Building Clinical Identity, Intake, Parts Work, and Shame

Biography

In his work as a therapist, Sam takes a person-centered approach toward helping his clients manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders, neurodiversity, grief, and trauma. His practice is grounded in a relational model and he employs strength-based strategies to support positive change in his clients by helping them develop a better understanding of the relationships and experiences that shape their life. Sam specializes in providing EMDR therapy, a modality that focuses on processing and successfully integrating traumatic experiences. 

As a rural practitioner, Sam gladly serves most populations struggling with most challenges, but specializes in working with adolescents and younger adults, couples, and families. In addition to maintaining a private practice in Polson, Sam also offers online therapy and periodically teaches in the Social Work Department at the University of Montana. His academic interests center around building the capacity of mental health systems in rural areas and education in trauma processing. 

In his personal life, Sam is a musician, a handyman, a husband, and a father to two young boys. He loves funk music and getting into the mountains with his family. 

Topic: Trauma Work and Clinical Identity 

This 80-minute presentation will explore ideas around developing a clinical identity that integrates evidence-based, trauma-focused models with a client centered, humanistic practice. The presenter will define major dilemmas facing the field of trauma therapy, strategies for moving through developmental plateaus, and share elements of his own journey in developing an effective and coherent clinical identity. This training will draw from the writing and research of Judith Herman, Gabor Mate, Francine Shapiro, David Wallin, and Arielle Shwartz, and invite participants into active and ongoing cultivation of the clinical self. 

Biography

Callie strives to bring a genuine and authentic energy into the therapeutic space and believes in the power of co regulation. She specializes in trauma focused care and integrates a nueroaffirming approach into her work with clients. Her primary framework utilized is EMDR with a dash of DBT, gottman method, attachment theory and somatic practices. Callie primarily works with individuals ages 18-35. 

In her personal life Callie likes to hike, fish and play video games with her fiance. Callie sings with Dolce Canto and acts as a member on the Dolce Canto Board of Directors. Callie also serves on NASW-MT board and works part time at Montana Public Radio.

Topic: Trauma-Focused Intake and Assessments

This 80 minute presentation will explore the differences and similarities between a trauma-focused and trauma-informed practice and look at ways individuals can utilize this knowledge during their intake and assessment process. The intake process is the gateway to effective therapy. This portion of the training will provide you with essential strategies to optimize your intake process, ensuring you get off to a strong start with your clients and set the stage for successful therapeutic relationships.

Biography

Camille is a licensed clinical professional counselor and educator in private practice in Kalispell, Montana.  

During the ten years she worked as a teacher, school social worker and counselor in Flathead Valley schools, Camille was recognized as an outstanding educator by the national Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and participated in the formation of Montana SOARS (Support, Outreach and Access for the Resiliency of Students) which aimed to increase mental health outcomes for students, and create a more trauma-informed community.  

In private practice, Camille values fostering a strong therapeutic relationship that allows clients to begin to explore their nervous system, recognizing signs and triggers of sympathetic charge, shut down, and what helps them anchor in safety and connection.  She has advanced training in Somatic Experiencing, expressive arts, and is EMDR and Perinatal Mental Health certified.  Camille considers herself a life-long learner and continues to walk her own healing journey as she travels alongside others struggling with complex trauma, PTSD, grief, nervous system dysregulation, anxiety, and depression. 

Topic: Unsticking Toxic Shame

Shame is sticky and can derail the trauma healing process keeping clients stuck in a strongly wired pattern of self loathing.  In this 80-minute interactive presentation, participants will explore shame as a survival response and walk away with ready-to-apply strategies that disrupt the shame cycle, and allow clients to begin processing overwhelming feelings safely.  Suitable for those just starting out in the counseling field as well as seasoned therapists, this offering draws on the work of Jaina Fisher, Peter Levine, Robin Shapiro, as well as the presenter’s own life experiences of working with shame from the inside out.

Biography

Sara Stone, CALC, NCC, LCPC (she/her) is the lead clinician at Mind Over Matter in Bigfork, Montana. At her private practice, Sara is known for her casual, but informed, approach to connecting with and holding space for those impacted by trauma at their core.  You can find her offering her clients a hot cup of tea, walking around barefoot, and ready to “lean in” and meet clients right where they are.  Sara allows clients to see her authentic, clinical and community, self which invites them into a space where they can be brave and eventually (hopefully)…fully express themselves as well. 

For a decade Sara has been on a journey to improve access to quality, trauma engaged care in rural Montana.  Sara began by founding a school-based, NBCC funded, mental health counseling program giving therapy access to a hundred, rural school children. Sara also has developed and hosted a community connect group which gives a safe meeting space to those who are isolated and need connection to thrive. Most recently she has co-facilitated The Unfolding trauma retreats which focus on whole body healing, parts exploration, and creative expression as a safe way to “tune in” to the wounds of trauma as well as internal motivation.

To continue on her mission, Sara offers internship oversight, clinical supervision, and eventually EMDR consult groups to help budding, trauma focused practitioners build their private practice dreams in rural Montana.

Topic: Shame Creative Experiential

Sara will gently and gradually guide you through an experiential activity that will help you identify your own source(s) of shame, locate it somatically, and express it creatively.  Then, with your new body knowledge, Sara will guide the group collectively through a processing activity to help untie the shame from your core self.  Journaling will be encouraged along the way so you can take these tools and use them in your own work after the event.  These integrated techniques are based on foundations of EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Sensorimotor Art Therapy and Mindfulness Training inspired by Francine Shapiro, Adam O’Brein LMHC, CASAC, Dr. Stephen Porges, Deb Dana LCSW, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi and Cornelia Elbrecht as well as Dr. Kristin Neff and Jack Kornfield amongst many others.

Biography

Chelsey is the owner of Courage Speaks Counseling. She specializes in ego state work, EMDR, and humanistic counseling, helping clients explore their inner selves. With a focus on trauma, Chelsey offers guidance, structure, and insight to attendees in a safe environment.

Her journey began in 2013 during an internship with men in corrections struggling with methamphetamine addiction, where she recognized the link between childhood trauma and addiction. Chelsey's approach combines parts work and EMDR to transform core beliefs and coping strategies, fostering healthier relationships with self and others.

Chelsey extends her healing work through The Unfolding Retreat and teaching upcoming helping professionals, offering internships, supervision, and immersive training retreats. Her passion shines in her dedication to clients and colleagues, and outside work, she enjoys family time with her two children and husband.

Topic: Parts Work

In this 90-minute workshop with Chelsey Fjeldheim, you'll embark on a profound inner journey. Together, we'll reconnect with your inner child, heal emotional wounds, and awaken your inner wisdom. This transformative experience uncovers layers of self-awareness and promotes self-compassion. As you come to understand yourself, you'll gain valuable tools to guide your clients on a similar path of self-discovery