One Mission, Many Voices

NASW Utah Annual Spring Conference

"One Mission, Many Voices"

March 14, 2025
Conference Center at Miller Campus
8 AM - 5 PM MOUNTAIN TIME
7.5 CEU including 1 Suicide and 1 Ethics CEU

MFT & CMHC can receive CEU for this conference. Per the DOPL regulation CEU can be offered by a professional association, or similar body, involved in clinical mental health therapy. So this conference will qualify. (This is for Utah residents)

COST:
NASW-Utah (Utah Resident) - $50
Non-Member (Utah Resident) - $125
NASW Member (Resident Outside of Utah) - $75
Non-Member (Outside of Utah) - $125
NASW-Utah Student Member - $15
Non-Member Student - $50

The NASW Utah Annual Spring Conference, One Mission, Many Voices, is set for March 14, 2025, at the Conference Center at Miller Campus. This premier event brings together social work professionals from across Utah to engage in vital discussions and training on some of the most pressing issues facing the field today.

This year’s conference will feature expert-led courses, including ethics, suicide prevention strategies, clinical supervision training, and a focus on both local and global critical challenges. These topics are designed to enhance your professional skills and broaden your understanding of the social work landscape, ensuring that you stay informed and empowered to serve diverse communities.

Whether you're looking to fulfill your continuing education requirements (CEUs) or seeking opportunities to connect with fellow social workers and leaders in the field, this conference offers invaluable learning and networking. Make plans to join us for a day filled with insightful sessions, collaboration, and a shared mission to address the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities.

Mark your calendars for March 14, 2025, and be a part of this impactful experience. Register early to secure your spot!

REGISTRATION LINK

PRESENTATIONS:

Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, LCSW - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings”

David Derezotes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?”

Barbara Lester, DSW, LCSW- “Changing the Narrative about Aging”

Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders”

Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - " Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"

Jerry Buie - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"

Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Samantha Roundy , LCSW- "Suicidality as a Part"

Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA - "Diversity, attachment theory, and emotionall focused therapy"

MORE TO COME!

Tentative Agenda:

8 AM - 9 AM - Suicide - 1 CEU - Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders” - Live-Stream
8 AM - 9 AM - Ethics - 1 CEU - David Dereztoes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?”

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - 1.5 CEU
Julie Hanks - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings” - Live-Stream
Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - " Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"
Jerry Buie - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM - 1.15 CEU
Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA - "Diversity, attachment theory, and emotionall focused therapy"
Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Sam Roundy - "Suicidality as a Part" - Live-Stream
Barbara Lester, LCSW - "Changing the Narrative About Aging"

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Suicide - 1 CEU - Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders”
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Ethics - 1 CEU - David Dereztoes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?” - Live-Stream

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM - 1.5 CEU
Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, LCSW - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings”
Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - " Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"
Jerry Buie - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing" - Live-Stream

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM - 1.15 CEU
Payment/Contract Negotiations with Payors
Barbara Lester, LCSW - "Changing the Narrative About Aging" - Live-Stream
Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Sam Roundy - "Suicidality as a Part"

Julie Hanks, PhD, MSW, LCSW - “Sacred Scars: Understanding and Treating Religious Trauma in Clinical Settings”
Religious trauma, a growing area of concern in mental health practice, arises from experiences of spiritual abuse, coercive control, and harmful dogma within religious settings. This trauma can deeply affect an individual's psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being, leaving clients with feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, and loss of identity. As social workers, it is critical to develop the skills and sensitivity required to provide effective therapeutic support to clients navigating the aftermath of religious trauma. This presentation will explore the unique aspects of religious trauma and its intersection with mental health, drawing from evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and spiritual integration. Attendees will learn how to recognize signs of religious trauma, assess its impact on clients' mental health, and implement compassionate, culturally competent interventions including managing the clinicians countertransference. Participants will also gain insights into the role of personal beliefs in the therapeutic process and how to maintain professional boundaries while respecting clients' faith journeys or spiritual disillusionment. Through case studies, interactive discussion, and clinical techniques, participants will be equipped to: -Differentiate between religious trauma and other forms of trauma. -Identify tools to help clients reclaim personal autonomy, heal from spiritual wounds, and rebuild a positive sense of self. -Address ethical dilemmas that may arise when working with clients from diverse religious backgrounds. Learning Objectives: -Define religious trauma and understand its effects on mental health. -Apply trauma-informed practices to religious trauma in clinical settings. -Navigate the intersection of personal faith and clinical practice with ethical awareness. Professional Sources: Walker, J. R., & Tice, A. E. (2019). Religious Trauma Syndrome: A Therapist’s Guide to Helping Clients Heal. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(7), 1287-1301. doi:10.1002/jclp.22838. Ward, S. J., & King, L. A. (2021). The Psychology of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs: How Faith Shapes Mental Health and Well-Being. Annual Review of Psychology, 72, 635-660. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-082119-123302. Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books. Thomas, L. V. (2018). Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma: Implications for Mental Health Practitioners. Social Work & Christianity, 45(4), 103-116.

BIO: Julie de Azevedo Hanks, PhD, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with 30 years experience specializing in women’s emotional health and relationships and the intersection of religious experiences. She earned an MSW from the University of UT, a PhD in marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and a certification in religious trauma studies. Dr. Hanks is currently an adjunct faculty member and is a former assistant professor of social work at Utah Valley University. In 2002 she founded Wasatch Family Therapy, an outpatient therapy clinic with locations in Sandy, Lehi, and Farmington, UT. Dr. Hanks provides leadership, supervision, consultation and mentoring to mental health professionals. Her professional service includes the NASW private practice specialty section national board, Mormon Mental Health Association board, and a current member of UT NASW board. Dr. Hanks is the author of The Burnout Cure and The Assertiveness Guide for Women, a blogger, a local and national media contributor, an online influencer, a private practice consultant, a TedX speaker and an award-winning performing songwriter. Her podcast, Ask Dr. Julie Hanks, has had well over one million downloads. A native Californian, Hanks currently lives with her family in Sandy, UT. For additional resources visit DrJulieHanks.com or connect with @drjuliehanks @wasatchfamilytherapy on social media.

David Derezotes, LCSW, PhD - “Is It Possible To Feel Contentment in My Life?”

BIO: Drdave Derezotes is Professor Emeritus of Social Work and retired Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) Program in the College of Humanities at the University of Utah. He has received many awards in teaching, service, and scholarship and has published eight textbooks and numerous articles in such topics as community mental health, dialogue, and the climate crisis. His latest text, “Climate change in person, community and planet” was just published in November 2024 and is a guide for helping professionals on how to address the climate crisis with our clients, patients, and students. Drdave currently provides consultation, teaching, and counseling in his private practice, including trainings for local and regional social service and professional organizations.  He also teaches in the Osher program, facilitates LCSW consultation groups, serves on the UTNASW Board, and offers free monthly public dialogues at both the Millcreek Senior Center and Library. Finally, Drdave can also be seen bicycle commuting, playing music with the “Bald Eagles”, and enjoying the desert where he loves to wander and wonder in the wild beauties of Utah.

Barbara Lester, LCSW- “Changing the Narrative about Aging”
Navigating age diversity is crucial for strong teamwork, personal growth, and respectful treatment of our clients. Additionally, research shows that holding a positive view of aging adds 7.5 years to one’s lifespan compared to a negative view. This evidence informed training will help participants reduce ageism and develop skills for an age-positive approach towards their own aging and towards their colleagues and clientele.

BIO: Barbara Lester is a licensed clinical social worker in Utah and 10 other states. She is a Senior EAP Consultant with Intermountain Health's Employee Assistance Program and is on the board of the Utah branch of the National Association of Social Workers. She has been employed with Intermountain Health for over 20 years but has been a social worker for 40. She recently completed her doctorate in social work at the University of Alabama, where her research focused on reducing ageism in healthcare and in behavioral health.

Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, LDI - “Suicide Prevention in First Responders”

Mind Sheild for brain burn is an evidence-based model that supports the mental fitness of first responders. First responders are highly trained trauma providers and see and perceive trauma differently than civilians. Mind Sheild targets the hyperarousal systems and allows first responders to move from responder self to family, parent and friend self. In addition Mind Sheild uses mindfulness to engage the brains natural learning and resiliency systems. 

Jacob Ostler, LCSW, MSW - "Supporting Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation"

When working with survivors whose abuse took place online, or where their abuse has been uploaded to the internet, there are a wide range of complex situations that can arise.  In this presentation you'll learn about clinical applications, available resources, and challenges survivors often face when they experience this type of abuse.

BIO: Jacob has an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on Global Practice, and a certificate in Anti-Human Trafficking from Vanguard University. Jacob has been working with people who survived sexual violence since 2016. This work has taken place in over 10 countries, focusing in Asia and the US. He has worked with survivors of online sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, human trafficking, child marriage, torture, and other types of violence. Jacob has worked as a therapist domestically and working internationally he has built care teams consisting of case managers, lawyers, and therapists. Jacob provides training and consultation both domestically and internationally to organizations that work to support survivors.  Jake works as a therapist, program consultant, and is the founder of a non profit called International Protection Alliance. In addition to this, Jake sits on the board of the Utah Social Work Association. 

Lacey Peterson, LCSW & Sam Roundy - "Suicidality as a Part"

This course introduces an innovative approach to working with clients experiencing suicidality by viewing it as a “part” rather than the entirety of the individual. By integrating therapeutic modalities that explore the motives of suicidal parts and establish protective internal relationships, clinicians can reduce stigma, foster self-compassion, and promote safety. Through theoretical insights, case studies, and practical interventions, participants will gain strategies to navigate the topic of suicidal ideation with greater empathy and efficacy which can enhance the therapeutic alliance and support transformative healing.

BIO: Samantha Roundy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in eating disorders, trauma, and women's issues. She holds a BS in Psychology and a Master of Social Work and is passionate about providing clinical therapy that promotes social justice and health equity. Samantha's experience spans inpatient treatment settings at The Center for Change, school social work, and private practice. She has a strong foundation for working with eating disorders, including orthorexia, anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, particularly when those individuals struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She is pursuing certification as an eating disorder specialist.

Lacey Peterson, LCSW, holds a BS in Secondary Health Education from UVU and earned her Master's of Social Work from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She received a wealth of experience right out of grad school providing crisis interventions and stabilization services to people of all ages in the Denver metro area before returning to Utah to work in private practice. Lacey provides a compassionate, supportive therapeutic environment for clients seeking healing and growth.  Lacey has received specialized training in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sandtray therapy, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is particularly passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population, men experiencing anxiety and low self-esteem, couples and families seeking to improve their relationships, survivors of abuse and trauma, and individuals navigating faith transitions. 

Jerry Buie - "LGTBQ Sexuality and Healing"

In a rapidly evolving landscape of queer identities within the LGBTQ community, understanding the nuances of sexual healing has never been more vital for clinical social workers. This presentation will provide an opportunity for providers to enhance their knowledge and empathy towards individuals navigating queer spaces in a heteronormative world in 2025. Participants are encouraged to bring questions that will facilitate a deeper therapeutic alliance with their clients. Together, we will create a safe and supportive environment to explore and discuss relevant issues affecting LGBTQ lives.

BIO: Jerry Buie is the proud owner and operator of Pride Counseling, established in 1998 as Utah's first openly LGBTQIA+-affirming practice. With a deep commitment to addressing the diverse mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pride Counseling serves as a vital and culturally attuned resource.

As a former Associate Professor at the University of Utah Graduate School of Social Work, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. His extensive involvement in the community includes serving on various boards such as the Utah Aids Foundation, the Pride Center Advisory Board for Mental Health, the Naraya Cultural Preservation Council (focused on Native American traditions), and as Chair of Sage Utah, which advocates for the 50+ LGBTQIA+ community.

Jerry has dedicated the past decade to participating in Reconciliation and Dialogue groups, working alongside professionals from diverse socio-political and religious backgrounds to promote ethical practices in the realm of sexual orientation and gender identity therapies. His commitment to the community extends beyond his professional endeavors; he has been a loving husband for 29 years, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather of three.

In addition to his counseling work, Jerry co-organizes Inspirit, a community initiative that introduces earth-based approaches to spirituality. He is also a co-founder of Mindfully Gay, a nurturing space where gay men come together to explore, discuss, appreciate, and celebrate their identities in intimate and supportive settings. Additionally, he serves as a co-producer and participant in the Mindfully Gay Guys Podcast, which focuses on themes relevant to the Mindfully Gay community.

Throughout his career, Jerry has been mentored in various indigenous earth-based systems, including Native American traditions, Andean practices, Amazonian spiritual influences, Dagara (Burkina Faso), and Mongolian Shamanism. For over 25 years, he has facilitated ceremonies worldwide, guiding individuals through profound spiritual journeys. His vast experience enables him to support personal growth and healing across diverse cultural landscapes.