sTRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THERAPEUTIC WORK WITH COUPLES
What: Virtual learning opportunity with BCPA, presented over Zoom
When: Tuesday September 9th 12:00 to 1:00 pm CDT
Number of CE Credits: 1 CE Hours
CE Credits Available to: Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Register here: September Lunch and Learn Registration
Strategies to Enhance Therapeutic Work with Couples
Presented by Dr. Karen Waldman & Dr. Ken Waldman
About This Virtual Workshop:
Whether participants are new to couples counseling or have years of experience, we hope to provide some effective tools to add to your toolbox. Although the presentation time is limited, we want it to be interactive and will schedule time for a brief Q&A at the end.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this continuing education activity, participants will be able to:
Identify three strategies to enhance emotional connection.
Identify three strategies to improve physical connection.
Help couples use conflicts as opportunities for intimacy.
About Speakers
Karen Leigh Bodai Waldman
Karen earned both her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Houston (UH). After working as the UH Director for Students with DisABILITIES during graduate school, she completed her internship in Clinical Psychology at UT Medical School-Houston. She first started working with couples during her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geropsychology at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. As a Licensed Psychologist, she later worked there for the next 18 years. She also had an appointment as Assistant Professor in Baylor College of Medicine’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department for many years. Since retiring from the hospital, Karen has done private practice and specializes in relationship counseling.
Kenneth Robert Waldman
Ken completed his B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. He then earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at University of Texas at Austin (UT), completing his internship at the UT Counseling Center. As an adjunct faculty member, he later taught graduate courses in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He was active in BCPA and served as President in 1982-83. Ken spent most of his career as a Licensed Psychologist working in university counseling centers (UT San Antonio and University of Houston) in roles of Staff Psychologist, Assistant Director, Training Director, Clinical Director, and Director. Since 1977, Ken has had a part-time private practice, primarily specializing in couples counseling. He also does mental health assessments of Veterans for service-connected disabilities.
This event is free for all BCPA Members!
Register here: September Lunch and Learn Registration
With questions, please email bexarpsych@gmail.com.
Fall Workshop: A Framework for Integrating Neuroscience into Clinical Practice
What: Virtual learning opportunity with BCPA, presented over Zoom
When: Friday 10/03/2025 at 1pm - 4pm CDT
Number of CE Credits: 3 CE Hours
CE Credits Available to: Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Register here: October Workshop Registration
A Framework for Integrating Neuroscience into Clinical Practice
Presented by Dr. Rowland Folensbee, PhD
About This Virtual Workshop:
This three-hour presentation provides a framework within which psychologists’ personal stores of knowledge regarding neuroscience can be integrated and then applied to understanding and implementing psychotherapy and assessment processes. The framework is comprised of six primary elements:
1. The neuropsychological model for understanding input-process-out of cognitive and emotional experience;
2. Neural networks;
3. Implicit and explicit memory;
4.Affect;
5. Anxiety;
6. Human development.
Core, overarching brain processes within each element are explained and the clinical relevance of each process for understanding clients’ behavioral and psychological manifestations is delineated. Findings from basic research, clinical outcome studies, and observations of individual therapy cases are incorporated into the presentation. Participants are helped to identify how their clients’ behaviors and verbalizations can facilitate assessment of underlying neuropsychological processes. At the same time, understanding their clients’ underlying neuropsychological processes in an integrated way can be used to support assessments and interventions undertaken within any psychotherapeutic model. Throughout the presentation, discussion breaks will be provided to guide participants in applying each element of the framework to their interventions with their clients. The initial presentation of the framework is kept simple enough that psychology students early in training can grasp and apply the concepts. However, based on the complexity of the overall framework, advanced clinicians can benefit from understanding they can glean from integrating neuroscience into already well-developed conceptions of treatment.
Learning Objectives:
Based on the content of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify six elements of a neuroscience framework for integrating neuroscience into
psychotherapy and clinical assessment.Identify five sets of cognitive processes comprising a neuropsychological framework
for considering information processing during clinical work.Identify at least four characteristics of neural networks that influence integration and
differentiation of clinical information.Describe how implicit and explicit memories differ in amount of repetition needed for
clinical change.Describe the role of the thalamus in triggering anxiety without conscious awareness.
About Speaker
Rowland Folensbee, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in San Antonio working with children, adolescents, and adults. He is also a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology with twenty-five years of experience consulting in schools. His professional background has included private practice in Houston and San Antonio, Director of Clinical Psychology Services in a private psychiatric hospital, and past membership on adjunct clinical faculties of Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas Health Sciences Center-San Antonio. He is the author of The Neuroscience of Psychological Therapies, published by Cambridge University Press. He has published articles and presented lectures related to neuroscience in psychotherapy, cross-cultural psychotherapy, and worry. He served as an examiner for the oral boards of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Current areas of focus include exploring the implications of neuroscience for psychotherapy process and training, completing in-depth psychological assessments, and conducting psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults.
Cost for this workshop (early registration discount!):
Student Members $30
Members $60
Non-Members $80
Early registration discount will end on September 12, 2025, and after that $15 will be added to each price.
Register here: October Workshop Registration
With questions, please email bexarpsych@gmail.com.
Unmasking the Spectrum: Adults Navigating Level 1 Autism
What: Virtual learning opportunity with BCPA, presented over Zoom
When: Friday 05/30/2025 at 1pm - 4pm CDT
Number of CE Credits: 3 CE Hours
CE Credits Available to: Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Register here: May workshop registration
Unmasking the Spectrum: Adults Navigating Level 1 Autism
Presented by Dr. Megan Lawson, ABPP
About this virtual workshop:
Unmasking the Spectrum: Adults Navigating Level 1 Autism explores the unique experiences of adults with Level 1 Autism, focusing on subtle and non-classical presentations. This presentation will highlight effective assessment tools, key therapeutic approaches, and the role of gender and sexuality in shaping individual experiences. This workshop is designed to enhance understanding and improve support for adults on the spectrum and their treating clinicians.
Learning Objectives:
Based on the content of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify at least one evidence-based assessment tool for evaluating Level 1 Autism in adults, including recognition of subtle, non-classical presentations.
Discuss three key themes essential to effective therapeutic relationships with adults on the spectrum.
Examine the impact of gender and sexuality on the experiences and needs of this population.
About Speaker
Dr. Megan Lawson, ABPP is a psychologist who is board certified in clinical psychology. She is a managing partner at Alliance Psychology and provides clinical services to children, adults, couples, and families in addition to consultation to other professionals and groups. She is passionate about providing high quality care and training on a variety of clinical topics.
Cost for this workshop (early registration discount!):
Student Members $30
Members $60
Non-Members $80
Early registration discount will end on May 9, 2025 and after that $15 will be added to each price.
Register here: May Workshop Registration
With questions, please email bexarpsych@gmail.com.
Let’s Talk About Sex Baby! Addressing Sex and Sexuality With Comfort
What: Virtual learning opportunity with BCPA, presented over Zoom
When: Friday 11/15/2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Number of CE Credits: 3 CE Hours
CE Credits Available to: Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Register here: https://forms.gle/BKJ2Y5QgvnFnagPH7
Let’s Talk About Sex Baby! Addressing Sex and Sexuality With Comfort
Presented by Tori Stevens, PhD
About This Virtual Workshop:
Talking about and exploring sex and sexuality can be uncomfortable for both clinicians and clients. In this training, clinicians will learn how to assess and address their own discomfort related to sex and sexuality and how clinician discomfort can impact clients, the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic process. Additionally, clients come to therapy at differing levels of comfort with this topic. We will explore how to assess clients’ comfort, ways to increase it, and how to shift your approach based on your client’s comfort level. This presentation will also provide foundational knowledge about the human sexual response cycle and common desire and intimacy issues that people struggle with. Participants will learn how to assess the sexual health and functioning of their clients.
Learning Objectives:
Based on the content of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of their own levels of comfort when addressing sex and sexuality.
Participants will increase their knowledge of basic foundational building blocks for understanding sexual health, function and dysfunction.
Participants will learn various ways to assess clients’ sexual health, function and dysfunction.
About Speaker
Dr. Tori Stevens is a licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor supervisor and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is the co-owner and co-founder of the Oklahoma Sex & Relationship Institute. Dr. Stevens has a passion for helping people develop relationships that work for them and for advocating for marginalized communities. When she is not helping the world to have better sex and better relationships, she can be found drinking coffee, buying more plants and planning her next tattoo.
Cost for this workshop (early registration discount!):
· Student Members $20
· Members $50
· Non-Members $70
Early registration discount will end on September 27, 2024 and after that $10 will be added to each price.
Register here: https://forms.gle/BKJ2Y5QgvnFnagPH7
With questions, please email bexarpsych@gmail.com
BCPA fall town hall
What: BCPA Town Hall
When: Friday, October 11, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Clarity Child Guidance Center, JLSA Education Center (Building 4 on the map below)
Join us for an evening of discussion on upcoming legislative changes in the field of psychology, exercise mindfulness with us, join a BCPA subcommittee, and more!
BCPA Trainee Social
What: BCPA Trainee Social
When: Friday 09/27/2024 starting at 6 pm CDT
Where: Chicken and Pickle, 5215 UTSA Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78249
RSVP Link: Trainee Social 2024
Please RSVP for the event by 9/20/2024.
This social event hour is especially for psychology trainees, students, and early career psychologists. This means you! You are invited. If you're not a trainee, student, or ECP, you are welcome to come and support them.
Appetizers and welcome drink provided. We hope to see you there!
Looking Ahead with Climate Psychology
What: Virtual learning opportunity with BCPA, presented over Zoom
When: Friday 09/20/2024 at 12pm-1pm CDT
Number of CE Credits: 1 CE Hours
CE Credits Available to: Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Register here: September Lunch and Learn Registration
Looking Ahead with Climate Psychology
Presented by Amy N. Gorniak, Psy.D.
Attendees will receive a brief introduction to the literature on how climate change is both directly -- through changing climate patterns -- and indirectly -- through changes in social and economic patterns -- impacting mental health, with a particular focus on the outsized impact on disenfranchised and minoritized groups. Attendees will review some common language in climate psychology/climate-change related mental health and will explore some of the key aspects across models for intervention in climate change related distress. The importance of strategies to support their own well-being in the context of climate change related impacts on their own mental health will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this continuing education activity, participants will be able to:
Identify impacts of climate change on mental health.
Recognize the intersectional aspects of climate-change and mental health for marginalized and disenfranchised groups.
Understand key aspects of effective models to assist in addressing climate change related distress in their clients.
About Speaker
Amy N. Gorniak, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in San Antonio, TX. She is actively engaged in research, therapy, activism, and community and individual resilience building associated with climate change and its impacts on mental health and well-being. In her private practice at Hearthlight Mental Health, PLLC, Dr. Gorniak additionally specializes in working with tweens, teens, and adults in coping with trauma, loss, and life transitions that have left them struggling to find meaning in the face of challenges; she also provides psychological assessment for a variety of neurodevelopmental and psychological concerns, consultation, and supervision services.
Cost for this Lunch and Learn:
Free for Members of BCPA
To join BCPA, please go to: https://www.bexarpsyc.org/join
Register here: September Lunch and Learn Registration
With questions, please email bexarpsych@gmail.com
Lunch & Learn: Clinical Consideration for Implementation of CPT among LGBTQIA+ Populations
What: BCPA Lunch & Learn Series Presents
When: Friday 06/14/2024 at 12pm-1pm CDT
Number of CE Credits: 1 CE Hours
CE Credits Available to: Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Register here: BCPA June Lunch & Learn
Clinical Consideration for Implementation of CPT among LGBTQIA+ Populations
Presented by John Moring, PhD
The purpose of this course is to review the intersection of trauma and sexual orientation and gender identity. Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience significantly more physical and sexual assault compared to their heterosexual, cisgender counterparts. Clinicians who work with this population may benefit from learning more about how to address trauma and stress related to sexual and gender identity in the context of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Relevant cultural factors related to the LGBTQIA+ community will be explored, as well as possible differences in PTSD symptomatology. Attendees will learn how to incorporate these cultural factors in their case conceptualization process, as well as how to challenge assimilated and over-accommodated stuck points related to sexual orientation and gender identity-based traumas. Modifications of CPT based on these factors will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify and assess trauma based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Recognize the intersection of trauma and sexual orientation identity.
Identify strategies to Socratically challenge assimilated and over-accommodated stuck points in a culturally sensitive manner.
About Speaker
Dr. John Moring is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UT Health San Antonio, a licensed psychologist, and board certified in the Behavioral and Cognitive specialty by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Moring completed his doctoral degree at the University of Wyoming and his clinical internship at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and San Diego VA. He completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship with STRONG STAR, and provided evidence-based psychotherapies for combat-related trauma and other military-related health conditions. He is Cognitive Behavioral Track Coordinator for the APA-Accredited Internship in Clinical Psychology at UT Health San Antonio and specializes in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for PTSD, and Crisis Response Plan (CRP) for suicidality. Currently, his research focuses on the neurobiological properties related to tinnitus and PTSD.
Register here: BCPA June Lunch & Learn
With questions, please email bexarpsych@gmail.com
Virtual Workshop: An Introduction to Threat Assessment
Virtual Workshop: An Introduction to Threat Assessment by John Delatorre
Texas RxP: Access, Quality and Safety
Texas RxP: Access, Quality and Safety, presented by Dr. Lynette Pujol & Dr. Caroline Williams
Upcoming events.
BCPA hosts a variety of continuing education and other events throughout the year. There are large workshops held in the Spring and Fall of each year for one full day and a variety of smaller CE events throughout the rest of the year. See below for current events.