Hawaii Behavioral Health and Wellness Convention

Psychological knowledge with scientific ambitions has primarily emerged in the Western World. Systems of scientific knowledge built in the Western hemisphere erased Indigenous knowledge through the colonization and imperialistic exploitation of lands and peoples. Evidences of the devastating pervasive impacts of these Western colonial systems are epistemicide and genocide of many Indigenous cultures. However, Indigenous cultures are still thriving, resisting, surviving, and contesting colonial impositions in knowledge and action. Indigenous movements have sprouted everywhere. One of them is Indigenous psychologies that are proposing emic versus etic research, decolonial ontologies, epistemologies, axiologies, and methodologies to co-construct knowledge and praxes “otherwise.” These movements are furnishing the making of Indigenous community psychologies that address the plurality of perspectives and voices representing psychological phenomena in diverse geopolitical settings. We begin a new era of decoloniality by stopping the erasure of contributions from the Global South that are not anthropocentric and whose common theme is the sacredness of nature, the cultivation of spirituality, and accountability to maintain harmonious relationships with humans and other-than-humans. Indigenous community psychologies were applied in affective conviviality with inter-generational communities in diverse regions of Mexico. Solidary collaborations with Indigenous communities promote sumac kawsay(wellbeing) and the pluriversal co-construction of the Zapatista’s world in which many worlds are possible.

In this presentation we will learn about some examples of Indigenous Psychologies from the Global South (the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands). We will review their constructs, principles, values, theories and praxes and determine common threats and differences. We will learn the main assumptions of community psychologies in the Global South and some examples of applications in praxes to propose Indigenous community psychologies that co-construct pathways towards decoloniality for epistemic, ecological, and cultural justice.

Learning Objectives:

• Comprehend that there are diverse psychologies informed by their own cultural contexts, cosmovisions, ontologies, epistemologies, and axiologies
• Learn about tools and approaches developed in the fields of Indigenous and community psychology
• Discern the interplay of inter-subjectivity, cultural phenomena, and decoloniality
• Be exposed to applications of Indigenous community psychologies in Mexico

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a worldwide impact on the health and wellbeing of people. In Hawaiʻi, our ‘ohana and communities continue to be confronted with uncertainty, loss and constant change. Through these ongoing stresses and challenges, it is paramount to remain connected to each other, systems of support and the practices that uplift our health and wellbeing. This workshop will explore traditional Hawaiian culture and values through Kūkulu Kumuhana. This wellbeing tool was developed through collaboration of Liliʻuokalani Trust, Kamehameha Schools, Office of Hawaiian Affairs and others which uplifts six principles of Ea (self-determination), ʻĀina Momona (healthy and productive land and people), Pilina (mutually sustaining relationships), Waiwai (ancestral knowledge and collective wealth), ʻŌiwi (cultural identity and native intelligence) and Ke Akua Mana (spirituality and sacredness of mana). The Native Hawaiian Wellbeing During COVID-19 resource was developed to provide practical ideas and activities as a tool to strengthen ʻohana during this unsettling time. It was featured in OHA’s Ka Wai Ola magazine as a strategy for thriving in a pandemic. The Kūkulu Kumuhana Keiki Activity was later developed as a way to spark intentional family dialogue and youth empowerment. Join us for this workshop to learn about Kūkulu Kumuhana, the tools developed in response to COVID-19 and explore ways that it can be used in your work, communities and ʻohana. These tools recognize and uplift the foundation of abundance that our kūpuna laid and center these values and practices amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through culture and values, we remain interconnected to each other, kūpuna and ʻāina to uplift our ola!

Learning Objectives: After this presentation, participants will:
• Become acquainted with the Kūkulu Kumuhana wellbeing framework.
• Be able to articlate the six dimensions of Kūkulu Kumuhana.
• Leave with practical ideas for implementing Kūkulu Kumuhama in your work, communities and ʻohana.

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

Participants will learn some of the most effective ways to work within the mental health system as a provider of services. Many of these “tips of the trade” are transferrable to consumers and family members that may need assistance. State and private systems of care will be discussed including jargon that is essential in navigating services and systems. The basics of trauma informed care will be reviewed when working with consumers. Trauma informed management will also be addressed as a concept for taking care of staff in the workplace.

Building relationships with the various networks of care is the basis for this workshop. What does client driven mean and what does this look like in practice? In navigating we have kuleana to advocate for our consumers and the workshop will outline the various ways in which we strive to provide the highest quality of care.

An emphasis will be suicide awareness and prevention as a core competency for mental health and substance use providers. Participants will have an opportunity to practice a self-care activity which can improve sustainability for practitioners. When we are taking care of ourselves and centered in strength then we can view our work as blessings and opportunities versus burdens.

Workshop Objectives 
As a result of this program, participants will:

• learn about the process of accessing care mental health and substance use services in Hawaii
• learn about the eligibility criteria for most state operated and private providers of care in Hawaii.
• gain an understanding for the importance of continuity of care between and across systems.
• gain knowledge in the power of networking and building relationships in the mental health field and understand the benefits to the consumer (s).
• experience a self-care experience and learn how to apply it in their practice.
• be able to identify risk factors for individuals that may be at risk for suicide.
• be able to communicate the basic principles of Trauma Informed Care (TIC).

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

Session Chair: Sean W. Scanlan, PhD, Director and Associate Professor, Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Inouye, Ann
Exploring MDMA-assisted therapy
Depending on the dose, setting, and individual, MDMA’s short-term psychoactive effects assists in regulating mood, increases trust within a psychotherapeutic environment, and emotional awareness; reducing the amygdala’s fear response. The effect is decreased hypervigilance and anxiety and improved states of consciousness. Multiple receptors, neurotransmitters, and intermediary processes account for MDMA's neurobiological effects. In 2017, a series of six phase 2 clinical trials looking at MDMA-AT for treatment-resistant PTSD found that 54% of MDMA full-dose participants no longer met the diagnosis of PTSD. No studies have been found or published on adverse effects MDMA-AT. With the upcoming completion of Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, an FDA designated "breakthrough therapy", it is time to update the public understanding of MDMA and reassess its highly politicized history with a sagacity towards the evidence.

Nordstrom, Derek
Tai Chi Chuan Can Change Your Mind and Your Brain
Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient marital art that has been said to have positive physical and mental health benefits. Until recently, there weren’t any studies on the effects of Tai Chi Chuan practice upon the structures of the brain. In this poster, I present research which indicates that several parts of the brain are affected by the long-term practice of Tai Chi Chuan including the prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, occipital cortex, as well as brain white and gray matter. Moreover, I look at the important functions of the parts of the brain affected by Tai Chi Chuan practice, as well as enhanced functioning experienced by practitioners. I also look briefly at the positive affects Tai Chi Chuan has upon neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and how Tai Chi Chuan can help with cognitive processes involving executive functioning including memory, as well as mood disorders including depression.

Rhines, Nuri
The role of pediatric neuropsychology in treating neurocognitive deficits in children and adolescents affected by child maltreatment
Even though the effects of child maltreatment are prevalent in society, children with abuse history make up a small percentage of patients that are being assessed and treated by pediatric neuropsychologists. Growing research has shown the ways child abuse can affect and change a developing brain, but there are few studies that take a comprehensive approach to looking at all domains of neurocognitive functioning that may be affected by child maltreatment. This review looks at the current research on the neurocognitive domains affected by child maltreatment and proposes the role pediatric neuropsychology should play in assessing and treating this population. There is limited research that looks at all the domains of neurocognitive functioning affected by child maltreatment. There are also some inconsistencies in which neurocognitive functions are affected by child maltreatment. Understanding a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses sets the foundation to implement early intervention strategies. It is currently not a requirement for children to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation when placed into foster care. A neuropsychological assessment should be a requirement of every child when they enter into the system to examine which resources are needed, and to determine placement for school and therapy.

Tavares, Ana
Exploring the role of the insula in the brain-behavior relationship
It is commonly taught that our brain has four lobes (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital), each with their own specific function; However, the Insula is becoming increasingly referred to as the fifth lobe due to emerging research exposing its diverse functioning involving emotion, and the regulation of the body’s internal state. For my proposed poster, I will explore the importance of the Insula by examining its functional neuroanatomy, functioning, and the consequences of Insular dysfunction.

This interactive workshop will explore the intersection of harm reduction tenets and social work values that inform harm reduction-based social work practice.  From theory to field, both harm reduction and social work share values such as social justice, dignity and worth of the person and the importance of relationships.  This workshop will review the history of harm reduction practice in both the U.S. and Hawaii will as well as concrete applications of harm reduction practices.  Data from evidence-based harm reduction services such as Housing First, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion and Syringe Access programs will be highlighted as well as lessons learned from the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center.

After this session, participants will be able to:
List and define three tenets of harm reduction as they apply to social work values
Describe three examples of harm reduction in practice
Identify and access harm reduction resources and services in Hawaii

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ms. Garlock will not be available to conduct this workshop at the convention this Friday.  She will record the program at a later time and we will make it available to all convention attendees.

Systems created in Europe and the United States were founded on white supremacy, and continue to function in its perpetuation. How do we unlearn some of these things and untangle ourselves and our profession from these harmful roots? How do we actively practice our work and work to dismantle our practices at the same time? We cannot therapize our way out of colonization and white supremacy. What can we do?

It is hoped that this roundtable will be an opportunity to have this discussion as Social Work and other Behavioral Health professionals; to reflect on what can be done on a macro/community level to address white supremacy and its legacy in the world, and especially in the Nation of Hawai’i.

Learning Objectives:
● To reflect upon and describe two ways in which our individual and collective complicity in systems that uphold white supremacy
● To formulate responses to individual and collective responsibility for dismantling systems that uphold white supremacy
● To generate ideas about ways we can work as individuals and collectively to integrate anti-racist practices into our work

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

Within this workshop we will present information regarding the process of starting a Private Practice as a Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaii.  This information is applicable to pre-licensed and licensed social workers, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists.  Presenters will discuss the process of establishing their businesses which seek to provide mental health therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in Hawaii, at an affordable rate.  Some topics covered in the presentation include: required paperwork and forms for submitting a business application in Hawaii, considerations for structuring your business (individual practice vs. shared practice, LLC vs. S-Corp), marketing, advertising and networking, payment and billing options (client self-pay vs. insurance), and HIPAA compliant telehealth providers vs. in-person services.  Participants will gain a better understanding of some of the benefits as well as the challenges that may become apparent when considering private practice, as opposed to working for a local agency, or a contracted clinician.  

Learning objectives:

• Participants will learn about marketing and advertising strategies (i.e., generating referral sources to build client load, utilizing social media and search engines to advertise services)
• Participants will become familiar with the logistics of the legal paperwork required for filing to start a business in Hawaii (taking into consideration: business name, business plan and structure, partnership vs. solely owned, LLC vs. S-Corp).
• Participants will explore the benefits of telehealth vs. in-person services
• Participants will review the state requirements to become licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker and get a better understanding of the limitations of working as a pre-licensed clinician

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified existing challenges for communities, schools, students and families, especially in disadvantaged, rural, remote areas of Hawaiʻi. These students and families may face economic and housing instability, food insecurity and at risk for increased childhood trauma. The Resilient Communities, Schools and Families project (RCSF) is an innovative initiative to strengthen partnerships, promote
trauma sensitive practices and enhanced coordination of wrap-around prevention/intervention services for children and families. This project focuses on the wellbeing of the whole child through wrap-around services, student support teams, school teams and professional skills development around social emotional learning and
trauma informed care. RCSF brings together partners: Ceeds of Peace, The Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance, Papa Ola Lōkahi, Kamehameha Schools, HawaiiKidsCAN, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Place Based Social Emotional Development and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education together in support of five Title I elementary schools serving large Native Hawaiian student populations. The project builds upon the best practices of trauma-sensitive approaches and the Community Schools model to create sustainable conditions for schools to better serve students and families, ensure even the most at-risk youth have access to services necessary to thrive within their school, homes and communities, and develop a tailored operational approach that builds capacity for schools to strengthen community partnerships. Join us for this workshop to learn about the Resilient Communities, Schools and Families project.

Learning Objectives:
After this presentation participants will:
1. Become acquainted with the Resilient Communities, Schools and Families project.
2. Be able to articulate community-based collaboration and strategies to support schools, students and families.
3. Leave with an understanding of this multi-layered approach to supporting social emotional development and addressing trauma.

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.

Poetry Therapy, which is the therapeutic use of poems, narratives, and other spoken or written works to promote well-being and healing, has long served clinicians and clients alike across a multitude of settings. Most recently, we have seen how this therapeutic modality has become utilized as a means of therapeutic expression, connection, and engagement for a diverse span of populations, from correctional facilities to community mental health centers and nonclinical contexts as well.
In this workshop, we will (1) familiarize ourselves with the foundational principles of Poetry Therapy; (2) honor the cultural context of poetry and narrative in Hawai’i, (3) explore the what, when, why and how to use poetry in a therapeutic manner; (4) review recent emerging research related to integrating Spoken Word elements, and (5) engage in a few experiential exercises to integrate Poetry Therapy into our individual practices.
No poetry experience? No problem. Just as the majority of folks who are initially introduced to poetry therapy, no experience is necessary to reap the benefits of this therapeutic modality. In fact, the less experience, the better. So please bring along a notebook, a writing instrument, a healthy bit of inquisitiveness, and a willingness to write something new into your practice, and potentially, your life.

Workshop Learning Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify the foundational principles of Poetry Therapy.
• Discern when and how they may utilize poetry in a therapeutic manner.
• Discuss the psychological factors involved in Spoken Word Poetry Therapy.
• Integrate at least two Poetry Therapy exercises into their own practice.

The evaluation/CE request form for this program can be found HERE.