FVCC Offers Professional Development Workshop for Licensed Professional Counselors and Social Workers

Area licensed professional counselors and social workers will have an opportunity to earn up to 18 affordable professional continuing education credits through a workshop coordinated by Natalie Norrell with Medicine Horse Center of Montana at Flathead Valley Community College April 17-19.

Conference attendees will be required to attend the Wotakuye Wicakikco:  Calling on Our Relatives workshop April 17 and 18 to receive 12 credits for participation. The conference will focus on the wraparound process, a culturally-based team-driven counseling approach that involves the family, child, natural supports, agencies and community services working together to develop, implement and evaluate an individualized plan.

Participants will learn the essential elements of the wraparound process and will gain an understanding of how to develop a strength, needs and culture discovery. They also will learn the importance of developing positive relationships by finding a balance between professional services and natural supports. Additionally, participants will gain helpful strategies on working with children, youth and their families with complex needs.

For an additional six credits, conference goers will have the option of participating in training on Sung Nagi Kici Okiju:  Becoming One with the Spirit of the Horse, a culturally-based approach to the growing field of equine therapy, on April 19.

Presenter Jon Eagle Sr. is a nationally-known consultant and trainer with 26 years of experience working with children, families and communities. He will bring 17 years of experience consulting with tribal, state and federal agencies to the workshop. Eagle is considered an expert on the wraparound process and has led numerous trainings and workshops at tribal, state and national conferences across the United States and Canada. He is certified to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.

The conference will be held April 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The optional workshop on April 19 will meet from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost to attend is $295 for the mandatory two days and $365 for the entire three days. The cost includes lunch, refreshments and professional continuing education credits for the following credentials:  licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed associate counselor.

To register or for more information, contact the FVCC Continuing Education Center at (406) 756-3832, or visit www.fvcc.edu/continuing-education.