About Event

Breakout #1: Bay 2

Guiding Young Adults and Supporting Parents in the Process of Healthy Individuation:
Perspectives from an individual and parent therapist in the field

Co-Presenter: Edward “Bogie” Foden, MSW; Course Leader/Therapist – True North Wilderness Program
Co-Presenter: Peter Girz, LICSW/CADC; Parent Program Therapist – True North Wilderness Program

Synopsis:
The increase in young adults entering treatment has brought attention to the specific needs and challenges of this population during the process of individuation and the path to independent living. As a frequent entry point for young adults, wilderness therapy provides a unique opportunity to assess, intervene, and set these individuals and their families on a path of greater functioning, health, and self-advocacy. This session seeks to help unpack the steps towards healthy individuation and separation from parents, provide clarity and strategies for guiding parents to effectively support in the process, and facilitate a discussion surrounding the unique challenges and opportunities presented in the treatment of young adults.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding individuation for young adults in treatment and how to prioritize goals in the intervention phase of primary treatment.
2. The importance of getting a complete picture: Intergenerational history, parenting style, trauma, and attachment.
3. Evaluating in real time, making sense of the assessment and intervention in looking at aftercare/YA transition programming.

‍Breakout #2: Bay 1A & 1B‍

Mindful Transition:
Acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges of 18-year olds in young adult treatment programs

Presenter: Josh White, MA, LCMCH, CGP, WPA; Founder/Exec. Director – Red Mountain Sedona

Synopsis:
For better or for worse, turning 18 demarcates the legal shift to adulthood. Under optimal conditions 18-year-olds are on the precipice of dramatic change, and understandably this transition is glorified as the zenith of one’s early life. However, when typical adolescent development is disturbed or otherwise frozen, the 18th year of life can be fraught with even more turmoil than what is already anticipated. This presentation will explore the 18-year-old age group as separate from the larger young adult population, and will assist participants as they work to better serve the youngest students on the young adult spectrum.

Learning Objectives:
1. Summarize some of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral differences between 18-year-olds and older young adults.
2. Examine the challenges that young adult transition programs face when working with 18-year-old students.
3. Collaborate with the presenter and each other to identify treatment methods and program protocols for supporting 18-year-olds.

Breakout #3: Casco Bay/Kidd Island Bay

A Loaded Question: What is addiction?
Co-Presenter: Hannah Mariotti, MA, LCMHC; Educational Consultant – Beacon Coaching & Consulting
Co-Presenter: Alex Zemeckis, MA; Owner/Founder – The Grounds

Synopsis:

Despite daily news coverage and conversations about it, the definition of addiction remains elusive and its meaning shifts. Stigma and misunderstanding around the word are enduring and impactful. Some theories have framed addiction as a disease, as a genetic legacy, and even more disturbingly, as moral weakness. Considering the particular challenges faced by today’s young adults, single theme models do not offer a comprehensive understanding of problematic substance use. It is important to consider the definition, theories, and language used to describe health-threatening conditions such as those involving drugs and alcohol, especially since research shows that the clinical effectiveness of treatments for these issues can be impacted by the terminology used to describe them. As clinicians, consultants, and providers in the continuum of care, we are professionally obligated to have a broad understanding of the complicated dynamics around the definition of addiction. By strengthening our knowledge base, we can better support the treatment and recovery process for our young adult clients and their families. This workshop will challenge participants to consider their personal and professional definitions of addiction while providing them with a foundational understanding of the current theories of how problematic substance use develops at this critical stage in human development.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will understand how the language used to describe problematic substance use can impact perception and treatment trajectory.
2. Participants will learn about various theories, in addition to the Disease Model, that can be used to describe conditions related to problematic drug and alcohol use and addiction.
3. Participants will gain knowledge related to the current research about the young adult population and problematic substance use.

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