Innovations in Counseling: Working With Minority Populations
Addressing Sexual Trauma and Childbirth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CB-PTSD)
Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is the occurrence of PTSD symptoms in mothers who perceive themselves and/or their child as being in actual or threatening danger of death or severe injury during childbirth. CB-PTSD is experienced by at least 4% of all birthing individuals, and many more experience sub-syndromal symptoms. Researchers have found that CB-PTSD symptoms have a negative association with mother–infant attachment and the child’s behavior. Untreated CB-PTSD may also result in anger and rejection toward the infant. Furthermore, birthing individuals who have experienced CB-PTSD report feeling acute suicidal ideation, intense fear of becoming pregnant again, and relational difficulties with friends and intimate partners.
The occurrence of CB-PTSD is complicated by the individual’s history of sexual trauma. Extant research indicates that when medical professionals ignore an individual’s sexual trauma history and engage in disempowering medical practices, individuals may re-experience trauma symptoms and feel a lack of control. They may believe that they are again in actual and/or perceived danger. Despite the close relationship between sexual trauma and CB-PTSD and the pervasiveness of CB-PTSD, there is limited research on the same within the counseling literature, leaving mental health practitioners with scant guidance on how to assess and treat the same. This webinar will offer attendees detailed training on CB-PTSD, its symptoms, and treatment options with special emphasis on working with individuals with a sexual trauma history.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Identify and diagnose childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD).
- Understand the relationship between sexual trauma and CB-PTSD.
- Determine specific strategies to advocate for women who have experienced CB-PTSD.
Presenters
S. Anandavalli (she, her, hers), PhD, NCC, LPC (I), CCTP
Dr. Valli is an award-winning, nationally recognized trauma-informed mental health counselor and counselor educator. She is the owner and founder of Soulfulness Counseling, LLC, a private practice dedicated to serving women exposed to early childhood trauma. An expert on minority women’s mental health needs, she has served as a consultant and speaker for nonprofits and Oregon state government agencies. She is a leader and change agent within the counseling profession and spearheaded several grant-funded research initiatives that have been published in top-tier peer-reviewed counseling and allied journals. A former tenure-track assistant professor, she currently adjuncts for accredited counseling programs.
Stacey Diane Arañez Litam (she, her, siya), PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, CCMHC
Dr. Litam is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Cleveland State University, a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, and a diplomate and clinical sexologist with the American Board of Sexology. Dr. Litam is a member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board and internationally recognized for her pioneering work on the impact of COVID-19–related discrimination on the mental health and well-being of disaggregated AAPI communities and communities of color. She is an immigrant and identifies as a Chinese and Filipina American woman.
Dr. Litam is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and content expert on topics related to mental health, sexual well-being, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), as well as Asian American and Pacific Islander concerns. She has been featured in Forbes Health, National Public Radio (NPR), podcasts, news outlets, and in legislative arenas.
Dr. Litam provides clinical trainings, workshops, plenary speeches, and keynotes on a wide range of topics, including anti-Asian hate and mental health outcomes; responding to workplace discrimination; promoting mental health in the workplace; navigating intergenerational and collective trauma; challenging implicit bias; supporting colleagues with marginalized identities; and cultivating culturally responsive work environments. Dr. Litam has published over 40 academic peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and has facilitated hundreds of workshops and trainings.
Voices From the Margins: Exploring the Intersection of Race, Spirituality, and Domestic Violence Among Black Women Survivors
Over 44% of Black women experience domestic violence compared to their counterparts. This thought-provoking webinar delves into the often overlooked experiences of Black women survivors of domestic violence. Exploration of complex intersecting identities, while shedding light on the unique challenges faced by Black women in their journey to healing and empowerment, will be covered. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of systemic racism, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs on the experiences of Black women survivors. This presentation aims to amplify the voices of those at the margins, fostering a more inclusive and supportive approach to addressing domestic violence in the Black community. Additionally, research findings from a narrative inquiry centering Black women survivors of domestic violence and implications for counselors will be highlighted.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
- articulate research centering Black women survivors.
- discuss the impact of intersecting identities and systemic barriers for Black women survivors.
- evaluate counseling interventions and strategies to assist Black women survivors.
Presenter
Shanita S. Brown, PhD, NCC, LCMHC
Dr. Shanita Brown is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Counselor Education Program in the Department of Interdisciplinary Professions at East Carolina University. Dr. Brown's research interests focus on the domestic violence experience of Black women survivors, trauma-informed practices, and collegiate mental health. Dr. Brown is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the clinical mental health profession. She has served in various capacities, such as school-based mental health, college counseling, and private practice. She has presented at state, regional, and national conferences in her area of expertise and authored scholarly articles in journals such as The Professional Counselor and Journal of Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Brown is President Elect-Elect of the North Carolina Counseling Association and has served in various leadership positions on state and national levels in the counseling profession and the NC Domestic Violence Taskforce. She has been featured in various media outlets and podcasts such as Essence, Parents, and Checking In with Michelle Williams. Dr. Brown has received numerous awards, most recently, the 2021 North Carolina Counseling Association Jane E. Myers Wellness Counseling Award. Dr. Brown is a 2016 NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) Doctoral Fellow.
Call to Action! Filling the Counseling Gap for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
Clinical research on working with the military populations has found pervasive mental health issues existing in this community. Military populations are seeing record numbers of homelessness and suicide. According to research, roughly half of veterans reported receiving care, both medical and mental health, within their requested time frame. This means the other half must wait extended lengths of time to receive the services they need and deserve. These significant wait times for care can be detrimental to the health and well-being of these clients. Asking for help in the form of mental health services already has a stigma in the military community. The issues with these extended wait times for care can further exacerbate mental health concerns.
Many practitioners have not been trained in counseling the military population. This presentation will address this topic, educate practitioners in the mental health field, and spread the message of the increased advocacy needed to support this population of individuals.
Additionally, this presentation will support providers with the tools needed to feel comfortable when working with the military population and their families. Speakers will provide information on acquiring the four domains of clinical competencies needed to effectively serve this unique population: attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, skills, and action. Participants will gain the necessary knowledge to help lessen the wait times associated with receiving mental health services for this population, while also receiving the benefit of increasing caseloads and referrals.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
- discuss the recent spotlight on military and veteran populations and understand the most prevalent concerns faced by this community.
- recognize and address the stigma associated with seeking mental health services and how to combat this issue.
- develop tangible strategies to most effectively support the military and veteran populations.
- learn how to become an advocate and ally for the military and veteran populations.
- learn how to panel with military and veteran insurance and navigate the system to increase their referral base.
Presenter
Pamela Fullerton, PhD, NCC
Dr. Pamela Fullerton is the Founder and Clinical Director of Advocacy & Education Consulting, a counseling and consulting organization dedicated to ensuring social justice and advocacy through access to mental health and well-being services. She is a Latina bilingual Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy professional (C-DBT), a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a clinical supervisor and consultant. Dr. Fullerton is also a professional writer, national speaker, and workshop facilitator. She specializes in working with BIPOC communities, undocumented communities, immigration and acculturation, trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and career counseling. She is an adjunct instructor in the counselor education department at Northeastern Illinois University and runs a nonprofit to support Latinx youth in the Chicagoland area.
Glenisha Foreman, MA, NCC, LCPC, CCTP, CTMH
Glenisha Foreman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Marine Corps veteran, and CEO and Clinical Director of Verdure Counseling, a counseling organization focused on bringing growth and wellness to their clients. After completing active-duty military service, she obtained a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Concordia University. Serving in the military enabled her to travel to various places around the world, providing her with rich multicultural experiences that formed the foundation of her culturally affirming practices. Foreman is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with experience working with both mental health and substance abuse issues and is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Foreman is an adjunct instructor at Northeastern Illinois University and is currently completing her PhD in counselor education and supervision at Governors State University, with her dissertation and research focusing on the experience of female Marines as they transition back to the civilian world.
“I’m Free, These Chains Are No Longer Holding Me”: The Natural Recovery Experiences of African American Women
There are many pathways to achieving recovery from illicit substance use, and the most common pathway involves the use of substance use treatment. Research indicates that African American women have lower rates of treatment retention. This can be attributed to the fact that many African American women have unique risk factors that they encounter. Examples include environmental oppression, barriers to treatment, and a history of trauma. Given the complexity of the problem of substance use, what happens when African American women receive substance use treatment that is unsuccessful? This presentation will explore how African American women were able to achieve sustained long-term recovery from substance use by relying on culturally prescribed pathways to recovery that include the Black church, family, religion, and spirituality.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Examine the lived experiences of African American women in long-term recovery from substance use for 5 or more years.
- Understand how forms of recovery capital such as spirituality, religion, the Black church, family, and social support aid in the long-term recovery maintenance from substance misuse.
- Identify approaches to collaborating with community stakeholders, such as the Black church, to help develop community-based partnerships for individuals dealing with substance use–related disorders.
- Discuss strategies to incorporate spirituality and religion in the counseling session.
Presenter
Taheera Blount, PhD, NCC, LCMHC
Dr. Taheera Blount is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at North Carolina Central University. She earned her PhD in counselor education and supervision from North Carolina State University. She was the recipient of the 2015 National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship for her research interest related to the use of spirituality in overcoming substance use–related disorders.
In 2023, Dr. Blount was selected as a Leading Emerging and Diverse Scientists to Success Fellow through the University of Pittsburgh. Before transitioning into higher education, Dr. Blount worked as a community-based therapist with children and adults with mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, Dr. Blount worked as a Professional School Counselor for 5 years with Durham Public Schools.
Dr. Blount’s research interests include the following: the use of spirituality and religion to assist African American women with overcoming mental health and substance use–related challenges, school-based mental health counseling, and career and college readiness among urban youth.
Dr. Blount has presented at local, state, and national conferences. Her work has been featured in Counseling and Values, the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, and the Journal of School Counseling. In addition, Dr. Blount was featured on the Better Together podcast with the National Free Will Baptist Association.
Dr. Blount serves on the editorial boards for Counseling and Values, Professional School Counseling, and the Journal of Mental Health Counseling.
Mindfulness to Promote Wellness and Coping Among Immigrant Children and Adolescents
In many instances, immigrant parents bring their children to the United States at an age when decision-making is limited. Children acculturate to their new society through the socialization process. However, language barriers and cultural factors limit their socialization and academic well-being. The change in cultures, language, and environment; economic hardships; and lack of support and resources cause immigrant children to experience mental health challenges. These can include depression and anxiety, where they may feel isolated and worry about their lives in the United States. The most common mental health issues experienced by immigrants include depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. Immigrant children may also experience discrimination and marginalization from educational policies and work communities.
Mindfulness with children leads to enhanced cognitive and social skills along with increased emotional regulation and executive functioning. Mindfulness involves focusing on present thoughts, feelings, and actions to heighten awareness and consciousness while integrating the mind, body, and spirit for overall well-being. Practiced alone or during activities, mindfulness aids in managing stress and anxiety. Regular mindfulness practice fosters self-awareness, helping individuals process thoughts and emotions as they arise.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Review children’s developmental needs and understand the mental health challenges faced by immigrant children living in the United States.
- Learn about the concept of mindfulness and identify some examples.
- Apply mindfulness practices in working with immigrant children facing mental health challenges.
Presenter
Shama Panjwani, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH, CCMHC, ACS, LPC
Dr. Shama Panjwani has a private practice, SoHolisticEnergy Counseling & Consultation, where she provides clinical services to clients and supervisees. She also offers consulting services to businesses and organizations on DEI and wellness. She is currently a faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department at Keiser University.
Dr. Shama holds a PhD in counselor education and supervision from Mercer University, specializing in cross-cultural psychology and organizational leadership. She is a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Her research presentations and publications focus on various topics, including reducing mental health stigma, immigration, acculturation, trauma, social justice, and advocacy, fostering cultural humility and sensitivity in counseling and supervision, multiculturalism and diversity, crisis counseling, integration of psychedelics in treatment, and approaches aimed at increasing cross-cultural awareness and leadership skills within academia and institutions. She also emphasizes mindfulness meditation and holistic wellness integration in her work with underserved and marginalized populations. With over 8 years of experience in the mental health field, she has worked in crisis, inpatient, emergency room, outpatient, substance abuse, case management, and private practice settings. Dr. Shama actively conducts workshops and presentations to raise awareness about mental health–related topics.
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