JOIN our board meetings.

Board meetings are open to our members. We are meeting currently every 3rd Thursday of each month, excluding the months of July, August, and December. 

Reminder, that ONLY Elected Officers may vote of SMHCA concerns, topics, and changes to the association. 

Members of SMHCA are encouraged to attend.

JOIN THE COLLEAGUE COLLABORATION FOR A GREAT VIRTUAL EVENT!

Many of us, whether in agencies or private practice, can feel like we are sometimes “going it alone” and wish we could receive advice from our colleagues, especially on our most difficult cases. This is your opportunity to bring those tough cases and clients to your peers to seek feedback in a safe and confidential environment where all psychotherapists – clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists – can share their struggles and receive advice on their problem cases.  No cases that need assistance?  Bring your experience and expertise to share with your colleagues.  Collaboration is a team effort that enlightens us all!

Description

Mental health professionals dedicated to offering the best care for their clients are often faced with the profound impact of moral injury, especially when working with sexual minority individuals. This enlightening webinar delves deep into the concept of moral injury, a psychological distress arising from actions or experiences that contradict one's ethical beliefs, as defined by Litz et al. (2009). Participants will explore the unique stressors faced by sexual minority clients, ranging from societal discrimination to internalized homophobia, based on Meyer's minority stress theory (2003). The session will also shed light on the ethical dilemmas counselors often navigate, especially when systemic biases limit the provision of affirming care, as highlighted by Barnett et al. (2007). A crucial aspect of the webinar will be understanding the potential for moral injury when counselors hold biased views or lack the necessary training, leading to the realization of the harm they may have inadvertently caused, as discussed by Jordan et al. (2020). Given the severe consequences of moral injury, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, the webinar will equip professionals with strategies to foster resilience and promote effective counseling, drawing insights from Kopacz et al. (2016) and Jordan et al. (2020). This session promises to be an invaluable opportunity for professionals to learn, reflect, and grow in their journey, ensuring they not only provide the best care for their clients but also prioritize their own mental well-being. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your professional expertise—register today!

Learning Objectives

Presenter

Maria Giuliana, LMHC, QS, BC-THP

With over two decades of clinical experience, Maria Giuliana stands tall as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Iowa, as well as a Qualified Supervisor for Mental Health and Marriage and Family Interns. Her 20-year tenure as a Navy Veteran is a testament to her dedication and service. At the helm of Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services LLC in Jacksonville, FL, Maria also serves as the NE Region Director at FMHCA.

Maria's therapeutic approach is a harmonious blend of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and cross-culturally competent methods, creating a sanctuary of support for all her clients. Her prolific contributions to professional publications and presentations, including notable works like "Beyond The Rainbow: Addressing Moral Injury in LGBTQIA Mental Health" and "Ethical Considerations When Working With LGBTQ+ Veterans," underscore her unwavering commitment to best practices and transformative change. 

With a specialized focus on the unique mental health needs of the Military and LGBTQIA+ communities, Maria Giuliana is a true pioneer in her field, guiding her clients towards healing and empowerment.

CE BROKER TRACKING #: 20-1161244 This event is offered by SMHCA - Approved Continuing Education Provider - CE Broker Provider #: 50-13528.  This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW and Registered Interns.

Once payment is completed you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom Meeting ID.  TRAINING FEES (members need to be logged in to be able to register at the member rate) Completed Registrations including Payment Guarantees Participation: $10 Member $25 Nonmember $0 Student (with membership) $5 Student Nonmember (no CEUs)

Sponsored and hosted by

The Annual Spring Symposium will be presented on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 This will be an in-person event for student and interns, in the Tampa Bay, Florida area.  This annual event is FREE!  It has been a life-saver for those taking the licensing exam and a welcomed activity of SMHCA for many years. Despite the local Florida focus of this presentation, the content will benefit Mental Health Graduate Students and Interns from other areas as well.

Learn what to expect after graduation, the benefits of belonging to professional associations, how to prepare for the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination, which is required for licensure in Florida. Stay up to date on legislation, and enjoy the opportunity to network with Qualified Supervisors and Agencies in the community for internship and employment opportunities. Students and Interns will be entered into a raffle to win the fee for a licensure exam or other prizes including a DSM.(Must be present to win.) 

Schedule:

Welcome and Preliminary Information about Symposium (9:00am-9:15) with Dr. Nicole Kratimenos and Dr. Lourdes Araujo

Getting involved with the Profession (9:15 am-10am) A panel discussion of licensed counselors from the Suncoast Mental Health Counselors Association (SMHCA) representing the Tampa Bay Area, the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA), and the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).

 Using your practicum/internship placement as a springboard to professional success. (10:00am-10:30am) with Dr. Stephen Giunta 

Preparing for the NCMHCE Licensure Exam (10:30am-11:00am) with Dr. Martin Wesley

Short Break (11:00am – 11:15am)

Florida Legislative Update (11:15am-11:45pm) with Dr. Aaron Norton

Establishing a private practice (11:45pm – 12:15pm) With Dr. Nicole Kratimenos

 Lunch (12:15pm-12:45pm) A light lunch will be provided. 

Evaluation and Raffle (12:45pm-1:00pm)