Vandyke, Melanie, PhD

Melanie VanDyke earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 2002 and has extensive experience in evidence-based treatments for anxiety-related disorders, including OCD, hoarding, social anxiety, BDD, and Tourette syndrome. She also treats people who are struggling with depression, emotional regulation, and interpersonal difficulties. Dr. VanDyke assesses and treats individuals and their families, and she enjoys being an active professional psychologist. She is the Chair of the Evidence-Based Practice committee at Missouri Psychological Association (MOPA). Dr. VanDyke has presented on how to help families who are struggling with a loved one who refuses to seek mental health care to enthusiastic, national audiences of clinicians and families alike.
Dr. VanDyke works to make treatment information accessible. She has contributed to online resources for consumers and published her treatment research in professional journals, including her work with families of treatment refusers. She enjoys helping students at various levels of training learn more about culturally-responsive, evidence-based treatments. Dr. VanDyke has previously served as the Director of Postdoctoral Education, an Associate Professor, and an interprofessional educator for students in healthcare professions. She was awarded Psychologist of the Year from the Missouri Psychological Association and earned Special Recognition as an active member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s (ADAA) Public Education Committee.
 

Presentation(s): 

Families of Treatment Refusers: The Neglected Victims of Untreated Mental Health Problems


 

 

Echols, Michelle, DSW, LMSW, CADC

Dr. Michelle Echols, DSW, LMSW, CADC earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky in May of 2022 and her Doctor of Social Work degree in May of 2023. Services provided by Dr. Echols include teens, couples, substance use, and family therapy. As a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, she is looking to implement a substance use course/group for the community. Dr. Echols is focused on community wellness and self-empowerment. As a self-proclaimed “wellness broker” Dr. Echols teaches people how to leverage their time and money to intentionally be well in areas of fitness, finances, mental health, and spiritual health. Future plans for Dr. Echols include opening a wellness center in her hometown of St. Louis, MO. Until the wellness center is manifested, Dr. Echols will continue providing therapy, training, and participating in workshops/community forums to fulfill her commitment to service.

Presentation(s):

Dixon, Desiree, BS

My name is Desiree Dixon, and I am currently a graduate student at the University of Central Missouri studying Human Development and Family Sciences. Prior to this, I graduated
with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Sociology, Rehabilitation, and Criminology from Emporia State University. I also hold an A.A. in Liberal
Arts and an A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Johnson County Community College. I had the great honor of being in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
during my undergraduate studies. Through this experience I was able to present my original research project entitled Young Adults’ Perceptions of Intimate Relationships and Family Units in
Correlation with ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Scores at both the 2023 Baylor University McNair Conference and the 2023 Emporia State University McNair Scholars Research Forum. My current research interests include relationships between parents and adolescents, the effects of invisible labor on individuals who have chronic invisible disabilities,
and dual-trauma couples.
 

Presentation(s):

Adolescent Social Media: Myths Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

 

 

Chang, Joyce, PhD

Dr. I. Joyce Chang received her doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences and her master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Women Studies, & Statistics) from Oregon State University. Before beginning her career at the University of Central Missouri, she taught at universities in Oregon and Washington. Her primary research interests are high-risk behaviors, relationship development, and the impact of technology on families. Dr. Chang is a legacy member of the National Council on Family Relations and has received awards and recognitions for excellence in teaching, research, service, and advisement from universities, and professional organizations. Dr. Chang has collaborated with international colleagues and taught/lectured in Sweden, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.

Presentation(s):

Adolescent Social Media: Myths Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

 

 

Eisleben, Lauren, BS, MEd, LPC

Lauren Eisleben is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri specializing in substance use treatment, couple’s counseling, and family systems trauma. She is the Clinical Director of The Intensive, an Intensive Outpatient Program within the Columbia, MO private practice, Individual, Marriage & Family Counseling.
Lauren has been a presenter at the Missouri Addiction Counselors’ Association Fall 2023 Conference, frequently facilitates trainings associated with ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy), and regularly supervises practicum and internship students in the field of counseling.
Prior to her work in the field of mental health, Lauren was an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was an active board member of City of Refuge, a non-profit organization supporting immigrants and refugees in mid-Missouri.
 

Presentation(s):

The Efficacy of the CRAFT Model of Therapy in a Group Setting

Harm Reduction: The Next Wave in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

 

Hutton, Christy, PhD

I am a licensed psychologist. I earned a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (2000) and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (2005) from the University of Missouri. I have worked in community mental health, addiction treatment, dual diagnosis, university counseling, and private practice settings. I have also provided continuing education for licensed professionals and consulted with agencies, practices, and organizations. I am currently on faculty at MU, providing clinical training to Master’s and Doctoral students in Counseling Psychology.
 

Presentation(s):

The Efficacy of the CRAFT Model of Therapy in a Group Setting

 

 

Clark, Marie, MA, LMFT, LSOE, LSOTP

Marie Clark, M.A., LMFT, LSOE, LSOTP has conducted psychosexual assessments, therapy, and training for more than 30 years. Her current focus is on the assessment of incest family members and juveniles with sexual behavior problems. She has conducted assessment and treatment in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and held positions of Consultant in residential facilities in Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas. She is an associate editor for the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse and a Peer Reviewer for the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, and Trauma.

Presentation(s):

Assessment of Nonoffering Partners in Child Sexual Abuse Cases for Parenting and Protective Capacities

Families of Treatment Refusers: The Neglected Victims of Untreated Mental Health Problems

Room Wingate 60-61


Speaker(s)

Description

A substantial portion of individuals with mental health problems do not seek the help they need. Family and friends struggle to understand why, especially when the disorder negatively impacts their lives. They may wrongfully conclude the treatment refuser is willfully choosing to be impaired, which can lead them to react in ways that are counterproductive, resulting in substantial family conflict. This presentation explains why some people behavior in ways that are incompatible with recovery. It introduces a concept called recovery avoidance and offers suggestions for how to respond to it constructively.
This interactive presentation will present the 5 steps of the Family Wellbeing Approach and provide examples of working with diverse family members of treatment refusers with emotional disorders.
First Step: PREPARE FOR CRISES:
The first step is to plan for the development and implementation of a sample family Crisis Plan.
Second Step: CLARIFY THE PROBLEM & SET REALISTIC GOALS
Then, the audience will be introduced to assessment forms that were designed to help families identify the impact of recovery avoidance on their lives and prioritize the changes they want to make.
Third Step: INCREASE ACTIVITY YOU VALUE
The third step shows how to build a plan to increase valued activity for a sample family member.
Fourth Step: DECREASE FAMILY DISTRESS & CONFLICT
Then, the audience will see how to develop a plan to decrease family distress and conflict for a sample family.
Fifth Step: PROMOTE RECOVERY-COMPATIBLE BEHAVIOR IN THE FAMILY MEMBER WITH RECOVERY AVOIDANCE
The final step includes developing a plan to promote recovery-compatible behavior in the person who is exhibiting recovery avoidance.

Objectives

  • Describe the 5 Steps of the Family Wellbeing Approach (FWBA)
  • Describe the 4 factors that can contribute to recovery avoidance
  • Identify 2 common family responses that can make recovery avoidance worse

Effective Interventions in Working with Fathers who have Experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma

Room Wingate 60-61


Speaker(s)

Description

This workshop will examine effective interventions used to help clients work through past adverse childhood experiences or trauma.

Objectives

  • Define the difference between adverse childhood experiences and trauma
  • Define the difference between adverse childhood experiences and trauma
  • Describe the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma on the individual.
  • Discuss the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and depression.

Adolescent Social Media: Myths Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

Room Wingate 60-61


Speaker(s):

Description

This presentation will review and summarize relevant research on the effects of social media use on adolescent well-being and mental health. The presentation will contrast research findings on social media use with the portrayal of the effects of social media in popular press and media. The presentation will describe research that explores different factors such as motivation to use social media influences the effects of social media more than the amount of time spent on social media. The presentation will then discuss the potential beneficial effects of social media use for adolescence. Lastly, the presentation will provide research-based strategies and recommendations for parents and others working with adolescents for minimizing the harm of social media use, while maximizing potential benefits.

Objectives

    • Describe the association between adolescent social media use and adolescent well-being and mental health.
    • Name several factors that influence the association between adolescent social media use and adolescent well-being.
    • Identify and describe the positive and beneficial effects of social media use for adolescents.
    • Identify research-based strategies and recommendations for safe(r) social media use in adolescents.