OETAS > SUMMER CATALOG > August Course Descriptions

12 Steps to Recovery - Keith R. Richardson, CAC-AD, CAS, Clinical Supervisor, Out-patient Program, Warwick Manor Behavioral Health, East New Market, MD

Research has shown that the twelve step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are very successful in helping people recover from chemical dependency. These programs must be understood and appreciated by practitioners who work with addicted patients. This course is designed to help the participant understand how and why the programs work, how the steps can be applied to adolescents as well as adults, and how they relate to the counseling process. The primary focus of the course will be exploration and discussion of each of the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This course does not imply affiliation with nor approval or endorsement from Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Creative Program Management - Nancy C. Hoffman, PhD, LCPC, Training and Development Consultant, Baltimore, MD

This course provides an overview of the basics of effective program management. Participants will learn the evolution of management, the 4 functions of management, various management models, and core leadership practices. They will also learn to write and communicate powerful mission and vision statements, facilitate staff involvement, and create learning organizations. The course provides both new and seasoned managers an opportunity to assess their current leadership style and make plans for their on-going development in these competency areas.
Applies towards the specialized training requirements for the State of Maryland’s position classification of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, Supervisor.

Forgiveness in Recovery - Harold Shaffer, MS, LCPC, NCC, Pastoral Counselor, Private Practice; Adjunct Professor, Stevenson University, Baltimore, MD

“Resentment is the ‘number one’ offender.” (Alcoholics Anonymous (1939), p. 64). Addicts and addictions professionals can readily affirm the truth of this statement. Holding onto resentments or hurts can disrupt our personal and professional lives, contribute to poor decision-making and relapse, and can have a negative impact on our health. In this course, we will explore forgiveness as one of the most important choices for recovery and a healthy life not only for our patients but also for ourselves. We will look at the spiritual and psychological approach that has been so successful in Twelve Step Programs and broaden this perspective by considering forgiveness from a medical and scientific viewpoint.

On Chemical Dependence and Human Development - Greg Hunter, MCP, MS, LCSW-C, CISD, Therapist and Trainer in Private Practice, Baltimore, MD

This course examines the relationship between human development and the counseling process. Utilizing the psychosocial perspective originally developed by Erik Erikson, counselors will be provided with a useful conceptual framework for understanding developmental issues as they appear in the therapeutic process. Regardless of a counselor’s theoretical preference, answering a number of relevant questions that deal with life’s developmental tasks, will give direction to the counseling process. This perspective will be used to assist the patient to have a broader picture of their individual struggle, and to understand the various stages of their lives.

Recognizing and Treating Adolescent Substance Abuse - Peter Cohen, MD, Medical Director, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, Baltimore, MD

This course will help the beginning practitioner understand the nature of adolescent substance abuse, develop basic intervention skills to employ with adolescents and their families, learn and practice assessment of the adolescent patient, and gain a basic understanding of both treatment goals and techniques used in treatment of the adolescent substance abuser. Topics include developmental tasks of adolescence, normal and problematic behaviors, the nature of adolescent substance abuse and dependence, motivational interviewing and other intervention skills, assessment and evaluation tools, skills, and techniques, treatment goals, basic treatment techniques, enabling, and working with other agencies.

Recovery Oriented Systems of Care - Christina Trenton, LCSW-C, CAC-AD, Chief of Program Operations, Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc., Baltimore, MD

Why do so many of our patients drop out of treatment? Why are relapse rates so high? How can we provide a better system of care which recognizes the chronic nature of substance use disorders and addresses the long term needs of our patients? The Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) is a promising model which has emerged from the research to address these questions. The approach to treatment within the ROSC model, Recovery Management, significantly redesigns how we currently provide treatment. Topics addressed in this course will include: description of the elements of a Recovery Oriented System of Care and a Recovery Management approach to treatment, comparison to current practices, the role of recovery support services and peer based support, and changes required at the system, program and clinical level. Particular emphasis will be placed on discussing promising practices in the areas of consumer involvement in planning and evaluating treatment services, patient engagement, recovery planning, and continuing care.

The Addicted Patient with Anxiety Disorder - Betsy McCaul, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

This course is designed to help the practitioner understand the important role that anxiety can play in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders, the types and causes of anxiety disorders and how to help the substance abusing patient who is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Assessment, medications and interventions are identified and discussed. This course is primarily didactic, with some case-oriented skills building in assessment and interventions (Prerequisite: introductory addictions, screening and assessment and basic counseling skills).
Applies toward Co-Occurring Disorders Specialty Certificate and the specialized training requirement for the State of Maryland’s specialized training requirements for the State of Maryland’s position classification of Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Advanced.