Agenda
Three days of insightful sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
September 25, 2024 Keynotes and Sessions
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Wendy Bailey
Executive Director
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Kathy Seeberg
Executive Director
National Alliance on Mental Illness – (NAMI) Mississippi
Jackie Chatmon
Conference Coordinator
Prestige Professional Development and Consulting, LLC
Simon Benn Blossom
This workshop explores how adoptive parents and professionals working with these families examine the impact of their own trauma, beliefs, and expectations, and how these shape their responses to the child/teen behavior. It also highlights the hidden nature of adoptee trauma and the
lifelong importance of identity, loss, and empowerment. Practical strategies are shared for attune, conflict resolution, and building supportive relationships.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to develop self-awareness and emotional resilience techniques.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to provide support to adoptee identity and healing.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to apply practical tools for connection and conflict resolution.
CEUs:
SW
LMFT
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Transition to Breakout Sessions
The Redemption of Ricky Johnson
Ricky Johnson, PSS
The Redemption of Ricky Johnson details the tragedies that led to triumph. The presenter will take you on an in-depth journey of his struggle with substance use, homelessness, incarceration, and his son's suicide. His presentation comes with a transparent approach of accountability, empathy, and compassion.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to recognize potential red flags in a peer who is contemplating self-harm or suicide.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will have a better understanding of the difficult transition from a familiar environment into the unknown.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to recognize the benefit of having an approach of empathy, compassion, and accountability.
CEUs:
SW
LMFT
NHA
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Candice Smith, LCSW
Emotional blackmail is a pervasive form of psychological manipulation that uses fear, guilt, and obligation to control another person’s behavior. Though often subtle and disguised as concern or love, its long-term impact on mental health can be profound—especially for children and adults in dependent or unequal relationships. This presentation explores the mechanisms, settings, and consequences of emotional blackmail across different life stages and environments, including families, romantic partnerships, workplaces, and religious communities. Drawing from psychological research and real-world examples, we will examine the behavioral signs, mental health effects, and coping strategies for individuals affected by emotional blackmail. The session aims to raise awareness, promote emotional resilience, and provide practical tools to identify and respond to manipulative dynamics.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify and define the core components of emotional blackmail.
Objective 2. Participants will be able to analyze the short and long-term psychological effects of emotional blackmail on both children and adults.
Objectives 3. Participants will be able to develop practical strategies and interventions to help victims cope with and recover from emotional manipulation.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
NHA
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Matt Anderson, D.S.W, LCSW
Male survivors of sexual abuse face unique psychological, emotional, and social challenges that are often overlooked in clinical practice. This presentation aims to shed light on the nuanced clinical issues experienced by male survivors and to provide a comprehensive approach to their care.
We will explore the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse on men, addressing topics such as trauma responses, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and relational difficulties. Strategies for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment will be discussed, incorporating evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care principles. Additionally, we will highlight the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment to encourage disclosure and healing. By enhancing our understanding and clinical approach, we can better support male survivors on their journey to recovery and resilience.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to increase awareness and understanding regarding mail survivors of sexual abuse.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to improve clinical skills and assessment techniques.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to foster supportive and
CEUs:
SW - CD
LPC/NCC
LMFT
NHA
CRC
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Ja’lise Brown, LCSW
Ja’Quece Haney
Have you ever noticed that sometimes no matter what you do with a client, once they leave the office they come back in with the same dilemma? Or maybe it’s you, one day you’re convinced of what you need to change but the next day, same old habits! You understand CBT, that your thoughts
impact your feelings, and they influence your behaviors, but things still look the same. Maybe it’s time to consider the environment where the practice is taking place. Maybe it’s not as safe as you thought.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to define the importance of providing safe space when doing trauma work.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify at least three safe practices for fostering psychological safety.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify indicators of psychological unsafety in self and others.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
CRC
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Shelia Thomas, LMSW
Students are experiencing traumas like never before. Schools must have sensitive environments that help students succeed despite the barriers that trauma can present. Teachers and administrators must be cognizant of the various needs of trauma exposed students. School-based supports need to be evident and meaningful.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss various traumas that students experience.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss how trauma focused school environments can be set up to promote student success.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to utilize simple interventions for students that have experience trauma.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Transition to Keynote
Transition to Keynote
Cassandra J. Weathersby, CPSS
Felicia Campbell, CPSS
Rayindar Jones, CPSS
The session will demonstrate through panel discussion the need to foster intentional community building and positive outcomes to crisis prevention. Participants will learn tools for building community and its benefits. Participants will be walked through strategies for creating community and how to utilize the strategies for crisis prevention among community members.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss what is true community and why it matters.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to learn how to encourage authenticity and autonomy within the community and how these aid in crisis prevention.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to utilize collective strengths, connections, and resources to aid in the continuum of support and crisis prevention.
CEUs:
SW
LMFT
NHA
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Nikki Flippins, LCSW
Coreaner Price
This session will explore how parents and caregivers can be negatively impacted by service systems. A system that is not trauma-informed can re-traumatize service seekers through coercive practices, impersonal procedures, and a lack of empathy, often compounding their existing distress. This is known as secondary victimization or system-induced trauma.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of what the system of care is and how parents and caregivers engage and interact with them.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss trauma inducing behaviors/statements that parents and caregivers experience when engaging with systems and how to support them in overcoming the issues that caused trauma.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss methods to decrease the occurrence of trauma for individuals seeking help in systems.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Emmit Pigott, CMHCI
For too long, our society has created immature men. Immature men have been created by telling them to "man up" and has taught our great men to hold in their feelings until they blow up. This has created immature men that haven't been great fathers and husbands. This cycle stops now.
Emotionally mature men are too important to the success of our society. Emotionally, maturity is how we will grow and prosper. Men need to be taught to be self-aware, take responsibility, practice active listening, and how to maturely express their emotions.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will explain the importance of becoming an emotionally mature man.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will identify characteristics in their lives that apply to being emotionally mature.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will apply the importance of being emotionally mature and creating change to become more emotionally mature.
CEUs:
SW - CD
LMFT
CRC
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
Megan M. Hamm, Ed.S., LPC-S
This workshop explores how early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect adults in their parenting roles. Mental health professionals will examine how trauma histories influence attachment, emotional regulation, discipline practices, and the ability to attune to a child’s needs. The training
offers trauma-informed therapeutic strategies to support parents in developing self-awareness, engaging in inner child work, and building healthy parent-child connections. Through reflective exercises, case studies, and evidence-based techniques, participants will gain tools to help parents
shift from reactive parenting to relational, healing-centered caregiving.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify how unresolved childhood trauma manifests in parenting styles, attachment patterns, and emotional regulation.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to explain the role of protective factors and trauma-informed therapeutic interventions in supporting parents with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to apply at least three clinical strategies to help parents increase self-awareness, enhance co-regulation, and promote healing within the parent-child relationship.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Transition to Breakout Sessions
Ruth Drake, LCSW
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of behaviors, including lack of empathy and sense of entitlement. Narcissists often utilize gaslighting to manipulate their victims. Gaslighting serves as a tool for narcissists which causes trauma and self-doubt in their victims.
Comprehending the concepts of narcissism and gaslighting can help in recognizing the signs of narcissist gaslighting. Interventions are essential to break the cycle of emotional abuse and trauma caused by narcissistic gaslighting.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify narcissistic personality disorder symptoms.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to describe the correlation between narcissism and gaslighting.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss strategies to assist their clients in seeking help.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
NHA
CRC
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Jeremy Baugh, MPA
The absence of a father, specifically in the life of a black male, can be significant and multifaceted, leading to challenges in various areas of life, including mental health, education, sense of identity and social relationships.
This presenter experienced many of the signs of a fatherless son, particularly challenges at home, school, socioeconomics and making appropriate life decisions. Discussion will also include the role of natural support, counseling, and faith as strategies utilized by the presenter towards his growth and healing.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify 3 challenges in the life of an African American fatherless son.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to list 3 strategies that can assist a fatherless son in their healing process.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to list 3 community resources available to fatherless sons.
CEUs:
SW - CD
LMFT
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Haley Reeves, B.S., CPSS
Discussion during this presentation includes Prolonged Exposure Therapy and what this type of therapy entails. The presenter will also discuss how Peer Support services can be utilized to better assist the outcomes of the individuals receiving the therapy. Specifically, we will discuss how peers and their lived experience and support can assist an individual during in vivo prolonged exposure.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to define Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss the benefits of peer support services for individuals with PTSD.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss how Peer Support services can be beneficial for Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
CEUs:
SW
LPC/NCC
LMFT
NHA
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Kasey King, LMFT
This presentation will explore the complex relationship between psychological well-being and sexual health. I will highlight how conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and others can have a significant impact on desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction, overall. Attendees will gain insight on how to foster healthier conversations with female clients that will not only reduce stigma but provide more support for women in achieving healthier sexual lives and openness with their providers.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss the relationship between sexuality and mental health.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss how some sexuality concerns may be rooted in mental health disorders.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to identify evidence-based approaches that will assist clients in having healthier sexual health.
CEUs:
SW - CD
LPC/NCC
LMFT
NHA
CRC
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU
Nikisha Ware, Ph.D.
You can have the budget, the plan, and the ambition—but if you don't feel worthy, you’ll subconsciously push abundance away. In this session, Dr. Nikisha Ware explores the deep connection between trauma and our capacity to receive. Attendees will uncover how lived experiences—especially as women, providers, caregivers, and survivors—shape their financial behaviors and block them from allowing in support, rest, or wealth. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical tools, participants will walk away with a renewed understanding of worth and the power of receiving. This isn’t about manifesting harder—it’s about making room for what’s already meant for you.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1. After completion of the session, participants will be able to discuss trauma-informed financial behaviors, including patterns like over giving, undercharging, and self-neglect.
Objective 2. After completion of the session, participants will be able to analyze how beliefs around worthiness and productivity affect decision-making and resource allocation.
Objective 3. After completion of the session, participants will be able to apply at least two reflection tools to support their own receiving practice in daily life or professional work.
CEUs:
SW
LMFT
NHA
CRC
MAAP
DMH-CMHT
DMH-CPSS
DMH-CSS
DMH-CAT
EDU