"One Mission, Many Voices"March 14, 2025
Conference Center at Miller Campus
8 AM - 5 PM
7.5 CEU including 1 Suicide and 1 Ethics CEU
MFT & CMHC can receive CEU for this conference. Per the DOPL regulation CEU can be offered by a professional association, or similar body, involved in clinical mental health therapy. So this conference will qualify. (This is for Utah residents)
VIRTUAL/ONLINE OPTION ALSO AVAILABLECOST:NASW-Utah (Utah Resident) - $50
Non-Member (Utah Resident) - $125
NASW Member (Resident Outside of Utah) - $75
Non-Member (Outside of Utah) - $125
NASW-Utah Student Member - $15
Non-Member Student - $50
PRESENTATIONS:
Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, LCSW - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings”
David Derezotes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?”
Barbara Lester, DSW, LCSW- “Changing the Narrative about Aging”
Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders"
Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - " Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"
Jerry Buie - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"
Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Samantha Roundy, LCSW - "Suicidality as a Part"
Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA - "Diversity, attachment theory, and emotionally focused therapy"
The NASW Utah Annual Spring Conference, One Mission, Many Voices, is set for March 14, 2025, at the Conference Center at Miller Campus. This premier event brings together social work professionals from across Utah to engage in vital discussions and training on some of the most pressing issues facing the field today.
This year’s conference will feature expert-led courses, including ethics, suicide prevention strategies, clinical supervision training, and a focus on both local and global critical challenges. These topics are designed to enhance your professional skills and broaden your understanding of the social work landscape, ensuring that you stay informed and empowered to serve diverse communities.
Whether you're looking to fulfill your continuing education requirements (CEUs) or seeking opportunities to connect with fellow social workers and leaders in the field, this conference offers invaluable learning and networking. Make plans to join us for a day filled with insightful sessions, collaboration, and a shared mission to address the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities.
SPONSOR: Become a sponsor at the NASW-Utah Annual Spring Conference and connect directly with social workers from across Utah! For only $300 (or $200 for NASW members), you’ll have the opportunity to network, showcase your products or services, and engage with professionals in the social work field. This is a great chance to expand your reach, promote your business, and support an event dedicated to advancing the social work profession. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to build meaningful connections!
Mark your calendars for March 14, 2025, and be a part of this impactful experience. Register early to secure your spot!
BECOME A SPONSOR HERE: LINK
Tentative Agenda:8 AM - 9 AM - Suicide - 1 CEU - Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders” - Live-Stream
8 AM - 9 AM - Ethics - 1 CEU - David Dereztoes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?”
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - 1.5 CEU
Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings” - Live-Stream
Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - " Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"
Jerry Buie, LCSW - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM - 1.15 CEU
Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA - "Diversity, attachment theory, and emotionally focused therapy"
Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Samantha Roundy, LCSW - "Suicidality as a Part" - Live-Stream
Barbara Lester, DSW, LCSW - "Changing the Narrative About Aging"
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Suicide - 1 CEU - Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders”
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Ethics - 1 CEU - David Dereztoes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?” - Live-Stream
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM - 1.5 CEU
Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, LCSW - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings”
Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - " Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"
Jerry Buie, LCSW - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM - 1.15 CEU
Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA - "Diversity, attachment theory, and emotionally focused therapy"
Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Samantha Roundy, LCSW - "Suicidality as a Part"
Barbara Lester, DSW, LCSW - "Changing the Narrative About Aging" - Live-Stream
PRESENTATIONS:Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, LCSW - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings”Religious trauma, a growing area of concern in mental health practice, arises from experiences of spiritual abuse, coercive control, and harmful dogma within religious settings. This trauma can deeply affect an individual's psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being, leaving clients with feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, and loss of identity. As social workers, it is critical to develop the skills and sensitivity required to provide effective therapeutic support to clients navigating the aftermath of religious trauma. This presentation will explore the unique aspects of religious trauma and its intersection with mental health, drawing from evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and spiritual integration. Attendees will learn how to recognize signs of religious trauma, assess its impact on clients' mental health, and implement compassionate, culturally competent interventions including managing the clinicians countertransference. Participants will also gain insights into the role of personal beliefs in the therapeutic process and how to maintain professional boundaries while respecting clients' faith journeys or spiritual disillusionment. Through case studies, interactive discussion, and clinical techniques, participants will be equipped to: -Differentiate between religious trauma and other forms of trauma. -Identify tools to help clients reclaim personal autonomy, heal from spiritual wounds, and rebuild a positive sense of self. -Address ethical dilemmas that may arise when working with clients from diverse religious backgrounds. Learning Objectives: -Define religious trauma and understand its effects on mental health. -Apply trauma-informed practices to religious trauma in clinical settings. -Navigate the intersection of personal faith and clinical practice with ethical awareness. Professional Sources: Walker, J. R., & Tice, A. E. (2019). Religious Trauma Syndrome: A Therapist’s Guide to Helping Clients Heal. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(7), 1287-1301. doi:10.1002/jclp.22838. Ward, S. J., & King, L. A. (2021). The Psychology of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs: How Faith Shapes Mental Health and Well-Being. Annual Review of Psychology, 72, 635-660. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-082119-123302. Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books. Thomas, L. V. (2018). Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma: Implications for Mental Health Practitioners. Social Work & Christianity, 45(4), 103-116.
BIO: Julie de Azevedo Hanks, PhD, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with 30 years experience specializing in women’s emotional health and relationships and the intersection of religious experiences. She earned an MSW from the University of UT, a PhD in marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and a certification in religious trauma studies. Dr. Hanks is currently an adjunct faculty member and is a former assistant professor of social work at Utah Valley University. In 2002 she founded Wasatch Family Therapy, an outpatient therapy clinic with locations in Sandy, Lehi, and Farmington, UT. Dr. Hanks provides leadership, supervision, consultation and mentoring to mental health professionals. Her professional service includes the NASW private practice specialty section national board, Mormon Mental Health Association board, and a current member of UT NASW board. Dr. Hanks is the author of The Burnout Cure and The Assertiveness Guide for Women, a blogger, a local and national media contributor, an online influencer, a private practice consultant, a TedX speaker and an award-winning performing songwriter. Her podcast, Ask Dr. Julie Hanks, has had well over one million downloads. A native Californian, Hanks currently lives with her family in Sandy, UT. For additional resources visit DrJulieHanks.com or connect with @drjuliehanks @wasatchfamilytherapy on social media.
David Derezotes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?” Is contentment possible?Psychologist and Buddhist monk Jack Kornfield wrote, “if you can sit quietly after difficult news; if in financial downturns you remain perfectly calm; if you can see your neighbors travel to fantastic places without a twinge of jealousy; if you can happily eat whatever is put on your plate; you can fall asleep after a day of running around without a drink or a pill; if you can always find contentment just where you are: you are probably a dog”.
Perhaps like never before, in any culture, we now have access to a wealth of psychological and spiritual resources that offer techniques that promise to help us reach an inner state of contentment. However, according to NIMH, anxiety continues to be the most common “mental illness” reported by teens (about 1/3) and adults (about 1/5) to social workers and other professionals.
Can we find contentment in our current era of accelerated change and uncertainty? In this presentation, we will use a combination of power point, experiential learning and dialogue to examine together psychological and spiritual perspectives on what contentment is, and how we might develop more contentment in our lives.
BIO: Drdave Derezotes is Professor Emeritus of Social Work and retired Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) Program in the College of Humanities at the University of Utah. He has received many awards in teaching, service, and scholarship and has published eight textbooks and numerous articles in such topics as community mental health, dialogue, and the climate crisis. His latest text, “Climate change in person, community and planet” was just published in November 2024 and is a guide for helping professionals on how to address the climate crisis with our clients, patients, and students. Drdave currently provides consultation, teaching, and counseling in his private practice, including trainings for local and regional social service and professional organizations. He also teaches in the Osher program, facilitates LCSW consultation groups, serves on the UTNASW Board, and offers free monthly public dialogues at both the Millcreek Senior Center and Library. Finally, Drdave can also be seen bicycle commuting, playing music with the “Bald Eagles”, and enjoying the desert where he loves to wander and wonder in the wild beauties of Utah.
Barbara Lester, DSW, LCSW- “Changing the Narrative about Aging”Navigating age diversity is crucial for strong teamwork, personal growth, and respectful treatment of our clients. Additionally, research shows that holding a positive view of aging adds 7.5 years to one’s lifespan compared to a negative view. This evidence informed training will help participants reduce ageism and develop skills for an age-positive approach towards their own aging and towards their colleagues and clientele.
BIO: Barbara Lester is a licensed clinical social worker in Utah and 10 other states. She is a Senior EAP Consultant with Intermountain Health's Employee Assistance Program and is on the board of the Utah branch of the National Association of Social Workers. She has been employed with Intermountain Health for over 20 years but has been a social worker for 40. She recently completed her doctorate in social work at the University of Alabama, where her research focused on reducing ageism in healthcare and in behavioral health.
Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders”Mind Sheild for brain burn is an evidence-based model that supports the mental fitness of first responders. First responders are highly trained trauma providers and see and perceive trauma differently than civilians. Mind Sheild targets the hyperarousal systems and allows first responders to move from responder self to family, parent and friend self. In addition Mind Sheild uses mindfulness to engage the brains natural learning and resiliency systems.
Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - "Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"When working with survivors whose abuse took place online, or where their abuse has been uploaded to the internet, there are a wide range of complex situations that can arise. In this presentation you'll learn about clinical applications, available resources, and challenges survivors often face when they experience this type of abuse.
BIO: Jacob has an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on Global Practice, and a certificate in Anti-Human Trafficking from Vanguard University. Jacob has been working with people who survived sexual violence since 2016. This work has taken place in over 10 countries, focusing in Asia and the US. He has worked with survivors of online sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, human trafficking, child marriage, torture, and other types of violence. Jacob has worked as a therapist domestically and working internationally he has built care teams consisting of case managers, lawyers, and therapists. Jacob provides training and consultation both domestically and internationally to organizations that work to support survivors. Jake works as a therapist, program consultant, and is the founder of a non profit called International Protection Alliance. In addition to this, Jake sits on the board of the Utah Social Work Association.
Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Samantha Roundy, LCSW - "Suicidality as a Part""Suicidality as a Part" This breakout session offers an innovative approach to working with clients experiencing suicidality through the lens of Parts work (e.g., IFS, Ego State, Gestalt, Structural Dissociation modalities). Viewing suicidality as a “part” rather than the entirety of the individual creates an opportunity to reduce stigma, foster self-compassion, and promote safety. By understanding the motives of suicidal parts and establishing protective, supportive internal relationships, clinicians can better navigate the complex dynamics of suicidal ideation with clients, facilitating transformative healing and integration. This session will include theoretical insights, case studies, and practical tools to enhance therapeutic efficacy when working with clients at risk. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand suicidality within the framework of modalities using "Parts" work and how it can be integrated into clinical practice. 2. Explore the benefits of de-pathologizing suicidality and working with suicidal parts as distinct entities within the client’s internal system. 3. Gain practical tools for facilitating compassionate and effective therapeutic dialogue with clients experiencing suicidal ideation. Session Outline: 1. Provide context for the necessity of a different approach to SI (10 minutes) ○ Understanding the substantial influence a therapist's response can have on their client who verbalizes SI. ○ Explanation of how common responses a therapist has can be more harmful than helpful to their client. 2. Introduction to therapeutic modalities facilitating idea of Suicidality as a Part (10 minutes) ○ Overview of applicable therapeutic modalities ○ Explanation of suicidality as a part of the self, rather than a defining characteristic of the individual 3. Conceptualizing Suicidal Parts in Therapy (15 minutes) ○ Understanding the role and protective intentions of suicidal parts ○ Case examples illustrating therapeutic work with suicidal parts 4. Strategies for Engaging Suicidal Parts Compassionately (20 minutes) ○ Techniques for building rapport and establishing safety with suicidal parts ○ Practical tools for therapists to decrease negative perceptions of suicidal parts ○ Practical tools for helping clients understand and respond more effectively to their suicidal parts ○ Role-play or live demonstration of parts work in session 5. Activity: Developing a Treatment Plan Using Identified Techniques (10 minutes) ○ Participants work in small groups to outline a hypothetical treatment plan for a client with suicidality ○ Group feedback and discussion 6. Q&A and Closing Reflections (5-10 minutes) ○ Open floor for questions ○ Final takeaways and resources for continued learning Audience: Mental health clinicians working with clients experiencing suicidal ideation (i.e., all therapists) Requirements: Projector, whiteboard, and whiteboard markers Outcome: Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of suicidality through therapeutic frameworks that decrease stigma and practical tools for strengthening the therapeutic alliance when a client experiences SI, empowering them to support clients with increased empathy and skill.
BIO:
Samantha Roundy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in eating disorders, trauma, and women's issues. She holds a BS in Psychology and a Master of Social Work and is passionate about providing clinical therapy that promotes social justice and health equity. Samantha's experience spans inpatient treatment settings at The Center for Change, school social work, and private practice. She has a strong foundation for working with eating disorders, including orthorexia, anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, particularly when those individuals struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She is pursuing certification as an eating disorder specialist.
Lacey Peterson, LCSW, holds a BS in Secondary Health Education from UVU and earned her Master's of Social Work from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She received a wealth of experience right out of grad school providing crisis interventions and stabilization services to people of all ages in the Denver metro area before returning to Utah to work in private practice. Lacey provides a compassionate, supportive therapeutic environment for clients seeking healing and growth. Lacey has received specialized training in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sandtray therapy, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is particularly passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population, men experiencing anxiety and low self-esteem, couples and families seeking to improve their relationships, survivors of abuse and trauma, and individuals navigating faith transitions.
Jerry Buie, LCSW - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"In a rapidly evolving landscape of queer identities within the LGBTQ community, understanding the nuances of sexual healing has never been more vital for clinical social workers. This presentation will provide an opportunity for providers to enhance their knowledge and empathy towards individuals navigating queer spaces in a heteronormative world in 2025. Participants are encouraged to bring questions that will facilitate a deeper therapeutic alliance with their clients. Together, we will create a safe and supportive environment to explore and discuss relevant issues affecting LGBTQ lives.
BIO: Jerry Buie is the proud owner and operator of Pride Counseling, established in 1998 as Utah's first openly LGBTQIA+-affirming practice. With a deep commitment to addressing the diverse mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pride Counseling serves as a vital and culturally attuned resource.
As a former Associate Professor at the University of Utah Graduate School of Social Work, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. His extensive involvement in the community includes serving on various boards such as the Utah Aids Foundation, the Pride Center Advisory Board for Mental Health, the Naraya Cultural Preservation Council (focused on Native American traditions), and as Chair of Sage Utah, which advocates for the 50+ LGBTQIA+ community.
Jerry has dedicated the past decade to participating in Reconciliation and Dialogue groups, working alongside professionals from diverse socio-political and religious backgrounds to promote ethical practices in the realm of sexual orientation and gender identity therapies. His commitment to the community extends beyond his professional endeavors; he has been a loving husband for 29 years, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather of three.
In addition to his counseling work, Jerry co-organizes Inspirit, a community initiative that introduces earth-based approaches to spirituality. He is also a co-founder of Mindfully Gay, a nurturing space where gay men come together to explore, discuss, appreciate, and celebrate their identities in intimate and supportive settings. Additionally, he serves as a co-producer and participant in the Mindfully Gay Guys Podcast, which focuses on themes relevant to the Mindfully Gay community.
Throughout his career, Jerry has been mentored in various indigenous earth-based systems, including Native American traditions, Andean practices, Amazonian spiritual influences, Dagara (Burkina Faso), and Mongolian Shamanism. For over 25 years, he has facilitated ceremonies worldwide, guiding individuals through profound spiritual journeys. His vast experience enables him to support personal growth and healing across diverse cultural landscapes.
Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA - "Diversity, attachment theory, and emotionally focused therapy"1. Welcome and intro to Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
2. Challenges for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in EFT
3. Video clips showing real couples in therapy
4. EFT as an extension of Rogerian Client Centered Therapy & John Bowlby's
5. How to address cultural differences in Therapy
6. Conclusion: How EFT Therapists Can Become More Sensitive to DEI issues
BIO: Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA, Ed is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a couples and family therapist, and a general mental health therapist. Ed is a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapist, and a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Supervisor.
Prior to founding Peterson Family Therapy, Ed was a Founding Partner at The EFT Clinic. Previously, he was the Clinical Director at the Balance House Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program. Prior to that, Ed was a therapist and primary counselor at The Cirque Lodge, a world-renowned drug and alcohol treatment center.
Ed’s style of therapy is a mixture of empathetic and compassionate listening, active confrontation, and treating the entire family system. He works with adults (ages 18 and above) and specializes in the following areas:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, couples, and families
Addiction and recovery therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness
Jungian Therapy
Ed believes that families need their own programs of recovery and he teaches the skills to improve family communication, improve self-care, and increase personal serenity. He also believes that families can recover from the pain and suffering of codependency if they learn to love appropriately, maintain healthy boundaries, and practice self-care.
Ed is the father of three and happily married to his business partner and sweetie Candace.
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