Santa Cruz Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists upcoming events

Deepening Trauma Awareness in Practice Combining IFS and EMDR for Effective Pacing (04/24/2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT
presents

Deepening Trauma Awareness in Practice Combining IFS and EMDR for Effective Pacing

with Holly Hughes

Friday, April 24, 2026
9:00am-12:00pm

Simpkin's "Community Center" Room B
(979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062)

2 CE Credits

Sponsored by

Description

This training explores how to deepen understanding of trauma dynamics and integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for safe, effective pacing. Participants will gain practical skills for clinical application.

Educational Goals/Learning Objectives

In successfully completing and attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

Deepen understanding of how IFS concepts and EMDR phases overlap and support one another.
Strengthen the process of pacing, readiness, and safety by using a collaborative, parts-informed approach.
Integrate IFS into key EMDR stages: resourcing, target setting, reprocessing, and installation.
Apply a trauma-responsive stance that centers partnership, flexibility, and a strengths-based stance.
Identify key applications to care planning (whether familiar with EMDR, IFS, neither, or both!)

Presenter

Holly Hughes (she/her) is the CEO and Founder of HH & Co. A behavioral health clinician with 20+ years of experience, she provides trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, and organizational coaching. Based in Santa Cruz, Holly is a member of the LGBTQI community and an advocate for equity and systemic well being.

Schedule

9:00am: Check-in & Breakfast *

9:30am-11:30am: CE Session

11:30am-12:00pm: Networking *

* = non CE portion of day

Advanced registration is required for this event and must be completed at least one day before the event. Each individual seeking CE credits must register separately, attend the event, and submit the post-session evaluation to receive CE certificate within one week. The evaluation with attached CE certificate will be sent out to confirmed attendees by 48 hours after the event.

Cost

SC-CAMFT Member (Clinical and Affiliate): $45
SC-CAMFT Member (Associate and Student): $35

Non-Member: $55
Non-Member (Associate/Student): $45

If you are not logged in yet and are a member of our chapter, please me sure to log in here.

Continuing Education Provider #62284: This training meets the qualifications for 2 hours continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Course completion certificates will be available to attendees after completion of the session evaluation and sent by email no later than three weeks after the session. The Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. The Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Due to this program being managed by volunteers, there are no cancellation refunds for this program.

Special Accommodations: The Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT is committed to providing a presentation that is accessible to all who wish to attend. If you have a special need and plan to attend, please notify us at president@santacruztherapist.org. Requests must be made one week in advance.

Grievances/Other Questions: Contact SC-CAMFT at president@santacruztherapist.org.

Fireside Connections: Nurturing Bonds through the Neurobiology of Community (06/09/2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT

presents

Fireside Connections: Nurturing Bonds through the Neurobiology of Community

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6:00pm-8:30pm

Twin Lakes State Beach
(2875 E Cliff Dr Santa Cruz, CA 95062)

Description

Join us for an unforgettable evening on the beach as we explore the neurobiological foundations of connection and community among mental health professionals. Surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the ocean and the warmth of a campfire, this unique networking event invites you to forge meaningful relationships, share insights, and embrace the power of gathering—just as our ancestors did. Fireside Connections” aims to deepen professional relationships among mental health practitioners, promote emotional bonds, and cultivate a sense of community—honoring our ancestry tradition of gathering around the fire to share, learn, and grow together.

Food and light beverages will be served.

What to Bring:

A beach chair or blanket
A journal and pen for notes and reflections
Comfortable attire suitable for the beach

Cost

SC-CAMFT Member (Clinical and Affiliate): FREE
SC-CAMFT Member (Associate and Student): FREE

Non-Member: $35
Non-Member (Associate/Student): $25

*Registration closes Monday, June 8.*

Questions

Contact event organizer Tea Beradze via email.

Supporting Clients in Managing Oppression: A Trauma-Informed, Systems-Aware Approach for Therapists (06/26/2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT
presents

Supporting Clients in Managing Oppression: A Trauma-Informed, Systems-Aware Approach for Therapists

with Nia Meadors, LCSW, PPSC

Friday, June 26, 2026
9:00am-12:00pm

The Camp Recover Center
(3600 Glen Canyon Rd Scotts Valley, CA 95066)

2 CE Credits

Description

Supporting Clients in Managing Oppression is clinical training designed for therapists who want to move beyond textbook approaches and provide care that is truly trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in real-world systems. This training explores how various forms of oppression show up in the therapy room as anxiety, depression, anger, dissociation, burnout, and how clinicians can respond without pathologizing survival.

Participants will deepen their understanding of systemic and internalized oppression, intersectionality, nervous system impact, and culturally responsive interventions. The training emphasizes flexibility, self-reflection, and practical tools therapists can immediately apply in session. Ideal for clinicians seeking to expand their clinical lens, strengthen ethical care, and support marginalized clients with greater clarity and confidence.

Educational Goals/Learning Objectives

In successfully completing and attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify major forms of oppression.
Understand how oppression presents as “symptoms.”
Recognize personal bias and blind spots.
Implement culturally responsive interventions.
Challenge rigid, outdated clinical frameworks Practice greater flexibility in treatment planning.

Presenter

Nia Meadors, LCSW, PPSC is a trauma informed therapist, educator, and founder of Mood & Mind Therapy. She is DBT certified, EMDR and brainspotting trained, IFS informed, and integrates somatic experiencing into her work. Nia specializes in supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, systemic oppression, family system disruption, and diagnoses that are often misunderstood or stigmatized, including OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and passive suicidal ideation. With experience across inpatient, residential, PHP/IOP, and outpatient settings, Nia’s work is grounded not only in clinical training but also in advocacy, education, and community care. Through speaking engagements, workshops, and accessible mental health resources, she challenges mainstream narratives in psychology and creates space for healing that honors culture, identity, and collective liberation.

Schedule

9:00am: Check-in/Networking & Breakfast *

9:30am-11:30am: CE Session

11:30am-12:00pm: Q&A & Networking *

* = non CE portion of day

Cost

SC-CAMFT Member (Clinical and Affiliate): $45
SC-CAMFT Member (Associate and Student): $35

Non-Member: $55
Non-Member (Associate/Student): $45

If you are not logged in yet and are a member of our chapter, please me sure to log in here.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Due to this program being managed by volunteers, there are no cancellation refunds for this program.

Grievances/Other Questions: Contact SC-CAMFT at president@santacruztherapist.org.

FOCUS on Women with ADHD: Screening, Assessment and Interventions for Psychotherapists (08/21/2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Santa Cruz Chapter of CAMFT
presents

FOCUS on Women with ADHD: Screening, Assessment and Interventions for Psychotherapists

with Kara Cruz, LMFT, PMH-C

Friday, August 21, 2026
9:00am-12:00pm

Paradox Hotel
(611 Ocean St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060)

2 CE Credits

Sponsored by

Description

Women with ADHD are diagnosed an average of 5 years later than men and are twice as likely to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression, leading to years of untreated symptoms and increased mental health symptoms. Join this 3 hour live training to increase knowledge and enhance skills in screening, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adolescent females and women who may be experiencing symptoms and/or impairment in functioning due to ADHD.

Educational Goals/Learning Objectives

In successfully completing and attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

Discuss the symptoms (DSM-5 TR criteria), characteristics/traits and behaviors associated with ADHD.
Differentiate between the symptoms of each subtype of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, combined type) according to the DSM-5 TR.
Compare and Describe how ADHD Symptoms (characteristics/traits/behavioral manifestations) can be unique to girls and women versus boys and men.
Identify appropriate interventions and resources for women with ADHD.

Presenter

Kara Cruz is an Neurodivergent (ADHD) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C), EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ and Continuing Education (CE) trainer. She is a private practice owner, educator, and clinical supervisor with over a decade of experience serving women navigating complex trauma, ADHD, and reproductive mental health; including perinatal, postpartum, and perimenopause transitions. Kara specializes in working with individuals and facilitating groups for women who are impacted by trauma, mood and anxiety conditions, and hormonal mental health conditions. In addition to her clinical work, she provides continuing education and professional training on topics such as Women and ADHD, Perinatal Mental Health, Perimenopause, and (complex) Trauma-Informed Care. She is the founder of Kara Cruz Psychotherapy & Wellness, where she provides individual and group psychotherapy and supports therapists and helping professionals through consultation, training, courses, and speaking engagements. She created Therapist Group Bootcamp Membership, a community guiding professionals through the steps of designing, planning and launching impactful signature therapy and wellness groups. She created and leads support and wellness groups for women, therapists and healing professionals.

Schedule

9:00am: Check-in/Networking & Breakfast *

9:30am-11:30am: CE Session

11:30am-12:00pm: Q&A & Networking *

* = non CE portion of day

Cost

SC-CAMFT Member (Clinical and Affiliate): $50
SC-CAMFT Member (Associate and Student): $35

Non-Member: $60
Non-Member (Associate/Student): $45

*Registration closes Wednesday, August 19.*

If you are not logged in yet and are a member of our chapter, please me sure to log in here.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Due to this program being managed by volunteers, there are no cancellation refunds for this program.

Grievances/Other Questions: Contact SC-CAMFT at president@santacruztherapist.org.