It’s Not about Me…It’s about Us
Part 1: Setting the Foundational Stage
Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD

November 10, 2022, 2:00pm-3:30pm EST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Substance use is a public health problem. This webinar will facilitate a different worldview in understanding, identifying, and treating substance use problems. It will review how social injustices impact substance use problems and knowledge of how the webinar can address those injustices in our communities. Evidence-based approaches, such as person-centered and harm reduction, will set the foundation for tackling issues that interfere with substance use prevention among individuals and communities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify the extent of substance use problems and addiction
• Describe social injustices, consequences associated with those injustices, and their impact on substance use prevention.
• Define the goals and core principles of person-centered and harm reduction approaches.
• Utilize person-centered and harm reduction strategies to engage and retain clients in prevention care.

PRESENTERS

Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD is an Associate Pastor at In His Image International Ministry, Inc. She is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Ms. Connors is Certified in Thanatology [the study of death, dying, and bereavement]. She has been in the human services/social work/counseling fields for 30 years and has worked in a variety of settings providing services to the despondent and downtrodden. Ms. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, supporting and empowering those who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Her greatest passion is working with, serving, and providing training related to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, racial and social injustices. Ms. Connors is a mental health therapist providing services to individuals who have co-occurring issues. In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Ms. Connors is a college professor. She has taught at the University of Maryland and is currently teaching at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Like many women of color, Ms. Connors has experienced various forms of oppression. Ms. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degrees, respectively, and is a Doctoral Candidate completing her Ph.D. in Psychology.