Close Close

  • Medical Trauma: Emotional Implications and Crisis Intervention

    Program Description

    Traumatic medical events such as a medical illness, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedure can have a myriad of emotional consequences which include, but are not limited to, PTSD, chronic anxiety, panic attacks, and an avoidance of having necessary medical procedures done. Medical crises can take on many forms, and the topic of medical trauma is not something that is frequently addressed despite the repercussions and negative mood states associated with the events. One example of a medical crisis that is not often brought to the forefront is the need to live with a colostomy or ileostomy, whether it be as a result of cancer or refractory intestinal disease. The stigma and embarrassment associated with having to wear a bag can greatly add to the challenges already being faced and can result in a negative body image, isolation, or even self-harm. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss some of the physical and psychological challenges associated with medical traumas in addition to therapeutic interventions which may help mitigate the emotional suffering associated with these profoundly distressing scenarios. The presenter, with willingness to be explicitly honest about her own personal ostomy experiences, will recast thought patterns and consequently allow for ostomies to be portrayed in a more positive, less stigmatized light. 

    Learning Objectives

    Following this presentation, participants will have learned and/or be able to:

    1. Emotional manifestations and therapeutic interventions associated with medical trauma;
    2. An understanding of what an ostomy is in addition to the emotional challenges associated with it which include dealing with its stigma;
    3. Insight on how to counsel an individual facing medical trauma or ostomy surgery.

    Presenter Information

    Alison Kulick, M.S., LAC, NCC, CVT, is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a Certified Veterinary Technician. She graduated with her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth in 2019. Alison’s diverse work experience includes 10 years in numerous veterinary practices, as well as 21 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, Alison has had to endure numerous medical burdens, and wishes to turn these challenges into something positive by educating and encouraging others who are going through similar difficulties. Outside of her work endeavors, Alison’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her four-legged best friend, Sativa, a rescue dog. 

  • Mental Health and Public Policy

    Governor Richard J. Codey’s talk, “Mental Health and Public Policy,” focuses on how he became interested in making mental health a focal point of his public service. This includes stories of going undercover in psychiatric institutions and nursing facilities, and doing frequent unannounced inspections of boarding homes, both of which exposed the poor treatment of patients. Governor Codey and his wife have also been open about their struggles with post-partum depression. These varied experiences led him to pass legislation which made improvements in mental health public policy.

    Handouts

  • Counselor Self Care Using Mindfulness Meditation and Movement

    Intro to Mindfulness

    Mindful or Mindfull

    Steps to Mindfulness and Self Care

  • Buddhist Philosophy as Counseling Technique: Postmodern Zen

    Handout

  • Understanding and Helping Couples in the Social Media Age

  • An Introduction to Motivational Interviewing: Basic Principles and Practical Applications

    Program Description

    This workshop will serve as an introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI) for novice counselors and those unfamiliar with the practice of MI.  Attendees will be presented with fundamental information on Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based clinical method for counseling clients with substance abuse and other mental health issues.  Theoretical foundations and their practical applications, primary principles, and clinical tools and techniques of Motivational Interviewing will be covered.  Populations and psychological disorders appropriate for the utilization of MI will be discussed.

    Learning Objectives

    1. Attendees will gain introductory knowledge of the counseling style of Motivational Interviewing, including an understanding of the basic principles and spirit of Motivational Interviewing;
    2. Attendees will be able to identify and define the four fundamental processes of Motivational Interviewing;
    3. Attendees will be able to identify and define the core skills and primary tools of Motivational Interviewing.

    About the Presenter

    Matthew Tirrell, MS, LPC, NCC is a nationally certified counselor and licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey. He also serves as an administrator and adjunct professor in the Department of Professional Counseling at Monmouth University. Matthew’s clinical focus is on counseling people with co-occurring disorders through a multicultural lens, and his areas of teaching include counseling theories and drug and alcohol abuse. Matthew will begin his doctoral studies in Counseling at Montclair University in fall 2019. Matthew participated in a year-long training on the treatment of people with co-occurring disorders from a Motivational Interviewing lens, via Rutgers UBHC. Matthew provides supervision and facilitates the professional development of master’s level students through his roles in field placement and alumni affairs.

  • The Impact of the Extreme Achievement Orientation on Adolescent Mental Health

    Handouts

  • Changing Minds: Using the Science of Perception in Treatment

  • Nature is Nurture: Counseling and the Natural World

    Presentation