Special Topics
Advancing
Social Change
Enhance your care and career.
Human service professionals work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to promote social justice and social change. We provide training on relevant Special Topics, developed to promote awareness and sensitivity of cultural and ethnic diversity to ensure we collectively live and practice core values.
Biennium 2025-2027 Classes
Registration is now open for biennium 2025-2027.
Indigenous Wellness for Professionals Engaged in Trauma Work
August 20, 2025
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In-Person, Sheboygan Campus
Fee: $25
This workshop is intended for social workers, therapists and counselors that support clients experiencing trauma. Together we examine how traditional First Nations (Indigenous) ways of knowing, being and doing can support balance and holistic well-being for all. Participants will take part in hands-on art-based practices premised upon Indigenous world view in an effort to support personal and professional wellness. Before class, please read Trauma Stewardship (PDF) by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky with Connie Burk. Van Dernoot Lipsky explores the impact that trauma work has on professionals and underscores the importance of tending to our own well-being.
Limited to 25 participants.
- Explore Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in the context of trauma stewardship.
- Apply Indigenous worldviews through art-based practices.
- Create an art-based project in support of individual healing and well-being.
Continuing Education: 0.6 CEUs/6 CEHs
Sponsored by:
This program was made possible with funding by Kohler Foundation.
Instructor
Lisa M. Poupart, Ph.D.
Lisa Poupart is a member of the Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Anishinaabeg and an Associate Professor of First Nations Studies, Women's and Gender Studies and Humanities at UW-Green Bay. Her work centers on First Nations generational healing of historic trauma. She is an international board member of Debwewin, a nonprofit First Nations organization dedicated to education about traditional healing systems to promote the wellness of all beings and the Earth. Her collaborative book, "Connective Pedagogy: Elder Epistemology, Oral Tradition and Community (2013)", explores the traditional knowledge and teaching methodology of the Tribal World.
Introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques ("Tapping") for Self-Care
September 12, 2025
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
In-Person, Sheboygan Campus
Fee: $109
This session is designed to provide an introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or "tapping" to enhance self-care and promote empowerment in regulating the nervous system. We will provide an overview of the pioneers in the development and continued research into EFT. We will also share an overview of stress and the stress response system, current research and science into EFT and opportunities to participate in experiential exercises for the application of tapping for personal use. Please note that this course is not being offered as a training in using EFT with clients.
- Understand the stress response system and the role of the amygdala.
- Explore the history of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), how EFT works and the science that supports its efficacy.
- Practice the application of the technique for personal use and self-care.
Continuing Education: 0.4 CEUs/4 CEHs
Instructor
Sheri Severson
Sheri Severson is licensed professional counselor and a nationally certified counselor practicing in Wisconsin. She offers therapy both in office and via telehealth. She has a passion for mental wellness and works within a holistic model that incorporates both body and mind.
EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy)
October 2-3, 2025
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In-Person, Green Bay Campus
Fee: $229
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) is an attachment-based, experiential approach designed to help individuals process emotional pain, transform negative patterns and create a stronger sense of self. Rooted in the same principles as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, EFIT provides a structured framework for fostering emotional healing and resilience. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the foundational concepts of EFIT and gain practical skills to begin integrating this model into their clinical practice. Whether you are new to EFIT or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will provide a comprehensive introduction to this powerful therapeutic approach. This workshop is ideal for mental health professionals, graduate students and anyone interested in helping individuals cultivate emotional security and inner resilience.
- Understand attachment theory as the foundation for EFIT and its role in shaping emotional well-being.
- Explore the role of emotions in EFIT and how they drive patterns of coping and connection.
- Learn the three stages and nine steps of EFIT, providing a structured roadmap for therapy.
Continuing Education: 1.2 CEUs/12 CEHs
Instructors
Jennifer Olkowski
Jennifer Olkowski is a mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience helping clients move through their crisis and challenges and life adjustments.
Jessica Schroeder
Jessica Schroeder is the owner and clinical director of JS Therapy Group, LLC which has three locations located in the Kansas City metro.
Empowering Employment: Guiding Clients with Disabilities Toward Workplace Success!
October 16, 2025
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Virtual
Fee: $109
Discover how social workers, counselors and therapists can be pivotal in helping clients build confidence and seize opportunities in the workforce. We will explore the transformative impact of employment for individuals with disabilities. Beyond financial stability, meaningful work offers a sense of purpose, belonging and self-empowerment. We will also explore the fundamental principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and incentive benefit planning. This module equips you to support your clients on their path to independence, growth and professional fulfillment.
- Explore the diverse range of hidden disabilities, gaining a deeper understanding of what they are and how they silently affect employees in the workplace.
- Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of hidden disabilities and their potential impact on employee performance and well-being.
- Integrating employment into treatment by guiding clients toward understanding the benefits of meaningful employment and incorporating employment goals.
Continuing Education: 0.4 CEUs/4 CEHs
Instructor
Kate Kirchner, CRC, LPC
Kate Kirchner is experienced in providing comprehensive vocational services and supports to individuals with disabilities. Skilled in vocational evaluation, assessment and job placement services, she evaluates strong ability to evaluate and analyze detailed labor market information. She has proven skills in engaging and networking with employers to develop employment options, which has resulted in an 83% job placement rate.
Unlocking Healing: Exploring Brainspotting & the Triune Brain for Post-Traumatic Growth
December 11, 2025
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Virtual
Fee: $49
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the brain processes trauma, adversity and social conditioning—and how bottom-up therapy methods, primarily Brainspotting, can foster profound post-traumatic growth.
- Explore the triune brain model, discovering how different regions respond to stress and trauma, and why traditional talk therapy may not fully access the deeper, implicit memories stored in the brain.
- Learn the foundational principles of Brainspotting, including how “where you look affects how you feel,” the uncertainty principle, dual attunement frame and the connection between Brainspotting and brain functioning.
- Understand and differentiate between the two primary models of Brainspotting: activation and resource, and how each approach offers unique support in processing and healing.
Continuing Education: 0.2 CEUs/2 CEHs
Instructor
Patrice Flanagan Morris
Patrice Flanagan-Morris is a licensed clinical social worker and owns a Brainspotting group practice in Waukesha, Empowerment Within LLC. Patrice prides herself on supporting her clients and community on psychoeducation to destigmatize mental health struggles and helps them find innovative ways to heal.
EFCT (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy)
April 9-10, 2026
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In-Person, Green Bay Campus
Fee: $229
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is an evidence-based, structured approach to couples therapy that helps partners create stronger, more secure emotional bonds. Grounded in attachment theory, EFCT offers a roadmap for understanding relational distress and guiding couples toward deeper connection and lasting change. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the foundational concepts of EFCT and gain practical skills to begin incorporating EFCT principles into their clinical work. Whether you are new to EFCT or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will provide a comprehensive introduction to this transformative therapeutic model. **This workshop is ideal for mental health professionals, graduate students, and anyone interested in learning how to help couples build stronger, more secure connections.
- Understand attachment theory as the foundation for EFCT and its role in shaping relationship dynamics.
- Explore the role of emotions in EFCT and how they drive relational patterns.
- Learn the three stages and nine steps of EFCT, providing a structured framework for therapy.
Continuing Education: 1.2 CEUs/12 CEHs
Instructors
Jennifer Olkowski
Jennifer Olkowski is a mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience helping clients move through their crisis and challenges and life adjustments.Jessica Schroeder
Jessica Schroeder is the owner and clinical director of JS Therapy Group, LLC which has three locations located in the Kansas City metro.
Be the
Change
Self-paced Special Topics courses offered in collaboration with Aspire Training.
We have collaborated with Aspire Training to offer a UW-Green Bay discount on self-paced courses that fulfill Special Topics requirements. Your choice of bundles or individual courses in wide-ranging topics, including therapeutic communication, harm reduction, service plans, multiculturalism and more.
Ethics and Boundaries
Our courses in Ethics and Boundaries are rooted in the core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.
Need Guidance?
If you need additional guidance, please contact Kayle Petitjean, Office of Professional Continuing Education, at professionaled@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2642.