PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Women are no doubt uniquely different when it comes to emotional and mental well-being. From birth, women’s brains show distinct differences, which become contributing factors to their emotional health. As young women develop and are flooded with hormones, the differences become more striking. Understanding aspects unique to women’s mental health will enable clinicians to provide more comprehensive care for women, and help female clients better understand their own minds and bodies. This program will examine women’s mental and emotional health across the lifespan starting with teens, move through early adulthood, then childbearing years, and on to perimenopausal years, and finally the later adulthood years.  The program will discuss common emotional disorders at each stage of life, along with the contributing factors for these physiological and psychological disorders, focusing on at least three disorders for each age range -- including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and perinatal mood disorders. Treatment options and barriers to treatment will be identified. Intervention strategies to address psychotherapeutic treatment issues specific to women during various life stages will be discussed. This program is aimed the intermediate skill level.

FACULTY:  Christina Hibbert, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice specializing in women’s mental health, including maternal and perinatal mental health, and grief/ bereavement.  She is Founder and President of the Arizona Postpartum Wellness Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the childbirth and postpartum experience for Arizona’s families.  Dr. Hibbert is co-creator and producer of the video “Postpartum Couples”, was past board member for Postpartum Support International (PSI), and was a recipient of the Postpartum Support International Jane Honikman Award for outstanding service in perinatal mental health in 2006.  She is a PSI-certified trainer and frequently provides professional and community education on various mental health topics.  Dr. Hibbert received her Doctorate from California School of Professional Psychology.

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

• identify five of the most common emotional disorders for women across the lifespan, including symptoms and prevalence,
   

• understand the influence of physiological factors (including hormones) and psychological factors on the mental health of women at various stages of life,
   

• identify common barriers to women seeking and/or receiving proper treatment for emotional disorders, 
   

• describe five common therapeutic issues and treatment intervention strategies for women, including the earthquake assessment chart and NURSE program.

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

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM               Registration, Sign-In and Introductions

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM            Introduction to Women’s Mental Health
                                               Hormones and the Brain
                                               Lifespan and Women’s Emotions: Teens and Early Adult

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM          Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM          Lifespan and Women’s Emotions:
                                               Childbearing Years
                                               Perimenopause/ Menopause
                                               Later Adult

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM            Lunch (on your own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM              Treatment Options:
                                               Self-Help, Social Support, Complementary Alternative Modalities
                                               Psychotherapy, Pharmacological Treatment
                                               Barriers to Treatment

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM              Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM             Psychotherapeutic Treatment:
                                              Issues Specific to Women
                                             Earthquake Assessment Chart and NURSE

Treatment Intervention Strategies, including: Encouraging Emotional Expression; Teaching Coping Skills and Self-Care; Addressing Grief/Loss; Sense of Self; and Identity Changes

4:30 PM                             Program Closing and Evaluation

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

[ APA ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and its content.  This program provides 6 CE credits.

[ ASWB ] -- VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ NBCC ] – The VA Employee Education System is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education accreditation for National Certified and Licensed Counselors.  We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.  Provider #5927.

[ CNE ]  --  The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP 11270.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.

REGISTRATION: Registration fee is $120.00.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Registration is not complete until payment received.  Space is limited.  Please register early.  Refunds, minus a $15.00 processing fee, will be made until three days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks.  Confirmation letters will not be sent. Confirmation letters will not be sent.