Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus (also known as CoronaVirus) and out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) has made the decision to postpone the upcoming Stephanie Moulton Symposium scheduled for April 14, 2020 in Holyoke. 

Information about rescheduling the Symposium will be provided at a later date. 

If accommodations such as ASL interpreters or visual aids are needed and for any other questions,
please contact Kathleen Hammerstrom at costaffdev@massmail.state.ma.us 
by Friday March 20, 2020

PROGRAM

Workshop 1 - Conversations About Dual Recovery: Supporting Safety Through Relationship

Description: Learn about dual recovery from peer supporters who will share their recovery stories, including recovery from addiction. The Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) relapse intervention plan will be introduced as a tool to support people with recognizing warning signs that may lead to a relapse. Peer supporters will share how a caring conversation and relationship also contributes to recovery, as it supports the individual's learning and understanding as a way to cope with problems, which also enables people to make informed decisions about their own care. The caring conversation contributes to the alleviation of suffering and restoration of dignity and self-esteem for people with co-occurring conditions. This reciprocity creates safety and communion, suffering is made visible and understandable, and self-esteem is restored.

Presenters: Val Comerford-DMH Dir. of Recovery, Central Mass.Area, Abe Walters, DMH Peer Specialist, Mark Kariotis, DMH Peer Specialist, & Patrick Whalen, DMH Peer Specialist

Workshop 2: Safely Supporting Youth and Young Adults with Co-Occurring Disorders

Description: This workshop will examine the relationship between mental health, trauma, and substance use disorder in young adults, best practices for treatment, current services and supports, and trauma-informed practices to stay safe while supporting young adults with co-occurring disorders.

Presenters: Boston - Michael Leach, Director of Substance Use Services at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
Holyoke - Jordana Willers, Ed.M., Youth Training and Systems Specialist

Workshop 3 - Overview of the Section 35 Process

Description: This workshop will present an overview of the commitment criteria and process for obtaining a Section 35, and include what some of the complications are that may arise with the court process, and summarize available Section 35 treatment facilities.

Presenters: Boston - Patricia Schmitz, Ph.D., Designated Forensic Psychologist
Holyoke - Andrew Bourke, Ph.D., Designated Forensic Psychologist

Workshop 4 - Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Moral Residue: Self-Care following Critical Events

Description: Direct care staff often have limited knowledge of the impact of Moral Residue  and compassion fatigue and lack skills needed to foster self-care practices. This presentation is designed to explore the concept of compassion stress and moral residue. The goal is to equip responders  with the knowledge and skills needed to identify their experiences and create prevention and personal intervention plans. The result is to renew a sense of wellness and restorative wholeness in their professional work and life systems.

Presenter: Donna White, RN, PhD, CS, CADAC