Virtual Wellness Symposium 2021

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, May 19-21

All workshops will be provided in virtual live sessions via Zoom

To register for Wellness Symposium Presentations, click here

Wednesday, May 19

Applied Mindfulness and Compassion Practices (4 CE's)

Part I - Cultivating Mindful & Compassionate Presence in Guiding-Based Relationships: Therapeutic , teaching, Mentoring, and Supervision (2 CE hrs)

When: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Presenter: Jane Coe Smith, Ph.D.

Summary: Therapeutic Presence (Geller & Greenberg, 2010; Geller, 2020) leading to a connected, secure, and trust-based working alliance, is considered essential to effective outcomes in therapeutic relationships. The skills and qualities that cultivate intentional therapeutic presence are also important in other types of working relationships (i.e., alliances that are guiding and supporting others in their goals for growth, learning, and change).   

When serving as a guide for others, whether in a therapeutic or other guiding-based relationship, our way of being with ourselves and with the other is of utmost importance to the skill and effectiveness of our work. Developing mindfulness and compassion-based skills, including compassion for ourselves, can foster our abilities to be more present with, attuned to, and receptive to the experiences of our client or student. Cultivating these skills can also strengthen our presence with and for ourselves. This supports balance, self-care, and self-compassion, all critical elements to the challenges of working in the mental health professions.

Part II - Understanding and Working with Shame: A Mindful Self-Compassion Approach (2 CE hours)

When: 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Presenter: Kristin Stewart Yates, Ph.D.

Summary: Shame is considered to be an “unpleasant self-conscious emotion typically associated with a negative evaluation of the self; withdrawal motivations; and feelings of distress, exposure, mistrust, powerlessness, and worthlessness” (Tracy, 2007). Shame is thought of as one of the foundational emotions in many psychological issues presenting in therapy. Experience of this emotion can often lead to high distress and can create challenges in the change process due to negative self-evaluation. Self-compassion practices are seen to be a natural fit in helping clients and counselors to be more aware of shame and the underlying impact it has on wellbeing and functioning. This presentation will have didactic components, group discussion, and self-compassion practices to explore shame ways to support oneself when experiencing shame. 

In this presentation, participants will learn what shame is and some functions of shame. Participants will also explore the difference between guilt and shame and some potential barriers to identifying this emotion within ourselves and our clients. Participants will also be led through practices to bring awareness to shame in session and potential strategies in working with shame within themselves and their clients. 

Thursday, May 20

AM Session

The White Therapist's Journey with Ethics and Cultural Competence as they relate to Racial Identity (4 Ethics CE hrs)

When: 8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Presenter: Cliff Rone, Ph.D.

Summary: Given professional ethics, the field's value of cultural competence, and the contentious nature of dialogues surrounding race in our society today the focus of this training is important, relevant, and timely. This training will focus on the experience of white therapists and facilitate awareness, knowledge, and skills surrounding racial identity. The primary context for this training is interactions with clients, though supervisory relationships will also be discussed. The overall goal of the training is to increase the attendee's awareness of when and how racial identity impacts their experience and interactions, and teach skills for navigating racial dynamics in therapy interactions. Thus, attendees will increase their cultural competence and improve the quality of services they provide to clients.

PM Session

Treating the Nervous System: A Polyvagal Review of Psychophysiology and Counseling (3 CE hrs)

When: 1:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. 

Presenter: Matt Ashton, Ph.D.

Summary: This presentation will focus on reviewing research-based principles of the Polyvagal Theory to increase understanding of psychophysiology as it pertains to basic human functioning and counseling practice. Basic structure and functions of physiological systems, particularly the autonomic nervous system and role of the vagus nerve in human functioning will be presented. Application to client functioning and counseling practice will be discussed.

Friday, May 21

AM Session

Eating Disorder Treatment (4 CE hrs)

When: 8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Guest Presenter: Amy E. Wasserbauer, Ph.D., CEDS, Arizona State University

Summary: This presentation provides a comprehensive review of the treatment of eating disorders including a thorough understanding of the etiology of eating disorders from the biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective. It will help participants gain insight into specific functions of the eating disorder, and gain a deeper understanding into the language of the eating disorder. Body image education will focus on the functions of distortions that occur with those who have eating disorders, and treatment recommendations. As well, this presentation will offer specific interventions for diagnostic purposes and the treatment planning process. 

PM Session 

How to Incorporate Problematic Technology Usage Into Counseling: Exploring Problematic Smartphone, Social Media, and Internet Use (2 CE hrs)

When: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Presenters: Chad Yates, Ph.D. 

Summary: Smartphones are a ubiquitous form of technology in modern life. There are nearly 3.5 billion Smartphone users worldwide (Statistica, 2019). Most users of smartphones do not experience significant problematic use; however, a growing number of users have reported smartphone use that is impairing, dangerous, and uncontrollable (Pivetta et al., 2019). Clinicians may be confused about how to integrate PSPU into existing conceptualizations of client concerns. This is problematic because the impact of problematic usage may go unnoticed and untreated for clients. This presentation will explore how counselors can infuse this topic within counseling practice,  explore the classification of PSPU as an addiction or as problematic behavior, investigate contributors to problematic usage, and explore the treatment and assessment of PSPU.

Presenter Biographies

Jane Coe Smith has a professional background in the health sciences and education that spans 35+ years. This includes practicing, teaching, and supervising in the professional counseling field since 2007. Jane’s career at Idaho State University includes roles in student affairs administration leadership, mental health counseling, and assistant professor and clinic director in the counseling department. Jane is a licensed clinical professional counselor and holds a doctorate in counseling and counselor education. Following retirement from full-time work at ISU, Jane continues providing wellness-based professional services as a consultant, trainer-educator, and leadership coach in the areas of effective relationships, personal and professional well-being, maximizing personal strengths for personal growth, and integrating mindfulness and self-compassion into personal practices. Jane is currently providing part-time telemental health counseling services with ISU Counseling and Testing. She co-teaches the Mindful Self-Compassion course in the fall semesters and will teach the introductory Mindfulness and Strengths course in the Fall 2021 semester at ISU. In her presentation, Jane is bringing together multiple zest areas including cultivating meaningful and effective working relationships, collaborative and service-based leadership, and mindfulness and compassion practices.

Kristin Stewart Yates is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has worked at Idaho State University Counseling and Testing Service since 2013. She serves in the role of training coordinator and also provides group, couples, individual, and biofeedback services to clients. Kristin earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from Kent State University in 2014. She earned her master’s degree in Community Counseling from Gonzaga University in 2008, and her undergraduate degree in Applied Developmental Psychology in 2006 from Eastern Washington University. She has been researching, presenting, learning, and practicing mindfulness in several different capacities for the past 12 years.  Kristin taught many of the different mindfulness courses for ISU including Fundamentals of Mindfulness, Mindful Practioner, Mindful Education, and most recently Mindfulness and Self Compassion.

Cliff Rone earned his graduate degrees in clinical psychology from Idaho State University (ISU) and returned to ISU in 2019 as a staff psychologist. His career has been spent in university counseling centers serving students from many backgrounds. Since his internship at University of Houston in 2012-2013 he has emphasized understanding himself as a cultural being and understanding how each person's identities impact their experience, as well as how they are experienced by others.

Matt Ashton is a staff psychologist at Idaho State University’s Counseling and Testing Services and currently serves as the center’s Biofeedback Coordinator. He is active in providing individual and group therapy, along with biofeedback training to ISU students, and supervision of graduate students in training. Dr. Ashton has worked with adults in college settings in different parts of the US with particular interest in stress and relaxation, anxiety, decision making, and spirituality. He incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), biofeedback, mindfulness, and self-compassion in therapy.

Amy Wasserbauer is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Arizona since 2005. She did her pre-doctoral internship at Northern Arizona University which brought her to AZ from Seattle where she did her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. She worked at the former Remuda Ranch Treatment Centers for Eating Disorders from 2001-2011 (Now, “The Meadows Ranch”). She worked for four years as a Primary Therapist, two years as a Family Therapist, and four years as Assistant Clinical Director of the adult facility, leading all multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings, and supervising the clinicians on staff. Amy is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor through iaedp, the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Dr. Wasserbauer has worked at Arizona State University (ASU), Counseling Services from 2011 to the present. Her experiences at ASU have been diverse, as she has worked on three of the four campuses of ASU, providing clinical support for all students, including supporting Sun Devil Athletes. She continues to consult with the Sun Devil Athletics clinical team specifically in regards to athletes struggling with eating disorders. 

      Currently, she is the Assistant Director and Clinical Lead of the Downtown Phoenix Counseling Services office of ASU, serving in this role for almost six years. This is a supervisory role, along with working with the Dean of Student’s Office, Student Advocacy, and college partners. Pre-COVID, she provided clinical work for individuals, couples, group therapy, and students in crisis as well. Since COVID started she has lead the Poly/West/Downtown portions of the Access Team supporting staff who are doing the Initial Consultations and Case Management work with students. She is the Supervisor of Supervisor training and advising the three pre-doctoral Interns fall semester to prepare to be supervisors in the spring semester. Support continues for the Interns during spring semester.  As well, she is the all Supervisor Lead, meeting monthly with all senior staff who supervise clinicians. Dr. Wasserbauer is a member of the Counseling Services Leadership Team. She has spoken across all three campuses in outreach and training capacities on multiple topics. Her professional interests and specialties include:  Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Dialectical Behavior therapy; eating disorder training, assessment and referrals; body image work; self-esteem development; shame resilience; obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, trauma support, interpersonal problems, couples therapy, multicultural competence, cognitive and personality assessment. Her theoretical orientation is integrative in nature focusing on CBT/DBT, family systems, and Interpersonal Therapy.

Chad Yates joined the Idaho State University's Department of Counseling in 2013. He received his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Kent State University and his M.A. in Community Counseling from the University of Toledo. At ISU, Chad teaches Pre-practicum Counseling Techniques, Addictions Counseling, Group Counseling Techniques, Small Group Activity, and Advanced Psychological Testing and Assessment. He also supervises students within a practicum course. Chad's research interests include educational practices in addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders. He also researches the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) within counseling and addictions counseling.

RESPOND: Partnering for Campus Mental Health

Mental health problems affect each of us. You can take action to RESPOND effectively. About 1 in 5 of us will experience a diagnosable mental illness this year. All of us experience emotional pain or distress at times in our lives. Most of us want to help yet often feel uncertain about what to do or say. RESPOND will empower you to offer effective support and useful referrals to a student or colleague. The course provides a basic overview of symptoms often associated with mental health problems and offers an action plan to help you RESPOND effectively. The course will address campus policies such as FERPA, as well as mental health resources.

Who should attend?

Any Idaho State University faculty, staff, or administrators who wish to learn more about how to RESPOND to students or colleagues who are in distress. Graduate and undergraduate students who work in student-assistance roles are also welcome to attend these trainings.

What is the cost?

In our commitment to improving campus mental health, the RESPOND training is offered free of charge to participants at this time. 

Upcoming Training Dates

April 28th & 29th

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Both days required for full training

RSVP required - Register here

Talk Saves Lives is American Foundation for Suicide Preventions' standardized, 90 minute program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.

Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide and how to keep themselves and others safe.

Topics covered include:

• Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S., worldwide, and at ISU.
• Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, as well as health, historical, and environmental factors that put individuals at risk.
• Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care.
• What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, and how to get help for someome in a suicidal crisis.

Upcoming Training Dates

Check back soon for upcoming training dates!

For questions or to schedule a Talk Saves Lives for your department or group, please contact Susan MaComb at macosusa@isu.edu or call us at (208) 282-2130.

Join us every Tuesday from 12:15 - 12:45 online for Weekly Wellness! Each week will feature a different topic to help you build resiliency and learn strategies for managing college and life.

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS HERE

January 26: Navigating Campus Resources

February 2: Mindfulness Basics

February 9: Tolerating Distress

February 16: How to be a Better Friend

February 23: Wellness 101

March 2: Managing Performance & Test Anxiety

March 9: Healthy Sexuality

March 16: Emotions 101

March 23: Finding Direction through Values

March 30: Motivation 101: how to STOP Procrastinating

April 6: Setting Boundaries

April 13: Building Positive Emotions

April 20: Gratitude

April 27: No Workshop - Spring Break

May 4: Conflict Management

Mindfulness meditation is a proven way to help manage stress, and while fairly simple, not always easy. Having a group to meditate with makes it a little easier, and if you are new to meditation, we will provide instruction and guidance in the process.

No experience necessary, it's free and all are welcome!

When: Every Friday from May 14th - June 25th, 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.

Who: ISU Students, Staff, Faculty

Where: Online through Zoom. Please click on the link below to register for the group. Upon registration, you will be emailed a Zoom link that will enable you to participate. 

REGISTER FOR MINDFULNESS MEDITATION HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For questions, contact CATS ISU CALM intern Megan Ostler at meganostler@isu.edu

Losing a loved one to suicide can be a profoundly painful and isolating experience. The complexity of the emotions can feel overwhelming and often survivors struggle to know who to talk to for fear others won't understand. In this presentation we will discuss some of these factors, normalize reactions, and engage in a discussion designed to help participants gain greater understanding and support.

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

Check back soon for upcoming workshop dates!

This workshop will be held over Zoom. Register to participate by clicking on the link above. Upon registration you will be emailed a link for the Zoom meeting.

CATS Connections brings individuals together who may benefit from learning and supporting others with similar aspects of identity. Meetings are held weekly for one hour and are facilitated by a staff member from ISU's Counseling and Testing Service. 

Click here to view CATS Connections groups offered Spring 2021.