Welcome to September, the month of green chile roasting, state fair food and National Recovery Month celebrations! This is a time to recognize and celebrate those who have taken on the difficult but rewarding work to recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. It is also an opportunity to renew our commitment in the work that we do to help people, families and community access recovery related services across the state of New Mexico.
Part of the difficulty that people face in trying to make changes that can lead to recovery is the stigma associated with mental health and addiction issues. It is in the spirit of stigma reduction that I have decided to share a little bit about my own story of recovery, which began in the year of 2001 in Las Cruces NM.
I had just returned to NMSU after serving a semester long “academic suspension” for repeating my pattern of starting off a semester strong and then letting my substance fueled social life take over and sabotage my grades by the end of the semester. Fresh from this suspension I was committed to focusing on completing my degree that fall, but I again fell back into familiar patterns of substance misuse and misguided priorities. I was only two months into the semester when two important events shook me to my core and forced me to examine my lifestyle.
First, I was arrested for DWI and spent 40 hours in a holding cell before my friends could scrounge up the money needed to post my bail. Not seeing the sunlight for two days had a profound effect on me, not to mention the concrete bed and the shared toilet in the center of the room. A week later one of my best friends took his own life while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. None of us saw it coming.
As powerful of a wake-up call as this was, it was of course, only the beginning of a journey that led me towards recovery. I had to first stop all illicit drugs and drastically reduce any alcohol use in my life. I also began to see a therapist for anxiety and found a tremendous amount of support from my then girlfriend and now wife, Eliza. It took a lot of work on myself, including rediscovering who I was and what I am capable of to make lasting change in my life.
As difficult and dangerous a period of my life this was, I look back on it with little to no regrets. I am where I am today because of my successes and mistakes. Sometimes we need life to teach us lessons in ways that are harsh, painful, and profound. My lived experience has informed my work in behavioral health as much as my degrees and training.
I share this knowing hundreds of colleagues who are out there making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. It is our lived experience in struggle and in peace and prosperity that allow us to help others. My gratitude to all of you, whether I know your story or not.
-Brian Serna
We, at Serna Solutions are also excited to announce some important updates and events happening within our organization.
Serna Solutions Welcomes Renee Edwards, LPCC, Director of Operations
We are thrilled that Renee Edwards has joined Serna Solutions in the role of Director of Operations. Renee brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of behavioral health and has a long history of building programs that are efficient, effective and community centered. Her passion for helping individuals on their path to recovery makes her a perfect fit for our organization. With Renee leading our operations, we are confident in our continued ability to delivering high-quality services to support and empower our clients.
As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our services and better serve our communities, we are proud to announce the launch of our new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Albuquerque. Starting on October 2nd, our IOP program will provide comprehensive services to individuals grappling with addiction and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. Our program is a unique blend of mindfulness practice, AcuDetox and a blend of two evidence based programs –Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. We will begin accepting referrals in mid-September through our ABQ office phone number of 505-305-4949 or info@sernasolutionsllc.com.
We are thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership between Serna Solutions and Presbyterian Community Health that is set to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of New Mexicans. Chair Care’s mission is to enhance awareness about COVID-19, long COVID-19, and the flu, providing factual, up-to-date information to safeguard our communities from preventable illnesses. At the heart of this initiative are our Trusted Messengers, local hair stylists working in privately owned salons. With their unique position in the community, they use culturally appropriate language to engage clients from diverse backgrounds.
Serna Solutions is stepping up to empower these Trusted Messengers with Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. Through hands-on training sessions and regular virtual meetings, our Trusted Messengers will learn how to apply MI techniques effectively. Their newfound skills will be harnessed to encourage behavioral changes that promote better health outcomes, with a primary focus on addressing vaccine hesitancy. To learn more about the Chair Care program, click here.
Serna Solutions works diligently to bring you the most comprehensive training with easy accessibility for registration. We offer free SOR training as well as private training for your organization. Please take a moment to view our upcoming workshops, and visit our Train with Serna Solutions tab, which includes an event calendar and information about how you can schedule private training for your organization.
The Basics of Trauma-Informed Care:
September 12th, & 25th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
In this course, learn a solid understanding of how trauma impacts the developing nervous system and interlinks with addictions, mental health, and attachment issues. This training provides introductory strategies for nervous system regulation that can assist clients/patients in managing symptoms, viewed through a historical trauma lens. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, which provides 6 CEUs. Register for any of the three dates here.
Motivational Interviewing – Advanced Practice
September 7th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This workshop provides persons with extensive training and practice with Motivational Interviewing to stretch their skills and creativity in a supportive and fun atmosphere. In this session, we will explore applications of Motivational Interviewing with other modalities, engage in MI-based challenges, and provide supportive feedback to MI colleagues in a structured format. This workshop is in-person at CNM Workforce Training Center – Room 103, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave Albuquerque, NM 87113. Attendance is limited to 75 people. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Therapeutic Games for Groups
September 8th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
Join us as we learn various therapeutic games experientially in this experiential, fun, and practical workshop! These games can be used for team building, trust building, problem-solving, and to gain insight into addiction and mental health challenges experienced by individuals and families. Expect some movement, lots of practical information, and loads of laughter. This workshop is in-person at Duke City Recovery Toolbox, 912 1st Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102. Registration is limited to 30 people. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – Level 2
September 11th & 12th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm both days (One-hour lunch break at noon)
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This online training focuses on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or ‘DBT’ – an evidenced-based practice that assists clients with mood, personality, anxiety, and addictive and trauma-related disorders. DBT provides clients with skills that promote emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. This training will provide participants with an in-depth explanation and practice of teaching DBT skills to their clients. A working camera and microphone are required to register for this training, providing 12 CEUs. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Ethics: Emotional Boundaries and Self-Disclosure
September 11th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
When used appropriately, self-disclosure can facilitate client’s understanding of their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and is used to develop strategies and resolve issues. At the same time, if used incorrectly, self-disclosure can change the focus of the discussion from the client’s concerns to those of the service provider. We will explore some advantages/disadvantages of self-disclosing and when and how to self-disclose. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, and full, active participation in the entire training is required for 6 CEUs. Register here.
Expressive Therapies Training – Creative Prompts for Addressing Clinical Issues
September 14th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
Learn the power of creative prompts to help clients access creativity, gain insight, and become “unstuck” in their process. Expect to access your creativity as you learn and explore these creative prompts for clinical behavioral health challenges. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, and active participation is required during the entire training to receive 6 CEUs. Sign up to participate in this training here.
Three Waves of the Opioid Crisis (Fentanyl)
September 15th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This online workshop will examine the data behind the three waves of the opioid crisis since the early 1990s. Looking at the historical contexts internationally, nationally, and locally, we will see how our relationship with opioids has evolved over time. Special attention will be focused on the current wave of fentanyl analogs (e.g., Fentanyl) and Tranq (Xylazine). The current trends around adaptations using Naltrexone, Methadone, and Suboxone will also be reviewed (e.g., micro-dosing). A working camera and microphone are required to register for this training. Full and active participation is required for the entire training to receive 6 CEUs. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Ethics: Cultural Competency, Humility, and Fluency
September 18th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
Receive an overview of the evolution of ideas relevant to working with culturally diverse clients and communities in this online training session. Issues around how cultural identity and personal bias can influence behavioral health prevention and treatment programs are explored in depth. Other ideas, such as privilege, intersectionality, and microaggressions, will be defined and used to frame larger discussions. A working camera and microphone are required to participate in this training. Full and active participation during the entire training is required to receive 6 CEUs. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Crisis Prevention Institute – De-escalation Training
September 19th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) De-escalation Training: The Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) is an international training organization specializing in safely managing disruptive and assaultive behavior. Our trainer is CPI certified, having completed the CPI training trainer program and will help participants learn and apply person-centered de-escalation and behavior management strategies designed to keep everyone as safe as possible in the workplace. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, and full and active participation is required for the entire training to receive 6 CEUs. Register here.
Contingency Management (CM)
September 19th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This online training is focused on Contingency Management, (CM) is an evidence-based practice in the treatment of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders. It is the systematic reinforcement of desired behaviors and withholding reinforcement or punishment of undesired behaviors. It is a behavioral intervention grounded in operant conditioning principles, a learning method in which desired behaviors are reinforced with prizes, privileges, or cash. Simply stated, “When I do a good thing, I get a good thing.” CM studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CM interventions in reducing AOD use; improving treatment attendance; and reinforcing other treatment goals, such as complying with a medication regimen or obtaining employment. This training will give participants an overview of the model and practical tools to help them with implementation. A working microphone and camera are required to register for this workshop, which provides 3 CEUs. Register here.
Motivational Interviewing – Level 1
September 20th & 21st from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm both days (One-hour lunch break at noon)
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This 2-day online workshop introduces participants to the spirit and strategies of Motivational Interviewing (MI.) Motivational Interviewing is one of the most heavily researched interventions in the fields of addiction, behavioral health, and medicine. MI is an approach that attempts to move an individual away from a state of indecision or uncertainty and towards finding the motivation to make positive decisions and accomplish established goals. MI is a directional, client-centered style of interacting to elicit behavior change by helping individuals explore and resolve ambivalence. Rather than acting antagonistically or combatively, the helper engages with the client to explore their feelings, including ambivalence about changing, and help clients find their motivations. This workshop provides participants with an overview of the research and theoretical base for the model. Participants will also practice MI strategies and skills in small groups throughout the day. A working camera and microphone are required for this event. Full and active participation during the entire training is required to receive 12 CEUs. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – For Parents
September 22nd from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a proven approach to dealing with extreme emotional responses and their impact on our relationships with the world and others. The focus of this training is to help you to help parents learn skills that can create more emotional intelligence within their families. After this training, you can help parents learn skills to help regulate their own emotions when managing their child in distress. You will also learn tools to help parents understand what their child is thinking and feeling so they can better support them and improve the entire family’s functioning. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, and full participation during the whole training is required to receive 6 CEUs. Register here.
Ethics in Clinical Supervision
September 22nd from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This online training will provide participants with critical information and hands-on exercises regarding best practices for providing ethical clinical supervision. It starts with a review of ethical principles that govern the Code of Ethics for all helping professions, followed by an interactive ethical dilemma exercise. We will then explore ethical considerations related to culture, evidence-based practices, and Telehealth. A working camera and microphone are required to register for this training, providing 6 CEUs. This training satisfies the 6 hours of Supervision Ethics requirement for behavioral health licensees in New Mexico. Register for all of our SOR training here.
Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT)
September 26th & 27th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm both days (One-hour lunch break at noon)
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
This 2-day workshop explores the only evidence-based program to assist families that are challenged by addiction. It uses an overall positive approach and steers clear of any confrontation. CRAFT is a culturally sensitive program that works with families to positively influence the behavior of a person with an active addiction. The program emphasizes learning new skills to cope with old problems. Some components include how to stay safe, understand the function of the addiction, and teach caregivers how to use positive reinforcers (rewards) and let the substance user suffer the natural consequences of their using behavior. CRAFT research has shown that almost 7 out of 10 people who use the program get their substance users to attend treatment, and it has been shown to be equally effective with Hispanic and Anglo families. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, and full participation is required throughout the training to receive 12 CEUs. Register here.
Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)
September 28th & 29th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm both days (One-hour lunch break at noon)
Cost: Free SOR Training Series
Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) is a comprehensive behavioral program for treating substance-abuse problems. It is based on the belief that environmental contingencies can play a powerful role in encouraging or discouraging drinking or drug use. Consequently, it utilizes social, recreational, familial, and vocational reinforcers to assist consumers in the recovery process. Its goal is to make a sober lifestyle more rewarding than the use of substances. A working camera and microphone are required to register for this training, providing 12 CEUs. Register for all of our SOR training here.
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