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Pings of Power: The Relationship Between Electronic Device Use, Mental Health, and Relationship Wellness

Room Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Smith, James, PhD, LPC

Smith, Chrystala, MEd, LPC

Description: 

Facebook was launched in 2004, and the first iPhone was released in 2007. Even before these massive shifts in communication, mental health researchers were interested in the relationship between internet usage, communication technologies, mental health, and relationship wellness. Dr. Smith and Ms. Smith completed a qualitative thematic review of research literature published since 2004 to better understand these relationships. Together, they reviewed over 75 research. In this presentation, they will summarize research published since 2014 and share the insights this research provides.

Objectives

1. Discuss the relationship between electronic device use/social media, mental health, and relationship wellness
2. Review the interactions of personal dispositions, content engaged, and time spent on electronic devices
3. Apply the information to clinical considerations when working with mental health care clients

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Filtered Realities: Addressing the Impact of Social Media on Body Image and Eating Disorders

Room

Speaker(s): 

Firebaugh, Marie-Laure, MSW

Copeland, Jennifer, PsyD

Description: 

Body image dissatisfaction is a leading factor in the development of eating disorders, which are serious mental illnesses associated with numerous health and psychiatric comorbidities. The use of social media has increased body dissatisfaction among women, men, and teens. Additionally, recent studies suggest that people in rural areas may spend more time on social media making them more susceptible to body dissatisfaction. Media and more recently the use of social media has been shown to contribute significantly to increased body dissatisfaction, thus the importance on training people to become mindful media consumers. Additionally, helping people develop healthier relationships with their bodies is crucial, as improving body image can significantly reduce the risk of developing an eating disorder. In this session, we will discuss strategies to create an environment that promotes healthy body image by focusing on the following areas: 1) introducing the concept of body acceptance and understanding its benefits in fostering an inclusive and positive environment, 2) exploring how diet culture influences societal norms and body image, including reviewing information on the potential harms caused by social media, and 3) providing actionable steps that providers can take in their practice as well as resources in Missouri for eating disorders screening, prevention, and treatment as well as training for professionals help their clients develop healthy body image and reduce their risk of developing an eating disorder.

Objectives

1. Review the concept of body acceptance and its benefits in creating a healthy body image culture
2. Describe the impact of diet culture and social media on societal norms and body image
3. Identify concrete, actionable steps that can be implemented to improve body image

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Experiential Approaches to Reveal Nine Types of Couples

Room Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Carpenter, John, MSW, LCSW

Description: 

By using experiential exercises, visual symbolic props, emotional age designations, and metaphors, a therapist can begin to reveal the actual dynamics among relations in a couple and their subsequent family.  It also becomes undeniably clear to the clients and bypasses resistance and unspoken issues.  By making the issues visible and tangible, treatment ideas become clearer as well.  This presentation will demonstrate how these techniques reveal nine different types of couples.

Objectives

1. Describe effective exercises to help assess issues
2. Incorporate visual symbolic props
3. Create a visual display of relationship dynamics

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A Break from Burnout: A Positive Psychology Approach

Room Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Goldin, Gabrielle, MEd

Description: 

All professionals experience burnout at some point in their career. In the helping field, it often feels like burnout is part of our job. But is it? Does it have to be?

Take a break from burnout and come together to receive support, encouragement, and education about preventing future compassion fatigue. This presentation will be an interactive, practical session for practitioners to explore self-care strategies beyond deep breathing and “taking a walk.” Working from a Positive Psychology approach, Gabrielle will provide a refreshing take on helping ourselves in order to help others.

Objectives

1. Recognize symptoms of burnout vs. daily stress
2. Learn how strategies to combat clinician burnout have changed over time
3. Develop a self-care plan utilizing the Positive Psychology approach

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The State of Cannabis – 2025

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Craghead, Levi, MD, MPH

Description: 

This presentation will cover cannabis use as it pertains to public mental health.  The goal of this production is to improve understanding of how cannabis affects behavioral functioning and how to address cannabis use in clinical settings.

Objectives

1. Outline diagnostic features of Cannabis Use Disorder and Withdrawal
2. Develop understanding of cannabis use prevalence and means of consumption
3. Conceptualize pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

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Supporting Clients Impacted by Loved One’s Addiction: Developing Clinical Skills, Strategies, and Compassionate Care

Room Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Theison, Larissa, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW

Description: 

This presentation will be reviewing an introduction, addiction and family dynamics, diving deeper into the impact on clients/consumers, and provide information re: skills and strategies to use.  Ms. Theison will use a published workbook as a guide while also incorporating additional skills and therapeutic approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), as treatment options.

Objectives

1. Describe the unique challenges clients face when they have loved ones or family members who are addicted to substances
2. Identify the broad impact of addiction and addiction-related losses clients/consumers experience
3. Explore practical strategies for support and compassionate care

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History of Missouri Asylums

Room Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Vincenz, Felix, PhD

Description: 

A brief history of each of the Missouri asylums will be provided, along with a description of the origin of mental health institutions and their evolution over time.

Objectives

1. Discuss the history of the mental health asylum movement
2. Describe the history of Missouri Asylums
3. Identify key historical figures

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PACEs: How Protective and Compensatory Experiences Influence ACEs

Room Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Dixon, Desiree, BS, MS

Cannon, Valerie, BS, MS

Description: 

This presentation looks at how PACEs (protective and compensatory experiences) can aid in buffering the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This presentation also dives into the history of ACEs, the current impact of ACEs, how resiliency is incredibly important when looking at childhood trauma, what PACEs are, and how PACEs can be applied on a practical level when interacting with clients. This includes looking at how PACEs can be applied throughout the lifespan, from birth- adulthood.

Objectives

1. Define ACEs
2. Describe the Concept of Resilience
3. Describe how to promote resilience through PACEs

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Navigating Trauma: Understanding the Brain and Building Supportive Strategies for Emotional and Behavioral Growth

Room Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Moran, Ricki, DSW, LCSW

Rongey, Kori, BSCS, MSWc

Description: 

This engaging and informative presentation delves into the profound impact of trauma on brain function and behavior, providing essential insights for educators, families, and professionals. Attendees will explore the roles of the Frontal Lobe (Driver’s Seat), Limbic System (Backseat), and Brain Stem (Trunk) in regulating thought, emotion, and survival instincts. The science of “Flipping Your Lid” will be introduced, offering practical tools to recognize emotional versus thoughtful responses, empowering individuals to better navigate challenging situations. Through an understanding of how trauma survivors often operate from the Trunk due to survival instincts, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the behaviors and needs of those impacted by trauma.

Building on this foundational knowledge, the presentation will provide actionable trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation and address disruptive behaviors. Participants will learn to implement preventative techniques such as transitional warnings, sensory tools, and structured task lists that promote safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. The session will also cover a tiered intervention framework, including universal supports (Tier 1), targeted strategies for specific needs (Tier 2), and individualized services (Tier 3) tailored to address complex challenges. By the end of the presentation, attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster a supportive and effective environment for students and families impacted by trauma.

Objectives

1. Enhance understanding of trauma and Its impact on the brain
2. Foster Trauma-Informed Practices to support emotional regulation
3. Provide tiered interventions to address disruptive behaviors