Psychologist Continuing Education

Diagnosing and Treating Adolescent and Adult ADHD:  It's Complicated

Date: October 8, 2021
Credits: 3 Continuing Education Credits
Faculty: Frank Wolkenberg, Ph.D.

ADHD is a syndrome, meaning that constellations of disparate behaviors may give rise to the same diagnosis.  It is also a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other established psychiatric diagnoses that could give rise to the same behaviors must first be eliminated before the diagnosis is made. This is a requirement that often seems honored more in the breach than the observance.  Because attention and executive functions are final common pathways of complex systems, they are subject to disruption by multiple factors.  In children, particularly younger ones, the number of these possible influences is relatively circumscribed. In adults, who have complex histories, the issue becomes far more complex and requires a much more subtle and comprehensive approach than a symptom checklist can provide.  As in children, stimulant medication remains a primary tool in treating this diagnosis.  Contrary to earlier belief’s, it’s effects are non-specific to the diagnosis, and it is helpful in marshalling attention disrupted by a wide variety of complaints.  Although diagnosis by medication response is frowned upon, this often validates a frequently simple-minded and reductionist use of the ADHD diagnosis.  When excessively relied upon, it often leads to treatments that are arguably ineffective in the long-term.  This seminar will attempt to address the following: (1) understanding the history of the ADHD diagnosis; (2) The state of the current research and some of the continued pitfalls; (3) historical and cognitive factors that can give rise to the complaints rightly or wrongly leading to the diagnosis; and (4) approaches to treatment based on a more comprehensive understanding of the individual that are likely to have more lasting results.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify primary and secondary factors that affect attention and executive functions in adolescents and adults.
2. Articulate the complimentary roles of client history and test results in assessing executive and attentional experiences.
3. Integrate that information into a treatment approach that minimizes reliance on pharmacotherapy and embraces the client‘s strengths.

Speaker Biography

Frank Wolkenberg, Ph.D. is a psychologist in private practice in Towson, MD specializing in the neuropsychological assessment of developmental issues and acquired injuries in adolescents and adults.   He is a graduate of Emory University’s Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, Division 40 neuropsychology track, where he was awarded his degree in 1999. His undergraduate degree, in English literature, awarded in 1977, is from NYU. He completed a Division 40 internship at the West Haven VAMC.

He has worked in a wide variety of research and clinical settings. In addition to his private practice, he has also worked as a Research Scientist at the National Institute on Drug Addiction’s Brain Imaging Division, doing fMRI research; providing mental health services to long-term care and rehab facilities; helping to develop a portable testing device sensitive to concussion for use by the military in the field; and serving as a board expert to a number of MD professional boards including the Board of Nursing, Board of Physicians, Board of Examiners of Psychologists and Board of Dentistry, developing a specialty in the assessment and treatment of professionals, primarily medical, suspected of impairment.

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Integrating Trauma Treatment into Clinical Practice: Assessment and Interventions for Trauma-Related Disorders

Date: November 12, 2021
Credits: 3 Continuing Education Credits
Faculty: Sarah Swenson, Psy.D.

Given ongoing and multi-faceted tensions and stressors faced by communities and individuals, psychologists have a responsibility to increase competencies in assessing and treating complex trauma-related disorders. This seminar is designed to broaden a psychologist’s awareness and understanding of trauma-related disorders and their presentations in the therapeutic environment. The seminar will prepare participants to accurately identify and diagnose trauma-related disorders, including dissociative disorders. Participants will be provided education and skills to begin treating trauma-related disorders in the individual therapy setting. The seminar will also include a discussion about trauma-related dynamics that may impact an individual’s ability to engage in treatment, such as experiences of institutional betrayal. Participants will leave this seminar better prepared to more effectively meet this growing need across many communities.  

Learning Objectives

1. Identify patients who should be assessed for complex trauma-related and dissociative disorders.
2. Describe foundational competencies for providing effective trauma treatment.
3. Apply clinical interventions to address trauma-related symptoms in treatment.

Speaker Biography

Dr. Swenson is Lead Psychologist of the Trauma Disorders Program at Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Swenson completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship with The Trauma Disorders Program before becoming a full-time psychologist at the hospital. She completed her doctoral studies at William James College in Boston. During her doctoral training, Dr. Swenson worked closely with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading researcher in traumatic stress, and became immersed in treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders across the lifespan. Dr. Swenson has treated numerous survivors of early childhood abuse, including survivors of extreme, organized forms of abuse. She utilizes an eclectic treatment approach including hypnosis and cognitive techniques with strong psychodynamic underpinnings.

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Healing Centered Engagement Approaches for Treating Racial Trauma

Date: January 14, 2022
Credits: 3 Continuing Education Credits
Faculty: Dietra Hawkins, Psy.D. 

While the COVID 19 pandemic has normalized the use of technology, it has also revealed racialized systemic barriers to wealth, education, housing and economic opportunities. Racial disparities have become more visible and urgent, calling into question the efficacy of our traditional approaches to mental health and trauma. As our society begins to adjust, psychologists must also reassess our training and conceptual models for trauma, healing, and health. Providers need to be mindful of how power, privileged, oppression and systemic trauma have resulted in persistent racial disparities. This workshop will briefly establish a foundational philosophy for the concept of racial trauma, PTSD, and post traumatic grow. Participants will be introduced to healing centered engagement principles and learn to apply the critical element of cultural authenticity and self-knowledge. And through role play scenarios, participants will leave with healing strategies for attuning to a client’s needs.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the differences between PTSD and racial trauma.
2. Apply a healing centered frame to design a client’s treatment plan.
3. Describe the role of hope and list 2 strategies to heal racial trauma.

Speaker Biography

Dietra D. Hawkins, PsyD is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who works nationally and internationally with state and local government organizations, public and private schools and behavioral health agencies as the owner and lead consultant with Both And Partners, Inc.  She is a published author and frequent speaker for workshops addressing Appreciative approaches toward system change; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, Asset Based Community Development and Inclusion, and the Healing of Racism. Dr. Hawkins holds a faculty appointment as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, Program for Recovery and Community health. Her primary research interests address racial and ethnic health care disparities; cultural competence, organizational systems change and transformation; and qualitative and community based participatory research. She is highly regarded for her positive energy and personable approach toward difficult conversations.

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Current Legal and Ethical Issues in the Practice of Psychology

Date: February 11, 2022
Credits: 3 Continuing Education Credits
Faculty: Richard Bloch, Ph.D.

This seminar will review the current legal and ethical issues related to the practice of psychology. The elements and implications of the Cures Act 2021 will be reviewed. Specific focus will be given to applying the laws, regulations, and ethical principles to challenging clinical situations that involve patient’s/client’s access and request for information and reporting abuse and neglect. As the COVID 19 pandemic continues, the legal and ethical issues related to providing teletherapy will be discussed. Participants will have updated knowledge of current laws and regulations applied to the practice of psychology and how to apply them to their practice.

Learning Objectives

1. Apply the requirements for confidentiality/privilege in response to request for information.
2. Analyze and apply the laws requiring abuse and neglect reporting.
3. Apply the requirements for teletherapy to their practice.

Speaker Biography

Richard Bloch is President and Senior Attorney at Shiling, Bloch & Hirsch, P.A.   Mr. Bloch has been in the private practice of law in Baltimore, Maryland since 1972. He received his B.A. from The George Washington University in 1968, and his J.D. from The University of Maryland, School of Law in 1972. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, the United States District Court f or the District of Maryland, the United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. His practice focuses on health law, representation of mental health practitioners, and representation of providers before the Maryland Health Occupation Boards of Examiners, estate planning and administration, general business matters, and civil litigation. Mr. Bloch has been General Counsel to the Maryland Psychological Association since 1979. He writes and lectures regularly on the legal and ethical issues relating to the practice of psychology and the mental health professions. He is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and the Baltimore County Bar Association.

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