Presenter: Monica Blied, Ph.D.

Course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Registrants must attend the full 2 hours to receive CEs..

Descriptive Narrative:

Caregivers and mental health professionals face high rates of burnout, vicarious trauma, and executive functioning overload due to the emotional intensity and cognitive demands of clinical work. This intermediate level workshop introduces therapists to research-informed strategies for reducing stress and strengthening executive functioning—skills that can be used for both personal wellness and client care.

In addition to immediate practical benefits, the workshop is designed to foster overall professional growth, deepen clinical knowledge about the neurobiological underpinnings of stress and executive functioning, and enhance the sophistication with which clients and therapists utilize somatic skills. Grounded in the research from neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and intervention research, this training explores the relationship between stress, autonomic regulation, and the brain systems responsible for planning, memory, time management, and emotional regulation. Participants will engage in experiential practices including vagal toning, self-brainspotting, somatic movement, breathwork, and organizational tools like “eat the frog,” mind-mapping, and digital externalization. Therapists will leave with practical tools to enhance their own and clients well-being, improve therapeutic presence, and better support neurodivergent clients and those experiencing trauma or chronic stress. The session includes downloadable handouts, a client-facing worksheet, and real-world strategies that can be integrated into private practice, supervision and psychoeducation.

Objectives:

Upon successfully attending and completing this presentation participants will be able to: 

1.   Identify two key neuroscience and polyvagal theory principles underlying client stress, autonomic regulation, and executive functioning in clinical settings.

2. Demonstrate three research-backed techniques—such as vagal toning, self-brainspotting, and somatic regulation—for use in supporting client regulation and resilience.

3. Recognize a key impact of burnout and executive functioning overload on clients and therapists.

4. Apply two practical organizational strategies—including “eat the frog,” mind-mapping, and digital externalization—to support neurodivergent or stress-affected clients and therapists.

About the presenter:

Dr. Monica Blied is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor of psychology at Pepperdine University, and mother of 3 neurodivergent children. In her private practice, she provides neuropsychological assessments for adults and children, including twice-exceptional, gender non-conforming, ADHD, and autistic individuals. She also specializes in differential diagnosis for psychological disorders and learning differences.

Dr. Blied has a special interest in supporting adults with chronic medical conditions and has developed expertise in the mind-body health connection. She is the former Chair of the California Psychological Association’s (CPA) Division of Education and Training, and previously served on executive committees for both CPA and the American Psychological Association (APA) for over a decade.

Since 2020, Dr. Blied has also served on the Medical Advisory Board of LupusLA, continuing her commitment to her fellow Lupus Warriors. In 2022, she launched the free Faces of Health app, which teaches mental health and stress management skills through brief, educational videos—all led by women of color doctors. In 2024, she expanded her offerings with online courses on managing ADHD and autism in adults, and stress management using neuroscience. Learn more at facesofhealth.net and drblied.com/adhd.

Inland Empire 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. IE-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. CE Provider # 62278