Epilepsy Alliance Ohio Professional Seminar Series

Speaker: Brett Dowdy, Psy.D, Chief of Psychological Services and Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, Linder Center of Hope.

About the Seminar: Helping people make meaningful behavior changes is one of the most common—and challenging—tasks in clinical practice. This interactive 3-hour training introduces participants to Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based, collaborative approach designed to strengthen a person's own motivation and commitment to change. Participants will explore the core principles and spirit of MI, develop practical communication skills to reduce ambivalence and enhance engagement, and learn effective strategies for navigating challenging clinical situations. Whether working in mental health, healthcare, or human services, attendees will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply to improve client outcomes and support lasting behavior change.

Speaker: Sandy Morgenthal, M.Ed., PsyD, PCC-S, CCFC, RN

About the Seminar: Conflict is a natural part of daily living. Minor conflict weaves into the fabric of life so as to go almost unnoticed. Major conflict, however, is much more noticeable and tends to complicate our lives and our relationships. Without skills in managing conflict, it overwhelms people and defies resolution.
Clients often present with conflict management issues, and they are seeking helpful strategies in improving their relationships and coping strategies.
This workshop will provide opportunities for attendees to more completely understand the nature of conflict and its benefits. The learner will also more fully comprehend the powerful, negative components of conflict that can disrupt or destroy relationships, both personal and professional, and learn how to effectively manage them.

Rosalind R. Smith, LPCC-S, Private Practice

About the Seminar: This seminar will cover the basic understanding of the nervous system and strategies for helping clients self-regulate and manage their thoughts and emotions. Participants will discuss how trauma impacts how individuals view themselves and the world around them. Participants will also learn the im-portance of the grieving process in helping the client move from a survival to a thriving mindset. Participants will explore how to help their clients craft a life plan to support them on their healing journey.

Speaker: Megan Schrantz, EdD, LPCC, Therapist, Outpatient and Residential Services, Linder Center of Hope

About the Seminar: During this seminar, we will learn the symptoms of ADHD as well as the possible symptom “imposters” which may complicate proper diagnosis. Participants will learn factors contributing to ADHD and the potential negative impact of untreated ADHD. We will discover how ADHD can co-occur with other mental health disorders and how this informs treatment.

Speaker: Dr. Rochelle Dunn, PhD, PCC-S, Senior Lecturer, Counselor Education, Department of Educational Studies, Liberty University

About the Seminar: This interactive session will begin with an overview of executive function. The role of brain function and development will be addressed and how problems in the areas can lead to mental and emotional health issues. Pharmacological interventions will be presented. Strategies and interventions will be discussed for each developmental stage across the lifespan and the executive function issues can affect counseling treatment plans. Participants will leave this seminar with a better understanding of what executive functioning is, how it can affect counseling, and strategies to cope with executive functioning issues.

Speaker: Nicole Mori DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, Linder Center of Hope

About the Seminar: Overweight and obesity affect people with psychiatric illness at higher rates than the general population and are associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes, as well as with lower quality of life. Successful weight management in people with psychiatric illness requires addressing challenges specific to this population. An understanding of the unique needs of these individuals and of the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options will enable clinicians to advise, support, and advocate for patients in their wellness journey.