​Presented by: Victoria Bennie, MA, LPC, NCC

Registration information: 

This workshop fee is $35. Supplies will be provided. This workshop is intended for individuals to practice self-care while participating in creative expression through journaling. 

Cancellation policy: Registration is non-refundable. Cancellations within two weeks of the event cannot be transferred.

Our Mental Health Matters began as a heartfelt initiative to bring bilingual mental health professionals together in the East Texas region. We foster a sense of self-awareness, community connections, support, and resources for referrals and consultation. We also share knowledge about caring for the Latinx community—dedicated professionals like YOU!

In our second year, we are thrilled to present you with a unique opportunity to reconnect and gain valuable insights and strategies to enhance your personal and professional skills. In this event, we will explore strategies for fostering resilience. It involves understanding the pressures and setbacks that come with the different roles we represent in our organizations and how we can proactively adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. This event will catalyze your growth and development in the mental health field and the support you bring to your Hispanic Community. 

In collaboration with the University of Texas at Tyler's Social Work Program, Sense of Self Counseling, and Monarca Initiative, we are launching a funding initiative to support mental health access for the Latino community. This year's registration fee will help provide mental health services for Spanish-speaking individuals who cannot afford counseling. Your support in this crucial effort is deeply appreciated!

We understand that some organizations may lack the funding to cover their staff's professional training. Please let us know if this is the case for you, as we have scholarships available.

We extend a warm invitation to you to join us and allow yourself to care for yourself as a Mental Health Professional, Nurse, Mentor, Advocate, or Social Worker. Your presence will enrich our event and contribute to the growth and support of the mental health community.

Registration Fee is $35, including lunch!

A portion of the registration fee will fund counseling services for the Latino Community

Registration closed September 20th at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the event, send us an email to info@soscounselingtx.com

In Collaboration with

Our Sponsors

A Space for Healers to Grow and Connect

Are you ready to deepen your sandtray skills while nurturing the healer within you?

Victoria and Ana have been on this journey for the past three years and are excited to share it with you! Together, they’ve had the privilege of exploring their identities as healers and expanding their sandtray techniques. Now, they warmly invite you to embark on this journey of growth, learning, and healing, specifically designed for the therapist as a person.

In this intimate group of no more than six fellow healers, we gather monthly to explore both directive and non-directive sandtray prompts. Our time together also includes creative expressions, journaling, and more, all aimed at supporting your personal and professional development.

Let’s spend some meaningful time growing and healing together in the sand. We can’t wait to see you there!

​Presented by: Ana Barnson, NCC, LPC-S, EMDR Certified Therapist, CIT

Victoria Bennie, MA, LPC, NCC

Registration information: 

Consultation Fee:
The fee for this transformative experience is $300 for all four sessions, or you may choose to pay $80 per session.

We want this to be an investment in your personal and professional growth.

Registration:
Please complete your registration fee before the first session to secure your spot in this small, intimate group.

This helps us ensure a meaningful and cohesive experience for everyone.

Cancellation Policy:
Please note that registration is non-refundable. Due to the limited number of spots, cancellations made within two weeks of the event cannot be transferred or refunded.

We appreciate your understanding, as this policy helps us maintain the group's integrity.

​Presented by: Victoria Bennie, MA, LPC, NCC

Registration information: 

This workshop fee is $35. Supplies will be provided. This workshop is intended for individuals to practice self-care while participating in creative expression through journaling. 

Cancellation policy: Registration is non-refundable. Cancellations within two weeks of the event cannot be transferred or refunded.

Discover our transformative two-part training program in sandtray therapy, designed to elevate your professional skills and deepen your therapeutic practice. This immersive experience combines educational instruction, engaging discussions, and hands-on learning to introduce you to the core principles and techniques of sandtray therapy. 

You'll gain insight into the historical development of this powerful modality and learn practical guidelines for its effective implementation. Our training emphasizes the importance of therapist-client attunement and integrates trauma-informed practices, ensuring you can provide the most compassionate care. 

Join fellow mental health practitioners in this dynamic and interactive series, where you'll actively embody therapeutic principles and enhance your self-awareness as a sandtray therapist. Elevate your practice and make a meaningful impact with our comprehensive training program.

This workshop provides 6 hours of professional continuing education for TBHEC licensees per session.

Presenters: 

Victoria Bennie, MA, LPC, NCC

Ana Barnson, NCC, LPC-S, EMDR Certified Therapist, CIT

Learning Objectives:
Morning: An Introduction to Being With

Participants will:

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the foundations and principles of sandtray therapy, including its historical evolution.

2. Gain knowledge of the essential materials for sandtray therapy, such as different types of sand, trays, and a diverse array of miniatures.

3. Examine ethical considerations and practice cultural humility in sandtray therapy, promoting awareness of diverse client needs and ensuring inclusivity.

4. Participate in experiential learning exercises to deepen self-awareness as a sandtray therapist, enhancing reflective practice and professional growth.

Afternoon: Practical Applications

Participants will:

1. Learn the fundamental steps of a sandtray therapy session.

2. Develop techniques for guiding clients in exploring their thoughts and feelings as they create their worlds in the sand tray.

3. Recognize the importance of being fully present, non-judgmental, and supportive while clients engage in sandtray therapy.

4. Define and apply trauma-informed practices during sandtray therapy sessions.

This immersive experience integrates educational instruction, experiential learning, and interactive discussions to introduce core skills and practices in therapy that utilize creative expressions. While emphasizing the critical importance of therapist-client attunement, this training will explore the historical evolution of the utilization of creative expressions in therapy, provide practical guidelines for its implementation, and incorporate considerations for trauma-informed practices. This dynamic training is available to mental health practitioners and/or graduate students obtaining a degree in higher education in counseling or a related psychological field. 

This workshop provides 3 hours of professional continuing education for TBHEC licensees per session.

Presenters: 

Victoria Bennie, MA, LPC, NCC

Ana Barnson, NCC, LPC-S, EMDR Certified Therapist, CIT

Learning Objectives:
Saturday, July 13th, 2024
Participants will:

1. Explain the theoretical foundations of utilizing creative expressions in therapy, including its historical origins.

2. Learn how to integrate arts-based techniques into their therapeutic practice, effectively addressing minors, adults, and families' unique needs.

3. Identify at least five materials that can be utilized when implementing creative expressions in therapy and determine their appropriate use based on specific client needs and therapeutic goals.

4. Cultivate practical skills in implementing various arts into therapeutic interventions through hands-on activities and role-playing exercises.

Discover our transformative two-part training program in sandtray therapy, designed to elevate your professional skills and deepen your therapeutic practice. This immersive experience combines educational instruction, engaging discussions, and hands-on learning to introduce you to the core principles and techniques of sandtray therapy. 

You'll gain insight into the historical development of this powerful modality and learn practical guidelines for its effective implementation. Our training emphasizes the importance of therapist-client attunement and integrates trauma-informed practices, ensuring you can provide the most compassionate care. 

Join fellow mental health practitioners in this dynamic and interactive series, where you'll actively embody therapeutic principles and enhance your self-awareness as a sandtray therapist. Elevate your practice and make a meaningful impact with our comprehensive training program.

This workshop provides 3 hours of professional continuing education for TBHEC licensees per session.

Presenters: 

Victoria Bennie, MA, LPC, NCC

Ana Barnson, NCC, LPC-S, EMDR Certified Therapist, CIT

Learning Objectives:
Day One: An Introduction to Being With

Friday, June 7th, 2024
Participants will:

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the foundations and principles of sandtray therapy, including its historical evolution.

2. Gain knowledge of the essential materials for sandtray therapy, such as different types of sand, trays, and a diverse array of miniatures.

3. Examine ethical considerations and practice cultural humility in sandtray therapy, promoting awareness of diverse client needs and ensuring inclusivity.

4. Participate in experiential learning exercises to deepen self-awareness as a sandtray therapist, enhancing reflective practice and professional growth.

Day Two: Practical Applications

Friday, June 14, 2024
Participants will:

1. Learn the fundamental steps of a sandtray therapy session.

2. Develop techniques for guiding clients in exploring their thoughts and feelings as they create their worlds in the sand tray.

3. Recognize the importance of being fully present, non-judgmental, and supportive while clients engage in sandtray therapy.

4. Define and apply trauma-informed practices during sandtray therapy sessions.

“Our Mental Health Matters” is a seminar for bilingual mental health professionals. This event is designed to support mental health healers in the East Texas region by creating a space and time to talk about caring for one’s own needs. Our guest speakers and activities will provide community support and a boost to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue. Plus, it is a good chance to meet, greet, and network with each other.

Our goal is for guests of “Our Mental Health Matters” to leave with an increased sense of self-awareness, community connections, support, and resources for referrals and consultation.

Registration closed September 8th at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the event, please click the Contact Us button.

In Collaboration with