Chicago Social Work Conference

Keynote Presentation:

Black Boys and Men: Changing the Narrative (1.5 clinical hrs)

Samuel R. Aymer, PhD

Dr. Aymer’s keynote focuses on the lived experiences of Black men and boys who must navigate the challenges of living in a hostile environment. It addresses how their psychosocial functioning is affected by racialized trauma, a socio-political reality that emanates from stigma, injustice and invisibility.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe indicators that are associated with race-related stress and trauma
• Explain why it is important for practitioners to have a critical awareness of the dynamics and nuances of racist and unfair treatment in the United States
• Explain how race-related trauma and stress can impact the lived experiences of Black males and boys in the United States

Therapeutic Considerations when Treating Men (1.5 clinical hrs)

Steve Olivas, PhD, HSP

Engaging with and treating men in therapy can be a difficult process, even under ideal circumstances. It is particularly challenging when they are externally motivated (“_____ told me I had to come see you”) or somewhat resistant (“It’s weird because I’ve never done this before…”). This seminar will break down the internal thought processes of many men and discuss the rational vs. emotional continuum. Finally, a special focus will be placed on engagement, analysis, and effective communication & treatment strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will learn at least three concrete strategies for building therapeutic rapport with men in therapy.
• The participant will learn at least three interventions to assist men struggling in romantic relationships.
• The participant will learn basic coping strategies used by distressed men, and learn techniques to help them overcome and engage.

Homefront Heroes: Military Spouses and Families (1.5 clinical hrs)

Richelle Futch, LCSW

Active-Duty Military have one of the most stressful jobs in the world. This stress spills over into their families. In this program Richelle Futch, LCSW, Marine Corps Veteran, military spouse & developer of “Green Zone Training” addresses this stress by using her evidence-based treatment model which is internationally recognized.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify & address the accumulation of stress & trauma in military families
• Address the normalization of stress & trauma in military families
• Identify treatment models for reducing “stress” & trauma in military family systems

Ethical Considerations: Applying Contemporary Transgender Theory in Clinical Settings (1.5 ethics hrs)

Heidi Breaux, DSW

The objective of this program is to clearly define the ethical issues associated with working with transgender and non-binary clients in clinical settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the steps clinicians are required to take in order to align their practice methods with the NASW Code of Ethics for gender identity and expression.
• Define the ethical practices for working with transgender and non-binary clients and students.
• Learn about the origins of Transgender Theory and ethical considerations of Contemporary Transgender Theory.

Mandatory Reporting of Child and Elder Abuse and Neglect (1 hr mandatory reporting)

Joseph T. Monahan, MSW, ACSW, JD

As social workers, we bear the responsibility of being mandated reporters, but are we always able to clearly identify which situations indicate the need for reporting and clearly explain “how to report”? This program addresses the processes and responsibilities associated with mandatory reporting.

Learning Objectives:

• Have a clear definition of mandated reporting
• Identify the indicators of abuse: physical, psychological, and financial, and how these affect children and the elderly population differently.
• Identify barriers to mandated reporting and distinguish potential solutions to said barriers
• Identify who REALLY has the responsibility for “mandated reporting” and how to “report”.