The Southwest Coalition for Substance Abuse Issues

November Coalition Monthly Meeting

Announced on August 8, 2017 8:52 pm
When:
November 21, 2017 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
2017-11-21T10:00:00-06:00
2017-11-21T12:00:00-06:00
Where:
Stepping Stones Treatment Center
1621 Theodore St
Joliet, IL 60435
USA
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Gloria Bloodsaw

Topic: Introduction to Cultural Humility

Presenter: Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC

Learning Objectives:

1) Identify key differences between Cultural Humility & Cultural Competence.

2) Identify 4 basic components and values of Cultural Humility.

3) Increase the practice of self-reflection: examining how one’s own culture(s) and experiences impact assessment of and interventions with others.

4) Recognize how history can continue to shape present-day beliefs and behaviors.

Workshop Description

Highly vulnerable populations often present with chronic needs, complex trauma, high ambivalence and diminished opportunities for self-determination as well as self-efficacy. As such, it can be challenging for service providers to effectively engage these populations, and empower them to achieving greater stability and self-sufficiency. Often these populations are rejected by or discharged from social service settings due to the many barriers they encounter and present to accessing services. Additionally, many individuals and communities have developed mistrust of service systems due to experiences of both personal and historical trauma. Complex client needs coupled with significant barriers, requires service provision to be non-pathologizing, highly individualized and adaptable, while also engaging clients as experts in their own lives and building upon their existing strength and resilience.

Cultural Humility provides a highly applicable and grounded framework for the flexible delivery of services to highly vulnerable populations across diverse cultures, communities, and needs. Many times we work with individuals and communities that are different from our own, which can work as a natural reminder for us as service providers to reflect on our differences and how these may impact our clinical process and service delivery. This workshop will explore cultural issues not only where we experience difference, but also in contexts where we share culture with our clients, as these situations can often present the greater risk of engaging assumptions and less effective practice.

Through  brief lecture, case presentation, small group activities, and self-assessment/reflection exercises, this workshop helps participants examine and reflect on intersectionality, as well as how individual, group and system-level practices and environments support diverse and vulnerable populations, and ultimately how to improve on building safety for our clients to access and engage our services.

Trainer Bio

Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC, is the Director of Substance Use Treatment Programs at Thresholds, Co-Owner/Founder of Roots Counseling & Training Solutions, Independent Consultant for both the Illinois Co-Occurring Center for Excellence and the Midwest Harm Reduction Institute, as well as Adjunct Faculty at The University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. Gabriela brings over a decade of experience providing direct services, training, and consultation, as well as designing and leading programs using Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-informed Care, Housing First, and third wave behavioral interventions. Gabriela graduated from University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, earning certifications in Evidence-based Practice and Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling. They currently serve as an executive member of Department of Human’s Services / Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Women’s Committee of the Illinois Advisory Council, and President of the Southwest Coalition on Substance Abuse. In 2017, Gabriela was recognized by the Illinois Association of Addiction Professionals chapter of NADAAC with the Rising Star award. Gabriela has presented locally and nationally on a range of topics specific to serving highly vulnerable and medically complex populations, and has provided consultation and technical assistance to programs serving homeless individuals, families, and youth with co-occurring disorders locally, nationally, and internationally.