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The following presentations will be made at our conference on August 16, 2014.

A Psychiatrist’s Perspective on the Recovery Model by Linda Gochfeld, MD, Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Medical Director of SERV Behavioral Health. Dr. Gochfeld will present on her use of recovery based treatment in her practice and in the community, including the personal empowerment of her patients and achieving their vocational goals.

Being in Charge of My Life: Managing My Illness by David Buch, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Carrier Clinic and Carla Carbonara, LCADC and LAC, Carrier Clinic. This session will address approaches to assist in wellness.

LifeTools: How to Manage Life Instead of Life Managing You! by Carol L. Rickard, LCSW, CEO of Well YOUniversity, LLC, DBSA New Jersey Board of Trustees. When it comes to dealing with life and stress, having the right tools for the job can mean the difference between relapse and recovery. This workshop will give you a toolbox of the right tools!

Partners in Mission by Allen Doederlein, President of DBSA. Allen will outline DBSA’s current and future initiatives and, equally important, seek to learn about issues important to and initiatives undertaken by chapters.

Tapping Your Senses to Create Balance Within by Maryann Sowerbutts, OTR/L. This workshop will focus on exploring and utilizing sensory strategies for wellness and recovery. Participants will walk away with more tools to use for creating a thriving life!

When Stress Gets on your Nerves; Turning Tension into Tranquility by Laura DeMarzo, Ed.D., Licensed Psychologist, Director Center for Psychological Services of Somerset County , Hillsborough N.J, professional advisor to DBSA Somerset County. Dr. DeMarzo will present on understanding the triggers that can cause stressful reactions, and distinguishing normal stressful responses to maladaptive ones.  Symptoms of stress and effective treatments will be discussed.

Who Let the Therapy Dogs Out? by Tricia Baker, CPDT-KA, Therapy Dog Specialist and Director of AIR Dog: Paws for Minds Program. This session reveals how petting a dog helps your mental health and how pets fit into the Dimensions of Wellness. Ms. Baker will also explain the legal categories of support animals and how dogs are used to break down barriers and foster conversations about good mental health.