Helping Military Veterans and Their Families Recover from the Losses of War:

Emerging Practices and Complementary Approaches

A one-day conference for mental health providers.

Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology

And the Massachusetts Department of Veteran Services

This conference will examine the process of recovery from war-related trauma, loss, and psychoactive substance abuse among Military Veterans, and among their families. Additionally, the powerful assistance that Veterans can bring to one another through peer intervention programs will also be a main focus of consideration. The day will feature presentation and discussion of research related to complementary therapeutic approaches with Veterans such as yoga, meditation and expressive arts. In addition to keynote speakers, workshop sessions will allow attendees to experience first-hand how these practices can supplement office-based therapy, or even be integrated into it. An overview of statewide non-profit and peer-related resources for Veterans and their families will also be presented.

 

8:30-9:00        Registration

9:00-9:15        Opening remarks:

Nicholas Covino, PsyD, President, MSPP

Francisco Urena, Secretary of Veterans' Services, Comm. of Massachusetts

Major General Catalanotti, (Ret.), Introduction of first speaker

9:15-10:00      A Goldstar Family Experience

                      Stephen Xjarjhos, (former Yarmouth Chief of Police)

10:00-10:45    The Soldier's Heart as a Moral and Spiritual Calling

                       Roger Brooke, PhD, ABPP, Board Director at Soldier’s Heart and Professor of Psychology, Duquesne University Pittsburgh

10:45-11:00     Break

11:00-12:00     Breakout groups facilitated by MSPP faculty to discuss morning presentations

12:00-1:00       Lunch

1:00-1:30         MSPP student-Veteran panel discussion

1:30-2:15        The Recuperative Power of Serving Others:  the Reciprocal Benefit of Veteran Peer Support

                        Chuck Drebing, PhD, (Bedford VA)

 

2:15-2:30         Break

 

2:30-4:00         Afternoon Workshops:

                   Yoga for Veterans: Whitney Willman

                   Expressive Therapies for Trauma Survivors: Michelle Harris, LMHC

                     Therapeutic Mindfulness for Veterans: Richard Amodio, PhD

                     Peer Support Program for Veterans: Amy Wilson

                          Operation Delta Dog: Sarah Stratton

 

4:00-4:30         Wrap-up:  MG Catalanotti and/or MSPP Faculty

Program Code: HMV6
6 CE Credits
Fee: $135 - Non-MSPP Students, General Public, Other Professionals | No CE Credits | $67.50