PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This interactive presentation will focus on honoring the unique strengths and worldview of Native American people who have survived despite disease, wars, and government policies meant to destroy them. They have survived due to their beliefs, traditions, relationships, stories, and ceremonies. Learn how these elements affect the patient and your role as a helper. This presentation will help increase understanding of present-day effects of historical trauma, oppression, and stereotyping as well as a list of Do's & Don'ts when working with Native Americans and the opportunity to participate in a Talking Circle Ceremony. This program is aimed at the intermediate skill level.

FACULTY: Victoria Redhawk Steele, MC, LPC, NCC, is a Native American (Seneca/Mingo) and German counselor. She is a psychotherapist in private practice in Tucson, Arizona and a faculty member with the University of Phoenix. Ms. Steele developed and implemented the "Native Ways" program for Native American women, which includes culturally appropriate services of Talking Circles, cultural education and a Medicine Lodge. She is a 2006 recipient of the Dynamic Duo award from Compass Health Care for her work with the Native people. Ms. Steele has woked as a therapist at The Haven, a residential substance use treatm ent center for women and she co-created "Strengthening the Circle: Talking Circles", a non-profit program of healing for Native women who have been victims of trauma and abuse. In addition, she counseled domestic violence victims at The Brewster Center. www.CouselorVictoriaSteele.com

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, addiction therapists, psychiatric nurses, chaplains, and other mental health professionals.

CE STATEMENTS:  The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 3 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded.

AGENDA:  

8:15 AM – 8:30 AM           Registration and Continental Breakfast 

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM        Native American History and Culture
                                            Effect of Stereotypes
                                            Do's and Don'ts for Work With Native Americans

11:30 AM                            Program Closure 

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $55.00. There is no fee for full-time VA employees. Includes course material. Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Visa, Discover & Mastercard accepted. Payments must be received at least 5 days prior to the program to ensure registration availability.  Refunds, minus a $10 processing fee, will be made until 3 days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $15.00 processing fee for any returned checks.  Confirmation letters will not be sent.