Presentations

Trauma: The Trauma Layering System and the Importance of Trauma in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Physical Illness | Hilary Farberow Stuart, ND (CEUs 1.5 General)

This presentation will focus on trauma and its importance in the diagnosis and treatment of physical symptomology and illness.  We will begin with a quick overview of the different levels of the “Map of the Human System” to identify how trauma affects each level of the human system from the Mental, to the Emotional, Energetic and Physical.   We will then define trauma and discuss several different types of trauma.

From there, we will study the Trauma Layering System in the Emotional level, examining the emotions and beliefs within each layer which ultimately result in symptomology and illness on the physical level.

An experiential exercise will accompany this presentation so that participants may discover trauma from a personal exploration. Case histories will be provided throughout the presentation.

Integrative treatment of PTSD | Laura Gouge, ND (CEUs: 1.0 General 0.5 Pharmacy)

PTSD is a complex and often debilitating condition. My presentation includes overview of diagnosis, standard of care (including pharmaceutical treatment) for both children and adults, and evidence for integrative therapies including supplements, exercise, yoga, meditation, and writing and theater. There is also discussion about the most evidence based types of psychotherapy. The goal is that at the end of the presentation every person could create an individualized treatment plan for patients who have PTSD, as well as patients who do not meet criteria and are presenting with mood complaints.

Understanding Neurodiversity and Working with Patients on the Autism Spectrum | Laura Z. Weldon, MS Integrative Mental Health (NUNM ND Class of 2020) (CEUs 1.5 General)

One in every 59 Americans is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and evidence shows that a great many more adults, particularly women and gender non-conforming patients, are misdiagnosed and/or undiagnosed. Suicide rates for this population are estimated 10x higher and lack of acceptance and understanding is one of the primary cited causes. Whether physicians recognize it or specialize in working with autistic patients, they are very likely already in our offices.

This presentation will unpack cultural and medical myths about what it means to be on the spectrum and how to meet some of the specific needs of this patient population naturopathically. We will define neurodiversity and the language of the movement, including identity vs. person-first preferences, discuss empathy, communication styles, sensory experiences, and consider both the physical and mental health concerns of autistic patients. Common co-occurring conditions include migraines, seizures, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, hypermobility, dysautonomia, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The broad goal of the presentation is to understand which aspects of autistic experience deserve treatment, which deserve acceptance, and the importance of properly sorting these needs.

Adolescent Suicide Prevention | Amanda Watters, ND (CEUs: 1.5 General)

This interactive presentation will provide attendees with the skills necessary to identify and address suicidality in children and adolescents. We will discuss risk factors and protective factors, as well as common behaviors that may indicate increased risk for harm. Once suicide risk is identified, attendees will learn how to discuss safety planning with patients, and will observe a mock safety planning conversation between the presenter and model patient. They will then have the opportunity to pair up into dyads and practice these conversations themselves.

Quantum Healing Through The Subconscious Mind | Jasmine Galimov, MScN, C.Hyp (CEUs: 1.0 General)

Each and every one of us will experience some form of trauma in our lifetimes; whether it’s physical, emotional, or karmic. These traumas, along with every single other event that has happened to us in our lives, are stored within the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind makes up 95-99% of the way we see, act, and respond to the world, yet, traditional therapies for mental health are only working with the conscious mind, the 1-5%. In this lecture, find out how to not only release the limiting beliefs, blocks and stored trauma that are creating dis-ease, but also learn how we can harness the infinite power of the subconscious mind for quantum healing.

Natural Therapies for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety | Angela Potter, ND

1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. Between 5-10% of women will develop postpartum thyroiditis in the first year postpartum. Mothers are deeply struggling with health issues while also trying to care for their young babies. As a mother myself, I experienced the
struggle which is why I have developed my Postpartum Wellness Protocol. As naturopathic doctors we are in a unique position to help women feel balanced and healthy on their motherhood journey. In this presentation you will learn effective ways to support postpartum women in your practice including lab work and breastfeeding-safe herbs and supplements.

Concussion Rescue: Assessment and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury | Kabran Chapek, ND

Each year more than 2.5 million Americans visit the emergency department due to brain injury. This “silent epidemic” which causes disability is often minimized, misdiagnosed or dismissed altogether when in fact it is a major contributing factor for fatigue, cognitive problems, memory difficulty, and mood problems including depression. One of the most important lessons I have learned from brain imaging work over the past 8years is that concussions and more severe brain injuries are a major cause of mental illness in this country. This presentation will discuss the assessment for mild to severe concussion and TBI as well as treatment approaches.

Stress and Terrain: Trauma-informed Chinese Medicine | Brandt Stickley, L.Ac.

The most fundamental construct in all of Chinese medicine is YinYang. We will explore how an understanding of this term as applied to the treatment of the sequelae of traumatic experience can open the field for a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine’s role across the bio-psycho-social spectrum. Through this trauma-informed lens, one can see Chinese medicine as a robust, sophisticated, and rigorous somatic psychology. This integrative approach ultimately demonstrates the role of psychological and traumatic distress in the development of many conditions, and provides the training to skillfully restore health, wellness, growth, and transformation in their wake.