Coping.us Training Programs

Continuing Education Programs for Mental Health Professionals

Offered by Coping.us with Troy University Tampa Bay Campus 

Coping.us has applied for CE Broker for Continuing Education Credits

If you want to schedule one of these free live programs at your agency site or in webinar format

with Coping.us contact:

James J. Messina, Ph.D.  Coping.us Training Director

Lecturer at Troy University's Tampa Bay Site and

Email: jjmessina@troy.edu or jjmessina@coping.us

Phone: (813) 631-5176

Titles of Continuing Education Programs offered by COPING.US Training Programs

Program 1.   Use of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE Factors) in Clinical Assessment

Program 2.   Overview of Evidence Based Practices for Specific Mental Health Disorders

Program 3.   Suicide Intervention and Prevention

Program 4.   Motivational Interviewing Skills

Program 5.   Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Program 6.   Dealing with Opioid and Heroin Epidemic & Non-Medication Treating of Pain

Program 7.   Co-Occurring Disorders of Substance Use & Mental Health Disorders

Program 8.   Pornography Prevention Program Strategies (1st of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

Program 9.   Pornography Intervention for Couples (2nd of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

Program 10. Pornography Intervention for Adults (3rd of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

Program 11. Pornography Therapeutic Interventions (4th of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

Program 12. Treating the Whole Person with PTSD &/or TBI

Program 13. Integrated Medicine Skills Intensive Workshop

Program 14. Conducting a 12 Step Program in Your Clinical Setting

Program 15. Maintaining Healthy Ethical Boundaries

Program 16. Steps to Take to Avoid Compassion Fatigue 

Program Descriptions and Learning Objectives for the Programs appear below:

Program 1. Use of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE Factors) in Clinical Assessment

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/cliniciantreatmenttools/acefactors.html 

and 

http://www.coping.us/layingthefoundation.html

Program Description: This program is focused on the need to address ACE Factors in the initial assessment with clients when doing a psychosocial history. It is important that Mental Health Professionals understand the impact of these ACE Factors which are: Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Neglect, Physical Neglect, Mother who was treated violently, Household Substance Abuse, Household Mental Illness, Parental Separation or Divorce and Incarcerated Household Member. Since 1995 when the CDC did research on 17,000 patients, it was shown that adults who suffered from one or more of the ACE Factors before they reached 18 years of age were more likely to:  I. have reduced physical activity, 2. Smoke, 3. Excessive Alcohol Use, 4. Drug Use and 5. Missed Work or had chronic health conditions 1. Obesity, 2. Diabetes, 3. Depression, 4. Suicide Attempts, 5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 6. Heart Disease, 7. Cancer, 8. Stroke, 9. COPD or 10. Broken Bones. For this reason, it is imperative that this information be discovered and included both In the Initial Clinical Assessment but also incorporated into the Initial Clinical Treatment Plan. This issue is so pressing the DSM-5 utilized the ACE Factors in setting up their Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention in the diagnostic process. Included in this workshop will be an overview of personality characteristics which are common of survivors of families which are classified as being dysfunctional.

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn about the impact ACE Factors in America today with an exploration of what are the underlying sociological, psychological and physiological issues which are at the root of the impact of the ACE Factors.

2. To learn about how to assess for ACE Factors as well as assess for Protective Factors in clients' histories so as to get a more complete grasp of the lifestyles which have contributed to current mental health and/or physical health functioning.

3. To learn how to use the DSM-5 diagnosing terminology to accurately identify the "non-mental health disorder" conditions which could undermine treatment for the principal diagnosis of the clients and to recognize that these factors stay with adults for their whole lives.

4. To learn about the movement in American to intervene with youth at an early age with Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help youth who have suffered ACE Factors to gain resilience and ability to move forward with their lives in a productive way.

Program 2. Overview of Evidence Based Practices for Specific Mental Health Disorders

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: http://www.coping.us/evidencebasedpractices.html

Program Description: This program is focused on explaining Evidence Based Practices of treating 12 specific conditions:  1.  Autistic Spectrum Disorder; 2.  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; 3. Bipolar Disorder; 4. Depressive Disorders; 5. Anxiety and Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, 6. Phobias, 7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 8. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); 9. Anorexia; 10. Bulimia; 11. Alcohol Use Disorders and 12 Substance and Medication Use Disorders. Each of these disorders will be presented with their ICD-10-CM Codes, Clinical Descriptors as presented in the DSM-5 along with sample case studies, homework and handouts and listing of workbooks, manuals and guidebooks and references of support documents for each disorder's Evidence Based Treatment protocol.

Learning Objectives

1. To learn what area the specific Evidence Based Practices for the 12 different mental health disorders covered in this workshop.

2.  To learn what are the tools used for each of the Evidenced Based Practices for each of the 12 mental health disorders.

3. To learn how to work with clients and utilize the Evidence Based Practices treatment tools, homework assignments, and clinical handouts.

Program 5. Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/alcoholsubstanceuse/sfbtforalcoholsuds.html

Program Description: This program is focused on providing an Evidence Based Practice of Solution Focused Brief Therapy which when implemented appropriately will get unmotivated clients to become active in their recovery. To understand this model, one must also understand the Application of the Stages of Change Model. Case studies will be utilized to assist the trainees to become skilled in strategies for evoking self-motivation; the art of asking open-ended questions and how to utilize motivational enhanced therapy in a brief interventional format.

Learning Objectives

1. To learn how in Solution Focused Brief Therapy that emphasis is placed on building exceptions to the presenting problem and making rapid transitions to identifying and developing solutions intrinsic to the client or problem.

2. To learn a whole new way of dealing with clients which focuses on their competence rather than their pathology, while finding unique solutions for each person and using past successes to foster resilience and belief in self-empowerment.

3. To learn how the model looks at the clients as the experts and how to share responsibility with the clients by using exceptions to help open their minds' doors to optimism.

4. To learn about additional methodologies or strategies which can be incorporated in the SFBT model and to then put them into practice in role-play experiences with fellow workshop participants.

Program 6. Dealing with Opioid and Heroin Epidemic & Non-Medication Treating of Pain

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: http://www.coping.us/opioidheroinepidemic.html

Program Description: This program takes an intervention orientation to the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic with a view towards understanding the full range of Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT) for the Opioid and Heroin Addiction. There also needs to be a holistic approach to treating people with this condition. These holistic approaches can be used as alternatives to the use of medication in treating chronic or acute physical pain which has up to this point in time been the gateway to this epidemic. This epidemic has gotten the public's attention and it is imperative that mental health professionals, no matter in what setting they work, are informed and up to date about the epidemic, its treatment and its prevention. Finally, It is important that Mental Health Professionals become skilled In many of the holistic approaches which are promoted in the treating of this epidemic as well as in the treating of chronic and acute pain.

Learning Objectives

1. To learn about the impact of the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic in America today with an exploration of what are the underlying issues which are feeding this epidemic’s breadth and depth in America.

2 To learn about the neuroscience involved in the use of opioid and heroin to satisfy the mesolimbic region of the brain and to learn what can be done to turn this addicting process around through the use of both medication assisted treatment and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches

3. To learn about Holistic Therapeutic Techniques which clients can use to recover from their addictions as well as deal with their chronic pain in a non-medicating way so they can grow stronger and committed to personal growth and recovery despite what the challenges are that come their way.

4. To learn about the Holistic Approaches to supplement the treatment of coping with opioids, heroin and chronic pain such as:  Mindfulness, Biofeedback, Creative Arts, Equine Assisted Therapy, Gardening, Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, Journaling, Massage and Body Work.

Program 7. Co-Occurring Disorders of Substance Use & Mental Health Disorders

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/alcoholsubstanceuse/comorbiddisorders.html

Program Description: This program is focused on the co-occurring mental health disorders which can be co-morbid with substance use disorders according to the DSM-5 including: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sleep-Wake Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions and Neurocognitive Disorders by the specific substances which have been identified as co-occurring with the specific mental health disorders. There is a need for therapists to understand the brain and neurological functions which lie as the cause of these co-morbidities.  There is a need to treat co-occurring disorders in an integrated fashion and not rely on "old school" models of treating them sequentially, parallel separately or left untreated. To help bring home the application of co-morbid interventions case studies will be used widely in this workshop.

Learning Objectives

1.To learn about the tools to assess and Apps to treat these co-morbidities.

2. To learn about the neurological functions in the brain which lie as the cause of these co-morbidities.

3. To learn the rationale behind the need to use integrated treatment strategies when addressing these co-morbidities.

4. To learn about why it is impossible to just treat one condition in isolation from the other co-morbidities if one wants to gain maximal effectiveness for the patients suffering from them.

Program 8. Pornography Prevention Program Strategies (1^st of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/pornographyintervention.html 

and

http://www.coping.us/pathfinderparenting.html

Description of Program: This program takes a prevention orientation to an emerging epidemic of internet pornography which enters the homes of families earlier and earlier with reports that children as young as 8 years of age have been exposed to it. There is a need to conduct community wide educational programming to awaken parents to this crisis and to help them develop strategies on how to deal with it in their families. The need to put monitors on all electronic devices and to limit usage of these devises to public environments in the home which parents can easily oversee is just one concept to be explored.

Learning Objectives

1. To learn about the impact of pornography on youth in America today with an exploration of what types of pornography are out there and on what platforms they are present.

2. To learn about the neuroscience of watching pornography which leads to the compulsive need for more pornography to satisfy the mesolimbic reward centers of the brain.

3. To learn techniques which parents can use to have the "talk" with their children prior to and immediately after their exposure to pornography to prevent the movement toward compulsive viewing of it as the child’s brain increasingly craves it after extended exposure to it.

4. To learn about the resources to supplement the delivery of pornography prevention services in the community, school and family so that the children are kept safe from this new attack on their mental health.

Program 9. Pornography Intervention for Couples (2^nd of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/pornographyintervention.html

and

http://www.coping.us/marriageworkout.html

Description of Program: This program takes an intervention orientation to an emerging epidemic of internet pornography that threatens marriages and family life of compulsive pornography users. There is a need to train mental health professionals on how to assist couples who are dealing with the grips of compulsive pornography use in their relationships. Also, therapists need to learn how to conduct community wide education programming to awaken married couples to this crisis and to help them develop strategies to deal with it in their marriages. Helping couples grapple with this new challenge to their marital happiness can result in renewed marital commitment and conviction to fight this issue in a joint way. Therapists need help on what to say, how to say it and how not to use shame, guilting and outing to get the couples to come to grips with this issue in their lives

Leaning Objectives

1. To learn about the impact of pornography on marriage in America today with an exploration of what types of pornography are out there and on what platforms they are present.

2.  To learn about the neuroscience of watching pornography which leads to the compulsive need for more pornography to satisfy the mesolimbic reward centers of the brain.

3. To learn techniques which couples can use to collaboratively work to lessen the impact of compulsive pornography in their lives and to learn how to grow stronger as couples committed to a strengthened marital bond to enable them to face any future challenges that come its ways.

4. To learn about the resources to supplement the treatment of couples coping with compulsive pornography use, which can be incorporated into all types of institutions in the community, churches, civic organizations and social media.

Program 10. Pornography Intervention for Adults (3rd of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/pornographyintervention.html

and

http://www.coping.us/seasmanual.html

Description of Program: This program takes an intervention orientation to an emerging epidemic of internet pornography which threatens adults who have become addicted compulsive pornography users. There is a need to train mental health professionals to learn how to assist adults who are dealing with the grips of compulsive pornography use in their lives. Also, therapists need to learn how to conduct community wide educational programming to awaken citizens to this crisis and to help them develop strategies on how to deal with it in their communities. Helping adults grapple with this new challenge to their mental health and happiness can result in renewed commitment and conviction to fight this issue to regain complete recovery and wellness in their lives. Therapists need help on what to say, how to say it and how not to use shame, guilting and outing to get the adults to come to grips with this issues in their lives.

Learning Objectives

1. To learn about the impact of Compulsive pornography use on Adults in America today with an exploration of what types of pornography are out there and on what platforms they are present.

2.To learn about the neuroscience of watching pornography by adults which leads to the compulsive need for more pornography to satisfy the mesolimbic reward centers of the brain.

3. To learn techniques which adults can use to lessen the impact of compulsive pornography in their lives and to help them learn how to grow stronger, committed to strengthened personal growth and recovery despite what challenges come their way.

4. To learn about the resources to supplement the treatment of adults coping with compulsive pornography use, which can be incorporated into all types of institutions in the community churches, civic organizations and social media.

Program 11. Pornography Therapeutic Interventions (4^th of 4 Programs on Pornography Intervention)

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/pornographyintervention.html

and

http://www.coping.us/seasmanual.html

and

http://www.coping.us/marriageworkout.html

and

http://www.coping.us/pathfinderparenting.html

Description of the Program: This program takes an intervention orientation to an emerging epidemic of internet pornography which threatens communities in which youth, adults and marital spouses who have become addicted compulsive pornography users. There is a need to train mental health professionals in specific treatments strategies on how to assist youth, adults and spouses who are dealing with the grips of compulsive pornography use in their lives Therapists need to use tools which are easily accessible to develop their intervention strategies. Also, therapists need to learn how to conduct community wide education programming to awaken citizens to this crisis and to help them develop strategies on how to deal with it in their communities. Helping all community members to grapple with this new challenge to their mental health and happiness can result in renewed commitment and conviction to fight this issue so that the community can support those addicted to compulsive pornography use gain complete recovery and wellness in their lives. Therapists need help on what to say, how to say it and how not to use shame, guilting and outing to get the compulsive pornography users to come to grips with this issue in their lives. 

Learning Objectives

1. To learn about the impact of Compulsive pornography use on Youth, Adults and Married Couples in America today with an exploration of what types of pornography are out there and on what platforms they are present.

2 To learn about the neuroscience of watching pornography by Youth and Adults which leads to the compulsive need for more pornography to satisfy the mesolimbic reward centers of the brain.

3. To learn therapeutic techniques which clients can use to lessen the impact of compulsive pornography in their lives and to help them learn how to grow stronger committed to strengthened personal growth and recovery despite what challenges that come their way.

4. To learn about the resources to supplement the treatment of youth, adults and couples coping with compulsive pornography use, which can be incorporated and used in to all types of institutions in the community, churches, civic organizations and social media.

Program 12.  Treating the Whole Person with PTSD &/or TBI

CEU’s: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: 

http://www.coping.us/neuroscience/tbicomorbidities.html 

and

http://www.coping.us/neuroscience/tbicourseforcounselors.html

Description of the Program: There is an overlap of PTSD and TBI  or mTBI (mild TBI) symptoms including issues with concentration, attention, sleep, pain and others. Very often the causes of trauma for both PTSD and TBI may be the same event and it is important for clinicians to discover what this reality is prior to setting up a plan of treatment. It is important to examine the developmental history prior to the identified traumatic event to ascertain if there were Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE Factors) involved in the client’s past. Too often the comorbidities of chronic pain, depression, sleep disorders, headaches, ringing ears and light sensitivity get overlooked or ignored or worse since they is a "silo" approach to working with PTSD or TBI and its comorbidities.

Learning Objectives

1. To identify the different conditions which are comorbid with mTBI and PTSD and understand the brain and neurological functions which are the cause of these comorbidities.

2. To identify the tools to assess and treat the comorbidities of PTSD and mTBI.

3. To identify existing Apps which can be used in treating mTBI, PTSD and the resulting comorbidities.

4.  To identify why it is impossible to think of just treating one condition at a time in isolation from the other comorbidities would have maximal effectiveness for individuals who are suffering with them.

Program 13. Integrated Medicine Skills Intensive Workshop

CEU’s: 6-8 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: http://www.coping.us/behavioralmedicine.html

Description of Program: This is an intensive skills building-case study based program-on integrating behavioral health programming into primary care medical settings. The Topics include: the role of behavioral health consultants; the tools and skills needed; the terminology and techniques used; and the Evidence Based treatments utilized in this care setting. The program consists of 4 Sections. 1. Description of Integrated Medicine; 2 Typical Steps taken in Integrated Medical Settings; 3. Tools needed within Integrated Medicine; and 4. Case Studies with practice in treatment planning for specific medical conditions: High Cholesterol; Obesity; Obesity-Side Effect of Insulin for Diabetes; Type 2 Diabetes; Childhood Asthma; Hypertension; Cardiovascular Disease; Coronary Heart Disease; Hypothyroidism; Seizure Disorder; Stroke Rehabilitation and Heart Attack Rehabilitation

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn about what role Mental Health Professionals can fill in Integrated Primary Care Medical Settings and what is the role of Behavioral Health Consultants.

2. To learn to be better able to describe why there is a need for a Behavioral Health Consultant in an Integrated Primary Care Medical Setting.

3. To learn to identify what are the appropriate tools for assessment, patient education, patient training, and patient mental health intervention.

4. To learn what comprises a comprehensive plan of intervention for those who have various medical and chronic health conditions.

Program 14. Conducting a 12 Step Program in Your Clinical Setting

CEU's: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: http://www.coping.us/seasmanual.html

Description of Program: Many clients want to avoid the stigma of going to a 12 Step Program with the title of the addiction they are working hard to overcome. For this reason, it is recommended that clinicians, lay pastoral leaders and trained volunteers conduct a 12 Step Program called “The SEA’s Program.” SEA’s is short for Self-Esteem Seekers Anonymous. This program can be conducted by the trained facilitator utilizing the SEA’s Manual which includes the following components which will be reviewed in this workshop: Section 1: Introduction to the SEA's Program; Section 2: The SEA's Tools for Recovery; Section 3: The SEA’s Tools for Recovery Lifestyle; and Section 4: The SEA's Twelve-Step Workbook. The SEA's program can be conducted in an outpatient or inpatient setting. Its membership is limited to active or follow–up clients of the specific mental health setting or organization in which the meetings are conducted. People with low self–esteem suffer from self–destructive behaviors, self–defeating patterns, irrational thinking, and trouble in developing and maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships. The SEA's program offers a support program of sharing and spiritual renewal to people who have lost focus of their purpose and direction in life.

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn about the contents of the SEA’s Manual including: Organization and conducting of meetings, use of weekly progress reports, group discussion and support documents.

2. To learn how to assist members of the group feel safe and supported so that they can extend themselves in their recovery process to be open to change, redirection and commitment to full emotional and physical health.

3. To learn how to reach out to potential SEA’s members who are suffering from compulsive use of: alcohol, drugs, opioids, heroin, pornography, sex, eating, computers, gambling, computer gaming etc.

4. To learn how to help clients to feel at ease in the program meetings by room set up, agenda setting, large and small group facilitation, progress form filling and concluding activities.

Program 15. Maintaining Healthy Ethical Boundaries

CEU's: 2-3

Resource for Course on Coping.us: http://www.coping.us/professionalmentalhealthethics.html

Description of Program: Boundaries must be set and maintained in the helping relationship to ensure that the Helper: 1. Does “no harm” to the helpee; 2. The rights of helpees are respected and honored; 3. The helper is always respectful of and conscious of the need to guard the privacy of the helpee; and 4.The helper does not take advantage of “power differential” in the helping relationship and recognizes extent of “vulnerability” of the helpee in the helping relationship. Case Studies will be used to help learners understand more fully the ethical process in establishing healthy boundaries in the helping relationship.

Learning Objectives

1. To identify and understand the basic moral principles involved in ethical thinking: 1. Autonomy; 2. Beneficence; 3. Non-maleficence; 4. Justice; 5. Fidelity; and 6. Veracity.

2. To identify specific guidelines for best practices for avoiding breaches of ethical, legal, professional and moral behaviors in the provision of their clinical responsibilities.

3. To identify common pitfalls or mistakes which contribute to poor boundary maintenance in the provision of clinical work in busy clinical settings.

4. To identify specific steps which professional helpers can take to limit their unknowingly breaching ethical standards, boundaries, or guidelines within their work as clinicians with individuals, couples and families as well as when providing supervision or consultation services.

Program 16. Steps to Take to Avoid Compassion Fatigue

CEU's: 2-3 hours based on request

Resource for Course on Coping.us: http://www.coping.us/professionalmentalhealthethics.html

Description of Program: Professional Helpers are prone to Compassion Fatigue or Burnout on the job. Compassion fatigue is thought to be a combination of secondary traumatization and burnout precipitated by the care delivery that brings professional helpers into contact with the suffering of their helpees. Compassion fatigue is when helpers have such deep empathy they develop symptoms of trauma like their helpees. Compassion Fatigue can also resemble burnout which occurs when emotional exhaustion is experienced due to increased workload and institutional stress and does not involve trauma. Compassion Fatigue can have detrimental effects on clinical relationships since helpers suffering from it often either grow distant from their helpees or get too close to them. Professional Helpers need to learn how to improve their self-care, handle the stressors involved in their work by self-care activities such as Mindfulness Meditation, Yoga, Exercise, Good Diet, Healthy Sleep. Etc.

Learning Objectives

1. To learn how to identify if helpers are having problems maintaining a healthy focus with their helpees.

2, To learn how to identify if helpers are a compulsive fixers or rescuers which could impact their maintaining healthy working relationships with their helpees.

3. To learn how to assist helpers if they are suffering from Compassion Fatigue which could impact their maintaining healthy working relationships with their helpees.

4, To identify tips on how helpers can maintain healthy working relationships with their helpees while maintaining their own emotional and physical health.