South Region Luncheon
Presented by Mary Crocker Cook, D.Min., LMFT, LPCC, LAADC
Addiction appears in our clinical practice in a variety of ways, and is rarely overtly stated as a presenting problem. This is not surprising, given that one of the more prominent symptoms of addiction is denial. We will spend the hour reviewing indicators that the hijacked reward system of addiction is affecting an individual or family.
Common Complaints:
-Poor and impulsive decision making, which can include financial loss, affairs, anger outbursts, etc.
-Impaired memory and cognitive tracking, and impaired auditory processing leading to frequent miscommunication and misunderstandings. -Without communication, important issues such as family finances, sexual intimacy, and child rearing decisions go unresolved.
-Irresponsibility or lack of interest in participating in everyday household tasks and responsibilities.
These complaints are usually attributed to character failings, mental health issues such as depression or ADHD, or physical illness. Despite the masterful interventions offered by the therapist, the couple or individual continues to be “stuck.” It never occurs to the couple, or the therapist, that there may be an addictive process sabotaging the therapy. We will look at the neurology of addiction that is affecting behavior, and I will provide some sample questions to prompt clients to make a connection between distressing behaviors and possible addictive behaviors and substance abuse. We will practice with a sample vignette!
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
-Identify three signs that addiction may be impacting the therapeutic process.
-Learn two interventions that you can apply in your own practice.
About the Presenter:
Mary Crocker Cook, D.Min., LMFT, LPCC, LAADC is the Program Coordinator for the San Jose City College Alcohol and Drug Studies program, currently offering an online Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling (LAADC) certification program for masters level counselors. She has been licensed since 1988 and in private practice, and is an adjunct instructor with the JFKU Graduate School of Psychology. She is the author of multiple recovery books, found at www.marycrockercookbooks.com.
Walk-ins are always welcome, unless we sell out, in which case we will post that.
Buffet opens at 11:15, presentation begins at noon. Lunch is not guaranteed for walk-ins, but we can usually accommodate everyone.
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS MONDAY, January 22. Registration and payments must be received by the Monday before the event to guarantee lunch. Reservations will be held until noon. "Walk-ins" are welcome at a higher rate ($33 members / $40 non-members), however lunch and seating is not guaranteed.. Register online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, PayPal, or check (payable to SCV-CAMFT). Your check must be received by the Monday prior to the event. Mail checks to SCV-CAMFT, P.O. Box 60814, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Please allow 10 days for delivery. Continuing Education: SCV-CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs (CAMFT CE Provider #052466). SCV-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. This course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Science. This presentation is suitable for all clinical levels. Certificates: To obtain your certificate, you must sign-in and sign-out at the event and complete a program evaluation. These are CAMFT requirements. You will be emailed a link to the evaluation within a week after the event. Upon completion of the evaluation, you will have access to the certificate. You must add your name and license number to make it official. This link will be active for 2 weeks after the email is sent. Audits: You can audit as a member for $10 and $15 for a non-member. Auditing does NOT include a meal or CEU credit. You can add CEUs when you register for an additional fee. For those auditing, the presentation begins at noon. Cancellations: Refunds will be issued in the same method as payment, if a request for cancellation is received by the Monday before the event. No refunds will be issued if a request for cancellation is received after the Monday before the event. To cancel, please send an email to mail@scv-camft.org or call the chapter voicemail at 408-235-0210. Refunds will be issued within ten (10) business days. Accommodations for Disability: The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of CAMFT is committed to providing a presentation that is accessible to all who wish to attend. If you have a special need and plan to attend, please notify us at mail@scv-camft.org or 408-235-0210. Requests must be made one week in advance. Chapter Board Meetings are generally held prior to the chapter’s monthly luncheons, at the same location, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Members are welcome to attend by notifying a board member. Grievance Policy: Any concern or grievance can be put in writing and emailed to mail@scv-camft.org.
