Traumatic crisis such as September 11th, natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and pandemics like COVID-19 can exacerbate traumatic stress symptoms, increase isolation and increase the risk of relapse and psychiatric decompensation for clients with mental Illness, substance use disorders and Co-occurring Disorders. Topics covered in this webinar includes: the relationship between catastrophes, traumatic stress reactions relapse and decompensation; managing traumatic stress symptoms during the pandemic; clinical strategies to reduce relapse during a crisis, such as the current pandemic; the use of technology to reduce isolation and suggestions to improve clinician self care during this troubling time.

Objectives:

• Articulate how a catastrophic crisis can trigger traumatic stress symptoms.
• Utilize 3 strategies to help clients decrease isolation during pandemics.
• Improve self-care as a clinician during the current pandemic.
• Use technology to help clients maintain recovery and mental health during Catastrophic crisis and pandemics.
• Understand how isolation during pandemics puts clients at risk of relapse.
• Help clients address traumatic stress symptoms caused by catastrophic crisis prior to relapse and psychiatric decompensation.

Presenter:

Mark Sanders

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is an international speaker, trainer, and consultant in the behavioral health field whose work has reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Caribbean and British Islands.

Mark is the author of five books, which focus on behavioral health. Recent writings include Slipping through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies for Clients Multiple Addictions and Disorders, Recovery Management: and Relationship Detox: Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships in Recovery. He has had two stories published in the New York Times best-selling books series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Mark has been a certified addictions counselor for 34 years. He has received numerous awards including a Life Time Achievement Award from the Illinois Addiction Counselor Certification Board and the Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the Social Work profession as a Loyola University of Chicago Alumni.

Mark is co-founder of Serenity Academy of Chicago, the only recovery high school in Illinois. He is past president of the board of the Illinois Chapter of NAADAC. He has had a 30 year career as a university educator having taught at the University of Chicago, Illinois State University, Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and Loyola University of Chicago, School of Social Work.