DESCRIPTION: The central nervous system (CNS), made up of the brain and spinal cord, plays a key role in how our clients perceive, experience, and respond to the world around them. Though hereditary elements and biological predispositions have a significant impact on the functioning of the central nervous system and the subsequent experience of the self, it is also incredibly influenced by a variety of environmental factors such as early experience, social learning, schedules of punishment and reinforcement, current stressors, and availability of resources such as nutrition and medical care. Because all psychotherapy is essential working with the experience of the self - vis-a-vis the reshaping of the central nervous system - it is incumbent on all of us as mental health professionals to have a foundational understanding of the key structures and functions that comprise the central nervous system, how they work together and with the other systems of the body to regulate the individual, and how they can be influenced through psychotherapy to help our clients more effectively reach their mental health-related goals. Through engaging and experiential activities, learners in this training begin with exploring the philosophical relationship between the brain and the mind. They then gain a better understanding of the structures, systems, and functions of the brain and how these relate to the four core theoretical forces in psychotherapy: 1) analytic, 2) cognitive/behavioral, 3) humanistic/existential, and 4) contextual/constructivist. In addition, this training also focuses on applied neuroscience as it relates to the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress and trauma, and addictions and substance use disorders. Finally, learners explore some of the limitations of contemporary neuroscience and how a lack of understanding in this area by uninformed mental health professionals can lead to misinformation and ineffective clinical practice. NOTE: This training can be taken independently and also as part of the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: September 10 and 11, 2024 (Tuesday & Wednesday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book by psychologist and counselor educator Chad Luke, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

DESCRIPTION: Though it is important to stay within our scope of practice as mental health professionals, we often find ourselves in situations where having some basic information about psychotropic medications and/or other psychoactive substances can be quite useful. With this knowledge, we become better advocates for our clients with other medical and mental health professionals as well as collaborators with our own clients. Such knowledge includes how medications and other substances are introduced into the body, how they are metabolized and distributed throughout the body, and finally how they are excreted. It also requires a working understanding of how medications and other substances affect the central nervous system, their short and long term effects on other body systems, as well as how they interact with one another. Using an engaging and participatory learning format, participants in this training learn the major classifications of psychotropic medications and psychoactive substances, gain a better understanding of how neurons and neurotransmitters work within the central nervous system, and become better acquainted with common side effects and adverse reactions to be watching for with their clients. In particular, this training focuses on antidepressants (e.g. MAO inhibitors, SNRIs, SSRIs, tricyclics, etc.), antipsychotics (typical and atypical neuroleptics), anxiolytics (e.g. barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etc.), mood-stabilizers (lithium, anticonvulsants, etc.), and cognitive enhancers/anti-ADHDs (psychostimulants, SNRIs, beta-blockers, etc.). We will look at some “off label” uses of these common psychotropic medications for other psychological symptoms or psychiatric diagnoses. Participants also learn about the DEA’s schedule of drugs and the most common psychoactive substances - including central nervous system depressants, central nervous system stimulants, opiates/opioids, hallucinogens, cannabis/cannabinoids, inhalants, anabolic steroids, designer drugs, and a few others. Additionally, MAT or medication-assisted treatment options for some addictive substances and/or behaviors is then explored (e.g. NRT, bupropion, naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone, etc.). Finally, we address the issue of discontinuing psychotropic medications and/or other psychoactive substances, the problems associated with withdrawal and rebound effects, as well as the range of possible alternative treatments outside pharmacotherapies. NOTE: This training can be taken independently and also as part of the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: November 14 and 15, 2024 (Thursday & Friday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book by psychologist and psychiatrist team, JoEllen Patterson, PhD, A. Ari Albala, MD, Margaret E. McCahill, MD, and Todd M. Edwards, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.