The 2025 Conference Workshops were selected by the TAMFT Conference Committee and volunteer TAMFT member reviewers. Descriptions of each workshop are listed below, including times and CEUs. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Thursday, February 27, 2025, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (1.0 CEU)
Systemic Advocacy in Gender-Affirming Therapy (1 Ethics CEU)
This session explores the ethical obligations of MFTs around gender-affirming care and systemic advocacy. Grounded in the AAMFT Code of Ethics, attendees will explore ethical and legal considerations, avenues for advocacy in and out of the therapeutic relationship, and the profound implications of gender-affirming care.
Alexis Hassan, B.A. Psychology; Kelsey Penn, MDiv; Bernadette Solorzano, PsyD
Love, Sex, and Therapy: An Introduction to Addressing Intimacy and Sex with Queer Couples (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
Intimacy and sex are key components of many romantic relationships. Yet, many clinicians do not feel comfortable discussing either when they come up in session, especially when it comes to working with Queer couples. This presentation will be an introduction to addressing intimacy and sex when working with Queer couples.
Joyce Miles-Jacquote, M.S., AAMFT-Approved Supervisor, LMFT Supervisor
SFBT and Long-Term Sobriety from Opioid Use (1 CEU)
We will discuss the main tenets of SFBT in connection with our unique research findings that have not been previously addressed in the literature. Our focus will be on the presence of resourceful behaviors, which participants described as "sober fun," "setting boundaries," and participating in "family therapy."
Carlos Ramos, Ph.D., LMFT; Claire Loucka, Ph.D., LMFT
A Collaborative Approach to Supervision (1 Supervisory CEU)
This workshop will focus on an approach to supervision that is in sync with contemporary challenges and uncertainties. Collaboration is viewed as critical to success in many professional practices--psychotherapy, organizational leadership, education, and research, among others.
Harlene Anderson, Ph.D., LMFT-S; Catherine King, Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC-S
Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (1.0 CEU)
Ethical Considerations for DACA Clients (1 Ethics CEU)
This session explores the ethical and legal complexities of working with DACA recipients and immigrant, mixed-status families. Key issues include confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and access to care. Attendees will learn practical strategies to provide culturally-competent, equitable, and legally-sound therapy to DACA recipients and their families.
Chrystal Aranda, B.A. Psychology; Kendall Moffett, B.A. Psychology; Cameron Brown, Ph.D.
ADHD in Latinx Marriage: Family Systems Approach (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
The workshop will delve into how ADHD in one or both partners can influence marital dynamics, communication patterns, and emotional regulation that creates stress and anxiety within the marital relationship. These challenges can be compounded by cultural factors unique to the Latinx community: family roles, expectations, and values.
Federico Mendez, LMFT
How MFTs Can Transform Marriage Crisis (1 CEU)
New skills and ideas can help MFTs transform their approach to helping a couple in crisis. Learn about the unique dynamic of marriage crises, how to help couples make the best decisions for their families when in one, and how to ensure that children get the best possible outcome.
Becky Whetstone, LMFT (TX) (AR), LPC (AR)
EMDR Equine-Assisted: Not Just for Individuals (1 CEU)
This session introduces EMDR equine-assisted therapy, exploring its application with couples and families. It covers the 8 phases of EMDR, integrating equine-assisted interventions, and includes a video demonstration of a state change exercise. Join us for an interactive discussion to understand and apply these combined therapeutic models!
Amanda Martin, Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC, BCN; Jose Carbajal, Ph.D., LCSW; Amber Quaranta-Leech, Ph.D., LPC (TX), LPC (OK)
Thursday, February 27, 2025, 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. (1.0 CEU)
Ethical Considerations For Immigrant Minors (1 Ethics CEU)
This workshop explores the unique ethical challenges therapists face when working with immigrant populations. This includes cultural competency, confidentiality, client autonomy, and legal complexities. Participants will learn methods for upholding ethical standards while addressing the unique needs of these communities.
Matthew Nunez, B.S. Psychology; Jaden Lee, B.S. Family Science; Soon Cho, LMSW
Exploring Polyamory in the Therapy Room (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
A workshop that covers literature relevant to decreasing bias against polyamorous clients, as well as a research study that explored how these clients find and utilize therapists. This workshop will include practical application of content when working with polyamorous clients.
Kaity Swecker, M.S., LMFT-Associate
Withness Thinking: Creating Future Possibilities (1 CEU)
Withness thinking (John Shotter) points to the moral dimension of how therapists collaborate with clients to generate future possibilities. We will show the relevance of withness thinking for a healthy and evolving therapeutic alliance as well as its relevance for limbic resonance in the brain.
Glenn Boyd, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT; Cathy King, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT
Telesupervision for Marginalized MFT Supervisees (1 Supervisory CEU)
This presentation explores a phenomenological study that examines how mental health supervisees with marginalized identities experience telesupervision. By analyzing focus groups and individual interview data, the study identifies themes related to the impact of telesupervision. Additionally, the study highlights supervisee's requests for enhancing telesupervision practices to better support underrepresented populations.
Carol Elise Thompson, Ph.D., LMFT-S, CCTP; Jennifer Duong, Student Intern
Friday, February 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (1.0 CEU)
Transgender Youth: Ethical Considerations for MFTs (1 Ethics CEU)
Many clinicians express concerns about the perceived ethical and legal implications of working with transgender youth. Coupling knowledge of pertinent ethical and legal codes with a meticulous ethical model, this workshop strives to equip clinicians to confidently and successfully navigate these perceived ethical and legal difficulties while working with transgender youth.
Braxton Pierce, B.S. Psychology; Jordan Disney, B.S. Human Development and Family Sciences; Cameron Brown, Ph.D.
The Relational Window of Tolerance for Couples (1 CEU)
During times of transition and change, couple relationships endure ongoing stress. As both partners attempt to regulate their individual distress and tolerance, the relationship fluctuates based on the present stability and fragility of each partner. The relational window of tolerance provides clinicians with a road map for understanding how to encourage co-regulation and relationship resilience for couples in times of stress.
Jessica Barboza, Ph.D., LMFT-S
Navigating Transition Days in Shared Custody (1 CEU)
This presentation will delve into the findings of a qualitative phenomenological study focused on the lived experiences of individuals who share custody of their children, particularly during transition days. Transition days are defined as the periods when a child moves between the homes of divorced parents. The research aims to fill a critical gap in family therapy literature by examining the emotional, psychological, and logistical challenges that arise during these transitions.
Kaegan Engstrom-Garner, Ph.D. ABD, LMFT-S
Post-Modern Therapy, EMDR, Trauma, Addiction & Teens (1 CEU)
Many adolescents in addiction treatment have experienced complex trauma from extensive physical and sexual abuse. In our experience, EMDR alone often results in a re-experiencing of trauma. Integrating EMDR with Post-modern therapies facilitates a firmer grounding process, fewer abreactions, and a sense of hope for clients who are easily overstimulated.
George Pate, Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC-S, ICADC, AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor; Autumn Collings, M.S., LMFT-S, LPC, LCDC, AAMFT-Approved Supervisor; Kristi Zimmerman, M.S., LMFT, LPC, LCDC, EMDR Certified
Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. (1.0 CEU)
Ethics and AI Clinical Documentation Tools (1 Ethics CEU)
We will present our research on a comparative analysis of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted clinical documentation tools, evaluating HIPAA compliance, data storage and security, quality, and ethical implications for therapists. We will also present the potential impacts on confidentiality and client/workplace consent, therapeutic alliance, and training applications for supervision and practicum/internship sites.
Sofia Georgiadou LMFT-S, LPC-S, NCC; Xena Wooley, M.A. Family Therapy; Karen Resendez, M.A. Family Therapy
An Intersectional Lens to Supervise Diverse MFTs (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
Based on a recent study conducted by the presenters on MFT trainees with intersecting minority identities, this session will cover best practices for applying intersectionality and social justice to clinical supervision. Participants will consider how their identity, privilege, and oppression influence the power they hold as supervisors working with minoritized trainees.
Elizabeth Love, M.S.; Brittany Huelett-Lyons, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, LMFT-Associate, AAMFT-Approved Supervisor; Hou (Esther) Lau, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, LMFT-Associate, AAMFT Supervisor Candidate
Que Ansia: Anxiety in Latinos (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Psychoeducation plays a critical role in managing anxiety by empowering individuals with knowledge about their condition, reducing stigma, and enhancing coping strategies. Among Latinos, anxiety disorders manifest with unique cultural dimensions, often exacerbated by socio-economic challenges, acculturation stress, and limited access to culturally-competent mental health services. The impact of anxiety on Latinos is profound, influencing their overall well-being, daily functioning, and community health. Effective treatment interventions for anxiety disorders include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and culturally tailored therapeutic approaches that consider the specific needs and experiences of diverse populations. By addressing both the psychological and socio-cultural aspects of anxiety, these interventions can significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals, particularly within underserved communities such as Latinos. Comprehensive strategies integrating psychoeducation, culturally sensitive care, and evidence-based treatments are essential for mitigating the pervasive effects of anxiety disorders.
Diana Beltran, LCSW-S, CCATP
IFS-Informed Interpersonal Ethics in Supervision (1 Supervisory CEU)
This session explores how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can inform ethical supervision in marriage and family therapy. Participants will learn to identify and address power dynamics, fostering a non-exploitative, compassionate approach to supervision that promotes growth and systemic understanding within clinical relationships.
Leila Anderson, LMFT-S, LCDC
Friday, February 28, 2025, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (1.0 CEU)
TSBEMFT Rules Update (1 Ethics CEU)
Protect your license by learning from Board Members and staff about recent and upcoming rule changes and common violations. Board Members will also answer questions, hear your ideas on improving licensure in Texas, explain the many challenges facing licensure, and explore your role in change.
Lisa Merchant, Ph.D., LMFT; Sarah Faszholz, MBA
Effectively Engaging African Americans in Therapy (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
Research suggests that rates of mental health issues among African Americans are similar to White Americans, but they are significantly less likely to utilize therapy. This presentation describes mental health treatment disparities among African Americans and the outcomes of our study that explored how therapists are engaging them in therapy.
Felicia Holloway. Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT-S, AAMFT-Approved Supervisor; Vene Baggett, LMSW, CTS
Playful Assessment for Children and Caregivers (1 CEU)
Young children are often part of a family presenting to family therapy, but many therapists do not feel competent to include them in the therapeutic process. This workshop will build your confidence in inviting family members of all ages to join in the fun with creative assessment opportunities for a deeper understanding of the family's needs.
Mandi Melendez, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S
The NeuroEmotional Technique for Trauma (1 CEU)
The NeuroEmotional Technique (NET) is a muscle-response, mind-body technique that uses a methodology of finding and removing neurological imbalances related to the physiology of unresolved stress patterns. Emotional responses are naturally "hard-wired" in the body. A stimulus happens, we respond, and then the body should return to normal. However, emotional trauma in the presence of a neurological or meridian deficit can cause a physio-pathological pattern in the body that does not resolve itself. NET helps improve many emotional, behavioral, and physical stress conditions and facilitates the resolution of stress trapped in the mind and body. Attendees will learn about the research and science behind NET, and observe demonstrations of the technique in practice, led by an LMFT and an LPC-S who utilize the technique uniquely in each of their practices and Dr. Joy Rincones, D.C., who will demonstrate how holistic physical health practitioners also utilize the technique.
Tricia Foster; Cheryl K. Andrews, LPC-S; Joy Rincones, Doctor of Chiropractic
Friday, February 28, 2025, 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. (1.0 CEU)
Cultural Competency: Is Your Referral Ethical? (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
It can be unclear when referring a client due to a clinician's lack of cultural competency, whether it is ethical or when it crosses into discrimination. This workshop explores the nuanced ethical considerations therapists face when working with diverse populations, offering guidance on maintaining cultural sensitivity in practice.
V Arreola, B.S.; Jacqueline Lazo, B.S.; Cameron Brown, Ph.D.
TSBEMFT Common Violations (1 Ethics CEU)
Learn from TSBEMFT board members and staff about common violations and how to protect your license. Sample topics include the supervision file and supervision best practices, and protecting your license through case notes, documentation, boundaries, and self-care. Supervisors, Associates, and other licensees are encouraged to come.
Lisa Merchant, Ph.D., LMFT; Nicole Richardson, LPC-S, LMFT-S; Sarah Faszholz, MBA
Family Court Systems: MFTs Role in Divorce Support (1 CEU)
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) often support clients navigating the family court system, including divorce and custody matters, yet many feel unprepared for this complex process. This presentation provides insight into the Texas family court system and explores the essential role therapists play in supporting clients during these challenging times.
Tania Andrews, LMFT-Associate, Supervised by Larry Bell, Jr., LMFT-S, and Candice Marcum, LMFT-S, LPC-S, LCDC
Working with Afghan Refugee Women (1 Cultural Diversity or Competency CEU)
This presentation explores the findings from a recent study of Afghan refugee women and discusses the clinical implications of providing mental health support to them. This session will prepare clinicians to meet this population with cultural humility and sensitivity to appreciate the internal and external challenges of displacement.
Umaimah Maryam; Adam Jones, Ph.D.