Counseling Connections 2015:
Emerging Trends & Hidden Possibilities
~ The Art of Helping Others ~
Friday, April 24, 2015
CoCo Key Convention Center – Waterbury, CT
The annual conference is a great way to network with
colleagues and to rejuvenate by attending various professional
development workshops!
Stay Connected…
 Keynote Speaker –
Art Terrazas, Director of Government Affairs ACA
John Yasenchak, North Atlantic Region Chair, ACA
 Educational Sessions
 Graduate Student Poster Presentations
 Networking Opportunities with Colleagues
 Annual Awards Ceremony
 Exhibitor Area
 Raffles & Giveaways
 Evening Social Activity
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Guidance
Professional Ethics  Public Policy and Legislation Efforts
Keynotewith
Speaker
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SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY - APRIL 24, 2015
*Schedule subject to change
Workshop descriptions appear on pages 6-10
8:00am – 9:00am
Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00am – 10:00am
Welcome & Keynote Speaker Presentation
Art Terrazas, Director of Government Affairs,
American Counseling Association
10:00am – 10:30am
Break
10:30am – 12:30pm
2 hr Breakout Workshops
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EFT/Tapping: A Powerful Technique for Every Counselor’s Toolbox
Integrative Mental Health Care: Exploring Complementary and Alternative Practices
Training the Brain for Compassion: Lessons from Contemplative Neuroscience
10:30am – 12:00pm
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1 ½ hr Breakout Workshops
Bullying in Young Children: Theory Based Strategies for Counselors
Developing Cultural Competence with Women's Issues Surrounding Motherhood : An
Underserved Hidden Population
Job Loss, Mental Health and Suicide Risk: Coping Strategies for Clients
Transitioning From Student to New Professional - Panel Presentation
12:00pm – 12:30pm
Break (for those attending 1 ½ hr morning session)
12:30pm – 1:30pm
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Buffet Lunch & Awards Ceremony
Brief Presentation – CCA’s Public Policy and Legislation Committee
2:00pm – 2:10pm
Break
2:10pm – 2:40pm
Division Meetings & Annual Election
(Non-CCA Members are encouraged to attend division meetings of their
interest or non-member meeting option)
2:40pm – 3:00pm
Break
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3:00pm – 4:30pm
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1 ½ hr Breakout Workshops
Critical Incidents Integrating Spirituality into Counseling
Fostering Interpersonal Skills among Children and Adolescents: Small Group Interventions
Professional Counselor Identity: What Do We Profess?
Recognizing & Supporting Targets of Workplace Bullying
Supporting the New Counselor: Strategies for the Clinical Supervisor
Roundtable Presentations 2:45pm – 3:30pm / 3:30pm – 4:15pm (attend two sessions)
 Current Issues in Counseling Ethics
 Interviewing Tips to Help Obtain Counselor Positions
 Mobile Counseling: Utilizing Mental Health Apps in Conjunction with Therapy
 Resume Tips and Trends for Current and Former Graduate Students Seeking
Employment in the Counseling Profession
 Social Media Networking and the New Professional – Managing the Madness!
4:30pm
Sign Out & Return Evaluations
Wait, there’s more…..Join us for some FUN!
5:00pm
Friday Evening Social – To be announced
Carol Jodaitis Scholarship Fund Raffle
Purchase raffle tickets at the conference to win great prizes!
All proceeds will go toward the Carol Jodaitis Graduate Student Scholarship Fund,
which provides financial assistance to graduate students attending conferences.
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Featured Speakers –
Focus on Public Policy & Legislation
Art Terrazas – Director of Government Affairs with ACA
John Yasenchak – North Atlantic Region Chair with ACA
is ACA’s Director of Government Affairs. Originally from
New Mexico, Art has worked on various campaigns in the past ten years ranging
from local races to John Kerry’s Presidential campaign. Art has also worked
with several non-profits where he organized various individuals and
communities to serve as more effective advocates for themselves and their
needs.
Art Terrazas
Before joining the staff at ACA, Art served as a Legislative Assistant to
Congressman Harry Teague and was the Congressman’s chief advisor on issues
dealing with the Department of Defense, Veterans, Law Enforcement and
National Security.
Art graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Government.
Art will be joined by ACA’s State Legislative Representative, Kelly Nickel.
John Yasenchak, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Counseling
and Human Relations Program at Husson University. He is also a Maine licensed
clinical counselor, licensed substance abuse counselor, and certified clinical
supervisor. John was born and raised in the coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania.
He moved to Maine in 1989 from Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he worked as a
clinician at The Cambridge Hospital. For twenty years prior to arriving at Husson,
John was clinical supervisor for the Penobscot Indian Nation Counseling Services
and adjunct assistant professor in counselor education at the University of Maine.
John completed his doctorate in counselor education at the University of Maine, and
also holds a master’s degree in philosophy from Fordham University and masters in
counseling psychology from Slippery Rock State University. He taught philosophy at
Loyola University in Baltimore for several years and trained in both pastoral ministry
and theology. John is also a certified yoga instructor who both practices and teaches
locally. He has served of various boards, including the Co-Occurring Collaborative
Serving Maine.
John is Past-President of the Maine Counseling Association and Chair for the North Atlantic Region of the American
Counseling Association. He recently traveled to India with several members of ACA where he was inspired by
counseling students as several Indian universities and colleges.
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A Focus on New Professionals
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At this year’s conference, we are offering a “New Professional Track” which involves
workshop sessions and roundtable presentations that are relevant to all counselors, but
especially helpful to students, new graduates and new professionals! We understand how
challenging it is to enter a new career field and we want to help you!
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This “New Professional Track” is a sneak peak of CCA’s New Professional Institute that is
in the works. We envision that this Institute will involve a series of modules with the goal
of supporting a new professional’s transition into the counseling field in Connecticut.
When enrolled, you will become part of a CCA new professional cohort and graduate
from the Institute together and in a better position to begin your career.
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The CCA Mentoring Program has been a success over the years and the program has
been updated to ensure that we are meeting the needs of mentees! Find out more at the
conference!
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CCA has sponsored a professional photographer to this year’s conference to provide
attendees with FREE professional headshots! Whether you are a new or seasoned
professional, come prepared and dressed appropriately for your FREE professional photo!
A Focus on Public Policy Issues and Counselor Advocacy
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Dr. Louisa Foss-Kelly is CCA’s Public Policy and Legislative Committee Chair. She is eager
to share information with attendees about legislative issues in Connecticut. Find out
more about how to join the Public Policy and Legislative Committee. Meet with
Louisa at her breakout workshop session to learn more.
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Both Art Terrazas, our Keynote Speaker from ACA, and John Yasenchak, Ed.D, LCPC,
the current Chair of ACA’s North Atlantic Region, are joining us at this year’s
conference to speak on the importance of counselor advocacy and how our efforts can
positively impact local and national legislative issues. Art and John make advocating for
ourselves less intimidating!
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Listing of Workshops
Counseling the Government and You: Government Policies and their Effect on the Counseling
Profession and Why Your Voice Matters (KEYNOTE)
The presentation will give an update on federal legislation and policy proposals and let the participants know
about advocacy efforts and how they could get involved and serve as agents of change.
Art Terrazas, Director of Government Affairs, American Counseling Association; John Yasenchak, North Atlantic Region
Chair, American Counseling Association; Kelly Nickel, State Legislative Representative, American Counseling Association
EFT/Tapping: A Powerful Technique for Every Counselor’s Toolbox (2 hr AM)
Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) is a mind-body approach that is easy to learn and teach to clients. It
has recently gained national attention due to its success in Sandy Hook, CT helping members of the
community heal from the tragedy. Participants will learn how to use EFT, why it works and the variety of
issues it can effectively treat including stress, anxiety, pain and trauma. EFT has the potential to become a
“standard” counseling technique.
Robert Schmidt is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice and an Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University.
He has served as CACES President Elect, Past NAR Chair, Past President of CCA, and Past President of CSCA. Bob is
also a published singer-songwriter.
Integrative Mental Health Care: Exploring Complementary and Alternative Practices (2 hr AM)
Wellness involves the balance of mind, body, emotions, and spirit pertinent to the unique physical,
psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dynamics of each individual. Counselors are invited into the whole
life of the client who joins in treatment. Integrating clinical expertise with sound understanding of
complementary and alternative philosophy and practice will enhance conceptualizations, create treatment
opportunities, generate experiential learning possibilities, and allow for movement past the constraints of the
biomedical model. This seminar introduces the principles and practices of CAM interventions including: mindbody modalities, creative & expressive therapies, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, aromatherapy, energy medicine,
breathwork, yoga, manual therapies, and ecotherapy.
Amy Otzel is a retired U.S. Army behavioral health Sergeant, former VA therapist, and LPC who brings 13 years’
experience into integrative private practice, Inner Resource Psychotherapy. Amy is certified in Holistic Stress
Management and Breath~Body~Mind. She co-owns Nature’s Resource Wellness Market supporting nutritional,
complementary, and alternative health and healing.
Training the Brain for Compassion: Lessons from Contemplative Neuroscience (2hr AM)
Often referred to as the “third wave” of behavior therapy, mindfulness-based psychotherapies have been
growing rapidly. This workshop will explore the neurobiological underpinnings of this movement that grew out
of an intriguing rapprochement between Western neuroscientists and His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan
Monks. Workshop participants will learn how the practice of mindfulness can be used to cultivate compassion
for the benefit of one’s own well-being and the well-being of others. Participants will be invited to join in a
simple breathing meditation at the beginning of the workshop and a metta (loving-kindness) meditation at its
conclusion.
James Malley is an Associate Professor Emeritus and former Chair of CCSU’s Department of Counseling and serves on
the Copper Beech Institute’s Board of Directors. Judith Rosenberg is a Professor of Counseling at CCSU and founder of
the Forum for Contemplative Practices. Both Jim and Judith have completed training in Mindfulness Based Stress
Reduction through the UMASS Medical Center.
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Bullying in Young Children: Theory Based Strategies for Counselors (1.5 hr AM)
Problems with bullying begin to develop in the early childhood years and if uninterrupted, gain developmental
force and momentum. This presentation offers counselors who work with young children who bully, concrete
strategies and tools to support positive change in both perspective and behavior. Including discussion of
interventions rooted in motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy, participants learn strategies
that may be used to better understand and work therapeutically with young children who behave in ways
deliberately hurtful to others. Collaborative work in school and clinical settings is discussed.
Kathleen Barrett is an Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph. She presently serves as VP for Counselor
Education for CSCA, and was an invited member of the State Department of Education’s K-2 Social-Emotional
Development Standards writing team. Perhaps most importantly, she is a former elementary school counselor.
Developing Cultural Competence with Women's Issues Surrounding Motherhood: An Underserved
Hidden Population (1.5 hr AM)
Although females are a majority population served in counseling, most counselors are unfamiliar with the
therapeutic issues surrounding fertility, miscarriage/infant loss, pregnancy and transitioning to motherhood. In
Connecticut, there are no counseling practices specializing in these issues, leaving many women underserved
and struggling with postpartum issues alone. This workshop will focus on the cultural awareness, knowledge
and skills needed to work with this population, based upon the presenters’ clinical and research experience.
Special attention will be paid to cultural pressures and intersecting identities. Participants can use this
workshop in preparation for specialization and/or developing a greater therapeutic expertise with this
population.
Dr. Misty Ginicola and Dr. Cheri Smith teach counselors-in-training at Southern Connecticut State University. They both
specialize in multicultural approaches in counseling, including creative counseling techniques, LGBTQI+ counseling
considerations and women’s issues.
Job Loss, Mental Health and Suicide Risk: Coping Strategies for Clients (1.5 hr AM)
This workshop will explore the link between job loss, mass lay-offs, and duration of unemployment and their
link to mental health and suicide risk. There will be a discussion of coping strategies with a focus on selfesteem, social support, and financial resources. Counselors will acquire new skills and strategies to provide
assistance to clients encountering unemployment and job loss.
Michael Shavel is a Career Counselor with the CT Dept of Labor and 2011 graduate of Southern CT State University. He
is an NCC, MBTI, and Certified Professional Resume Writer. He provides career counseling and guidance to wide variety
of job seekers, including dislocated workers, former offenders, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Transitioning From Student to New Professional - Panel Presentation (1.5 hr AM)
This panel presentation will address hot topics that are relevant to new professionals, as well as students
working toward their transition from graduate school to a professional position within the counseling field.
Some of the topics to be addressed will include: 1) practicum/internship challenges; 2) entering the counseling
workforce and spotlight on various opportunities; 3) licensure process; and 4) the importance of being active
with the local and national counseling associations.
Deb Del Vecchio-Scully, LPC, NCC, CMHS serves as Clinical Recovery Leader/Trauma Specialist of the Newtown, CT
Recovery and Resiliency Team. She also serves as the Connecticut Counseling Association’s Executive Director. Jenna
Harma is a Licensed Professional Counselor and current President of the Connecticut Counseling Association. Dr.
Generali is a Certified School Counselor and Program Coordinator for the School Counseling Program at SCSU, as well
as a Past President of the CCA division CACES. Jonathan Stern, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the
current Acting President of the CCA division CMHCA.
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Critical Incidents Integrating Spirituality into Counseling (1.5 hr PM)
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience,”
(Teilhard de Chardin, 1959). Spirituality has been defined in various ways over the years—the search for the
sacred, a process of human re-formation, the internal experience of individual persons. Spiritual or religious
beliefs often express a key human need, the search for meaning and purpose in life. This presentation will
offer competencies and strategies (a case study approach) to guide integration of spiritual and religious beliefs
into practice following ethical and multicultural guidelines.
Tracey E. Robert, Ph.D., LPC, is an associate professor in counselor education and associate dean, School of Graduate
Education & Allied Professions, Fairfield University. She is past-President of ASERVIC and of NARACES. Research
includes spirituality, work, and wellness. Co-editor of Critical Incidents in Integrating Spirituality into Counseling (ACA,
2015).
Fostering Interpersonal Skills among Children and Adolescents: Small Group Interventions (1.5 hr PM)
The purpose of this program is to share a small group intervention counselors can use with children and
adolescents (ages 5-18) to help promote their empathy towards peers and adults and to facilitate their ability to
solve interpersonal conflicts effectively. In order to best meet the needs of an elementary and middle school
community struggling with increased acts of aggression, counselor educators, school educators, and
counseling students partnered to deliver a fourteen week intervention. Attendees will walk away with
knowledge and information about child and adolescent aggression and how to improve their interpersonal
skills, as well as specific takeaway group interventions and lessons.
Dr. Marte Ostvik-de Wilde is an assistant professor in counseling at the University of Saint Joseph. Prior to receiving her
doctorate at the University of Maryland, she worked as a professional school counselor. Her interest in facilitating strong
relationships between K-12 schools and Counselor Education programs serves to support the needs of both site
supervisors and counseling students.
Professional Counselor Identity: What Do We Profess? (1.5 hr PM)
To “profess” a vocation is to stand up and say, “This is who I am!” More than just a job, Professional
Counseling has a unique history, strong values, and a wonderful tradition of service. This presentation affords
an opportunity to reflect upon our personal and professional development relative to the mission of ACA and
our state branch. We will identify components of professional identity (history, community, standards, service,
advocacy, self-care) that are guided by our mission as Professional Counselors. And we will touch deep within
our hearts the energy that moves us to stand up proudly and say, “I am a Professional Counselor!”
John Yasenchak, Ed.D., LCPC, is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Counseling and Human Relations Program at
Husson University. John is Past- President of the Maine Counseling Association and current Chair for the North Atlantic
Region of the American Counseling Association.
Recognizing & Supporting Targets of Workplace Bullying (1.5 hr PM)
It is estimated that one third of today’s employees have experienced bullying in the workplace. Workplace
bullying is a systematic campaign of interpersonal destruction that jeopardizes one’s health, career, and a job
that was once loved. The stress and emotional harm results in anxiety, depression and in some cases, PTSD.
The Workplace Bullying Institute states that 70% of mental health workers would benefit from education on
workplace bullying. This workshop will define workplace bullying, explore the impact on our clients and discuss
ways to help targets regain well-being.
Michelle A. Lawler, NCC, LPC is a clinician at SCSU. Her passion is helping clients discover their strengths and values in
life resulting in peace, meaning and well-being. She is a certified Grief Recovery Specialist and Clinical Trauma
Professional. Her areas of expertise also include spirituality and positive psychology.
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Supporting the New Counselor: Strategies for the Clinical Supervisor (1.5 hr PM)
This presentation will focus on the experience of new counselors and the role of the clinical supervisor in
supporting counselors new to the field. Topics will include a brief overview of responsibilities and essential
skills of those supervising new counselors, research about the experiences of new counselors and practical
techniques to support new counselors in the supervisory process. Perspectives from both Clinical Mental
Health and School Counseling will be integrated.
Drs. Generali and Foss-Kelly are faculty members from the Department of Counseling and School Psychology at
Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Generali is a Certified School Counselor and Program Coordinator for the
School Counseling Program at SCSU. Dr. Foss-Kelly is an LPC, NCC and Associate Professor in the Clinical Mental
Health Counseling Program at SCSU. They bring their collective experiences of post-degree supervision of CMHC and
SC as well as supervision of counseling graduate students in fieldwork.
Current Issues in Counseling Ethics (Roundtable PM)
Using real world case examples, this roundtable discussion will review current issues in counseling ethics,
applying the Standards of the recently revised ACA Code of Ethics. Participants will be invited to share ethical
concerns or challenges from their own practices.
Trip Hartigan, LPC, is a psychotherapist in private practice in New Haven and Fairfield. He is the chair of CCA’s Ethics
Committee.
Interviewing Tips to Help Obtain Counselor Positions (Roundtable PM)
Are you currently looking for employment as a counselor? Are you applying for positions and worried about
the next step - interviewing? Come talk to someone who interviews and hires counselors. Learn how to
prepare for the interview and discover what employers look for in an interview.
Pasquale Giordano is a licensed professional counselor and director at a mental health agency. He is an adjunct
professor at Southern Connecticut State University. He is also past president (2007) and president elect (2014) of the
Connecticut Counseling Association. He has extensive experience at hiring and training professionals.
Mobile Counseling: Utilizing Mental Health Apps in Conjunction with Therapy (Roundtable PM)
Mobile counseling has the potential to be effective and may significantly improve treatment accessibility
through the utilization of mental health apps. However, research on integrating smartphone technology into
behavioral health care is still in its infancy. Previous research suggests that mental health interventions
delivered through mobile apps can be effective in treating a range of mental health disorders, such as
depression, stress, anxiety, and smoking cessation. Advantages of mental health apps include, real-time
symptom monitoring, tracking of treatment progress and client engagement and retention. Disadvantages
include risk to data security, client privacy, and the identification and timely management of crises.
Dr. Allison Buller is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Psychology at the University of Bridgeport. Allison received
her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Psychology from Western Michigan University. Her research interests include best
practices in teaching counseling, naturopathic medicine and health psychology.
Make sure to visit the
Graduate Student
Poster Presentations!
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Resume Tips and Trends for Current and Former Graduate Students Seeking Employment in the
Counseling Profession (Roundtable PM)
This round table discussion will focus on resume preparation for current and former graduate students within
the Counseling Profession. The presenter will review current tips, provide sample resumes, discuss strategies,
and provide suggestions to prepare a resume for today's competitive job market.
Michael Shavel is a Career Counselor with the CT Dept of Labor and 2011 graduate of Southern CT State University. He
is an NCC, MBTI, and Certified Professional Resume Writer. He provides career counseling and guidance to wide variety
of job seekers, including dislocated workers, former offenders, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Social Media Networking and the New Professional – Managing the Madness! (Roundtable PM)
This lively roundtable will explore ways for new professionals to maximize networking through a variety of
social media platforms. We will share practical strategies and tips about building a “brand” and managing that
brand for effective networking. Leave with ideas and resources you can use right away.
Linda Kobylarz, M.Ed. is an award-winning career development consultant and Director of the Honors Program at Post
University. Linda has extensive experience in career transition coaching, employee career development, career
assessment, and building career resilience. Her clients include workforce centers, corporations, state agencies,
colleges/universities, and school districts, as well as individuals. She is a published author and has held leadership
positions in national and state career-related professional associations.
Graduate Student Poster Presentations
A Cyber Byte into the 2014 Code of Ethics
Art Behind Bars
Courtney Brown / Angelina Dabrowski
Ambreen Qadri / Allyson Cooper
Beyond Mindfulness: Emerging Possibilities for Buddhism-Based Approaches in Counseling
Christopher Kilkenny
Counseling Law Enforcement and Their Families: Information, strategies, and techniques Kathryn Bates
Effects of Reiki on Mental Health
Marissa Gagliardo / Mary Kate Lepard
Invisible Injuries: A Therapeutic Farm Approach to Helping Veterans
Mental Illness: Can State Spending be linked to Prevalence?
Jordan Sileo
Casey Thomas
Paintbrushes of Diversity: The Use of Creative Techniques with Multicultural Clients
Sherayna Young
Therapeutic Relationship and Its Application within the Interpersonal Psychotherapy Approach
Utilizing Motivational Interviewing to Initiate Change in Clients with Trauma
Anna Poltorak / Alisa Palmer
Michael Wolftrand / Ann Derasadourian
Continuing Education Credits:
Up to 5.0 clock hours of continuing education may be earned
The Connecticut Counseling Association has been approved by NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) as an
approved Continuing Education Provider ACEP #2007. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly
identified. CCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
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CoCo Key Convention Center
CoCo Key Water Resort - Hotel - Convention Center Waterbury
3580 East Main Street
Waterbury, Connecticut 06705
Phone: (203) 706-1000
This casual hotel, indoor water park and conference complex off I-84 is 4.6 miles from the
Waterbury Metro North station.
The straightforward rooms offer free WiFi, premium cable TV and coffeemakers.
Amenities include a fitness center, a heated indoor pool and racquetball courts. The indoor
water park features waterslides and an arcade. There's also 40,000 sq. ft. of conference
space, several dining options and free parking.
Book a room at the CoCo Key Convention
Center at a special conference rate!
Mention Connecticut Counseling Association when booking!
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Room rates: $99 for single or double
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Cut-off Date – April 10, 2015
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Registration Information
2015 CCA Annual
Conference
Early Bird
Registration
(Friday)
By March 21
Regular Registration
(Friday)
After March 21
Includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch
And up to 4.5 clock hours
CCA Member
ACA Member
Non-Member
Student , CCA Member
Student, Non Member
Retiree (no professional
income)
Emeritus
$135
$150
$150
$175
$70
$115
$165
$190
$80
$130
$70
$80
Free
Free
** Workshop presenters earn a reduction of their fees upon registration. Consult with the
conference chair before registering to ensure that you are making correct payment.
** Poster Presenters and Student Scholarship Recipients will receive a $30 reimbursement upon
arrival to conference.
** On-site registration: A $10 LATE FEE WILL BE ADDED TO THE ABOVE FEES.
** Registration is not official until payment is received.
** Scholarships are available for graduate student members of CCA. First come, first served.
Cancellation Policy:
Transfer of registration to another person may be done at any time without a fee. All requests for refunds must be made
in writing. Written notice of cancellation received by email or mail postmarked by April 10, 2015 will be issued a full refund
minus a $20 service fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after April 10, 2015. No refunds for social
activities.
Special thanks to the many members of the
2015 Conference Committee!
REGISTER ONLINE NOW!!
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