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Digital Seminar

Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication


Faculty:
Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC
Duration:
6 Hours 20 Minutes
Format:
Audio and Video
Copyright:
Oct 15, 2021
Product Code:
POS051325
Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Access:
Never expires.


Description

Many persons diagnosed with ADHD prefer not to take medication. There are various reasons for this including side effects and concerns with long-term use. In this seminar, you will learn more about these reasons, as well as alternative interventions for ADHD.

Looking at ADHD from a developmental perspective, we will consider reasons for the apparent increase in ADHD diagnoses over the past two decades. By understanding the way the brain works in ADHD, you will be able to better identify a variety of strategies to significantly impact the nervous system and positively influence symptoms of ADHD in your clients.

Not only will you walk away with information about some of the most common non-medication interventions for ADHD such as computerized cognitive training, mindfulness meditation and neurofeedback, you will also learn a variety of practical strategies that can be implemented immediately and at low cost.

We will navigate the vast research on exercise, movement, diet, sleep, disruptive technologies, supplements and the impact of the environment on ADHD, summarizing the findings and applying the information to “real life.” You will leave this seminar with the tools and knowledge to develop a holistic approach to working with adults and children with ADHD.

CPD


CPD
- PESI Australia, in collaboration with PESI in the USA, offers quality online continuing professional development events from the leaders in the field at a standard recognized by professional associations including psychology, social work, occupational therapy, alcohol and drug professionals, counselling and psychotherapy. On completion of the training, a Professional Development Certificate is issued after the individual has answered and submitted a quiz and course evaluation. This online program is worth 6.5 hours CPD for points calculation by your association.

Handouts

Faculty

Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC's Profile

Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC Related seminars and products


Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC, is a renowned therapist and leading expert on gaslighting. With over two decades of experience as a clinician, author, and speaker, Dr. Sarkis has become a trusted voice in the fight against gaslighting and related forms of psychological manipulation. Her groundbreaking book, Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People – and Break Free, has become a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the devastating impact of gaslighting and how to heal from its side effects. She was named a Diplomate and Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Child and Adolescent Counseling by the American Mental Health Counselors Association, one of only 20 professionals in the United States with this dual designation. Dr. Sarkis is also a national certified counselor, licensed mental health counselor, and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Circuit Mediator. She has been in private practice for over 20 years. Dr. Sarkis is a senior contributor for Forbes online and is also a contributor to Psychology Today. Her Psychology Today posts have been viewed over 70 million times. Her Psychology Today article “11 Red Flags of Gaslighting in a Relationship” went viral, with over 15 million views. She has taught the graduate-level classes Diagnosis and Assessment of Mental Health Disorders in addition to Law and Ethics of Counseling at the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Sarkis earned a PhD, EdS, and MEd in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida, named by US News and World Report as the top counselor education program in the country. Dr. Sarkis has appeared on CNN, 10% Happier with Dan Harris, Sirius XM Doctor Radio, ABC (US), ABC (Australia), in USA Today, The Washington Post, Newsweek, and many more media outlets. Her research on comorbid ADHD and its impact on pediatric executive function was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders. She hosts the Talking Brains podcast and is based in Tampa, Florida. Her latest book Healing from Toxic Relationships is available now. Visit her Website at www.stephaniesarkis.com.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis maintains a private practice. She serves as a contributor to Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Psychology Today and is an advisory panel member for Evergreen Certifications. Dr. Sarkis is a facilitator for Collaborative Divorce. She receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis is a professional expert for Understood.org, part of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. She is a member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, and the National Board for Certified Counselors.


Objectives

  1. Evaluate the relationship between the frontal lobe of the brain and ADHD symptomology for the purpose of client psychoeducation.
  2. Determine the impact of movement and exercise on the reduction of ADHD symptoms as it relates to assessment and treatment planning.
  3. Employ treatment interventions for improving impulse control and working memory in clients.
  4. Analyze the influence of diet and nutrition on ADHD symptoms in relation to assessment and treatment planning.
  5. Develop clinical strategies to calm the nervous system of clients diagnosed with ADHD.
  6. Assess the clinical implications of environmental influences on ADHD symptoms in clients.

Outline

Why Not Medication?
  • Useful as a short-term tool
  • Concerns with long-term use: Effects on the brain
ADHD and the “Immature” Brain
  • Brain imaging evidence of ADHD
  • Research regarding ADHD brain development
  • Frontal lobes mature more slowly in the ADHD brain
  • Excess theta brainwaves
  • Implications for treatment
Movement-Based Strategies
  • Wake up an underaroused ADHD brain
  • Hyperactivity as an adaptive mechanism
  • The impact of play and exercise on the brain
  • Role of rhythm and timing training
  • Integrated movement systems for ADHD
Frontal Lobe/Working Memory Strategic Tools
  • Use it or lose it: Increase memory, attention and focus
  • Games for impulse control and working memory
  • Computerized cognitive training programs
  • Meditation and mindfulness for ADHD
  • Neurofeedback
Diet and Nutrition
  • The impact of sugars, fats, proteins and water
  • Diet and dopamine
  • Omega 3-6-9: What you need to know for brain health
  • Multivitamins/minerals: Do they make a difference?
  • Gluten, food additives and pesticides
ADHD and Nervous System Overstimulation
  • ”Overaroused” subtype of ADHD
  • Stress, anxiety and ADHD: the connection
  • Breathwork and movement for nervous system calming
  • Heart rate variability biofeedback
  • Art therapy techniques to quiet and focus the brain
Environmental Influences
  • Video games and Social Media
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Same symptoms as ADHD
  • Strategies to help insomnia
  • Environmental toxins: lead, phthalates, pollution
  • The impact of time in nature on ADHD symptoms
Limitations of the Research and Potential Risks

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Teachers
  • School Administrators
  • Addiction Counselors
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Nurses
  • Physicians
  • Other Helping Professionals who Work with Children

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