ODL 349:  Wired for Meaning: The Neuroscience of Metaphors in Therapy

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:
Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:  8/6/2025                   

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Group: 

4. Counseling Services

Overview:

Our brains are wired for stories and metaphors act as powerful idea containers that invite exploration into deeper meaning and transformation. This session explores how metaphors activate the brain, reduce cognitive load, and create psychological safety in navigating complex emotions and experiences. By understanding the neuroscience behind metaphorical thinking, therapists can not only recognize metaphors but also leverage this innate cognitive process to facilitate healing, insight, and change. Through research-backed insights, we’ll examine how metaphors engage the brain, help clients reframe their narratives, and enhance therapeutic alliances and interventions.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify the key neurological processes involved when metaphors are used in therapy, including how they activate sensory, motor, and emotional brain regions.
  • Explain how metaphorical language can reduce cognitive load and foster psychological safety, allowing clients to more effectively explore complex emotions and experiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to recognize and apply client-generated or therapist-introduced metaphors to facilitate narrative reframing, enhance client insight, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance.

Presenter:

Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC, EMCC

Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC, EMCC, is an author, educator, and recovering therapist with a passion for personal and professional transformation. With over 30 years of experience in social work, mental health, and coaching, she has worked extensively with individuals navigating complex trauma, PTSD, and relational dynamics.

As a clinical social worker and MCC coach, Lyssa brings a deep understanding of human behavior, neuroscience, and relational needs to her work. She is the author of StoryJacking: Change Your Dialogue, Transform Your Life, The Reflective Coach, and Light Up: The Science of Coaching with Metaphors. She supports mental health professionals, social workers, and coaches in integrating neuroscience, inquiry, partnership, and metaphor into their practice to enhance self-awareness, client engagement, and therapeutic impact.

Through her teaching and mentoring, Lyssa continues to support helping professionals in developing deeper client relationships, fostering resilience, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

ODL 348: The Gut-Brain Connection: Integrative Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

5 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 3 Clinical and 2 Ethics CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 5 Contact Hours
Psychologists
APA – 5 CE Credits
Counselors- 5 Contact Hours, including 2 Ethics Hours
NBCC ACEP – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 5 Contact Hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 5 Contact Hours

Created On:   8/4/25                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services

Overview:

This full-day training explores the intricate relationship between gut health, hormonal changes (perimenopause/menopause), and mental health. Participants will gain an understanding of how gut microbiota influence brain function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. The training will examine the impact of hormonal shifts on mental health and how nutrition, lifestyle, and clinical interventions can serve as alternative or complementary approaches to traditional mental health treatments.

Through evidence-based research, case studies, and interactive discussions, social workers, clinicians, and healthcare providers will learn practical tools to assess and support clients experiencing mental health challenges through a holistic, gut-centered approach. Ethical considerations and culturally competent strategies will also be addressed to ensure responsible and effective application in clinical practice.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Explain the gut-brain connection and its role in mental health, including how gut microbiota influence mood, cognition, and emotional regulation.
  • Identify the impact of perimenopause and menopause on mental health, including physiological and psychological symptoms associated with hormonal shifts.
  • Assess nutritional and lifestyle factors that contribute to gut health and their implications for mental well-being in diverse populations.
  • Evaluate alternative and integrative treatment approaches for mental health conditions, including nutritional psychiatry, probiotics, and dietary interventions.
  • Apply ethical and culturally competent strategies to integrate gut health and nutrition-based interventions into clinical practice while maintaining scope of practice and client autonomy.

Presenters:

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN, and culinary coach

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN, and culinary coach, has been practicing nursing for over 30 years in various medical specialties as a nurse case manager and is a national board-certified health and wellness coach. In her nursing journey, Rajitha has seen gaps in patient care and the impact chronic medical conditions have on her patients’ quality of life.  She wanted to make a difference, so she moved into a health coaching/transformation space where she is a health partner in educating, inspiring, and empowering people to make small changes to their lives to improve their health. Rajitha is a habit change specialist.

Vanessa Holliman, LCSW, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, founder of BEing Wholistic

Vanessa Holliman is a licensed clinical social worker, certified holistic health practitioner, founder of BEing Wholistic and practices integrative mind-body-spirit social work. Vanessa’s work is rooted in the belief that healing trauma requires addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. With training in therapy, nutrition, functional movement, astrology, and energy modalities like sound healing and Reiki, she has developed an integrated approach to help clients reconnect with their true self.

Vanessa blends clinical trauma treatments with spiritual practices, using tools like trauma-informed astrology-assisted therapy, crystals, Reiki and symbolic rituals to create a personalized healing journey. Her passion lies in guiding survivors of trauma toward wholeness by merging evidence-based practices with the profound wisdom of astrology, somatics, and resilience training. Whether through individual support or in group settings, Vanessa’s mission is to help clients navigate life’s transitions, break free from limiting beliefs, and align with the life they are meant to live.

ODL 347: Motherless Mothering in Postpartum Grief

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:   7/23/25                 

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services
7. Discharge and Continuing Care

Overview:

The postpartum period is a time of profound transition and emotion for new mothers. For women experiencing postpartum without the presence of their own mothers—due to loss, estrangement, or other circumstances—the journey can be uniquely challenging. This training, led by researcher Brittany Nwachuku, delves into the concept of “motherless mothering” and its impact on postpartum grief. Participants will explore the emotional and psychological experiences of these women, gain insights into their specific support needs, and learn strategies to provide compassionate, effective care that fosters healing and resilience.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Define “motherless mothering” and understand its unique challenges during the postpartum period.
  • Recognize the emotional and psychological impact of postpartum grief in women mothering without their mothers.
  • Identify practical strategies and interventions to support postpartum women experiencing motherless mothering.

Presenter:

Dr. Brittany Nwachuku, LCSW, LISW-S

Dr. Brittany Nwachuku, LCSW, LISW-S, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Alliant International University with extensive experience in medical and mental health settings. She has worked with diverse populations, including juvenile probation, foster care youth, school social work, and oncology healthcare.

Dr. Nwachuku provides supervision to social work students and has facilitated support groups and professional development on best practices for underserved populations. She is an executive committee member for the Council on the Role and Status of Women (CORSW) at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), serves on the advisory council for She’s the First, and is a committee co-chair for her chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She holds a women’s leadership certificate from Yale and is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Her research focuses on equity, psychosocial oncology, grief, and women’s health disparities.

ODL 346: Trauma-Informed Mindfulness for Military Populations: Bridging the Gap Between Service and Healing

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:   7/17/25                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups:

4. Counseling Services

Overview:

This 1-hour training will explore how to leverage mindfulness-based interventions to build resilience and enhance trauma recovery for military members and veterans. Participants will explore the unique challenges faced by this population, the role of mindfulness in trauma recovery, and practical strategies for implementing mindfulness techniques in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed manner.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify key aspects of military culture that should inform the delivery of mindfulness-based interventions.
  • Describe the common types of trauma experienced by military personnel and their impact on mental health.
  • Summarize the role of mindfulness, common mindfulness-based interventions, and their potential benefits for trauma recovery in the military population.
  • Develop an action plan for introducing and tailoring mindfulness practices to meet the specific needs of military clients in a trauma-informed therapeutic setting.

Presenter:

Samantha Getha, LCSW and Owner of Waves of Courage Counseling LLC

Samantha “Sam” Getha is a licensed clinical social worker in Alaska and Virginia, specializing in trauma-focused care for military and veteran families, in addition to her experience working with healthcare workers and law enforcement. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, focusing on military mental health.

An expert in trauma, including complex PTSD and attachment trauma, Sam brings over 9 years of experience from her roles as a hospital social worker, mental health provider, family advocacy outreach manager, and domestic abuse victim advocate on military installations. Drawing from a lifetime immersed in military culture as a military brat and spouse, she brings a unique perspective and empathy to her work.

Samantha is a certified EMDR therapist and is certified in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, valuing ongoing education and having taught mindfulness in inpatient and one-on-one settings. She strives to be culturally competent in all aspects of her practice. In her private practice, Waves of Courage Counseling LLC, Sam currently offers one-on-one online therapy sessions for adults 18+, as well as clinical supervision and consultation. She is a Virginia Board-approved supervisor for social workers and contracts with non-profit organizations to expand her reach.

Originally from North Carolina, Sam is a second-generation Filipino American who now resides in Northern Virginia, enjoying outdoor adventures with her husband and dogs.

ODL 345: Navigating Difficult Dialogues: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

5 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 5 Cultural Competence CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 5 Contact Hours
Psychologists
APA – 5 CE Credits
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 5 Contact Hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 5 Contact Hours

Created On: 7/1/25                     

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Group: 

8. Legal, Ethical and Professional Development

Overview:

This training is designed to equip social workers, counselors, nurses, and case managers with the skills and strategies needed to navigate challenging conversations in professional settings. Whether addressing sensitive topics with clients, providing feedback to colleagues, or managing conflicts with supervisors, participants will learn evidence-based techniques to enhance communication, reduce misunderstandings, and foster collaborative solutions. The training emphasizes empathy, self-awareness, and cultural competence while maintaining professionalism and ethical integrity.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify common barriers to effective communication in challenging workplace conversations and strategies to overcome them.
  • Demonstrate active listening and empathy skills to build rapport and understanding during difficult dialogues.
  • Apply conflict resolution frameworks to address and manage disagreements constructively with colleagues, clients, and supervisors.
  • Develop approaches to maintain self-regulation and professionalism when handling emotionally charged or high-stakes discussions.
  • Evaluate how cultural competence and ethical considerations influence communication dynamics and outcomes in diverse workplace interactions.

Presenter:

Jean Ferguson Ruffin, JD, EdD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Research, and School Improvement at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia 

Dr. Jean Ferguson Ruffin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Research, and School Improvement at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. She teaches graduate courses in educational leadership, specializing in school law and ethics, educational equity, and culturally proficient leadership. Her research agenda is primarily focused on culturally proficient leadership. Prior to her work in higher education, she worked in K12 education as a consultant, an associate superintendent of schools, and a school improvement specialist.  

ODL 343: Bridging Generations to Combat Isolation: Intergenerational Connections for Improved Well-Being

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:   6/24/25                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

6. Case Management
7. Discharge and Continuing Care

Overview:

This training introduces helping professionals to the potential of intergenerational connections as a tool to address isolation and loneliness, and strengthen communities. Participants will learn how fostering relationships across generations can positively impact mental health and emotional well-being. This session will equip attendees with strategies to identify or create opportunities for intergenerational engagement and to support clients in building meaningful and  supportive relationships.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe the impact of isolation and loneliness across the lifespan and explain how intergenerational connections can mitigate these challenges.
  • Identify opportunities within their professional roles to foster intergenerational relationships and support clients in building meaningful connections.
  • Apply practical strategies to help clients experiencing isolation or loneliness engage with intergenerational resources and relationships in their communities.

Presenter:

Nancy Z. Henkin, Ph.D

Dr. Henkin, the founder and former executive director of the Intergenerational Center at Temple University, is currently serving as a senior fellow at Generations United. Over the past 45 years, she has developed a wide range of cross-age programs, provided consultation to local, national, and international organizations, and published numerous articles and program materials.   Dr. Henkin is a leading authority in intergenerational practice, community building, and lifelong civic engagement/learning. She serves on the International Journal of Intergenerational Relations editorial board and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Maggie Kuhn Award (Gray Panthers), the Jack Ossofsky Award (National Council on the Aging), the Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence (on behalf of the Intergenerational Center), the Cantor Leadership Award (Elders Share the Arts), and the Intergenerational Champion Award (Generations United).  In 2006, she was elected into the Ashoka Fellowship, a global community of social entrepreneurs.

ODL 342: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): An Approach to Improving Emotional Bonds and Attachments

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Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:  6/11/25

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

3. Treatment Plan
4. Counseling Services

Overview:

Healthy relationships require self-awareness and effective communication. Grounded in attachment theory, EFT operates on the premise that secure emotional bonds are fundamental to the well-being and longevity of healthy relationships. Through a blend of experiential techniques, empathetic exploration, and restructuring of negative interaction patterns, EFT facilitates a deeper understanding and validation of emotional needs, fostering a secure attachment and enhancing relational satisfaction. EFT offers a structured framework comprising three key stages: de-escalation, restructuring, and consolidation. By creating a safe therapeutic environment, promoting healthier communication patterns and fostering greater emotional accessibility, EFT empowers individuals and couples to cultivate secure attachments and foster resilience and intimacy within their relationships. 

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify attachment formation and style during childhood.
  • Analyze the relationship between core beliefs formed from attachment and unhealthy relationship cycles.
  • Describe Emotionally Focused Therapy as a modality to increase awareness and insight into traumatic events from childhood. 
  • Apply EFT framework and techniques to cultivate secure attachments.

Presenter:

Shama Panjwani, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC, CCMHC

Dr. Shama Panjwani is an Asian Indian speaker and expert in trauma-informed care, focusing on attachment, immigration, cultural/racial, and intergenerational traumas while integrating holistic wellness approaches to addressing trauma in a culturally competent manner. She is currently a professor in the clinical mental health counseling program at Keiser University. Dr. Panjwani has a private practice, SoHolisticEnergy Counseling & Consultation, LLC, where she provides clinical services to clients and supervisees. She also provides consulting services to organizations and institutions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and workplace wellness.

Dr. Panjwani has a PhD in counselor education and supervision with a specialization in cross-cultural psychology and organizational leadership. She is a national certified counselor, a certified clinical mental health counselor, a board-certified telemental health provider, licensed professional counselor, and an approved clinical supervisor. 

Her research presentations and publication focus on topics such as reducing mental health stigma, immigration, acculturation, trauma, social justice and advocacy, multiculturalism and diversity, psychedelic-assisted therapy, crisis counseling, as well as approaches used to increase cross-cultural awareness and wellness, and leadership skills within academia and other institutions. She has been working in the mental health field for more than 9 years. She is actively involved in conducting consultations, workshops, and presentations to create awareness and destigmatize mental health and wellness for the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) community on an individual and organizational level by increasing their access to effective and culturally responsive treatment.