Washington Adventist University Offers Substance Abuse Seminar This Summer, June 11-12
Takoma Park, MD (February 3, 2015) Washington Adventist University’s Psychology Department is offering a new Substance Abuse Seminar on campus this summer that will focus on the latest information regarding awareness, prevention and treatment. The seminar is approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists for Category A, and participants will earn up to eight continuing education credits.
“These two-hour sessions offer counseling professionals a convenient and easy way to update their knowledge and skills regarding substance abuse issues,” said Grant Leitma, Ph.D., chair of the Psychology Department. “The seminar also offers valuable information to students and others who are interested in learning more about the issue of substance abuse, which is a significant problem in our country today.”
The seminar includes four sessions conducted over a two-day period, June 11-12. The sessions will be held on campus in Wilkinson Hall, Room 406, 7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. The building is located adjacent to a bus stop and Bikeshare Station and is only 1.5 miles from the Takoma Metro. Free parking is available both in front and in back of the building (off Greenwood Avenue).
Each of the two-hour sessions is $25, and individuals who register for all four sessions will receive a discounted rate of $80. The seminar consists of:
Session 1 – Alcohol and Drug Dependency, Thursday, June 11, 1-3 p.m. (2 CEU-$25.00)
This presentation will emphasize solution-focused therapy as a way to effectively deal with substance abuse. Concepts for alcohol and drug dependency are addressed within the context of cultural awareness and personal addictions. Clinical examples, lessons learned and clear explanations are given throughout the presentation.
Session 2 – Psychopharmacology, Thursday, June 11, 3:15 – 5:15 p.m. (2 CEU-$25.00)
“Will I get addicted to this SSRI?” “Why are the substances of abuse addicting?” “Can I be addicted to caffeine?” Using language and examples that both you and your clients can understand, this seminar will answer these questions and more, while exploring how the brain and body work in relation to several common substances of abuse and psychotropics. The session will also cover how you can help your client to use their brain and body chemistry in their recovery.
Session 3 – Addiction Counseling, Friday, June 12, 8-10 a.m. (2 CEU-$25.00)
This presentation covers the clinical, theoretical, and research work about addiction counseling. In addition, the presentation is designed to give the clinician guidance needed to choose appropriate techniques and best practices for treating addicted individuals.
Session 4 – Psychotherapy for Drug/Alcohol Disorders
Friday, June 12, 10:15-12:15 p.m. (2 CEU-$25.00)
This presentation will cover the diagnosis of substance use disorders (based on DSM & ICD criteria). The application of one or more models for substance abuse disorders and the treatment of mental disorders co-occurring with substance use disorders will be emphasized.
Seats are limited, and anyone interested in attending is encouraged to register soon. Identify which sessions you are registering to attend, and send a check for the total amount ($25 per session or $80 for all four), payable to Washington Adventist University c/o Department of Psychology to: Dr. Grant Leitma, Chair, Psychology Department, Washington Adventist University, 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, Maryland 20912. For more information or if you have questions, email gleitma@wau.edu.
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Washington Adventist University is Montgomery County’s only four-year private college. Part of the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education, Washington Adventist University has been educating college students since 1904 on a 19-acre campus in suburban Takoma Park, close to the nation’s capital. A total of 1,080 students of all faiths participate in the university’s eight graduate and 32 undergraduate programs. The 2014 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.
Media Contacts:
Angie Crews, 301-891-4134, acrews@wau.edu
Donna Bigler, 240-286-1169, dbigler@wau.edu