For many years the Centers for Family Change has provided seminars and case consultation. In 2008 we decide to formalize and expand our commitment to training by launching the Centers for Family Change’s Institute for Training and Development. The Institute was started to help us formalize our efforts to offer training, consultation and professional development to the mental health community. Please note that we are approved providers, in Illinois, of CEUs for social workers and licensed clinical professional counselors.
Seminars for Mental Health Professionals
In the fall 2008 we began our Conference Series with our half day conference Relational Disorders and Challenges of Childhood.
This workshop examined Asperger’s Syndrome, Attachment problems, and Anxiety disorders, (particularly separation anxiety). The focus of the seminar was on how these disorders affected relationships (with parents and peers), and on therapeutic strategies for effectively addressing the challenges posed by these disorders.
Spring 2009 Half Day Conference
Ethics: Applying Ethical Principles to Practice
In March 2009 we offered our second half day workshop, Applying Ethical Principles to Practice. This workshop examined ethical dilemmas that clinicians encounter and considered pragmatic strategies for responding to these issues. Issues such as dual relationships, boundary crossings, and confidentiality where reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the complexities that can arise in working with children and adolescents.
Fall 2009 Half Day Conference
Risk management: Strategies for anticipating and lessening risk
In the fall of 2009 we offered our third half day workshop, on Risk Management. This workshop considered common risk issues, such as suicidal behavior, self-injury, and threats of harm to others. Challenges in managing and responding to these risks were considered and strategies for reducing risk were detailed. The complexity of managing risk with adolescent clients was also discussed.
Spring 2010 Half Day Conference
ADHD: The latest findings on evaluation and treatment
Our spring 2010 conference will examine the latest research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the implications of this research for evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. Particular emphasis will be placed on new treatment options, including the latest information on medication and non-medication based treatment approaches. Ways in which these findings can be used to more effectively address school related problems (both academic and behavioral) will be highlighted.
Fall 2010 Conference and Beyond
Topics to be determined
Please contact Charlene Wojnowski-Sparacio, PhD, LCSW if you have any suggestions regarding topics you would like covered in future conferences and workshops.
Friday Afternoon Seminar Series
Since 2006 we have offered the Friday Afternoon Seminar series. This series has offered 90 minute seminars on a variety of topics:
- Assessment and Treatment of ADHD
- Treating Anxiety Disorders in Children
- Anger Management with Adolescents
- Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents
- Substance Abuse in Adolescents
- Self-injury
Community Presentations
Our senior staff offer presentations to professional and community groups. Recent presentations have included:
Michal Losoff, PhD – Aspergers Syndrome
Martha Cook, MSW, LCSW, LMFT – Marital therapy
Peter Perrotta, PhD – What’s new: Updates on ADHD
Charlene Wojnowski-Sparacio, PhD, LCSW – Stress Management
Contact Peter Perrotta, PhD to schedule a presentation for your organization or for additional information: 630 586-0900 ext 10 or at cffcwebsite@sbcglobal.net.
Clinical Consultation
Our senior staff offers clinical consultation for licensed mental health professionals.
Contact Martha Cook, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor for additional information: 630 586-0900 ext 13 or at cffcwebsite@sbcglobal.net
Educational Consultation Group
Finally, we are in the process of developing an Educational Discussion Group (a free educationally focused consultation group) for licensed professionals. Target date for this group is the Spring of 2010. Our tentative plan is to invite other professionals to join Centers for Family Change staff for a discussion of challenging clinical issues and cases. Please see Dr. Perrotta’s blog for the latest information on this group, including dates and times, and topics to be discussed.
CEUs will be available for LCSWs and LCPCs.
