Message from the Continuing Education Sponsorship Coordinator
It has been a pleasure to serve as the CESA coordinator for Saybrook University. This program came about because of a synergy and desire to educate those in the field of mental health through a socially conscious humanistic lens of practice. I would like to thank all the CESA committee members for your dedication, time and expertise in helping design and grow this important endeavor.
Cynthia Palmisano, Core Faculty, Psy.D. (she/her), Continuing Education Coordinator
[email protected]
January 2025 Offerings
Psychological Evaluations for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders - A Comprehensive Overview 5.5 CE- Thursday, January 9th, 2025, (9AM-4:30PM)
This workshop will review various domains critical for Autism evaluation as well as commonly used tools across assessment areas. Attendees will review population information, appropriate test selection, administration and suggestions for a neurodiverse informed testing model for diverse groups of adults.
Course Objectives
1. Describe the key areas of assessment for autism evaluation
2. Apply concepts discussed to appropriate assessment selection
3. Identify and apply neurodiverse informed practices for within the evaluation process
4. Identify the diversity within persons on the autism spectrum and integrate this knowledge into assessment planning
Spousal Abuse, Assessment & Intervention 15 CE Hours – Thursday and Friday, January 9th and 10th (9AM-6PM & 9AM – 4PM)
This course will cover the current research and evidence-based practices in treating and assessing domestic violence within families. Participants will learn theory regarding family violence and strategies to evaluate and treat as practitioners. Legal and ethical practice guidelines will also be integrated through practical examples and through a humanistic and diversity informed lens.
Course Objectives
1. Describe and be able to identify the various agencies and dynamics of the domestic violence service community, evolving language used, and differing perspectives/approaches to domestic violence as part of a social justice movement.
2. Identify and be able to explain the definition of domestic violence, the intersection with the legal system, and common myths.
3. Learners will be able to identify and explain the cycle of violence, and challenges to leaving a violent relationship .
4. Describe and apply the variables of race, class, and cultural dimensions within intimate partner violence.
5. Identify specific clinical components of danger assessment, clinical assessment, safety planning, treatment planning, interventions, confidentiality and record-keeping regarding intimate partner violence.
6. Identify and integrate client’s cultural & spiritual values and resources into treatment.
7. Demonstrate how to assess and conceptualized domestic violence from a trauma responsive perspective.
8. Analyze differences in domestic violence perpetration from a cultural and gender based lens.
9. Describe and be able to implement professional self-care plans to ensure well-being and avoid or minimize vicarious traumatization.
10. Describe and apply the role of mental health in domestic violence.
Community Deathcare for Clinicians 5.5 CE Hours- Friday, January 10th 2025 (9-4:30PM)
This workshop introduces the art and practice of death midwifery, an aspect of community deathcare. It is of potential interest to mental health professionals, clergy, nurses, physicians, clergy, and others. Part 1 will cover how death midwives help the dying and their beloveds navigate this final rite of passage, providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support (ESP) during the challenges and complexities of dying, addressing cultural taboos about talking about death and body disposition options, and navigating grief and loss. Part 2 will consider the significance of the psychopomp archetype, a symbol of transformation that is germane to and rich with meaning and helpful insights for death midwives as well as psychotherapists
Course Objectives
1. Describe the community deathcare movement.
2. Discern the differences between a death midwife and a hospice worker.
3. Identify at least two ways in which death midwives can be helpful to clinical psychologists and the medical profession.
4. Describe the psychopomp archetype and its connections to theory and practice of supportive grief counseling.
Humanistic Approach to Suicide & Risk Assessment- 6 CE Hours- Friday, January 10th 2025 (9AM-5PM)
In this workshop, attendees will be provided a humanistic approach to suicide assessment and treatment. We will emphasize collaborating with the client and using strengths-based approaches in order to honor the client’s dignity throughout the risk assessment process and subsequent interventions. We will also discuss humanizing language for suicidal behaviors. We will discuss current data on suicide behaviors, we’ll examine risk factors and protective factors, and we’ll discuss a variety of approaches for reducing harm. Importantly, specific sub-populations will also be discussed as we consider culturally-informed care.
Course Objectives
1.Attendees will discuss definitions for a variety of constructs related to suicide, including suicide, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, suicidal intent, and self-harm.
2. Attendees will assess current prevalence data for suicidal behaviors based on demographic factors, region, and treatment factors.
3. Attendees will describe a culturally-informed approach for suicide risk assessment and intervention.
4. Attendees will discuss notable suicide risk factors and protective factors that are informed by the empirical literature.
5. Attendees will discuss how to conduct a suicide risk assessment in alignment with humanistic approaches.
6. Attendees will choose an appropriate suicide intervention based on analyzing level-of-risk in a variety of case scenarios.
7. Attendees will discuss current approaches for safety-planning and psychotherapy interventions for reducing the risk of suicide and self-harm.
Important Reminders
Please note, all meals during workshops are not included in the workshop costs for outside attendees. Meals will be on your own.
Refund Policy: In the event that you are unable to attend the workshop, please notify the CESA coordinator ([email protected]) at least five business days prior to the start of the scheduled event. Requests for refunds less than five business days prior to the event, will be considered by the CESA coordinator but are not guaranteed a full refund.
Registration for classes and more information about the 2025 programs can be found here.
Thank you for your interest and participation.
“Saybrook University is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Saybrook University maintains responsibility for this program and its content."