TaskForce working With Substance Use And Dependency

Posted to ENEWS for Antanita Chrysostom on behalf of Taskforce.

TaskForce working With Substance Use And Dependency

Presenters: Anna Murru (Counselling Psychologist & AOD Clinical Manager) & Antanita Chrysostom (Clinical Psychologist & AOD Clinician)

Substance use dependency including alcohol and other drugs (AOD) are increasingly prevalent in today’s society. The co-morbidity and significance of substance use dependency in maintaining mental health difficulties are often dismissed/overlooked in the treatment; generally due to limited awareness and understanding of substance use dependency behaviours. Dual-diagnosis concerns are common presentations amongst referrals for psychological support, however are not addressed adequately. To date, the AOD and mental health sectors are viewed as separate modalities, and there are very few professionals who are confident to address such dual-diagnostic presentations. TaskForce Community Agency is a not-for-profit organisation providing counselling, information, education and support for individuals directly and indirectly affected by substance use since 1973. This workshop aims to provide psycho-education on substance use with the focus on commonly presenting substances of dependence, both illicit and prescribed, as well as formulating an understanding of the impact of such addictions in mental health.

Learning outcomes:

o    Develop an understanding of dual-diagnosis presentations of substance use dependency and mental health conditions

o    Develop awareness of current legislations on substance use

o    Develop an understanding of different substances and their effects

o    Develop an understanding on the impact and risks associated with mixing substances

o    Develop a demonstrated knowledge of current drug and alcohol dependency assessment tools/screens

o    Develop an understanding of treatment modalities for working with substance use and co-morbid mental health

o    Develop awareness of appropriate treatment and referral pathways and options

About the presenters
Anna Murru is a Counselling Psychologist and a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS). Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours), Master of Psychology (Counselling), Certificate IV in Drug and Alcohol Skillset, and currently enrolled in a Masters of Addictive Behaviours. Anna has been undertaking counselling work with complex clients for over 10 years, both mandated and voluntary. Anna has worked primarily in the drug and alcohol sector since 2012, providing all aspects of treatment including intake, assessment, complex counselling, group work, education and care and recovery. Anna’s current role involves managing all the drug and alcohol programs for TaskForce in the Bayside region. Anna’s career focus has been on addressing and treating issues related to attachment and complex trauma.

Antanita Chrysostom is a Clinical Psychologist and a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS). Her qualifications include Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Graduate Diploma in Autism Diagnosis. Antanita has over five years’ experience working with both mandated and voluntary adult clients with substance use issues as well as mental health conditions at TaskForce Community Agency. Antanita has also been involved in delivering group based psycho-education sessions highlighting risks and harms of substance use and driving, as well as conducted assessments and reports for Drink/Drug Driving court hearings. Antanita draws on skills and knowledge from a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities including cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practice.

About the course
2 hour webinar

Dates: 
19th July 2018
22nd October 2018

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Cost: $70.00 per person

To enrol: 

Please click the following link:

http://www.taskforce.org.au/education-training/working-with-substance-use-and-dependency

Participants will be emailed a link to join the webinar.

Thank you in advance.