Special Feature - Cultural Trauma - The Response of the Black Community to the Killing of Stephon Clark by Kristee L. Haggins, Ph.D. We want to thank our amazing volunteer for the month of April:
Alicia Pharis
Carolyn Nelson
We would like to thank our Gold Level Sponsor:
Letter from the Board
May 1, 2018
Hello Member,
I hope this message finds you well. The month of April has been a very busy month for the board. We had a very productive board retreat in which we were able to review our progress and discuss some new ideas and initiatives that will allow our chapter to grow and expand the services we provide for our members and our community. One of the main highlights of the board retreat was the creation of the Community Assistance and Resource Effort Task Force (CARE) that you have been hearing a lot about, lately. For more information about the Task Force's scope, goals, and initiatives, and how to get involved, please visit the CARE web page.
I want to thank the Task Force members for working hard around the clock to respond to the needs of the community in record time. The Task Force has managed to organize multiple resources and initiate timely responses to the traumatic impact experienced in the community as a result of the tragic shooting of Mr. Stephon Clark. I want to thank all of our members, volunteers, and sponsors who have donated their time and resources to help us put together the inaugural educational initiative of the CARE Task Force, on May 11th, titled, CARE: Stephon Clark: Brave Spaces and Racial Healing: Clinicians and Community Healing Circle.
Lastly, please don’t forget to sign up for the May 4th Workshops: Facilitating Growth in Children through Child-Centered Play Therapy presented by Dr. Elisabeth Liles. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the tenets and theory of child-centered play therapy. Using this context, participants will then learn the language of play therapy and specific skills for implementing play therapy techniques with young children. Techniques will include facilitative reflections, identifying themes and enlarging the meaning of children's play, setting therapeutic limits, and monitoring progress in therapy. Also don't forget to register for the 3000 Club workshop: Introduction to Infidelity Counseling Principles and Treatment Challenges by Talal Alsaleem.
All licensees with an expiration date on or after July 1, 2018 will experience a fee increase upon renewal. This is a result of the passage of SB 1188 (Chapter 557, Statutes of 2017), and the increased revenue will provide additional funds to the Mental Health Practitioner Education Fund (more info):
LMFTs: Biennial renewal fee will increase from $140 to $150
LCSWs: Biennial renewal fee will increase from $110 to $120
LPCCs: Biennial renewal fee will increase from $175 to $195
Applicants shall meet (each of) the following educational requirements:
A minimum of two semester units of instruction in the diagnosis, assessment, prognosis, and treatment of mental disorders, including severe mental disorders, evidence-based practices, and promising mental health practices that are evaluated in peer reviewed literature.
At least one semester unit or 15 hours of instruction in psychological testing AND at least one semester unit or 15 hours of instruction in psychopharmacology.
Ethics Corner
For 2018, in each newsletter we will be featuring different CAMFT ethics codes and looking deeper at how to implement them into your clinical practice.
CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR CLIENTS DURING A THERAPIST ABSENCE
Life happens! There is bound to be times in all of our careers where we are faced with unexpected work absences due to injury or illness. This month we are looking at ways to ensure continuity of care and limit treatment disruptions for your clients. Two ethical guidelines are written about this specifically:
“1.3 TREATMENT DISRUPTION: Marriage and family therapists are aware of their professional and clinical responsibilities to provide consistent care to patients and maintain practices and procedures that assure undisrupted care. Such practices and procedures may include, but are not limited to, providing contact information and specified procedures in case of emergency or therapist absence, conducting appropriate terminations, and providing a professional will.”
“1.3.1 TERMINATION: Marriage and family therapists use sound clinical judgment when terminating therapeutic relationships and do so in an appropriate manner. Reasons for termination may include, but are not limited to, the patient is not benefiting from treatment; continuing treatment is not clinically appropriate; the therapist is unable to provide treatment due to the therapist’s incapacity or extended absence; or in order to avoid an ethical conflict or problem.”
For most clinicians working in agency, government, or large practice settings, coverage for when you are unexpectedly out of the office typically falls to your clinical supervisor or manager. If you’re in solo private practice, however, it’s a bit trickier.
A professional will is a document outlined by you as a clinician that outlines, in detail, what should happen to your clinical practice in case of absence, unavailability, or incapacity.
CAMFT has several resources outlining how to go about creating a professional will:
Your professional will should become a living, working document that is updated periodically to ensure completeness and accuracy. CAMFT legal counsel is also available by telephone (858) 292- 2638 as part of your membership to answer questions about creating a professional will and other ways to ensure you’re fulfilling your ethical standards.
Community Assistance and Resource Effort (CARE)
Come see our NEW Community Assistance and Resource Effort Task Force Page. We CARE about our community and will be there with you during the tough times.
Community Assistance and Resource Effort (CARE) Task Force will represent SVC-CAMFT's commitment to serving our community by providing timely assistance and resources for tragedies, crises of social injustice, or natural disasters affecting those directly and indirectly in the greater Sacramento area. CARE will be a resource and a platform to help professionals receive support, education, training and resources. It will also serve as a platform for connecting members and non-members. The primary objective of CARE is to mobilize a therapeutic response for those affected by the impact of traumatic events. Oversight of the Task Force will reside with the Executive Committee of the SVC-CAMFT board.
2018 CARE Workshop Sponsors
2018 CARE Workshop Donors
These are the wonderful people who voluntarily donated to our workshops during the registration process. If a person donates during registration of multiple CARE workshops, their donations are totaled up and they are put in the appropriate category. The voluntary donations during the registration process go to offsetting the expenses of that current CARE workshop. If the donations exceed the expenses, the excess donations will be used for future CARE workshop expenses. Donations are NOT tax deductible.
If you want to donate but are unable to attend click here and the donation will go towards CARE workshops.
Philanthropists - $30+
Margaret Bezmalinovic * Heather Blessing * Jason Briggs * Seth DuVernay * Judy Foddrill * Miriam Hernandez * Gia Herndon * Ann Leber * Claudia Locsin * Mary C Reilly * Rebecca Sharad * Laura Shlien * Linda Tell
Partners - $25
Marti McClellan-Morehouse * Tressa Murai * Dave Sherlock
Sponsors - $20
Priscilla Barnes * Benny Glover * Judith Icasiano * Catherine Lazar * Carol Mahr * DeBora Miller * Merrill Powers * Jay Schnabolk
Supporters - $15
Carolyn R Curtis * Alicia Doktor * Michael Feliciano * Robert Hickman * Gina Mertz * Vicki Pfitzer * Arturo Rangel * Katie Silva * Jessica Wharton * Stephanie Wilson
Assistants - $10
Corri Chadwick * Raven Kauba * Robin Sands-Ginley * Yon Walls
Helpers - $5
Bailey Armstead * Najjiyya Arnold * Kathy Campbell * Brandy Jones-Thomas * Elaine Johnson * Jaima Owen * Diane Simon
April Workshop Summary
Traumatic Brain Injury: Mental Health Considerations by Dr. Joel Solomon (2CEs)
“TBI is six times more prevalent than multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injury, and breast cancer COMBINED”, Joel Solomon, Psy.D. from Mercy General Hospital emphasizes at his information-packed presentation at SVC-CAMFT’s April training. Yet, he adds, we hear nearly nothing about it and there are few therapists who can work with its symptoms. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a subset of acquired brain injuries, or ABI, along with stroke, brain tumors, and anoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain). TBI is caused by external mechanical force applied to the brain, such as in falls, car accidents, explosions during war, or injury to the head during a violent attack. In 2013, around 2.8 million TBI cases appeared at ERs and hospitals; more than 50,000 people die annually of TBI, making up nearly one-third of all injury-related deaths in this country; and 5.3 million Americans live with disabilities that are the result of TBI. About three-quarters of the variety of TBI is due to mild concussion, therefore Dr. Solomon focused on the symptoms and treatment of these.
Feeling tired and wanting to rest after a concussion is common and has to be honored. However, when the person with TBI cannot stay alert against his own will but slips in and out of consciousness, the situation is serious and needs immediate medical attention.
Common physical symptoms of concussion are fatigue, headache, dizziness, dyscoordination and imbalance, weakness, spasticity, and seizures. Sensory changes are hypersensitivity to all sensory input; loss of hearing, smell and taste; numbness; and changes in vision such as double vision, visual field cuts, and gaze changes. Cognitive changes include decline in attention, concentration, memory capacity, processing speed; decreased executive functioning such as planning, problem-solving, judgment, reasoning; reduced language skills, both expressive and receptive; and visuoperceptual changes (independent of vision changes). The presenting amnesia is not emotional suppression! Symptoms lasting longer than 3 months would constitute “post-concussion syndrome”.
What therapists would see when working with people who had suffered TBI can be divided into two categories: the actual neurological changes due to the incident and the psychological responses to the trauma and the resulting diagnosis. Due to damaged neurons and metabolic functioning in the nervous system, we would most often see impulsivity, temper outbursts, hyperarousal, and low frustration tolerance; lack of emotions or emotional lability; socially inappropriate comments or actions and poor awareness of social cues; excessive tangential talking, lack of awareness of deficits, misperception of others, lack of initiation, or egocentric behavior. Psychological responses may present as anxiety, depression, fears, distrust of people, irritability, anger, social withdrawal, and PTSD.
According to Dr. Solomon, there are no hard and fast ways of measuring severity of TBI and concussions do not tend to show up on scans. Clinicians must use thorough clinical interviewing to identify pre- and morbid functioning. Clinicians have to be aware that some people will not be forthcoming with information related to head injuries because they may be unaware of how their injuries may relate to their presenting symptoms and because symptoms that present as TBI can also be symptoms of other medical conditions. Apart from reviewing psychological/cognitive functioning, assess for substance use history, educational and occupational history, and onset and progression of symptoms. The difference between cognitive/psychological problems due to TBI as opposed to “simple” psychological functioning is that symptoms due to TBI will probably take longer to heal due to tissue/metabolic damage in the brain.
Dr. Solomon pressed multiple times that “most concussions resolve quickly if they are managed correctly”. This means, on the one hand that most concussions are not serious but, on the other hand, they have to be addressed. The earlier people get access to rehab the better. The person has to rest a lot in the early stage and restrict physical and cognitive exertion by not exercising or watching TV, reading or texting around. Environmental stimulation is also to be restricted such as staying away from bright light, noise, and social commotion. Activities have to be gradually increased in later stages of recovery.
Therapist may need to educate clients on their condition and provide consistent feedback about their strength and limitations. Provide support for grieving a loss of sense of self and identity as people loose certain physical/mental capacities. Teach coping skills to compensate for the various symptoms. Present clear expectations for behavior and discuss consequences of people’s actions. Model calm behavior and redirect the person’s attention as needed. Encourage consistent routines; break down big task into small steps both for comprehension and for limiting physical/cognitive exertion to manageable levels; encourage frequent breaks in activities. Educate client’s support system as well and encourage client’s help seeking behavior and the support system’s active presence.
Refer clients to further support such as speech, occupational, physical therapists, or neurological evaluation as needed. Mercy’s Home & Community Reintegration Program in Citrus Heights provides education, support groups, and vocational screening for TBI survivors. Contact information: Katie Shinoda, PT, DPT (916) 453-7926 or katie.shinoda@dignityhealth.org.
Written by Marianna Jakucska, LMFT
May & June Events
MAY FREE 3000 CLUB WORKSHOP
Topic: Introduction to Infidelity Counseling Principles and Treatment Challenges
Presenter:Talal Alsaleem, LMFT Date: Friday, May 4. 2018 Time: 8:30am to 9:30am Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (map)
Free Coffee and Donuts Space is limited so please register here
Workshop Information: Introduction to infidelity counseling principles and treatment challenges. Learn about the physical and emotional impact of affairs and the clinical milestones needed to help your clients heal from the trauma of infidelity.
Presenter Bio: Talal H. Alsaleem is an award-winning Marriage Counselor and the founder of the Infidelity Counseling Center, a resource for couples dealing with the traumatic impact of affairs. He is an infidelity recovery specialist and works exclusively with couples in crisis. He developed a solution-focused method of infidelity counseling that has helped hundreds of couples navigate the challenges of the healing journey from affairs. He is the author of the acclaimed book, Infidelity: The Best Worst Thing that Could Happen to Your Marriage, and the author of the relationship column, Heart Matters. Talal is an active member of the Continuing Education Provider Approval Committee of CAMFT and the President of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAMFT.
** Please be courteous and send us an email at info@svccamft.org if you are unable to attend after you have registered. **
MAY WORKSHOP
Topic: Facilitating Growth in Children through Child-Centered Play Therapy Presenter: Dr. Elisabeth Liles Date: Friday, May 4, 2018 Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00PM Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (map)
Doors Open at 9:00AM Networking starts at 9:00 AM
This program will benefit LMFT, LPCC, LEP and LCSW licensees and pre licensees by providing training in both theory and techniques of working with young children. It satisfies the BBS requirements for treating children and working with families. All information provided is empirically-supported and well-established within the field.
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 after the completion of the course via email.
No CEs will be awarded to persons arriving late or leaving early. Partial CE credit will not be awarded.
Workshop Information:
This presentation will provide a brief overview of the tenets and theory of child-centered play therapy. Using this context, participants will then learn the language of play therapy and specific skills for implementing play therapy techniques with young children. Techniques will include facilitative reflections, identifying themes and enlarging the meaning of children's play, setting therapeutic limits, and monitoring progress in therapy.
Play therapy is a specialized technique that transcends simply including play materials in a therapy session. It is founded on specific beliefs about children and their development, and it is empirically-supported when implemented from a knowledgeable framework. Research demonstrates that play therapy is the most effective way to work with young children (ages 3-7), and it requires training in play therapy skills in order for therapists to be effective in its implementation. In order for licensees to ethically provide therapy to young children, it is imperative that they have knowledge and training in specific play therapy skills.
1. Participants will be able to respond therapeutically to young children using the specific play therapy language
2. Participants will be able to implement therapeutic limit-setting using the ACT method
3. Participants will be able to identify therapeutic themes in children’s play and use this information to enlarge meaning and monitor progress
Presenter Bio: Dr. Elisabeth Liles earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2009. She is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor (RPT-S) and has been practicing play therapy since 2004. Dr. Liles also has experience as a school counselor and high school teacher. Dr. Liles has published in the International Journal of Play Therapy and presented at the American Counseling Association Annual Conference on the topic of play therapy. She is also is currently an Associate Professor and Department Chair at California State University, Sacramento, where she teaches courses on play therapy and counseling children and youth. In addition to being an RPT-S, Dr. Liles is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
2018 Licensed, Associate or Affiliate Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $25
2018 Pre-Licensed Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $20
Non-Member: $35
Registration Ends Wednesday, May 2, 2018
No Walk-in Registration unless announced.
Registration Policy Effective January 1, 2018 SVC-CAMFT event registration must be paid online except with prior approval. Registration dates and fees may vary and are subject to change without notice. Event discounts prices and discount periods may or may not be offered. Event registration is deemed complete during the registration period in which registration payment is received. Incomplete or unpaid registration will be cancelled and removed at the end of each registration period.
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.
To request accommodations for a disability for any of our events contact our Administrative Assistant at info@svccamft.org
Community Assistance and Resource Effort (CARE) Workshop - Stephon Clark
Topic: Brave Spaces and Racial Healing: Clinicians and Community Healing Circle Presenter: Kristee L. Haggins, Ph.D. Sponsor:EMDR Training Institute Date: Friday, May 11, 2018 Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00PM Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (map)
Doors Open at 8:30AM Workshop starts at 9:00 AM
This program will benefit LMFT, LPCC, LEP and LCSW licensees and pre licensees by learning information and strategies that will allow them to be more effective when working with African American clients. This deeper understanding of cultural dynamics, enhanced self-awareness and the application of cultural humility will provide the opportunities for providers to be more culturally responsive to this population. The lead presenter holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. While her psychologist license is currently inactive, she has been teaching, writing, training in the area of Black Psychology/African-Centered Psychology; Cultural Diversity, and Psychological Training for over 20 years.
Includes: Breakfast and meets the qualifications for 3 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 after the completion of the course via email.
No CEs will be awarded to persons arriving late or leaving early. Partial CE credit will not be awarded.
Workshop Information:
This presentation will engage participants in understanding the current psychological responses to the killing of Stephon Clark from a cultural perspective, including the concept of "Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder". Attendees will be introduced to "Safe Black Space" A Community Healing Circle designed by and for people of African ancestry that is being used to support the local community in responding the recent cultural trauma in Sacramento. Regardless of one's own background participants will gain a deeper understanding of cultural competency and how to apply cultural humility when interacting with Black clients. Attendees will engage in self-awareness and identify strategies to enhance their skills in working with this population. The presentation will include didactic and experiential components. The main presenter is an African-centered psychologist by training. She will be joined by a local college student and/or community member who will speak to the direct, personal impact of this shooting on their lives and discuss what help and resources they would find useful in terms of coping from and healing from incidents such as this.
Participants will gain knowledge of: Current psychological responses to the killing of Stephon Clark from a cultural perspective
Participants will gain knowledge of: Safe Black Space - A Community Healing Circle
Participants will gain knowledge of: Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility Skills to apply with clients of African ancestry regardless of their own background
Presenter Bio:
Kristee L. Haggins, Ph.D. is a public speaker, educator and consultant, and although not currently practicing clinically, Dr. Haggins is trained as an African-centered psychologist. She integrates spirituality and mental health, gratitude and diversity into her work. She has a B.A. in Psychology with Honors from The University of Southern California and M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Haggins has extensive experience in university mental health. She worked on campus within the University of California system as a therapist, supervisor, professor and administrator with a focus on clinical psychology supervision and training, diversity issues and African American mental health for almost 20 years.
Dr. Haggins is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program at Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology-Sacramento Campus where she teaches Cultural Diversity Training. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the California Black Health Network and is the Chair of the Mental Health Workgroup.
Dr. Haggins most recently served for over five years as a project manager for a statewide non-profit in California. She conceptualized, developed, promoted and led multiple projects focused on promoting excellence and the integration of cultural competence into publicly funded behavioral health systems and in mental health services through training, technical assistance, research, and evaluation. As part of the Health Equity Team her areas of emphasis included: community defined practices; African-centered psychology; and mental health training with faith-based organizations; among others.
Dr. Haggins is a trained facilitator of Emotional Emancipation Circles (EECs), a healing strategy designed for and by people of African Ancestry. She was recently awarded the 2016 Community Healing Award by the Community Healing Network (CHN) for her Collaboration with CHN and the Association of Black Psychologists in the implementation of EECs throughout California.
Additionally, Dr. Haggins is a certified facilitator for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK and Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP).
Dr. Haggins in partnership with Unity of Sacramento and Sacramento Area Congregations Together (SacACT), along with other mental health professionals, educators and community members coordinated “Safe Black Space: A Community Healing Circle by and for People of African Ancestry to Promote Community and Personal Healing”, in response to the reactions to the killing of Stephon Clark by the Sacramento Police in March 2018. This collaborative team intends to explore and expand ways to enhance healing in Sacramento.
To request accommodations for a disability for any of our events contact our Administrative Assistant at info@svccamft.org
JUNE FREE 3000 CLUB WORKSHOP
Topic: Cultural Competence when working with the LGBTQ population Presenter: Finley Terhune Date: Friday, June 1. 2018 Time: 8:30am to 9:30am
Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (map) Free Coffee and Donuts Space is limited so please register here
Workshop Information: Get an introduction to cultural competence when working with the LGBTQ population.
Presenter Bio:
Finley Terhune (they/them/their) is a non-binary, transmasculine identified MFTA and PCCA, as well as Counseling Program Manager at Gender Health Center, a 501.c3 non-profit serving the transgender, LGBQIA+, and other communities in the greater Sacramento (and further!) area. Finley's passions in the field are varied, but currently they work primarily with trans identified youth (including foster youth), and their families/guardians, as well as in relational counseling where one or more partners is transitioning and/or exploring their gender identity.
Finley's primary theoretical orientation is Queer Informed Narrative Therapy, which is a modality that focuses on the contextualizing, externalizing, and deprivatizing of not only mental health concerns themselves, but also the therapeutic process (to be exceedingly brief about it). As many narrative therapists may say, "The Person is not the Problem, the Problem is the Problem". While QINT informs much of Finley's practice, they are equally devoted to client centered treatment in which the client(s) are actively engaged in the collaboration and form that their time in therapy takes.
** Please be courteous and send us an email at info@svccamft.org if you are unable to attend after you have registered. **
JUNE WORKSHOP
Topic: How to be Supportive of Clients Who are Transgender Presenter: Heather Blessing, LMFT & Joe Borders, LMFT Sponsored by: Date: Friday, June 1, 2018
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00PM Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (map)
Doors Open at 9:00AM Networking starts at 9:00 AM
This program will benefit LMFT, LPCC, LEP and LCSW licensees and pre licensees.
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 after the completion of the course via email.
No CEs will be awarded to persons arriving late or leaving early. Partial CE credit will not be awarded.
Workshop Information:
Learn how to make your practice more supportive to clients who are transgender. Heather Blessing, LMFT and Joe Borders, LMFT will present an interactive workshop where you can ask any questions you have about transgender issues, while learning more about the trans* culture. From trans* friendly language and forms, to understanding informed consent.
Design forms that are supportive to clients who are transgender
Identify clients who have Gender Dysphoria
Identify clients who are gender fluid\non binary
Presenter Bio:
Heather Blessing, LMFT has been working with the LGBTQ community for more than 20 years. In 2006 she met and eventually married her husband who is transgender. When she became licensed in 2015 and working with transgender children has become her specialty. She does trainings and workshops to help others understand what transgender means and how to be supportive.
Joe Borders is an MFT with offices in Sacramento and Roseville. He has been in private practice since 2014 and specializes in working with couples, teens, addiction, and the LGBTQ community, but if you were to ask him what his passion is he would describe himself as a sex positive LGBTQ therapist. Over the last 2 years Joe has been working extensively with trans and gender non conforming teens.
Joe writes about issues related to counseling and mental health in his ongoing blog located at https://joeborders.com/blog. Recently he has been working on creating a soon to be released therapist directory for the greater Sacramento area. You can find that at https://sacwellness.com. you can find out more about Joe in general at his website https://joeborders.com
Early registration ends Thursday, May 24, 2018 Early registration rates:
2018 Licensed, Associate or Affiliate Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $20
2018 Pre-Licensed Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $15
Non-Member: $30
Starting Friday, May 25, 2018 rates:
2018 Licensed, Associate or Affiliate Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $25
2018 Pre-Licensed Member of SVC-CAMFT or a local chapter of CAMFT: $20
Non-Member: $35
Registration Ends Wednesday, May 30, 2018No Walk-in Registration unless announced.
Registration Policy Effective January 1, 2018 SVC-CAMFT event registration must be paid online except with prior approval. Registration dates and fees may vary and are subject to change without notice. Event discounts prices and discount periods may or may not be offered. Event registration is deemed complete during the registration period in which registration payment is received. Incomplete or unpaid registration will be cancelled and removed at the end of each registration period.
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.
(If you would like your article published in our newsletter please email info@svccamft.org)
Cultural Trauma – The Response of the Black Community to the
Killing of Stephon Clark
Kristee L. Haggins, Ph.D.
April 30. 2018
Over and over and over again. If you are paying any attention at all, you too have seen the killing of Black men (and women) by law enforcement on the national news. Well it hit home, in our own “backyard” when Stephon (Zoe) Clark was shot to death by Sacramento Police on March 18, 2018 in his grandparent’s backyard. Pursued by police for allegedly breaking car windows, Stephon was shot at 20 times and hit 8 times primarily in the back. Police said he was advancing toward them with a gun, but later it was confirmed he was only carrying a cell phone.
Anger, rage, despair, hopelessness, anxiety, depression, fear, sleep disturbances, are all reactions one might expect to have in response to learning, seeing, and hearing that someone in your community, perhaps someone you know has been killed under such circumstances. Sacramento “exploded” in reaction to the killing of Stephon Clark, with demonstration after demonstration and various forms of protest still occurring over a month after his death. Stephon’s brother Stevante has frequently been in the media leading protests and marches, acknowledging his own struggle in coping with the death of his brother.
A human life – Stephon Clark’s life was cut short and encounters like these can traumatize individuals and a community. Trauma can be thought of as the effect of experiences that are emotionally traumatic, including being the victim of or witnessing violence. Trauma impacts people psychologically and emotionally and chronic exposure to racism, discrimination, and oppression, in addition to sexism, heterosexism, poverty, etc., adds another layer of trauma, complex trauma.
This article addresses a specific type of complex trauma - racial or cultural trauma that may exist with African Americans which is described as “Post-traumatic Slavery Syndrome” or “Post-traumatic Slavery Disorder.” It is the consequence of the multigenerational oppression of Africans and their descendants, resulting from centuries of chattel slavery and continued oppression. We must remember that the treatment of Blacks was predicated on the belief that people of African ancestry were (are) inherently or genetically inferior to Whites. While the shackles and physical bonds of enslavement are gone, the structures and processes for bondage are still in place. One of the profound lingering effects for Black people is a sense of human alienation, where we are not being seen as human, worthwhile, or valuable.
Instances like the killing of an unarmed Black man like Stephon Clark, in addition to large and small scale racially based experiences that Black people deal with on a daily basis reveal that racial and cultural trauma is far from being “post”, rather it is persistent and pervasive. It reinforces the belief that our lives do not matter. Our history as it relates to race, helps to set the context for what is being experienced today.
While not every Black person will necessarily experience racial trauma, it is important to understand the reactions African Americans may experience in response to what they perceive as discriminatory acts. The symptoms are similar to traditional PTSD and include (1) re-experiencing: such as distressing dreams and flashbacks; (2) avoidance: such as affective restriction and the avoidance of thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma; and (3) arousal: such as insomnia, hypervigilance, and startle reactions. Other possible responses include a distorted self-concept, substance abuse, feelings of suspicion of others; violence against self, property, and others; internalized racism; and learned helplessness. Witnessing or experiencing racial trauma can trigger symptoms such as these, as Black people are aware that that could have been me, my son, my daughter, my loved one (or perhaps it already has been).
Since trauma-informed care is becoming a standard practice, providing strategies that address trauma within the Black community that are culturally relevant and specific are needed (e.g., community-defined evidence practices; indigenous community-based approaches). The lived experience of people and communities of African ancestry is unique with a historical racial context that impacts it. The needs of the Black community and its members may not necessarily be best met by traditional, mainstream methods and Evidence Based Practices. We must recognize that not all therapy is healing and not healing has to include therapy. Those providing support for the Black community must be culturally open, aware and humble so as not to re-traumatize but rather heal. Providers should consider how focused support, that considers cultural dynamics and history, may be most effective or can compliment more traditional services.
One healing strategy is to provide specific spaces where Black people can work through and address racial/cultural trauma. A place where they can tell their stories about what they are experiencing in reaction to oppression and identify ways to cope individually and collectively. Social support (coming together in community) and helping people regain feelings of control (learning strategies to manage their emotions; identify ways to respond) can enhance an individual’s capacity to cope and respond to stressful experiences and may help to modify the effects of perceived discrimination on health (decrease the negative impact).
Safe Black Space Community Healing Circles (SBS-CHCs) are one such healing strategy. They are confidential and supportive healing circles for people who identify as being of African ancestry and have experienced race-based trauma. While not therapy, SBS-CHCs provide mental health, spiritual and community support offered in an African-centered and holistic way. They were designed by and for Black people and offer a type of “first response” after an immediate racial trauma, helping to stabilize a Black community in crisis.. SBS-CHSs are an outgrowth of the Cultural Trauma Tool Kit http://www.communityhealingnet.org/familycare-communitycare-and-selfcare-tool-kit-healing-in-the-face-of-cultural-trauma/ and the Emotional Emancipation CirclesSM (EECsSM) the support group model originated by the Community Healing Network (CHN) and developed in collaboration with the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi).
For next level healing and for ongoing support on a more sustainable basis, for the Black community, Emotional Emancipation CirclesSM (EECsSM) are offered.
EECsSM are grounded in African principles of wellness and designed to address emotional and psychological stress affecting persons of African ancestry who have been negatively impacted by experiences of racism, alienation, and isolation. Participants learn and practice essential emotional wellness skills and learn to replace negative cognitions about inferiority with ones that are more affirming. EECsSM support Black people in working together to overcome, heal from, and overturn the lies of White superiority and Black inferiority: the root causes of the devaluing of Black lives. EECsSM are a powerful resource for personal and community healing and have been implemented internationally.
Whether or not you identify as African American, you are encouraged to consider the impact of racial and cultural trauma on the experiences of Black people. Expand your understanding of what may be going on for someone and be open to exploring what may best support them. Participate in your own self-care, seek consultation and support when needed, and engage in social justice efforts. The truth is we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect…to have our lives, our humanity seen and acknowledged.
Want to learn more about how to support the Black community and yourself in a diverse setting? Stay tuned for upcoming cultural competency training sessions on June 9th and June 16th. For more information, email safeblackspace@gmail.org.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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: Atypical (original series on Netflix
Network: Netflix
Copyright: 2017 Reviewer: Heather Blessing, LMFT
Review: As a mother that has raised an atypical child, this series is really good. Not only do we follow the main character who is atypical, we see how the entire acts and interacts with the issues that come up his life as well as other issues that happen in a regular family life. This is a very honest look in what family life can look like as everyone handles issues differently.
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
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For more job listings and other free resources, visit Prelicensed!
Advertising and Announcements
EMDR TRAINING
Always wanted to get EMDR training? Now’s your chance for the only EMDR Basic training designed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., founder of EMDR. Weekend 1 is July 13-15, weekend 2 is November 16-18, in Sacramento. Details and registration at www.emdr.com. Trained before 2008? Retake the training for ½ price to be updated on the reconceptualization of EMDR as a comprehensive therapy, compatible with psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, etc. It resolves unprocessed memories that trigger present symptoms and dysfunction. Highly researched and empirically validated, EMDR Is recommended as an effective treatment for trauma by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Assoc, DOD and the VA. Email: registration@emdr.com.
FULL-TIME BILINGUAL THERAPIST, AMFT
Nonprofit Organization is seeking a full-time (32 hours a week) Bilingual and Bicultural (Spanish/English) Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) for its full-service Counseling Center providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults and families. Primary responsibilities include using evidenced-based practices, providing quality clinical assessments, treatment plans, assist in the assessment of crises and provide appropriate interventions. Must be a registered associate with the Board of Behavioral Sciences, proficient in English and Spanish, have good presentation and group facilitation skills. Qualified applicants please submit resume with cover letter. deborah@lighthousefrc.org
Advertising Policy for the Newsletter
All ads and reviews are not to exceed 1000 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 1000 characters 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 25th of the month in order to appear in the next newsletter. Ads are placed in the order 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
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Newsletter Editor: Heather Blessing, MA, LMFT
