2019 Fall Convention - Saturday

Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations for Early Career Psychologists

Note: This workshop is for Newly Licensed Early Career Psychologists through special invitation.

CE credits: 1.0 (Ethics) (Approved)

Time and Room:  7:45 AM - 8:45 AM; 

Learning Objectives:

• Use the standards of practice for Washington Psychologists for sufficient case documentation
• Apply the standards of practice for Washington Psychologists for avoiding multiple relationships

Program Description:

This 1-hour workshop will address common ethical, legal and professional questions that arise for early career psychologists.

About the Presenters, G. Andrew H. Benjamin, J.D., Ph.D., ABPP and Stephen Feldman, J.D., Ph.D.:

Dr. Benjamin works with families engaged in high-conflict litigation and lawyers suffering from various mental health and drug abuse problems, in various governance positions, and as director of the Parenting Evaluation Training Program at the University of Washington.

A Clinical Professor of Psychology and Affiliate Professor of Law at the University of Washington, Dr. Benjamin has published 72 peer-reviewed articles in Psychology, Law, and Psychiatry journals. He is the author of five books published by APA, and one book published by Sage. He has received multiple awards from such groups as the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington State Psychological Association, and the APA.

Dr. Feldman has practiced and taught law for over 30 years. He has served on the law faculties of Harvard, Georgetown, Nebraska, and Seattle Universities. He is a consultant to the Washington State Bar Association as a clinician with legal expertise, and, reversing hats, as a consultant to the Washington State Psychological Association as an attorney with clinical expertise. He also consults with counseling services and private practitioners throughout the state.

Lindsay Olson is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Antioch University Seattle engaged in research on privilege awareness with Dr. Bergkamp at Antioch University Seattle.  She has previously presented their research at the American Psychology Association convention and is developing her dissertation project on this topic with children. 

Abi Martin is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Antioch University Seattle engaged in research with Dr. Bergkamp on privilege awareness. She has presented their research at the American Psychological Association convention and is constructing a developmental social privilege awareness scale, using an intersectional lens, for her dissertation.

Comorbid Medical and Psychiatric Illness: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care

CE credits: 3.0 (Approved)

Time and Room: 9:00 AM - 12:20 PM; Break 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM; King County 3

Learning Objectives:

1. The attendee will be able to list at least 3 common medical disorders that are frequently comorbid with psychological disorders.
2. The attendee will be able to explain how knowing the basic signs and symptoms of common medical disorders can help psychologists differentiate between medical symptoms, drug side effects and psychological syndromes.
3. The attendee will be able to describe how at least one common medical disorder can be mistaken for an underlying psychiatric disorder.

Program Description:

Psychologists are increasingly expected to take medical comorbidity into consideration when treating patients. The present lecture will highlight several common co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions. The presenters will discuss psychopharmacological treatments for common co-occurring psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Case examples will be used to illustrate the complex interplay between medical and psychological disorders.

About the Presenters, David Shearer, Ph.D., MS, and Scott Grogan, DO, MBA, FAAFP:

Dr. Shearer is a clinical and prescribing psychologist for the Department of the Army at Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) in the state of Washington. He serves as a core faculty member and Director of Behavioral Sciences the MAMC Family Medicine Residency. He is the Chair of the WSPA Prescribing Psychology Taskforce and his lectures and research focus on topics related to clinical psychopharmacology.

LTC Scott Grogan is a graduate of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed both Family Medicine residency and his faculty development fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA. He completed his MBA in 2013, served as research director and Associate Residency Director at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, GA before returning as Residency Director at Madigan Army Medical Center in March 2016.

Size Matters: The Power of Small Steps to Achieve Large Goals

CE credits: 3.0 (Approved)

Time and Room:  9:00 AM - 12:20 PM; Break 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM; Kirkland Room

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the research findings on the effectiveness of small steps to accomplish large goals (Hour One)
2. Participants will be able to explain the biology and psychology of the mechanisms by which small steps can create large results (Hour Two)
3. Participants will be able to describe and implement the strategies for explaining the rationale for using small steps to a client (Hour Three)
4. Participants will be able to identify the applications of small steps in counseling, education, business, and spiritual practices. (Hour Three)
   

Program Description:

Human beings have a natural desire to change and improve. We also have a natural desire to resist change and to cling to the familiar. How do we reconcile these tendencies and maximize our potential as individuals, clinicians, and work groups?

A small, but highly important body of research has studied people who have succeeded in work, relationships, and health. These studies have revealed surprising insights into how to overcome our resistance to change and to create a climate of continual improvement. This workshop explores these findings and provides an opportunity to experience tools for personal and professional successful changes. The topics covered include an exploration of strategies for change in individual, clinical, and organizational settings, including how fear can be used to assist change; how to make change easy and effective, and interventions for helping clients who lack motivation to change.

About the Presenter, Robert Maurer, Ph.D.:

As the Director of Behavioral Sciences for Providence Family Medicine and a faculty member with the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Maurer has studied how individuals, families, and organizations sustain their excellence in health, relationship, and work. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine. He has served as a consultant to Walt Disney Studios, the US Air Force and Navy, Costco, American Express, Four Seasons Hotels, Make-A-Wish, and Habitat for Humanity. He is the author of the books, One Small Step Can Change Your Life, The Spirit of Kaizen, and Mastering Fear. His work as a clinical psychologist has resulted in the development of an extensive series of programs designed to meet the challenges of building and sustaining excellence and well-being.

ECT, TMS, and (Es)ketamine: When Medications and Therapy Aren't Enough

CE credits: 3.0 (Approved)

Time and Room: 2:00 PM - 5:20 PM; Break 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM; Redmond Room

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the relative efficacy and rates of side effects of ECT, TMS, and esketamine for treatment-resistant depression
2. Participants will be able to list at least two disorders effectively treated by ECT, TMS, and esketamine
3. Participants will be able to identify typical clinical criteria for consideration of ECT, TMS, or esketamine treatment

Program Description:

When antidepressants and psychotherapy are unhelpful, many patients - and providers - find themselves at a loss for next steps. For many such patients, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have offered substantial relief. More recently, ketamine infusions have also emerged as an intriguing and potent treatment option for some with resistant depression. Drs Jesse Adams and Rebecca Allen will review the relevant literature and efficacy of TMS, ECT, and ketamine for treatment-resistant conditions.

About the Presenters, Jesse Adams, MD, and Rebecca Allen, MD, MPH:

Jesse Adams, MD, is a pediatric neuropsychiatrist who, in addition to his work treating children with comorbid neurologic and psychiatric disorders, specializes in TMS and ECT treatment of adolescents and adults with treatment-resistant disorders. He attended the University of Washington School of Medicine, and completed a Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry fellowship at Stanford University, as well as a 2-year Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Seattle Childrens Hospital.

Rebecca Mae Allen, MD, MPH, is a neuropsychiatrist specializing in neurostimulation, including both ECT and TMS. She completed her undergraduate degree at Stanford University, her MD and MPH at Oregon Health and Science University, and psychiatry residency at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program. She completed a 2-year Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry fellowship at the Harvard Medical School program at Brigham and Womens Hospital. She has been working at Seattle Neuropsychiatric Treatment Center since 2017.

A Third-Wave Approach to Relationships: Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy

CE credits: 3.0 (Approved)

Time and Room: 2:00 PM - 5:20 PM; Break 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM; King County 3

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe clinical benefits of acceptance-based interventions for couples based on principles of learning.
   
2. List the four elements of an IBCT "DEEP" case formulation.
3. Contrast the two primary IBCT intervention categories: empathic joining and unified detachment.
   

Program Description:

Many practitioners are familiar with the "third wave" of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Another third wave therapy with empirical support, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), is less well known but of potentially great utility to psychologists working with couples. Evidence suggests that IBCT may lead to improved outcomes for couples over traditional behavioral couples therapy. These improvements appear to arise from the "integrative" aspect of IBCT, which begins therapy with a 4-session assessment and feedback process to identify a couple's natural differences, emotional sensitivities, external stressors, and problematic patterns of behavior. IBCT therapy sessions then integrate third wave concepts with behavioral interventions, such as increased awareness and acceptance of vulnerability and related feelings, and "interactional mindfulness" that allows couples to recognize and name their own patterns without falling prey to them. This program will review the evidence base for IBCT, include explanation of and opportunities to practice IBCT assessment and therapy interventions, discuss how to use the idiographic IBCT case formulation approach to integrate diversity-related issues into couples therapy. This is an intermediate workshop that assumes familiarity with either third wave therapies for individual patients, or couples therapy.

About the Presenter, Julia Mackaronis, Ph.D.:

Dr. Mackaronis works as a licensed clinical psychologist in the outpatient Mental Health Clinic at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, WA, and is a clinical instructor with the Spokane Psychiatry Residency. She earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Utah, completed her predoctoral internship at the Albuquerque VA, and completed a fellowship with an emphasis in Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy at the Seattle VA. She serves on the WSPA Board of Trustees and is also a proud member of WSPAs Chapter 1, which is a vibrant and engaging community of psychologists in Spokane.

Compassionate Objectivity: Conducting Culturally Competent, Trauma Informed Forensic Evaluations

CE credits: 3.0 (Approved)

Time and Room: 2:00 PM - 5:20 PM; Break 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM; Kirkland Room

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the basics of forensic practice, with particular focus on the importance of avoiding dual relationships and maintaining objectivity
2. Participants will be able to apply cultural competence frameworks and explain their importance to competent forensic practice
3. Participants will be able to discuss how trauma and posttraumatic reactions may impact the forensic assessment process
4. Participants will be able to compare common psychological assessment measures and explain their limitations in a forensic setting
   

Program Description:

Forensic practice can be daunting given the complexity of the issues and the high stakes nature of the interactions between psychology and the legal field. Whether psychologists are considering starting a forensic practice or refining their skills, understanding the differences between therapeutic and forensic processes is important. Objectivity is seen as a critical characteristic of forensic evaluators; however, can also be experienced as cold or detached, which may have an impact on evaluation results. This presentation will discuss processes that can help maintain objectivity through a lens that does not lose the complexities of identity and personal experiences of the person being evaluated. We will also discuss how to communicate this information to the triers of fact, as this is often required in forensic practice. For example, culturally competent, trauma-informed expert testimony can be decisive in both the guilt and penalty (mitigation) phases of criminal cases. In civil cases, it can help juries better understand both seemingly negligent behavior of defendants and adverse impacts of defendants behavior on plaintiffs.

This presentation will begin with a brief overview of forensic psychology, including personality characteristics that are likely to be helpful and common pitfalls to avoid, followed by a discussion about the importance of considering how power, privilege, and culture may affect information obtained in a forensic setting. Dr. Bailey will also provide review the reasons psychologists may benefit from a thorough and nuanced understanding of trauma, particularly complex posttraumatic presentations, and their potential relevance in legal cases. Finally, the research in regard common assessment measures and how cultural competence and trauma awareness may impact the interpretation or choice to use them as part of a forensic evaluation will be reviewed.

About the Presenter, Tyson Bailey, Psy.D. ABPP:

Dr. Bailey is a clinical and forensic psychologist who is a partner in a trauma-informed group practice serving King and Snohomish Counties. He conducts forensic evaluations in civil, criminal, and family law settings. He will be the president-elect of APA Division 56 in 2020 and is an associate editor for the Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. He is also an action editor and editorial board member for Psychological Injury and Law.