JOIN THE COLLEAGUE COLLABORATION FOR A GREAT VIRTUAL EVENT!

Many of us, whether in agencies or private practice, can feel like we are sometimes “going it alone” and wish we could receive advice from our colleagues, especially on our most difficult cases. This is your opportunity to bring those tough cases and clients to your peers to seek feedback in a safe and confidential environment where all psychotherapists – clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists – can share their struggles and receive advice on their problem cases.  No cases that need assistance?  Bring your experience and expertise to share with your colleagues.  Collaboration is a team effort that enlightens us all!

Friday, November 21st

Online on ZOOM

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Description: Part one of this presentation will offer a comprehensive exploration of Florida's mental health landscape through the lens of the Baker Act. The history and evolution of the Baker Act, highlighting key legislative milestones and amendments since its inception in 1972 will be discussed. Ethical considerations form a crucial component, addressing the principles guiding mental health professionals, including confidentiality, autonomy, and the delicate balance between individual civil rights and public safety. We delve into practical aspects, covering the initiation of Baker Acts both in-person and via telehealth, emphasizing the significance of thorough assessments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethics. Practical insights provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the Baker Act process, highlighting the roles of various stakeholders such as law enforcement, mental health professionals, and emergency receiving facilities. The presentation also tackles common misconceptions, seeking to offer clarity on the legal and procedural dimensions of the Baker Act. The incorporation of case studies and real-life examples will be given to foster a deeper understanding of this critical intervention tool. 

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Describe the historical development and current legal framework of Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act, including key legislative milestones and statutory criteria for involuntary commitment.

Objective 2: Explain the ethical considerations involved in initiating involuntary mental health and substance use treatment, with attention to civil rights, confidentiality, autonomy, and public safety.

Objective 3: Differentiate the processes, procedures, and clinical decision-making pathways associated with Baker Act versus Marchman Act interventions, including initiation methods, court involvement, and treatment planning.

Objective 4: Evaluate complex case scenarios involving behavioral health crises by identifying appropriate legal interventions, assessing dangerousness, and recommending coordinated treatment responses using ASAM criteria and expert consultation when applicable.

Presenter

 

John Puls, LCSW, MCAP

Full Life Comprehensive Care

John Puls, LCSW, MCAP is a licensed clinical social worker and master’s certified addiction professional with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. He earned both his BSW and MSW from Florida Atlantic University, where he now serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work. John is also a qualified expert witness, conducting forensic evaluations in cases involving behavioral health issues. He is the cofounder of a private crisis intervention, case management, and psychotherapy practice located in Boca Raton, FL. His work focuses on bridging the gap between clinical care and community-based services, with a passion for advancing ethical, effective treatment solutions across systems.

CeBroker Tracking No. 20-1329726 This event is offered by SMHCA - Approved Continuing Education Provider - CE Broker Provider #: 50-13528.  This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW and Registered Interns.

Once payment is completed you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom Meeting ID.  TRAINING FEES (members need to be logged in to be able to register at the member rate) Completed Registrations including Payment Guarantees Participation: $15 Member $30 Nonmember $5 Student (with membership) $10 Student Nonmember (no CEUs)

Friday, February 20th, 2026

Online on ZOOM

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Description: This presentation gives practical psycho-education about the brain and the importance of using good brain habits in everyday living. Introduction of SPECT SCANS (Single Proton Emission Computed Tomography) as nuclear medicine scans used to look at the brain. The second part of this presentation will cover basic neuroscience principles and concepts learned from Dr. Amen and his clinics.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Learn what is SPECT and how it is distinct from other nuclear medicine studies.

Objective 2: Define at least 3 simple strategies that include brain health.

Objective 3: List all components of the mnemonic "BRIGHT MINDS".

Presenter

 

Angela Canque-Kaplan, LMHC

Kaplan Therapy & Consulting

Angela is a licensed mental health professional and Founder of Kaplan Therapy, where she provides brain health coaching services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is an Elite Amen University Clinician Mentor and an EMDRIA Consultant-in-Training, offering both individual and group consultation for clinicians pursuing EMDR certification. With over a decade of experience across holistic and clinical settings, Angela integrates neuroscience, psychotherapy, and the Amen Clinics Method to help clients optimize brain function and overall well-being. Her work emphasizes a holistic approach to healing—blending biological, social, and spiritual perspectives to foster resilience, growth, and lasting change

CeBroker Tracking No. 20-1327930 This event is offered by SMHCA - Approved Continuing Education Provider - CE Broker Provider #: 50-13528.  This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW and Registered Interns.

Once payment is completed you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom Meeting ID.  TRAINING FEES (members need to be logged in to be able to register at the member rate) Completed Registrations including Payment Guarantees Participation: $15 Member $30 Nonmember $5 Student (with membership) $10 Student Nonmember (no CEs)

Friday, July 17th

Online on ZOOM

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Description: Neurodiverse clients thrive when counseling interventions are tailored to both their unique strengths and developmental needs. This webinar explores practical Adlerian strategies to support neurodiverse individuals from childhood through adulthood. Participants will gain tools for case conceptualization, encouragement-based interventions, and developmentally appropriate adaptations that promote belonging, resilience, and growth. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and foster deeper connection with clients across the lifespan. 

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Differentiate the therapeutic needs of neurodiverse clients across major developmental phases (childhood, adolescence, adulthood).

Objective 2: Describe Adlerian principles and play-based strategies that foster belonging, encouragement, and resilience in neurodiverse clients.

Objective 3: Demonstrate ways to adapt counseling interventions to align with developmental stage and individual learning style.

Objective 4: Evaluate case examples to create developmentally appropriate treatment plans for neurodiverse clients across the lifespan.

Presenter

 

Andrea Mann, MS, NCC, LMHC-S,

RPT-S, CAdPT-A, RST

Pathways Counseling LLC

Andrea Mann is the owner and clinical director of Pathways Counseling LLC in North Port, Florida. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Advanced Adlerian Play Therapist, and a Registered Sand Therapist. Andrea specializes in Adlerian Play Therapy, trauma-focused interventions, and identity exploration across the lifespan. In addition to her clinical work, she provides professional supervision, consultation, and continuing education for counselors and organizations. Known for her engaging teaching style and deep commitment to encouragement and belonging, Andrea brings both expertise and warmth to her presentations, helping professionals feel equipped and inspired in their practice.

Co-Presenter

 

Danielle Bishop, LMHC, QST,

and Registered Play Therapist

Danielle Bishop is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor of Florida and a Registered Play Therapist. She holds approximately 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. Before moving to Florida in 2013, Danielle worked in partial care settings and as a crisis counselor in response to Hurricane Sandy. She has furthered her experience with work in a hospital setting with adults, private practice with all ages and the school system with elementary aged children. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who present with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life changes and participating in play therapy. She completed her education through Walden University where she studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as Applied Psychology. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in pre-movement therapy and forensic psychology from Stockton University.

Danielle utilizes an integrative approach that is tailored to each individual's needs including play therapy, expressive arts, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, Adlerian, Rogerian, and solution-focused therapy. 

Danielle strives to empower all those she gets the privilege to work with by creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can be supported in their efforts to change and grow.

CeBroker Tracking No. 20-1335909 This event is offered by SMHCA - Approved Continuing Education Provider - CE Broker Provider #: 50-13528.  This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW and Registered Interns.

Once payment is completed you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom Meeting ID.  TRAINING FEES (members need to be logged in to be able to register at the member rate) Completed Registrations including Payment Guarantees Participation: $15 Member $30 Nonmember $5 Student (with membership) $10 Student Nonmember (no CEUs)