Kayla Estenson Williams, MA, LMFT
Presenter Bio: Kayla is a local therapist who runs a small group practice, Minnesota Attachment Collective. She is passionate about supporting clients in navigating attachment trauma, fertility challenges, and perinatal mental health. Kayla utilizes parts work, narrative therapy, mindfulness approaches, and somatic techniques with her clients. She is also a MN Board Approved LMFT supervisor driven towards helping new clinicians grow in the field and build a career authentic and supportive to them.
Description: Many clients who present to therapy with concerns around anxiety, depression, or adjustment difficulties have underlying attachment wounding that contributes to their experiences around mental health. Yet, these can often be missed if we are just focusing on current presenting symptoms. Working to support clients in healing and long-term growth often requires unpacking their attachment history and exploring how this may be impacting their present day concerns. These experiences are often conceptualized as Complex Trauma, Attachment/Childhood Wounds, or Generational Trauma. When a client presents with awareness about these wounding experiences, it may be easier for us as therapists to conceptualize how past trauma impacts their present day challenges. But, often, clients may not be aware of the impact of past experiences- or even view their childhood as mostly positive and dismiss moments of wounding. In this presentation, we will review common attachment wounding experiences, how to assess for them with clients, and how to treat childhood trauma in our adult clients. Here, you will learn to apply therapy techniques you may already be familiar with (such as parts work, narrative techniques, and mindfulness/somatic practices) with the clients you work with- and have a framework from which you can more comfortably explore future therapeutic growth in treating trauma.
Objectives:
1. Learn how to assess for attachment wounds/childhood trauma in adult clients
2. Learn how to communicate the impacts of childhood trauma to adult clients
3. Learn foundational techniques in treating attachment wounds/childhood trauma in adult clients.
Please be advised that this training session you are about to access are pre-recorded and not delivered in real-time. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it's important to note that this session was conducted live and may not reflect the most current information or developments.
Participants are encouraged to engage with the material critically and understand that any interactive elements such as quizzes or discussions may not be available for participation or immediate feedback. Additionally, any references to specific dates, events, or circumstances within the training may be based on the time of recording and not necessarily reflective of the current context.
By accessing and utilizing this pre-recorded training material, you acknowledge and accept the aforementioned disclaimer.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! It can be hard to find a volunteer event that doesn’t ask all of us to go back to what seems like our daily grind. And yet, this is a month that not only recognizes what our work is in service of, but rejuvenates the life-force of those of us on the literal and metaphorical frontlines of a mental health crisis. That’s why we kindly ask you to join us for a blood drive so that we might partner in serving all of our clients, peers, and community in need. Location: 2304 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55404 (St. Mary's University - Alumni Room) Date: Saturday, May 10th Time: 9am-3pm
Who: Any MFT/MFT Student, MFT Superfan, Mental Health Advocate/Supporter
Register Here
(St. Mary’s Location only, see below for remote options)
Remote option!
While this event has a particular time, date, and location, if you are unable to attend, we hope that you will consider an alternative time to donate anytime during the month of May: https://www.redcrossblood.org/Disclosure:
We recognize that the Red Cross does not accept all individuals as “qualified” donors, and appreciate that others might be unable to donate for various other reasons. If you are looking for an alternative way to volunteer, give back to our community, please feel free to reach out directly to elections@mamft.net
Want a bonus incentive to join us on site?
While MAMFT and Red Cross volunteers will be circulating on-site (with snacks!), we have designated a representative to stay on-site throughout the drive to answer member questions (like what we’re doing with pay parity or the conference), get member feedback, or, if you’re a student: you can ask anything about the profession (whether you’re a member or not)!
This event’s representative will be our Treasurer, Tessa Gittleman. If you have any questions about this event or MAMFT more generally, you are welcome to reach out to her at: treasurer@mamft.net.
We hope to see you there!
Live Stream: Monday, May 13th| 9:00am-10:30am
M. Hilmar Wagner, MPH, RDN, LN, CD
Presenter Bio: Hilmar Wagner is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), licensed in Minnesota and Washington State. Hilmar has experience working in a variety of clinical, outpatient, community, and management settings. Hilmar joined the Emily Program in 2006 and has served in a number of clinical and management roles, both at the site, regional and organization-wide levels. He currently serves as a Clinical Outreach Specialist. In this role Hilmar has presents on a wide range of eating disorder and related nutrition topics at local, regional, and national conferences. Hilmar received his bachelor’s degree in Nutrition/Dietetics and Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. He has worked in the field of eating disorders for the past 16 years. Hilmar has extensive experience working with clients of all eating disorder diagnoses in both individual and group settings. He has a particular interest in the application of mindfulness and body-centered, somatic approaches to the nutritional treatment of eating disorders.
Presenter Bio: Kelly Pertzsch is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Minnesota. Kelly received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Richmond, the American International University in London and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a certificate in Eating Disorder Studies from the Lewis and Clark College. She has treated eating disorders her entire career and has worked in community mental health, private practice, and a college counseling center. She has been with The Emily Program since June 2015, holding a variety of roles from Weekend Programming Coordinator to Site Director, and now focuses on her passion for providing outreach and education to the community. Kelly has a particular interest in the intersection of eating disorder treatment and social justice, as well as Health at Every Size.
Description: There has been significant progress in our understanding of the etiology of eating disorders leading to advancements in screening and treatment. Join us as we discuss eating disorders from a bio-psycho-social perspective, highlighting new understanding of temperament and neuro-biological influences. Treatment highlights include the dramatic increase in Avoidant Restrictive Feeding and Eating Disorders (ARFID), Atypical Anorexia and Binge Eating Disorder.
1. Identify risk factors associated with biology, temperament and environment
2. Describe the relationship between neurodiversity and Avoidant Restrictive Feeding and Eating Disorders (ARFID)
3. Compare and contrast the awareness and treatment access between Atypical Anorexia and Anorexia Nervosa
4. Articulate at least ways the weight bias and stigma impact assessment and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
5 CEUs Approved by the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
“Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Compassion” by Marshall Rosenberg
When: Saturday July 13th from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon
Where: Hybrid meeting with in person option at Lakeside Center Building- 3033 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, 55416 Ground Floor Conference Room
*Zoom link provided upon registration
Book Club for THERAPISTS!
Read a relevant therapy book, connect over coffee and donuts while discussing the book with others providers, and earn CEUs in the process!
Attend 1, 2 or ALL 3! Virtual or In-Person options for each event.
Registration Information: Must register in advance on the MAMFT website, define if you plan to participate virtually or in-person, and have read the book (or listened to the audiobook) prior to the respective event.
Free for Members
$75 for non-members (for each event)
Live Stream: Monday, July 29th | 9am-12pm
Presenter Bio: Leah Seeger, MA, LMFT, LADC is a second career therapist who specializes in serving individuals, couples, and families with struggles complicated by trauma, challenging upbringings, and/or addictive issues. Leah provides therapy from a social justice, feminist, trauma-informed lens and is working to finalize her certification in Brainspotting. Leah worked in MICD (mental illness/chemical dependency) drug treatment facilities prior to entering private practice. Leah is currently the President-Elect for the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT), and has previously worked as an adjunct professor in the Graduate Addiction Studies program at St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. Leah’s commentary on mental health issues in America has been featured in the New York Times, FiveThirtyEight, and the Washington Post.
Rachel Cavegn, MA, LMFT
Presenter Bio: Rachael Cavegn, MA, LMFT, rcavegntherapy@gmail.com: Rachael Cavegn MA, LMFT is a mental health professional specializing in the use of neurofeedback training to address struggles with trauma/addiction, depression, anxiety, SPMI diagnoses and a wide range of additional mental health concerns. Her approach to therapy is through an Adlerian, feminist, social justice, trauma-informed lens, paying particular attention to how relationship dynamics and social systems impact our ability to establish and maintain good health. Prior to working in private practice Rachael spent 10 years specializing in trauma and addiction treatment in community-based programs and MICD (mental health/chemical dependency) treatment clinics. Rachael is a Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (MN BMFT) approved supervisor, an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) supervisor candidate and is presently pursuing her certification as neurofeedback provider through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). She has presented to community organizations throughout the metro area on the topics of trauma/addiction, grief and loss, and systems/relationship dynamics, and has developed and facilitated trainings for People Incorporated Mental Health Services, Minnesota CarePartner and Adler Graduate School.
Description: We know many mental health providers feel they have inadequate training to address addiction issues. And that addiction is regularly viewed as a separate entity from other mental health concerns.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that “16.5 percent of the population met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder.” If 16.5% of the population is actively struggling with an addiction issue, then the people around them are likely suffering from the effects as well.
In this training we will help providers start to think systemically and take a trauma-informed approach to addiction, just like we already do for other mental health struggles. And we will provide attendees tools to approach the root of many addiction issues. Together we can take the stigma out of addiction and equip mental health providers to support clients and families struggling with addictive issues!
1. How addictive behaviors are linked to trauma and other mental health struggles and how this lens may impact diagnosing.
2. What is harm reduction vs traditional approaches to addictive behaviors, and what are the benefits and drawbacks to various treatment programs/approaches (12 step/traditional, medication assisted treatment, harm-reduction).
3. How the language we use with clients influences the way they see themselves and their ability to heal.
4. Why connection/relationship is the key to helping clients heal from trauma and strategies for helping clients learn/develop skills to connect.
5. How to help clients support a loved one struggling with trauma/addiction through language, and setting appropriate boundaries that still allow for relationships/connection.
Live Stream: Monday, September 23rd | 8am-9am
Presenter Bio: Tessa “Tess” Gittleman, MA, LMFT, is an AAMFT and MN BBHT Approved Supervisor, working in private practice in Golden Valley, and is the current Treasurer for MAMFT. Tessa’s specialty is in working with individuals whose success at work doesn’t translate to interpersonal success, and often feel like failures. Many of these clients have OCPD. Tessa also works as an organizational consultant and public speaker where she focuses on helping businesses think through the “Emotional Economics” of their practices, the “Emotional Infrastructure” needed for increased sustainability, and how to best manage the internal polarity that cultural and generational differences compound in the workplace.
Description: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is one of the most common personality disorders in the US, affecting 3-8% of the US population. Despite its prevalence, it is often eclipsed in education, research, practice, and culture, by other personality disorders, like Borderline Personality Disorder, which affects 1.4%, or its clinical cousin, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which affects 2-3% of the US population. This discrepancy leaves clinicians under-prepared to support people and relationships impacted by the unique set of issues that OCPD brings forth. Consequently, clients with OCPD, many of whom experience distress from their acute awareness of the problem and feel helplessness in being able to “fix it,” can leave therapy feeling even more misunderstood, broken, and hopeless. In this presentation, you will learn how to differentiate the pervasive pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and rules from other, more familiar disorders. You will be able to understand how OCPD personality traits, such as a commitment to extreme efficiency or a preoccupation with structures and equity, can result in both occupational/academic success and interpersonal catastrophe. You will understand what about that personal paradox increases acute distress for these clients, and why they often experience a “Crisis of Competence” before reaching out for help. You will hear about what modalities and approaches have had success in helping clients work through these issues, and develop more clinical skills for overcoming the opposition, frustration, and stuckness that this population can present with in therapy. Before the conclusion of this presentation, you will have the opportunity to hear a case presentation and participate in a Q&A with the presenters. If the training is successful, you will feel you have the clinical competence to ensure you aren't doing harm to these clients, even if you find you're not the best person to help them long-term.
1. Increase clinical competence diagnosis and working with OCPD individuals
2. Identify common traits, developmental patterns, and primary features of OCPD in both typical and a-typical presentations
3. Be able to differentiate OCPD from other disorders, as well as correlated conditions
4. Understand the impact of OCPD on individuals, relationships, and society
5. Learn clinical interventions that benefit people with OCPD
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind & Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk
When: Saturday, October 12th | 10:30AM - 12 Noon
Where: Hybrid meeting with in person option at Dovetail Cafe & Market 1917 W. Superior St. Duluth MN (shout out to our northern MN members, or any member who wants to visit Duluth in the fall)
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