Psychological First Aid and Beyond: How to Cope During and Following Crisis

2 clinical CEUs for social workers of all practice areas and experience

Presenter: Kathrin Hohenstern, PhD, MSW, LICSW

2 CEUs - may be counted as clinical CEUs (in areas of clinical intervention methods, and culturally-specific assessment and intervention per MN Board of Social Work)

Social workers are often involved in treating clients who have experienced various types of trauma including “large-scale” events. Even if not directly involved, being exposed to these events via media can impact individuals’ mental wellness. This presentation provides information on the trauma that is experienced through disasters, from hurricanes and tornadoes to pandemics, mass shootings, and wars - and how social workers can use Psychological First Aid (PFA), as well as crisis intervention models, and basic coping skills with clients, peers, and themselves. When considering what the world has experienced over the past two years with a worldwide pandemic, these skills are particularly relevant. Attendees will learn what is considered a disaster while also understanding how to apply principles and techniques of PFA and crisis intervention in disaster situations. They will also learn to recognize common physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive reactions to traumatic events; and identify helpful coping strategies to use while individuals are experiencing the traumatic event, as well as afterwards. This includes basic CBT skills (changing our thoughts and behavior) and maintaining cultural competence.


About the Presenter
Dr. Kathrin Hohenstern has been a social worker for over 20 years, providing group and individual therapy for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, including 13 years with the veteran population. She completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at University of Kansas in 2001 and a PhD in social work at Walden University in 2019 with a focus on disaster, crisis, and intervention. She currently works for VA (national) with the VISN 9 Suicide Prevention 2.0 program. She has been an adjunct professor for Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies (HBFGSAS) since 2017 and a professor with Capella University since 2020.

Pricing
NASW Student/Retired Member $20
NASW Member $30
Not-Yet-Member $50

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