2022-2023 was an academic year full of surprises, and we learned so much! This was true for both the cohort of 22 trainees as well as for Adam and me.
After many months of planning and collaboration with our members, we began accepting applications from interested students and associates in August of 2022. We really had no idea what to expect but were reasonably confident that we would get a few. In the end we had 30 interested applicants to consider. We met with most of them via Zoom for small-group or one-to-one introductions and Q & A. Once again, we had conversations full of learning for all involved! We accepted 24 of the applicants into our first cohort and can now celebrate a 91% completion rate, with 22 of the qualified 24 trainees completing the full 9-month training program.
Our 22-23 cohort completed an impressive 2,089 hours of learning – which included self-paced didactics and attendance at all of the 4 quarterly training events we offered. These training events were also open to our community of licensed BH providers and other paraprofessionals, with a tally there of 433 learning hours. This was an exciting accomplishment, and we were delighted to be able to bring the following lineup of expert presenters and worthy training content:
- Nov. 9, 2022: Changing the Conversation About Pain, with Nora Stern, MS, PT, and Laura Heesacker, LCSW
- Nov. 28 & 29, 2022: Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, with Dr. Debra Kaysen, PhD
- Feb. 8, 2023: Motivational Interviewing Training, with Heather Lynch, MINT
- April 17 & 18, 2023: Treatment Needs and Approaches for Gender Diverse Youth, with Dr. Laura Edwards-Leeper, PhD
We can also report that, on behalf of the trainees who were especially interested in getting exposure to child and family training experiences, we piloted a contract with Larksong Counseling, and owner, Anna Thedford, LPC, who provided Play and Sand Therapy education. The students who participated in this program reported that they found great value in the focused learning opportunity, and one trainee is now an employee at Larksong! We will continue to offer this program experience and explore other similar products for future cohorts.
As of July 2023, we certified all 22 trainees with “Level One” training completion. It was a fulfilling success for me and Adam, and our 1st cohort individuals have told us that they are better prepared for what comes next in their education and career in Behavioral Health.
It is with true gratitude and excitement that we say: Congrats! 2022-2023 COBHC Trainees!
Sincerely,
Tina and Adam
