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Insights into Mental Illness: Practice Models: Part 2
Six part Zoom-based series Jan. 28-April 15, 2027
2 CEUs per sessions | Session details
Series abstract
In a rapidly evolving world, the field of mental health and social work is facing new challenges and opportunities. One of the most critical areas of focus is the understanding and treatment of various treatment modalities and how they are utilized with clients.
The "Insights into Serious Mental Illness: Practice Models: Part 2" is a cutting-edge program that addresses the multifaceted dimensions of the ways in which practice models are developed and utilized, and how clinicians must examine implicit bias and anti-racist concepts in an ever-changing world.
This comprehensive course, comprised of six engaging sessions, is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of various practice models, their impact on individuals and the broader community, as well as the tools and insights to address these complex issues. This series will explore models such as:
- Expressive arts
- Neuroscience and cognitive behavioral therapy
- Change work in therapeutic setting
- Pain reprocessing therapy
- Exposure and response prevention for OCD
Each session is led by a distinguished expert in the field, ensuring that participants receive the latest insights, research and practical knowledge. The goal of this series is to equip social workers, students, alumni and field instructors with the tools necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of their clients.
By the end of this course, participants will have gained a profound understanding of themselves as individual practitioners, a broader perspective on the ethical aspects of social work and practical tools to enhance their work with individuals experiencing serious mental illnesses.
- Define Mental Illness (MI): Gain a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes MI, including the diagnostic criteria, prevalence and the impact on individuals and communities.
- Understand Expressive therapies: Participants will learn how expressive therapies offer alternative ways to communicate thoughts and feelings beyond traditional talk-based approaches, explore the benefits of creative expression for coping and stress management, and gain an understanding of how these approaches promote self-awareness, emotional regulation and overall wellness.
- Innovate with Neuroscience: Examine how neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, learning and therapeutic relationships support evidence-based CBT while gaining practical strategies for translating contemporary neuroscience into everyday clinical practice.
- Apply CBT: Identify how CBT can be applied to clients engaging in change practice.
- Explore PRT: Explore what neuroplastic pain is, how clinicians distinguish it from structural and neuropathic pain, and what the core techniques (including somatic tracking, safety reappraisal and attention to positive affect) look like in a session.
- Understand ERP: Explain the rationale and core principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP) as an evidence-based treatment for OCD.
- Apply an Anti-Racist Lens: Develop the ability to apply an anti-racist lens and practices when working with clients, recognizing the importance of challenging social injustice within mental health care.
Participants who earn this digital badge have gained a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes serious mental illness (SMI), including the diagnostic criteria, prevalence, research and the impact on individuals and communities. They have developed skills in expressive therapies, neuroscience models, CBT, PRT and ERP. They are competent in applying an anti-racist lens and practice when addressing individuals and clients, and challenging social injustice within the context of mental health care.
The content of this series highly relevant and beneficial to social work practice in several ways. The series provides an in-depth understanding of mental illness, including its diagnostic criteria, prevalence and the impact on individuals and communities.
Participants will define expressive therapy and describe its use of music, art, dance, writing, drama, movement, drumming and play as forms of self-expression. They will recognize the role of expressive activities in helping individuals communicate thoughts, feelings and emotions beyond traditional talk therapy.
Participants will examine how neuroplasticity, cognition, emotion, behavior and relationships contribute to lasting therapeutic change. They will have the opportunity to apply neuroscience-informed strategies to strengthen CBT case conceptualization and client engagement.
Participants will identify key factors that influence and empower clients throughout the change process and describe the various stages of change and use the Transtheoretical Model as a flexible framework for understanding where a client may be in their change process. They will also apply principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in navigating change.
Participants will differentiate neuroplastic pain from neuropathic pain using at least three clinical indicators, and summarize the current evidence supporting Pain Reprocessing Therapy and describe the core components of PRT (somatic tracking, safety reappraisal and attention to positive affect) as applied to a clinical case example. They will also evaluate the ethical risks of misapplying a brain-based pain framework, including with clients whose pain has been dismissed or under-assessed because of racial or gender bias.
Finally, participants will identify core features and maintaining mechanisms of OCD, including less overt compulsions, avoidance, reassurance seeking, and mental rituals and differentiate OCD presentations from common experiences such as worry, rumination, perfectionism and other anxiety-related symptoms. Participants will explain the rationale and core principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP) as an evidence-based treatment for OCD; recognize how clinician positionality, power dynamics and inadvertent coercion may influence OCD treatment; and identify strategies for supporting client autonomy and collaborative decision-making.
This series will utilize a diverse set of teaching methods to create an engaging and informative learning experience for participants. These methods are designed to accommodate various learning styles and ensure that attendees gain a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.
Renowned experts will deliver video presentations, offering valuable insights and real-world experiences. These videos provide a direct connection between participants and the presenters, facilitating comprehension and illustrating practical applications of the content.
Slide presentations will complement the video content, offering visual aids and organized outlines of the topics discussed. These slides serve as reference materials, emphasize key points and enhance overall understanding.
While the series features video presentations, they are not passive lectures. Speakers will actively engage the audience within their presentations, encouraging questions, discussions and critical thinking. Participants can ask questions and interact with the speakers to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Small group discussions play a pivotal role in the learning process. After each video presentation and lecture, participants will join facilitated small group discussions. These discussions promote active participation, idea exchange and practical application of the content to real-life scenarios. They encourage participants to share their perspectives, learn from one another and explore diverse viewpoints.
These teaching methods create a dynamic and comprehensive learning environment, ensuring that participants actively absorb and apply the knowledge gained. The combination of video content, slide presentations, interactive lectures and small group discussions fosters critical thinking and skill development in addressing the complex topic of serious mental illness.
Mental Health Initiative policies
- Continuing education certificates are provided to attendees who are present for the entirety of the session. Attendees must be present when the event begins. Partial credit is not provided.
- Certificates are published with the name of the attendee only. They are only provided one time.
- Refunds are not available for continuing education events after the date of the event.
- We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment or discrimination during events. If a participant is engaging in harassment or discrimination, they will be asked to leave immediately.
- We keep the date (name, email) on record of attendance at the MHI for five years, per our regulatory organization.
- If there are issues with the presenter/inclimate weather, the MHI commits to alerting all signed-up attendees as soon as possible.
- Certificates will be sent out in a timely fashion. For series, certificates are sent out after series are complete.
- Presenter: Gary Cuddeback, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.P.H.
VCU School of Social Work dean and professor - Date: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027
- CE units: 2
Dean Cuddeback will provide an introduction to the Insights into Serious Mental Illness: A Comprehensive Seminar Series, and provide an introduction to severe mental illness and how social workers are an integral part of working with this aspect of mental health.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Define serious mental illness and how social workers can impact individuals with these diagnoses.
- Discuss the ethics of mental illness and why practitioners are more important now than ever before.
- Discuss the research that is currently being facilitated about mental health and how it can be applied to practice.
About the presenter
Dr. Cuddeback has been involved in dozens of projects focused on individuals with severe mental illnesses, especially those individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system, and has published papers about the physical health needs of justice-involved individuals with severe mental illnesses; the prevalence of individuals with mental illnesses in prison; the role of Medicaid on mental health service use and recidivism after jail release; the characteristics of individuals with mental illnesses who are incarcerated in jails versus prisons; and adaptations of evidence-based practices for justice-involved individuals with severe mental illnesses.
- Presenter: Nikole R. Jiggetts, D.B.H., LCSW, RPT-S CTP
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 11, 2027
- CE units: 2
The training provides an introduction to expressive therapy and its use of creative modalities such as art, music, movement, writing, drama and play to support emotional expression and well-being.
Participants will learn how expressive therapies offer alternative ways to communicate thoughts and feelings beyond traditional talk-based approaches; explore the benefits of creative expression for coping and stress management; and gain an understanding of how these approaches promote self-awareness, emotional regulation and overall wellness. Practical examples and applications will help participants recognize the value of expressive therapy across a variety of settings and populations.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Define expressive therapy and describe its use of music, art, dance, writing, drama, movement, drumming and play as forms of self-expression.
- Recognize the role of expressive activities in helping individuals communicate thoughts, feelings and emotions beyond traditional talk therapy.
- Identify the benefits of expressive art therapy, including improved coping skills, stress management and enhanced self-awareness.
- Explain how expressive therapy supports emotional well-being by promoting healthy outlets for expression and emotional regulation.
About the presenter
Nikole R. Jiggetts is a distinguished professional with a wealth of expertise in the field of mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Trauma Practitioner, she brings a multifaceted approach to her practice. Nikole is also an accomplished author, CEO and owner of Replay Counseling Center, LLC, known also as Replay Counseling and Consulting.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, holding an M.S.W., Nikole possesses over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. Her dedication lies in providing individuals with the tools to navigate life's challenges and find solace through expressive therapies.
Beyond her clinical practice, Nikole serves as an adjunct professor at the VCU School of Social Work, imparting her knowledge to future generations of social workers. She extends her expertise as a life coach, parenting consultant and devoted mother of two.
Furthermore, Nikole is committed to advancing the field of mental health by providing training to clinicians in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia for the past 15 years. Her contributions have made a significant impact on the professional development of mental health practitioners in the region.
- Presenter: Danielle Whalen, M.S., LCSW
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 25, 2027
- CE units: 2
This interactive workshop explores how advances in neuroscience deepen our understanding of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the mechanisms that promote lasting therapeutic change. Participants will examine how neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, learning and therapeutic relationships support evidence-based CBT while gaining practical strategies for translating contemporary neuroscience into everyday clinical practice.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Explore contemporary neuroscience research that supports evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Examine how neuroplasticity, cognition, emotion, behavior and relationships contribute to lasting therapeutic change.
- Apply neuroscience-informed strategies to strengthen CBT case conceptualization and client engagement.
- Integrate practical, evidence-based approaches that promote resilience, psychological flexibility and sustainable treatment outcomes.
About the presenter
Danielle Whalen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator and U.S. Coast Guard veteran with over 20 years of experience in mental health, crisis intervention and professional development. Known for her integrative and engaging approach, Danielle combines clinical insight, creativity and evidence-based practices to inspire growth across diverse settings.
She has held a wide range of leadership roles to include clinical director, ministry leader and university faculty member. Grounded in faith and dedicated to service, she is passionate about fostering resilience and promoting wellness through meaningful education, connection and development.
- Presenter: Em Hammers, LCSW
- Date: Thursday, March 11, 2027
- CE units: 2
This training provides an introduction to person-first frameworks for enacting change and explores how the evidence-based practices of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing can support clients throughout the change process. Participants will learn key factors that influence readiness for change, develop skills to identify a client’s stage of change and use a modern, flexible interpretation of the Transtheoretical Model to select concrete, stage-informed clinical interventions.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Identify key factors that influence and empower clients throughout the change process.
- Describe the various stages of change and use the Transtheoretical Model as a flexible framework for understanding where a client may be in their change process.
- Apply principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in navigating change.
- Develop stage-informed clinical interventions that meet clients where they are and promote client-centered, sustainable change.
About the presenter
Em Hammers, LCSW, SIFI, is a New York-based clinical social worker with over nine years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Em has worked with the SMI community, long term survivors of HIV, the LGBTQ+ community and CUNY college students in roles ranging from frontline clinician to senior management.
Her clinical and professional experience includes CBT, Motivational Interviewing, program development and training, with a focus on translating clinical frameworks into concrete tools that clinicians can use to support client-centered care. Em has had the privilege of supervising, training and guiding clinical teams over the last six years to promote clinical excellence.
She centers empathetic leadership in her social work practice, whether in individual work with clients or when guiding clinical teams, and feels passionately about meeting people where they are.
- Presenter: Erica K. Smith, LCSW
- Date: Thursday, March 25, 2027
- CE units: 2
Chronic pain is one of the most common presentations in social work practice, yet often misunderstood. A growing body of neuroscience shows that pain can persist long after tissue has healed. Not because a person is imagining it, but because the brain has learned it.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a structured intervention built on that finding. In a randomized trial published in JAMA Psychiatry, roughly two-thirds of participants with chronic back pain were pain-free or nearly pain-free after four weeks of PRT, compared with about one in five receiving usual care; more than half remained improved five years later.
This one-hour conversation introduces PRT for social work practice: what neuroplastic pain is, how clinicians distinguish it from structural and neuropathic pain, and what the core techniques (including somatic tracking, safety reappraisal and attention to positive affect) look like in a session.
It also takes seriously what happens when the model is applied badly. Delivered carelessly, "your brain is generating this pain" becomes a well-dressed version of "it's all in your head" — a message that people with autoimmune disease, EDS, dysautonomia and anyone whose pain has been minimized on the basis of race or gender have heard their entire lives. Participants will leave able to use this framework and able to recognize when not to.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Differentiate neuroplastic pain from neuropathic pain using at least three clinical indicators and summarize the current evidence supporting Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
- Describe the core components of PRT (somatic tracking, safety reappraisal and attention to positive affect) as applied to a clinical case example.
- Evaluate the ethical risks of misapplying a brain-based pain framework, including with clients whose pain has been dismissed or under-assessed because of racial or gender bias.
About the presenter
Erica K. Smith, LCSW, is an overly caffeinated adoptive dog mom and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is a group practice owner, clinical supervisor and trainer in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Her practice, Whole Mentality PLLC, was founded to build affirming and accessible mental health spaces where social justice conversations are centered and therapists are treated with the same care as those they serve. She now spends much of her time teaching other therapists on trauma treatment, accessibility and what equity-centered practice actually requires.
Erica lives with multiple chronic illnesses and teaches about pain as someone who has been on both sides of the conversation.
- Presenter: Aaron M. Free, LCSW
- Date: April 15, 2027
- CE units: 2
Objectives
- Identify core features and maintaining mechanisms of OCD, including less overt compulsions, avoidance, reassurance seeking and mental rituals.
- Differentiate OCD presentations from common experiences such as worry, rumination, perfectionism and other anxiety-related symptoms.
- Explain the rationale and core principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP) as an evidence-based treatment for OCD.
- Describe how cultural beliefs, values, identities and contextual factors may influence the presentation, interpretation and treatment of OCD symptoms.
- Examine examples of culturally relevant OCD presentations and identify potential considerations for adapting clinical conceptualization and ERP-related discussions while maintaining fidelity to evidence-based principles.
- Recognize how clinician positionality, power dynamics and inadvertent coercion may influence OCD treatment, and identify strategies for supporting client autonomy and collaborative decision-making.
About the presenter
Aaron M. Free, LCSW, LICSW, is a mental health and higher education professional serving as senior counselor and outreach coordinator at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont.
Aaron holds an M.S.S.W. from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work and began his clinical career as a clinical fellow at The Ohio State University’s Counseling and Consultation Service, where he received advanced training and supervision in collegiate mental health. Since then, he has worked across community mental health, crisis services, private practice and higher education as a therapist, supervisor and adjunct instructor.
Aaron has specialized training in evidence-based treatments for OCD and related conditions, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through the Cognitive Behavioral Institute and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) through the OCD Training School.
In addition to his work at Middlebury College, Aaron maintains a small part-time private practice focused on evidence-based treatment for OCD, PTSD and chronic pain. He also enjoys supervising graduate interns and helping emerging clinicians develop confidence in recognizing and treating OCD.
About this series
Cassie DeSena Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW, CCTP-II, M.S., is the VCU School of Social Work's director of Mental Health Initiatives and organizes the school's series on serious mental illness. She is a clinical social worker with over 18 years of experience in New York and Virginia.
Cassie’s clinical expertise focuses on working with individuals who have experienced trauma, in particular sexual trauma and trauma in the family of origin, polyvagal work and neurobiology. She also serves as an assistant professor.
Mental Health Initiatives
The VCU School of Social Work is meeting the need for training mental health providers and other clinical social workers through innovative partnerships, clinical skills labs, a focus on serious mental illness, new academic minors and certificates, and more. Learn how the school is preparing the next generation of mental health clinicians.
