HAMFT HAMFT News

Electing Our 2021 Board

Stephanie Bloodworth — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 16:33:20 GMT

Looking to take part in community leadership? HAMFT will be voting in November for the 2021 HAMFT Board and welcomes all interested applicants! Any members interested in holding these positions should contact Anousha Lakhani at programs@hamft.org by November 3rd. If you know a great candidate outside of HAMFT, please encourage them to join so they can apply!

Summary

Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (HAMFT) is a nonprofit association set up as a 501c6 for tax purposes. The mission of HAMFT is to promote the field of marriage & family therapy by offering quality continuing education units based on marriage & family therapy principles, and to provide a space for building community and networking for marriage & family therapists, associates and students.

Board members are required to attend all board meetings or be represented by a board member at each meeting.

Board meetings are held immediately prior or following workshops as designated by the executive board.

Board Positions

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Elect- shall serve a term of one (1) year and shall succeed to the office of President. In the absence of the President, the President-Elect performs the duty of President, including running the board meeting and presiding over the workshop. In the event that the President is not able to perform their duties for their term year, the President Elect will take over the President position and will perform duties as outlined above. The President-Elect shall be in charge of securing and collecting resumes from potential candidates for board positions for their term year and will initiate and obtain a vote from voting members for board positions.

Secretary- shall keep the records of all business meetings and meetings of the Board by uploading them to cloud storage, shall direct the distribution of minutes and reports to the Board, and shall be responsible for all official correspondence of HAMFT in conjunction with the Communication Director & President. In the event of their absence, their duties may be performed by another member appointed by the President.

Treasurer- shall oversee the management of funds for duly authorized purposes and shall assist the President in preparation of the annual budget. S/he will insure HAMFT is in compliance with all annual tax documents reporting as required by law. The fiscal year of HAMFT shall begin on the first of January. S/he shall be responsible for updating HAMFT’s Continuing Education (CE) sponsor status and for paying required CE Sponsor fees as specified in the licensing rules of each state licensing board of the mental health professionals in Texas. The Treasurer shall submit an annual financial report to the Board at the year’s end annually. The Treasurer shall assist the Membership Director with check in at workshops, taking payment for membership dues and/or making sure registration fees are paid.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Program Director I- shall serve a term of (1) year. The Program Director I shall be responsible for planning each workshop, including the coordination of speakers and working with Program Director II to make sure that duties of each position are fulfilled. They shall obtain a CV, brief bios, summary and meeting objectives for each workshop to be submitted to the Communications & Social Media Directors for publication and the Secretary for documentation. Program Director I will coordinate communication with each speaker regarding technology requirements prior to each event and any appreciation after.

Program Director II- shall serve a term of (1) year and along with his/her committee members, shall be responsible for planning and securing refreshments at each workshop and working with Sponsorship chair should refreshments be sponsored. S/he shall bring name tags, Certificates of Attendance, Speaker Evaluations and handouts from Speakers to workshops/meetings.

Ethics & Diversity Director- shall serve a term of (1) year and shall be responsible for providing membership and the Board with information relevant to the professional practice and ethical issues of marriage and family therapy in Texas, including the impact of managed health care. S/He shall be responsible for educating the membership and the public regarding the AAMFT Code of Ethics. The committee shall not conduct investigations or consider allegations of violations of ethical principles made against members, nor shall it issue or render advisory opinions on ethical matters but shall refer such matters to the AAMFT Ethics Committee. The committee shall function in accordance with the Procedures for Handling Ethical Matters. S/He will also insure that leadership, programming and membership reflect the multicultural and diverse aspects of the field of marriage and family therapy and the community it serves.

Communication Director- shall serve a term of one (1) year and shall be responsible for writing, editing, assembling, and disseminating electronic announcements prior to each workshop/meeting, and will maintain HAMFT’s website. S/he will be responsible for the distribution of information regarding upcoming meetings and workshops in coordination with Program Director I. S/he shall be responsible for keeping an updated mailing list.

Social Media Director- shall serve a term of (1) year and shall be responsible for facilitating HAMFT’s social media presence and generally overseeing communications that reach the public’s eye. They will be responsible for the distribution of information regarding upcoming meetings and workshops in coordination with the Program Director I & Communication Director. The Social Media Director shall make sure that copyright laws are followed and shall maintain ethical standards when sharing communication pieces on social media that represent HAMFT and not the individual’s voice.

Membership Director- shall serve a term of one (1) year and shall be responsible for cultivating new members through programming that may include welcoming people at workshops/meetings and presenting information on HAMFT to local universities and/ or mentorship programs. S/he shall keep a list of the membership and will encourage renewal of current members. The Membership Director will ensure the database directory of members is accurate and up-to-date. The Membership Director, along with the Treasurer shall help with check in at workshops, bring sign in sheets, insure that sign in sheets are signed and membership dues or registration fees are paid.

Community & Social Chair (formerly Warm Hearth Scholarship & Sponsors Director)- shall serve one (1) year and shall be responsible for developing community, social, and networking events that foster relationship building within members and other community organizations. Responsible for securing and disseminating monies for the Warm Hearth scholarship, including receiving applications from applicants and having board members vote on approval for reward. They shall also be responsible for securing food sponsors for workshops as requested by the board.

Update from Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

Stephanie Bloodworth — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 20:05:49 GMT

Effective September 1, 2020 all license renewals, renewals of inactive status, and requests for inactive status must be submitted through the BHEC’s online licensing system. Additionally, requests for change of address and duplicate renewal permits may also be submitted through the online licensing system.

New Requirements for All License Holders

Last session HB 2059 passed, and it requires all medical and mental health professionals to complete a Human Trafficking Course before they have their license renewed. The Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training website from HHSC has more info on the course, and also has a link to a free online course you can take. You will need to create an account, but you will get a free CEU for the class. You must complete an approved course and show proof to BHEC to have your license renewed. This goes into effect on 9/1/2020.
Effective for renewals beginning with March 31, 2021 expiration dates, per Council rule 882.40(c), if you did not undergo a fingerprint based criminal history check as a condition of licensure, you must do so as a condition of renewal. Instructions on how to undergo a fingerprint based criminal history check will be posted on the Council’s website, www.bhec.texas.gov, in advance of the renewal deadlines beginning in March of 2021.

HIPAA and Teletherapy Updates

Stephanie Bloodworth — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 18:00:18 GMT

In efforts to extend accessibility to as many clients possible during the current COVID-19 concerns, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will exercise discretion in concern to HIPAA requirements and will not impose penalties on clinicians who work with clients via telehealth in the best of their abilities. This may expand the services clinicians may choose from at this time.

Click here to read more in this post from TAMFT!

HAMFT Restructuring

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 01:02:22 GMT

Many of you may be aware that American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy is restructuring and voted to abolish state chapters. In this process, AAMFT supported state chapters in making the decision to either restructure as an Independent Affiliate or an Interest Network in relationship with AAMFT. Texas Association for Marriage & Family Therapy made the decision to move toward the Independent Affiliate status under AAMFT which would allow TAMFT to maintain their current infrastructure, finances, and to be an advocate for Texas Legislature and issues relative to Texas Marriage & Family Therapists. TAMFT is expected to be set up as an Independent Affiliate under AAMFT by the end of 2018.

Due to the restructuring of Texas Association for Marriage & Family Therapy’s relationship with American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, TAMFT voted to break their charter agreements with local chapters, including Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy. TAMFT will continue to be a resource to HAMFT, but HAMFT will no longer have an obligatory relationship which would require HAMFT members to pay to be a member of both TAMFT & AAMFT.

Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy has been operating as an unincorporated, nonprofit association as a local chapter under Texas Association for Marriage & Family Therapy since its existence. With the changes that will be taking place with TAMFT’s restructuring under American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, the current HAMFT board has voted to become an incorporated nonprofit corporation under Texas law and file for tax exempt status. This decision was made after consulting with several lawyers and Certified Public Accountants.

Although Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy members are not obligated to be members of both Texas Association for Marriage & Family Therapy & American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, we encourage our members to support TAMFT and AAMFT who will continue to be an advocate and great resource for our profession and share our common interest in proving quality marriage and family therapy.

How will all the above impact you as a member? It won’t! Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy will continue to provide quality Continuing Education Units on Marriage & Family Therapy issues/modalities, and workshops on maintaining the highest quality of ethical care for our clients. HAMFT also remains committed to providing you with a space for connection, community, support and networking.

Sincerely,

Kristi Patterson, MA, LMFT, LPC, RPT

2018 HAMFT President

SUNSET REVIEW 2016-2017

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 23:38:17 GMT

This legislative session, the Sunset Commission recommended the consolidation of the licensing boards for MFTs, LPCs, LCSWs and Psychologists. The bill failed to pass and the behavioral health licensing boards will be back up for review in 2 years. If you are interested in learning more go to: https://www.sunset.texas.gov/

NEW ETHICS REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:55:55 GMT

In case you missed it, The Texas State Board of Examiners added a new rule for those of us who work with our clients using any type of technology. If you provide therapeutic services by phone, text, email, Skype, FaceTime, V-see or any other video conference method, this means you. It is now an ethical violation to provide "technology-assisted services" without proper training. According to the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 801, "licensees may use technology-assisted services only after receiving appropriate education, training, and/or supervised experience in using relevant technology. A therapist who uses technology-assisted services must maintain documentation of academic preparation and supervision in the use of technology-assisted services as part of the therapist's academic program or the substantial equivalent provided through at least 15 hours of continuing education and 2 hours every subsequent renewal period. Licensees must comply with this subsection by January 1, 2018."

The regulations also go into great detail in how to structure a therapy session and provide informed consent. Read more here:

Title 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 801

The Houston-Galveston Institute has put together 15 hours of training that meet the requirements of this statute. I have asked HGI to offer a one-time, significantly discounted rate to HAMFT that allows us to bring this training to our members. We will be offering the 15 required CEUs over a Friday and Saturday, January 19th and 20th, 2018. Three of the 15 hours will be web-based. The cost per person will be $175 for both days if you register by October 31st. In the event of inadequate interest, the workshop will be cancelled. So sign up! Location TBD.

To register, visit our events page.

AAMFT & TAMFT Restructuring

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:26:04 GMT

By: Mathis Kennington, President, TAMFT

Over the last several years, AAMFT has communicated to its divisions that the organization is experiencing a potential atrophy of membership. This is due in part to the fact that most AAMFT members across the United States are retiring and not enough younger members have become clinical fellows. To address this concern, AAMFT has proposed to dissolve its state divisions in favor of one national organization with the opportunity for members to organize in two distinct types. First, state divisions may choose to transition into special interest group. Interest groups are organizations of members who have chosen to affiliate and network around a common shared interest related to marriage and family therapy. That interest may be based on advocacy issues, specific types of therapeutic modalities or even geography. Second, AAMFT has offered divisions the opportunity to transition into Independent Affiliates. Affiliates are former state divisions who choose to retain their charter, maintaining an independent legal entity within AAMFT, but with certain restrictions. For example, Independent Affiliates no longer receive mandatory dues from division members as one of the changes AAMFT is making is that they are no longer requiring members to join their state division. In other words, beginning next year, members no longer are required to be members of TAMFT.

With exception to some financial changes, the Independent Affiliate option is the one that requires the least amount of identity and structural changes. As a board, our chief concern has been to maintain the practical benefits of TAMFT membership. We’ve wished to retain our members’ opportunities to network at our conference and promote their work through our relationships. We’ve also been concerned with license advocacy. These have been the two most important considerations in the decision we’ve had to make in response to AAMFT’s pending changes. In consideration of these changes, the board has decided to choose an Independent Affiliate option. We believe this options is the best option for Texas LMFTs because we retain a legal and independent status within Texas, which is absolutely crucial to influence state legislators. Although we will remain active on AAMFT’s Family Team, we do not believe that we would have the same potential impact on matters related to LMFTs unless we have an independently regulated state charter.

Although we feel comfortable with this decision, the choice brings its challenges. We can no longer depend on the state dues that were previous delegated to us by AAMFT unless individual members decide to join TAMFT. We need your help. Now more than ever, we need members to support the organization by sharing why you believe it’s important to retain your TAMFT membership. As a reminder, this was the most successful legislative session TAMFT has ever had. We achieved five legislative victories, not to mention the victory over TMA in the supreme court. We cannot take on initiatives like this without your continued support through membership.

Please consider serving on one of our committees, come to conference 2018 and consider running for a board position to influence the growth and future of our organization. This coming election cycle, we have several opportunities for LMFT leaders in the field to get involved on the board during an exciting transitional period. Please be on the lookout for information from the elections committee on what board positions are forthcoming.

Please review materials provided by AAMFT to answer questions about restructuring. Also please attend the Conference in February. This conference will be unlike any we’ve had before it. It will be historic in the sense that we’ll be dealing with issues that change who we are as an organization, but mostly it will fun and exciting.

Sincerely,

Mathis V. Kennington, Ph.D., LMFT-S
President-Elect
Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

The 2017 TAMFT Board

TAMFT Resources to Advocate for Your MFT License

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 20:08:40 GMT

On October 21, 2016 TAMFT Secretary and Legislature Chair Jeanene Smith, LPC, LMFT provided an update of the current state of affairs for MFTs in Texas. A copy of her presentation is here: TAMFT Slide Show Presentation.pptx

TAMFT is asking MFTs to talk to physicians and ask them if they know about the TMA lawsuit. Many physicians are unaware of the lawsuit, and we can educate them about the lawsuit and advocate for our license at the same time. TAMFT is seeking 5,000 (of the possible 70,000) Texas physician signatures. What can you do? Talk to the doctors you know and ask them to sign the following letter in support of marriage and family therapists: Letter for Physician-2.pdf

TAMFT is also asking members to reach out to your Senator and House Representative. Here are three guides for members designed to support us in our advocacy efforts, which detail how the legislature works, what to say when requesting an appointment with your representative, senator, and an explanation of Sunset:

Warm Hearth Recipient Wyn Fox on

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 15:46:37 GMT

HAMFT values and supports professional growth! Recipients of the scholarship are asked to share what they gained from their chosen experience. Here's what our Wyn Fox has to say about attending the AAMFT conference in September, 2015:

I want to sincerely thank the HAMFT board for awarding me the Warm Hearth Scholarship. This generous scholarship allowed me to attend the AAFMT annual conference held in Austin, Texas in September. I attended the conference from September 3-6, the full length of the conference. I enjoyed a wonderful stay at JW Marriott where the conference was held and had an opportunity to indulge in local food and fun.

My first day of attendance I had the privilege to hear a keynote speech my Mr. Morris Dees activist and civil rights speaker. Mr. Dees co-founded Southern Poverty Law Center. This law center is a non-profit specializing in lawsuits involving civil rights violations, domestic terrorism, and hate-motivated crimes. This speech had a great impact on me as he discussed how we should love and respect on another. I was truly enlightened by his heart-felt cry for justice for all.

On the second day I had the opportunity to attend a workshop titled, “Resiliency and Spirituality”. This workshop definitely informs my professional work as many of my clients offer their spirituality as the reason for them to fight against all odds. This workshop allowed me to clearly see how the two intersect. I will continue to respectfully explore this area with my clients, armed with new and refreshing insight. Another memorable workshop was titled, “Couples in the Military”. This workshop offered a deeper look into military deployment and reintegration of soldiers that return from combat. This workshop was personal, as I was once that soldier. This workshop gave insight into ways to prevent and intervene with soldiers for some of their most prominent concerns.

My final day at the conference I debated about leaving a little early so as to get home to be with my family sooner rather than later. I decided to stay and I am so glad that I did. The last workshop that I attended that day was one that resonated with me professionally and personally. This workshop was titled, “Black Men and Women in Therapy”. I feel that this workshop challenged therapists to deal with the difficult dialogues that black men and women deal with, such as black inferiority, white privilege, the impact of slavery on relationships and shame based racial trauma, among others. We discussed how racism may adversely affect black couples but there is not enough research in this area. This sparked a great deal of interest for me.

Overall, this was a wonderful enriching experience. I plan to attend the conference next year. I appreciate HAMFT for giving me this opportunity. I will continue to apply what I learned from this conference as I continue on my journey as marriage and family therapist.

Many Thanks,

Wyn Fox

Working Effectively with Kids and Teens by Julie Payne, LMFT-S

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 20:38:51 GMT

Julie Payne, MA, LMFT-S

M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Adjunct Faculty at College of the Mainland - Psychology Department

Certified Military Family Life Consultant

Certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Certified MAP Supervisor and Trainer (Managing and Adapting Practices)

CA & TX Board Approved Supervisor

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California and Texas. I graduated from California State University Long Beach in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles in 2007. I have been working with couples, families, and individuals at community based mental health agencies and in private practice. I ran the Crisis Response Team in South Central Los Angeles for over 3 years. I am certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and a MAP (Managing and Adapting Practices) certified therapist and Agency Supervisor. My areas of interest include trauma, military families, and working with families and individuals suffering from a chronic illness or living with chronic pain. I have been an arthritis advocate since 2005. I have spoken at the Juvenile Arthritis National Conference in 2007 on the impact of a chronic illness on friends and families, at Cedars-Sinai for RA Talk to discuss a patient’s perspective, for Arthritis in PrimeTime in 2010 on dating and relationships with a chronic illness, in 2011 on communicating with your doctors, and 2012 on pregnancy and parenting. I am also a Certified Military Family Life Counselor and provide on site brief therapy to unit debriefing for pre and post deployment military members and family. In addition to working with the military I am also an active duty military spouse. In addition to my private practice in California and Texas, I regularly provide training and workshops in California and am an adjunct faculty in the Psychology Department at College of the Mainland.

http://www.hamft.memberlodge.org/event-2023895

Ethics in Working with Male Clients

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:04:38 GMT

Ethics in Working with Male Clients

When
16 Oct 2015
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Bo's Place, 10050 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054 (713) 942-8339
Spaces left
55
Registered
15 registrants

Registration

Member Registration – Free
Non-Member Registration – $30.00 (USD)

Already registered

Ethics in Working with Male Clients

Presented by Dr. Jonathan Schwartz

The workshop will explore theories on the psychology of men, bullying, and violence. Examples will be provided to place the theory into context. Ethical issues will be covered, along with vignettes of real cases. The intersectionality of gender with social class, race, international student status, sexuality, and other factors will be addressed as well.

Dr. Jonathan Schwartz is the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the College of Education at the University of Houston. He was previously Associate Dean of Research and Department Head of the Counseling and Educational Psychology Department at the College of Education, at New Mexico State University. He is the past president of Division 51, Psychology of Men and Masculinity of the American Psychological Association. He is the past chair of the Division 17 Prevention Section and executive board member of the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs. Dr. Schwartz has published in the area of men and masculinity, prevention, and intimate violence. He was named in 2010 the fourth most productive scholar in the Psychology of Men and Masculinity and has had grants supporting his work. Dr. Schwartz was awarded the 2008 Researcher of the Year Award from Division 51 (Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity) of the American Psychological Association and received the 2011 Fritz and Linn Kuder Early Career Scientist/Practitioner Award from the American Psychologist Association Division of Counseling Psychology. Dr. Schwartz was recently named a Fellow of Division 17, Society of Counseling Psychology of the American Psychological Association.

Board Approved Supervisor?

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 17:58:55 GMT

Fields have been added to show that you offer LMFT, LPC or dual license supervision. Take a moment now to log in and edit your profile if that is something that you'd like to offer through our membership directory!

Infidelity: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:52:12 GMT

Infidelity: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective

Presented By:

Robert Hochschild, Ph.D., Sarah Pollack, Ph.D., and Lee Winderman, Ph.D.

Infidelity is one of the most frequently encountered and clinically difficult issues in couple's therapy. This workshop will address the various types and descriptions of infidelity, working with the crisis triggered by the infidelity, dealing with the environmental and contextual factors that may have contributed to the infidelity, and steps toward rebuilding or ending the relationship. Three experienced MFT's will share their perspectives, process, and experiences of working with couples during this traumatic experience.

Robert Hochschild, Ph.D. is in private practice with the Houston Family Institute and an Adjunct Faculty of the University of Houston Clear Lake Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Prior to going into private he was the founder and Director of the Family Therapy Program at the Michael E. Debakey Veterans Administration Center in Houston. Rob is licensed as a Psychologist and a Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been Past President of HAMFT, a Board Member of TAMFT, and Ethics Chair for HPA and HAMFT, and has consulted to the VA, Baylor College of Medicine, and various community organizations. Special interests include couples and family therapy, adult individual therapy, and training and consultation. His wife, two daughters, sons-in-law, and five delightful grandchildren provide him life training and humility on a daily basis.

Sarah Pollack, Ph.D. Is a marriage and family therapist in private practice at Houston Family Institute. Dr. Pollack has participated in training psychology interns and psychiatric residents with the Family Therapy Program at the Veteran's Administrative Medical Center and taught in the Department of Human Science and Humanities at the University of Houston at Clear Lake. Currently she facilitates a group of interns for Perkin's Theological Seminary at Southern Methodist University and works with residents in the Chaplaincy Education Program at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. She is a clinical member of AAMFT and has been on the boards of HAMFT and TAMFT. She has a special interest in working with children, adolescents and families dealing with divorce/remarriage, chronic illness, developmental delay, ADDH, cancer and loss of a family member.

Lee Winderman Ph.D. has been practicing family therapy and family psychology for 35 years. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley. He first came to Texas to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he first met and was supervised by George Pulliam, Harry Goolishian, Harlene Anderson and Paul Dell. He then was one of the two first postdoctoral fellows at the Galveston Family Institute (now HGI) where he first met Leslye Mize (and his wife Barbara). He later was Associate Director of the Institute. During his term as president of the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy from 1991-1993 MFT’s in Texas achieved licensure. Lee has co-authored several chapters and articles on family therapy with Harry Goolishian, Harlene Anderson and George Pulliam. He has presented at local state and national conferences 2 million times.

HB 3995 is Moving Forward!

Wed, 06 May 2015 18:22:15 GMT

Well Done! HB3995 is Moving Forward.

To all Texans:

Great news, I just received a call from Rep. Romero who advises that Chairwoman Crownover told him that the House Public Health Committee voted HB 3995 favorably from committee on a vote of 9-0!! We have been advised that once the bill gets reported out of committee, HB 3995 will go to the Local Calendars Committee for floor action. To get this result so quickly, is surely a testament to the groundwork of our author, Rep. Romero, our discipline on witness testimony, and the huge volume of support delivered by the TAMFT, TCA and other groups and individuals weighing in!! A special thanks to those who called and emailed in support of HB 3995 as we were told that over 1000 calls were made in support of HB3995. An even bigger expression of gratitude is due to Rep. Romero’s strong commitment and hard work since the bill was voted out of the House Public Health Committee on the same day it was heard, which is incredible!! With only 27 full days remaining in the state’s regular legislative session, there is just one week left before some very real procedural deadlines begin to thwart passage of many stand-alone bills. We are fortunate that we have a favorable vote on HB 3995, but the time-lines are going to very tight. Today’s vote on HB 3995 goes a long way to meeting that deadline, giving ourselves a good chance to be legislatively succeed. In this political process there are times for a large showing and times for a more subtle approach. For the moment we need to hold off on making calls but we will be reaching out at the opportune time in the near future and will need as strong an outreach as we have had thus far. We are making ground and are making a strong showing in support of all mental health providers across Texas. You can begin to prepare by learning who your Representatives are. Reaching out to your particular Representative as a constituent will carry more weight. You can also line up family and friends to prepare as well. Remember that you do not need to be a mental health professional in order to weigh in on this important piece of legislature. If you are a Texas citizen your voice will count when the time comes to make the calls.

Be proud of our progress and success. Hold tight as we navigate the political process and be prepared to take action when the time comes. While we still have a ways to go we are headed in a good direction.

WELL DONE!!!

Respectfully,

Peter D. Bradley, PhD, LMFT, LPC
President – Texas Association for Marriage & Family Therapy

Our Next Program is open: Domestic Violence:

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 18:27:33 GMT

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: THE SECRET IS OUT! NOW WHAT?

Shana D. Lewis, LPC-S, NCC

Sally Eisen Miller

Aisha Ussery

Domestic violence has made the rounds in social media as if it were a new phenomenon. A universal fact is that it has existed ever since families have roamed the earth. Research shows that after completing a therapeutic program, mentoring helps to sustain the gains made.

This workshop will be both experiential and didactic. We will look at the symptom of domestic violence in one family from a systemic perspective. A new program of mentorship will be presented, and participants will hear from a talented young woman and how she uses her traumatic experience in a creative way to bring awareness to others.

Shana D. Lewis, LPC-S, NCC is the owner and clinical director of Living Well Professional Counseling Services, PLLC, a private practice counseling agency in Bellaire, TX. Additionally, she is a faculty member at the University of Phoenix, a Doctoral Candidate at Sam Houston State University in the Counselor Education department and the Executive Director/Founder of Her VOICE, a 501c3 organization dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence through mentorship and education.

Mrs. Lewis is a state approved CEU provider and trains mental health practitioners on a variety of topics including ethics, depression, CBT, and supervision. With over 13 years of experience working in the mental health field serving adult, child, and adolescent clients in schools, day programs, inpatient hospitals, outpatient community mental health facilities and church organizations, Shana's specialty has evolved into addressing women's issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship problems, trauma, intimate partner violence and stress.

Sally Eisen Miller, Board member and president of HAMFT in 2012, has had a diversity of experience in her over 40 year career. She began as Executive Director of the Women’s Home, transforming the place into a home of rehabilitation. She has worked at DePelchin in adoptions and foster care; as program director of a drug and alcohol program at a military base; assistant chief of social work, Texas Children’s Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic; and director of professional services at Jewish Family Service, to name a few. She has been in private practice since 1978.

A graduate of Our Lady of the Lake with an MSW, she received her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. Post graduate training was done at The Georgetown (Bowen) Family Center with Murray Bowen. She is a charter member of the American Family Therapy Academy where she originated the Interest Group: Murray Bowen: The Man and the Theory.

Aisha Ussery is a choreographer, musician, playwright, director and educator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in dance and interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston. She obtained a Post-baccalaureate in Education from LeTourneau University. She has taught at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa and has published curriculum with Houston Teachers Institute.

Aisha was named Alexander Hamilton’s Teacher of the Year (2006), received the Upton Sinclair Award that recognizes American educators influencing youth around the world (2008) and was inducted into the Willowridge Wall of Honor (2013).

Aisha has performed in or choreographed Once on this Island, Little Shop of Horrors, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dancin’ in The Street, Two Trains Running, Parade and many others. She played “B Angie B” and an MC Hammer dancer in Vh1's: 2 Legit: The MC Hammer Story. Aisha has performed with Delfeayo Marsalis, Hubert Laws, Brian Courtney Wilson, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child and others.

When You're Served, Not Dinner, But a Subpoena!

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:59:41 GMT

Check out this link for information and registration for our first program of 2015!

http://www.hamft.memberlodge.org/event-1869228

Confirmed HAMFT Events!

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 15:00:40 GMT

HAMFT is delighted to announce the following presentations that have been confirmed for our 2015 calendar year! Please mark your calendar and look for the registration information in your mailbox as each draws near! You won't want to miss out on hearing from these amazing presenters!

July 17,2015 “Puzzling Pieces: Relationships Between Early Sexual Trauma and Problematic Adult Sexuality” presented by Elizabeth Maynard, Ph.D.

Program 1:00 - 4:00 PM, 3 CEU's, Check-in, lunch and networking from noon-1:00 PM

August 21, 2015 "Healing from Marital Infidelity", presented by Rob Hochschild, Ph.D and Lee Winderman, Ph.D. Program 1:00 - 4:00 PM, 3 CEU's, Check-in, lunch and networking from noon-1:00 PM

Both of the above presentations will be held at Interface Samaritan Counseling Center, 4803 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056

Save the Dates!

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:59:09 GMT

We're working hard to create a most interesting, exciting and useful calendar of events. Until we get everything in place, take a moment to add these dates to your calendar! Remember....your membership gives you entry to each and every CEU opportunity! Every program will offer 3 CEU's, lunch and networking opportunities! Know someone who might enjoy and/or benefit from our programming? Bring them with you and invite them to join us!

February, 2015 - no program as TAMFT is in Austin, February 25-28, 2015!

March 13, 2015

April 24, 2015

May 15, 2015

June 19, 2015

July 17, 2015

August 21, 2015

September, 2015 - no program as AAMFT will also be in Austin. Save the dates: September 3-6, 2015

October 16, 2015

November 20, 2015

December 2015 - currently no date has been set for events - stay tuned though!

January 2016 - annual HAMFT banquet - plan to join us for an evening of good friends and fun!

Want to be a part of the HAMFT Board? A creative team, we're always looking for new energy and ideas and people ready to carry on the board in new and innovative ways. Not sure where or how you might support us? Contact Anne Way at AWay@interface-samaritan.com for more information!

Work with Chronic Illness? Here's an opportunity....

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:20:46 GMT

Dear Colleagues,
I have been working with the local chapter of the Crohns and Colitis Foundation as member of the Medical Advisory Committee. The Foundation would like to gather the names of experienced therapists in the greater Houston area who have experience with and are interested in treating patients with chronic Illness. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that affect children and adults. Onset can occur at any age. Like all chronic illnesses, severity can range from mild to severe. In its more severe form, these diseases can create a profound physical, emotional, and psychological burden for both patients and families. Specific experience treating patients and families with IBD is not necessary. If you have experience treating patients and families dealing with chronic illness, we would like to add your name to a referral list that the Foundation is gathering for the greater Houston area. For the time being I will be triaging calls asking for referrals.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me
If you are interested, please fill out the form below and email it back to me.
Lee
Lee Winderman Ph.D.
leewinderman@comcast.net
713-795-4580

Name: __________________________________________

Degree:________ License:______
Office Address: ____________________________________________________________
Phone:____________________

Geographical areas served _______________________________________
(e.g. Med Center, Memorial, Woodlands, Spring etc.)

Do you accept insurance:_______Sliding scale? Y___N___ Experience with IBD: Y__N__

September workshop pictures

Sat, 20 Sep 2014 22:34:14 GMT

HAMFT student reception pictures

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:58:05 GMT

Don't miss HAMFT's annual student reception this month

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 14:22:56 GMT

Experienced and new therapists are invited to meet aspiring healers at the annual student reception. The reception provides an opportunity for students to meet professionals in the field, learn about benefits of membership in HAMFT, and network with other students, professionals and potential supervisors.

When: Friday, August 29, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Where: Chelsea Grill

4621 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

There is free parking behind the building.

Who: Alumni as well as students pursuing a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or counseling from schools such as UHCL, OLLU, University of St. Thomas, Capella University, Sam Houston State University, Theological Seminary, etc. are all invited.

Cost: FREE. This will be a cocktail type reception with buffet items and vegetarian options. Drinks will be available for purchase.

Here’s what former student and current HAMFT board member Sam Caplan had to say about her first student reception:

“When I was a new student, attending the New Student Reception gave me the opportunity to network with students who were above me in the program and professionals in the field. It was an extremely beneficial experience that led to me receiving the Warm Hearth Scholarship to present a poster at the 2013 TAMFT Conference. When I attended a board meeting to thank HAMFT for the scholarship, I was asked to join the board while I was still a student. I met my current supervisor and employer through HAMFT, and I received my job offer at the 2014 HAMFT Banquet. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had, and I look forward to continuing my involvement in HAMFT.”

In case you missed it: Treating Trauma

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 02:54:09 GMT

By Jessica Hernandez

Jeanna Gomez, LCSW, presented “Trauma Therapy: Resources for the Healer” to a packed house for HAMFT’s June workshop. She used her expertise and sense of humor to provide a primer on the neuro-biological underpinnings of trauma. Ms. Gomez engaged participants in experiential activities. Here are some points Ms. Gomez made during her presentation:

Vicarious TraumaA negative change that happens over time as one witnesses other people’s suffering.

Because it happens over time, it can be hard to recognize it.
A strong sense of commitment and responsibility to our clients can lead to high expectations which can contribute to feeling overwhelmed, burdened, and hopeless.
What you can do:
- Have a support system.
- Do your own trauma work.
- Be aware that vicarious trauma can occur.
- Be proactive.

Somatic Experiencing

Founded by Peter Levine, it provides a psycho-biological perspective on treating trauma.
Uses body work to repair thwarted fight-or-flight reactions at the time the trauma occurred.
Therapist does not need to know the full details of the trauma in order to heal it (results in decreased risk of vicarious traumatization).
Trauma can be healed by working with body sensations and emotions.

5 Core Symptoms (in clients with unresolved trauma)

Issues with self-esteem and self-worth.
Inability to set boundaries with self and others.
Difficulty knowing and expressing own reality (thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physical sensations).
Difficulty knowing and meeting own needs and wants.
Inability to moderate and contain the self in an age appropriate manner.

Boundaries

A system of limit setting that protects a person from becoming a victim, and contains a person so that he/she is not offensive to others (provides protection and containment).
2 types of boundaries: internal and external.
Boundary work helps open clients awareness of other choices and options in their lives.

Thank you to Ms. Gomez for an informative and fun workshop!

For more information about the neuro-biological underpinnings of PTSD, check out the video The Secret Life of the Brain.

Check out photos from the June workshop on treating trauma.

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:16:32 GMT

Thanks to Menninger for providing lunch.

TAMFT Call to Action: Sunset Review puts your license at risk!

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 18:53:52 GMT

Sunset Review puts Texas Licensing
Boards at Risk: Act Today!!

The Texas Sunset Commission staff is recommending in its report on the reauthorization of the Department of State Health Services that the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists as well as the Professional Counselors and Social Worker licensing boards be reconstituted as advisory committees at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Transferring the existing authority of our board for licensing, enforcement action, and rulemaking to TDLR would significantly reduce the voice of Texas LMFTs on the regulation process.

TAMFT is asking members to submit brief comments between now and the public hearing on June 24 and 25. While the initial submitting period ended June 6^th, the Sunset Commission staff will compile those comments and provide them to the Sunset Commission at the time of hearing. Also, comments can be submitted verbally and in writing at the public hearing and those will also be compiled and shared with the Sunset Commission. Finally, there will be an additional open comment period that usually lasts for two weeks after the Sunset Commission hearing. The deadline for submission of comments will be but has not been set by the Sunset Commission Chair, Senator Jane Nelson.

Please take a moment before June 24th to send a comment in opposition to Recommendation 3.2 to transfer the Texas State Board of Examiners to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and reconstitute this independent board as an advisory committee. Submit comments to: www.sunset.texas.gov/input-form. **Select "Department of State Health Services (DSHS)" on the Public Input Form; it is the 11th agency listed.**

Recommendation 3.2 places the public at risk. The regulatory oversight provided by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists which includes licensed marriage and family therapists as well as public members ensures that all LMFTs are well trained and adhere to high professional standards. The impact of LMFTs on the health and safety of the clients they serve mandates the oversight of an independent regulatory board that includes experienced licensed professionals.

Unlike the other professions recommended for transfer to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in Recommendation 3.2, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Social Workers must hold advanced graduate degrees and are considered Health Professions under Texas law. None of the occupations currently licensed by TDLR are required to hold even a bachelor's degree.

Final action on these recommendations will require legislative action but TAMFT is hoping to build significant opposition to this recommendation now. We will continue to keep you updated throughout this process.

To access the Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report on DSHS and process details go to: www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/department-state-health-services-dshs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please send them to me, Peter Bradley atpdbradley@crosstimbersfamilytherapy.com or Chuck West, TAMFT Legislative Chair, atckwest2222@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Peter D. Bradley, Ph.D.
TAMFT President

HAMFT President: Step up for veterans

Sun, 25 May 2014 01:56:47 GMT

Memorial Day weekend is here, and we make time in our lives to honor our service women and men. As flags align our neighborhoods and are especially prominent in cemeteries throughout our country, Houston’s own National Veterans Cemetery will be decked out as hundreds gather in this sacred place to honor fallen heroes. Wreaths will adorn all the service members' headstones, and city officials will pay homage to those who gave so much for their country. Texas is second only to California in military/veteran population.

As mental health providers, we are reminded that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health concerns hover over our returning vets, and as many as 22 veterans on any given day take their own life. These “invisible wounds of war” beckon each of us to take action and commit some time to serve military families. As the national news calls attention to the gaps in services and funding problems in Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics in 26 cities, we as marriage and family therapists know how toxic the blame game can be in generating any positive change. We simply cannot afford to wait until investigators find out who is to blame for the latest shortage in services for veterans.

Funding shortfalls for mental health services for all Americans is not news and it is certainly not a surprise to thousands of veteran families who have lost more veterans to suicide than on the battlefield. Even with congressional support our professional organizations have been fighting for parity in health care reform, but waiting for legislative solutions will be too late for those suffering without hope. The time is now for us to attend to our veterans. If every clinician volunteered time providing pro bono services for an uninsured or underinsured veteran, we could be part of the solution to the high cost of modern warfare. Helping returning soldiers transition back to their families and healing deep divisions in families separated by prolonged or multiple deployments, could be our solemn vow this Memorial Day, this May, 2014 Mental Health Awareness Month. Partnering with Veteran groups, nonprofits, the VA, MHA, and our city, will turn our gratitude into social action.

Our May 9, 2014 HAMFT workshop featured seasoned clinicians who encouraged all of us to stay involved in our professional organization as they revisited our long established tradition of being innovators and creative practitioners who see a need and step up to meet that need. I am urging all of us to step up now. Make this Mental Health Awareness Month mean substantial support for soldiers, and make this Memorial Day more than a day to eat barbecue.

Check out these pictures from the May workshop!

Mon, 12 May 2014 01:05:48 GMT

Thanks to everyone who attended the "Politics and Practice" workshop with George Pulliam, Leslye King Mize and Lee Winderman.

Politics and practice: A sneak peak at May’s workshop

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:54:23 GMT

Three of Houston’s foremost family therapists -- Leslye Mize Ph.D., George Pulliam MSSW, and Lee Winderman Ph.D. -- will present at the May workshop and discuss two intricately intertwined issues affecting marriage and family therapists: politics and practice. The panel will discuss what they have experienced and learned during their long careers and how it has shaped their view of field, the issues impacted, and their vision of the future. They will also talk about where they stand now regarding the way they practice marriage and family therapy and their evolution as therapists.

Below are their thoughts on some of the topics to be discussed at the workshop.

What do you wish you knew when starting out?

Lee: I think what I would have liked to know most is that everything was going to work out ok. erhaps that is not the most helpful answer for other therapists. So let me answer another question; looking back, what has been most useful and helpful in your development as a therapist? Three things stand out: mentors, colleagues and personal therapy.

First, affiliating with senior experienced therapists whom I respect and admire, who are smart and generative, has helped me learn the art of the therapeutic process. Continuing to open my work to scrutiny has helped me gain maturity as a therapist and helped me continue to learn. Perhaps most importantly, it has kept me humble.

Second, I have been lucky, or perhaps skilled, at having a career in which I work with colleagues I respect and trust. My work environment has been stable and collaborative. That security has freed me to do my best work.

Third, I have been in therapy a few different times; all were extremely helpful. My first experience, while I was in graduate school, was perhaps the most significant. It both affirmed me as a young man struggling to find my way, and provided me with a personal experience of the value and importance of the psychotherapeutic process.

What is the most important advice you have for new therapists?

Leslye: Keep involved with mentors and peers while you practice your profession. Never stay too isolated and know that you never become too much of an expert. Hold on to those who make sense to you.

Why do therapists need to know about politics as they navigate their careers?

George: One can not avoid politics, and to wade through them in an agency or an or ganization one needs to use the same tools one develops as a therapist while maintaining one’s values and ethics--sometimes a difficult task. Politics, from one perspective, is involved in every relationship, in every system. It is not necessarily a nasty word.

Leslye: Our profession needs our commitment and leadership. It is vulnerable and needs our time. Your professional life could change for the best if we just put in some of our energy and have fun working with our peers. To me, politics is the development of our leadership in good ways.

How did you decide you wanted to be a family therapist?

George: I never made a conscious decision. I just evolved into it as I bumped into problems that needed a different approach, which began early in my career and picked up speed when I moved to Galveston in 1969.

HAMFT member says thanks for scholarship

Sat, 12 Apr 2014 03:18:01 GMT

A heart felt thank you, HAMFT, for your kindness in awarding me the Warm Hearth Scholarship to attend the 50th Annual Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy held on November 1-2 , 2013. The event took place at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Arlington, Virginia. The experience was one of a kind and helped me understand the work being done by researchers using Bowen Theory as they find ways to improve the health and healing for individuals with behavior and relationship issues.

We left Houston on October 31st and reached our destination safely. Finding the beautiful mansion-like home of the gracious Bowen Center supporter was a bit challenging. Once in, we realized that there was a warm welcome awaiting us. After a short reception we left to prepare for the next busy day.

We had a full day with five speakers. The sessions were followed by a panel discussion which lasted about thirty minutes and help us understand their perspectives. Daniel V. Papero , PHD, MSSW focused on "Psychological Symbiosis Revisited." This research inspired by the the publication of Dr. Bowen's annual reports at the National Institute of Mental Health and "would review this idea in his earliest writings and discuss its relevance to current thinking and clinical practice."

Ann S. Mcknight's recent research focused on " the examination of gene X environment which examines how the environment, especially the social environment, has an epigenetic influence on the development of the child and examined through the lens of Bowen's concept of the family projection process and the formation of differentiation of self in the child."

There were other researchers working with the Bowen theory from various fields, such a psychologists, social worker, and others researching from the spiritual aspect of the same lens with positive outcomes. We had eight speakers the next day with a similar format of the previous day.

The celebration of this special event took place Friday evening. Many friends and supporters shared their personal experiences with Dr. Bowen and other colleagues of his era. They helped us understand the humor and leisurely aspect of their experiences during their relaxation and recreational time together, along with the passion of their research.

This was a wonderful event. The experience was unique and one which I will not easily forget. I am eternally grateful for your support.

Sincerely,
Beulah Moses RN, LMFT-A

Beulah began her career as a nurse and has several years of practice in numerous nursing practice settings. She is currently practicing as a nurse as well as offering counseling in a private setting. Her passion is building healthy lifestyles for individuals, couples, and families by improving, repairing, and supporting interpersonal relationships.

April Workshop: In My Mind's Eye

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 03:08:50 GMT

Register Here for the April Workshop

Jenny Dietz Presents "In My Mind's Eye"

There is no denying that social media has taken the 21st century by storm. With the introduction of social interaction through keypads and cameras, one might presume we’re more connected than ever. However, it seems as if more connection has brought about more distortion over what’s even real anymore, and as clinicians, a great deal of our responsibilities are housed under an umbrella of discerning that very same reality. As a therapist working primarily with eating disorders, Jenny Deitz deals with this discussion on a regular basis, especially when conversations shift to body-image. Join us for a 3-hour interactive workshop entitled “In My Mind’s Eye”, where we will explore the influences of the world around us through the filter of an eating disorder lens.

Help the state address the mental health worker shortage

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:43:17 GMT

There’s a mental health workforce shortage in Texas, according to a report by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

HB 1023 (Burkett/Nelson) directed the commission to develop policy recommendations to address the shortage. The commission is looking for recommendations from counselors and other stakeholders on how to do any of the following:

1) Improve employee recruitment and retention

2) Give greater attention to the needs of rural and border area

3) Increase cultural and linguistic diversity

4) Reevaluate and update the educational curriculum for health professionals

5) Collect more data at the state and national level to fully inform workforce planning initiatives

Check out the report and send your feedback by April 1, 2014 HPRC@dshs.state.tx.us.

According to the report:

There were 3,062 marriage and family therapists (MFTs) practicing in Texas as of September 2013, giving a ratio of 8,708.2 persons per MFT.

Within the state’s five most populous counties the population to MFT ratio was 6,442:1 while it was 11,923:1 in the rest of the state, comprising proportions of 41.35% and 58.65%, respectively.

In 2013, 27.7% of MFTs were 65 or older and another 31.8% were between 55 and 64 years old, meaning that 59.6% of the workforce will be of retirement age by 2023.

Average annual growth of the MFT workforce in Texas has been 1.8% from 2008-2013. Yet when considering population growth, there has been just 0.2% average annual growth.

The Texas Counseling Association plans to submit comments on the following areas, according to an email to its members.

Include Licensed Professional Counselors in the Core Mental Health Professions. LPCs credentials, experience and clients completely align with the mental health professionals listed as Core Mental Health Professions. LPCs are the largest group of independent mental health Medicaid providers (3,733) in Texas as of July 2013. LPCs are identified as eligible providers to address unmet need under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment program. (There is no cost associated with this change. It would require either a rule change (agency) or a change in definitions in statute.)

Allow LPC-Interns to bill for services under the Medicaid program. These mental health professionals have completed their graduate degrees, earned practicum experience and passed their licensure and jurisprudence exams. They are licensed to deliver mental health services directly to clients under the supervision of an LPC-Supervisor. Their education and experience level are comparable to Psychological Associates and Provisionally Licensed Psychologists who are currently allowed to bill for their services under Medicaid. Allowing LPC-Interns to bill for services under Medicaid will also create a pathway to increase the number of fully licensed mental health professionals willing to work with this population, which will also address the aging-out of mental health professionals in Texas. (The cost for this change could be handled through existing Medicaid allocations to reduce waiting lists and expand services. It would require a rule change (agency) and may require legislative action.)

Expand the focus of this report to include access to services provided in educational settings. Professional school counselors in Texas are required to hold at least a master’s degree, have two years of teaching experience and pass a unique certification exam. Through individual planning and responsive services, they often provide the link between students struggling with psycho-social-emotional issues and mental health services. Mental health professionals working in the counseling offices of Texas universities and community colleges provide a similar service.

TAMFT Pictures!

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:40:19 GMT

HAMFT President: All hands on deck!

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:34:32 GMT

A Letter from HAMFT President Anne Way

As I begin my journey as president of HAMFT, I am aware that several generations of marriage and family therapists are housed under the strong, 40-year-old roof of TAMFT. Never before was this more evident than at the recently concluded 40th anniversary TAMFT conference held this past week in Sugar Land. This powerful roof has withstood the challenge of gaining licensure in this great State, fortified itself to maintain that licensure despite the great storm of opposition it has faced in Texas and covered several generations of therapists who came of age under its protective shield. This formidable terrain housed under a single roof calls for equal measures of grit and grace, wit and wisdom. If we are to sustain this great profession we must keep our roof hardy, repair any leaks that arise and quite truthfully tear it down and rebuild it when necessary. This roof needs to last for generations to come. How will we sustain our organization while remaining relevant to the entire membership? We must shepherd these transgenerational marriage and family therapists through a variety of successful career trajectories.

Clear and sustainable pathways must be available for:

• private practitioners,

• group practices,

• the nonprofit agency settings,

• hospital settings,

• managed care managers,

• EAP clinicians,

• academic clinicians,

• and family researchers.

How can we design a viable succession plan as some of the wise sages in our organization retire, close their practices, or begin a new phase of life? We are fortunate in our HAMFT family to have members who gladly mentor students and young professionals just as the younger generation smiles politely when their elders discuss the good ole days when live supervision involved the use of high tech drop in microphones, rotary phones, and beta max recordings.

Recently Past President Joan Harwood sent an email blast out to members that she needed “all hands on deck” to help with our Awards Banquet. On a naval vessel this means everyone on board assembles on deck to help out with whatever needs to be done. Answering the call to help with the business of HAMFT in supporting its members is essential to sustaining our vessel and keeping it sound. Generations of leaders have steered us through rough seas and calm seas, but in all conditions it was the membership who kept the machinery running smoothly. We need members to continue efforts in inviting colleagues to join HAMFT, serve on committees, run for board positions, develop creative and relevant programs and make it a goal to attend our monthly educational opportunities. There may be rough seas ahead for practitioners and clients but we must stand ready. We must ask:

• How can we equip students and the beginning professionals to navigate the new world of mental health care?

• How will we meet the challenge that the affordable health care act presents in our practice settings and more importantly what can we do as a collective, multi-generational collaborative of therapists to dream together and shape a mental health care system that promotes our profession as marriage and family therapists while also promoting healthy families?

I invite all members to get on board to help get this vessel moving. We will need all hands on deck. For me faith has sustained and energized me; it is my life raft that helps me weather storms in my family, in the families I witness in my practice, in our profession, and in our world. For some it is faith that helps us traverse rough waters, for others it is science that helps construct what is needed to make a worthy vessel, still others it is clear guideposts and rules that make navigation more smooth…whatever “floats your boat” my hope is that we promote faith in ourselves as healers, faith in our collective and individual vision for our profession, ourselves, our families, our clients--moving us to envision a better world, one progress note at a time.

If you have suggestions on HAMFT's role in the profession's future, questions on how you can get involved or would like to offer ideas on the association's events, send an email to president@hamft.org.

An Upcoming Workshop to consider.....

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:48:24 GMT

2014-3-10 HAMFT Harrison Ad.pdf

Fighting Less and Loving More: How to help couples decrease conflict and increase intimacy

Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:05:59 GMT

The Couple Zone Presents...

"Fighting Less and Loving More:
How to help couples decrease conflict

and increase intimacy"

Presented by Sarah McConnell, MA, LPC, LMFT and Maegan Carnew-Megginson, MA, LMFTA, LPC Intern, this workshop gives a brief overview of Emotionally Focused Couples therapy then concentrating on an in-depth look at the first part of EFT using video and role plays to demonstrate some of the skills needed to decrease conflict in fighting or distancing couples. After the break, we will be discussing how to develop and maintain intimacy in an interactive discussion.

This continuing education workshop will count as 3 CEU's toward the requirements of the Texas State Board of Examiners for therapists and counselors.

Lunch will be served at 12 p.m. by HAMFT. The workshop will begin promptly at 1 p.m.

HAMFT Awards Banquet Pictures!

Sun, 19 Jan 2014 15:58:38 GMT