT # 52675. Please call (916) 799-1644 or email Alicia at aliciapharis@live.com
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY SACRAMENTO SPECIALIZES IN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT SERVICES
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Sacramento is small private mental health clinic that specializes in Intensive Outpatient Programs. We treat our patients from a holistic perspective. Our goal is to remove obstacles from healing and help our patients create a life of authenticity and self-management. Our programs are covered by insurance for children, teens and adults with the following conditions: Trauma, including Medical Trauma and Chronic Pain, Mood and Anxiety Problems, Food Dysregulations, Autism Spectrum and Behavior Problems. Patients generally continue to see their primary therapist while attending IOP treatment. Please visit our website at wwww.HealthPsychologySacramento.com
Advertising Policy for the Newsletter
All ads and reviews are not to exceed1000 key strokes. Chapter members advertise at no cost. Non-members can advertise about employment opportunities at no cost. Non-members, non employment-related ads follow these rates:
$10 for 200 key strokes
$20 for 201-600 key strokes
$30 for 601-1000 key strokes
Full page and ½ page ads are not accepted.
All ads contain text only; no graphics will be included.
Ads submitted that are longer than 1000characters will be returned for editing. It is best to type your ad in a Microsoft Word document to note how many characters, how big your ad is, and for your own record keeping. Please visit our site to find more information on how to use Microsoft word for editing. You can then copy and paste it on our online submission form located here (http://www.svccamft.org/Newsletter.html)
It is your responsibility to check for spelling and grammar errors.
Ads must be received by the 25thof the month in order to appear in the next newsletter. Ads are placed in theorder that they are received.
SVC-Camft Contact us mail: P.O. Box 163385, Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone: (916) 597-0811 Email: info@svccamft.org We are on the Web! www.svccamft.org To post to the listserve, please email to: info@svccamft.org
You are receiving this newsletter because you are member of Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAMFT.
Newsletter Editor: Heather Blessing, MA, LMFT
Welcome to the section of the SVC-CAMFT newsletter, Legal Beagle written by Darlene Davis, LMFT. The chapter thought it would be helpful to keep you updated on new laws, legislative pursuits or actions, as well as ongoing legaland ethical dilemmas we all face in our career as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Interns, and Trainees. Please feel free to ask questions that you have and I will do my best to investigate and post your answer in the newsletter. Please note that articles are based on information from CAMFT and/or the BBS and have been researched to the best of my ability. This is not meant to be legal advice. Please contact CAMFT or Board of Behavioral Sciences for any legal matters you need assistance for. 
