Mexico-July 9-15, 2025 Ovation of the Seas

He has over 20 years of experience in the field including 13 years in residential treatment with adolescents and 7 years in private practice. Since 2013, he has worked with individuals, groups, and families at New Directions. The majority of his clients are adults who feel lost, depressed or struggle with unhealthy behavior.  He has an extensive history of treating very difficult behaviors in adolescents including treatment of trauma, sexual behaviors, moderate adolescent alcohol, and drug use, and nearly any adolescent disruptive behaviors. 

Introduction to Clinical Assessments 

We will explore the importance and develop skills related to providing clinical assessments to clients and other sources. 

Legalities in Assessments 

Participants will improve their awareness of ethical and legal concerns that might arise as a result of writing clinical assessments

Assessing Clients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other Executive Functioning , Domestic Violence, and Substance Abuse Issues

Participants will explore how to employ different assessments for ADHD, Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse issues, and how to write reports using these assessments. 

Assessing Clients with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Anger Management, and Career Issues 

Participants will explore how to employ different assessments for Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Anger Management, and Career issues, and how to write reports using these assessments. 

Writing High Quality Reports from Clinical Assessments

Participants will improve skills in clinical writing, providing recommendations, and defending clinical reports. 

Practice of Reviewing Clinical Reports 

Participants will build skill in catching missing information, poor writing, bad recommendations, and potentially harmful reporting in clinical assessments.  Workshops are being taught during times while not in port and days at sea. 

This exclusive training opportunity will focus on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively counsel individuals, writing assessments and using your clinical voice. The training will go in depth discussing each assessment tool and the clinical write up.  

Phaedra A. Creed is a Sales Development Representative at Smart Start Inc., where she contributes to the advancement of ignition interlock and personal alcohol monitoring solutions aimed at preventing impaired driving. Her commitment to advocacy stems from her personal journey: in 1996, Phaedra was struck by a drunk driver, an incident that left her paralyzed and set her on a lifelong mission to support victims and promote safer communities.

As the former Tennessee State Program Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Phaedra worked tirelessly to support victims, advance underage drinking prevention, and foster collaborative efforts with law enforcement. Her work reflects her resilience, making her an inspiring figure in the fields of addiction prevention and victim support.

Honored as Ms. Wheelchair International USA 2022-2023, Phaedra has shared her story worldwide, addressing diverse audiences and appearing in publications across multiple nations. Known for her powerful storytelling and humor, she offers unique insights to therapists, addiction counselors, and prevention specialists, advocating for comprehensive approaches to tackling addiction and impaired driving on a global scale.

This program emphasizes empathy as a cornerstone of ethical practice in counseling, focusing on how counselors can maintain integrity while showing deep compassion to clients, especially those affected by trauma. Led by Phaedra A. Creed, a motivational speaker and experienced advocate, participants will explore ethical principles through the lens of real-world challenges, including trauma and victim support. Phaedra shares her powerful personal story of survival and resilience, providing a perspective that is both deeply personal and professionally relevant.Through interactive discussions, case studies, and reflective exercises, participants will gain insights into maintaining ethical boundaries while supporting clients facing significant hardship. The program equips counselors with practical tools for navigating complex ethical dilemmas, encouraging them to develop a compassionate, integrity-driven approach to their practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role of empathy in ethical decision-making for trauma-informed counseling.
• Explore ways to maintain ethical boundaries while offering compassionate support.
• Analyze case studies and real-world scenarios to strengthen ethical reasoning skills.
• Gain tools for ethically supporting clients through trauma recovery, focusing on trust-building and resilience.

This exclusive training opportunity will focus on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively counsel individuals dealing with traumatic events through the lens of compassion and support.

Lisa Kimbrell is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Florida.  Both licenses are the result of a Master of Arts degree in counseling.  She retired from public education in KY after 26 years as a teacher and school counselor.

After retirement she opened her private practice, Kimbrell Counseling Services, in October of 2019. She works with clients across a broad spectrum, including adolescents to adults, both individuals and couples, as well as parents and children. She works most often and effectively with those in need of help with anxiety, ADHD and neurodivergence, overall life stress and depression, and relationship difficulties either in romantic couples or within families.

Session 1: Deep Dive into ADHD – Diagnosis & Neurobiology

• Myths vs. Reality:     Addressing common misconceptions about ADHD
• DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria & Subtypes: Hyperactive-Impulsive, Inattentive, and Combined      presentations
• Neuroscience of ADHD:     Understanding executive function deficits, dopamine regulation, and brain      imaging findings
• Co-Occurring Conditions: Anxiety, depression, ASD, learning disabilities, and      bipolar disorder – How to differentiate and diagnose correctly

Session 2: ADHD Across the Lifespan – Unique Challenges & Considerations

• ADHD in Childhood:     Recognizing symptoms beyond hyperactivity – Emotional dysregulation,      social struggles, and executive dysfunction
• ADHD in Adolescence:     Impact on academics, relationships, self-esteem, and emerging substance      use risks
• ADHD in Adults:     Work performance, relationship challenges, financial struggles, and      co-occurring conditions
• Gender Differences:     Why ADHD is often underdiagnosed in women and girls
• Cultural Considerations: How ADHD is perceived and treated in diverse      communities

Session 3: Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies for ADHD

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD: Adapting techniques for attention, impulsivity, and      emotional regulation
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for ADHD: Using mindfulness and distress tolerance to help      manage emotional dysregulation
• Mindfulness & ADHD: Practical techniques to enhance focus and reduce      impulsivity
• Medication Management: Understanding stimulant vs. non-stimulant options,      common side effects, and when to refer to a prescriber
• Parent Training & Behavioral Interventions: Effective strategies for supporting ADHD in families      and school settings
• Lifestyle Interventions: Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and structure in managing      ADHD symptoms

Session 4: Practical Applications & Clinical Challenges

• Therapy Modifications for ADHD: Making sessions ADHD-friendly (shorter tasks, visual      aids, accountability strategies)
• Executive Function Coaching: Teaching clients time management, planning, and      organization skills
• Managing Resistance & Motivation Issues: How to engage clients with ADHD who struggle with      follow-through
• Therapeutic Tools & Technology: Apps, planners, and digital tools to support ADHD      clients

Beverly McManus is a Nationally Certified Counselor by the NBBC. She is also licensed by the State Of Tennessee Health Related Boards as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service provider designation. She achieved her Masters in Psychology and her Doctorate in Education. In addition to her work in private practice as a counselor, she teaches seminars, marriage conferences, women’s retreats and has written two books.

Beverly began her private practice soon after gaining licensure in 2001. Being certified by Prepare-Enrich, She’s experienced in premarital and newlywed counseling. She’s also trained in Gottman’s approach to marriage therapy. Her style is goal oriented with a problem solving focus. She uses a variety of techniques learned over two decades of practice in helping people change habits prohibiting healthy relationships, and contributing to higher levels of anxiety and insecurity.

Treating Victims of Domestic Abuse Understanding Domestic Abuse--Types of abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, financial), dynamics of power and control, and the cycle of abuse. Screening and Assessment--Tools and techniques for identifying domestic abuse, including risk assessment and safety planning. Intervention Strategies--Trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Legal and Ethical Considerations--Mandatory reporting laws, confidentiality issues, and working with law enforcement and legal systems. Support Systems--Building a support network, including shelters, hotlines, and community resources. 

Identifying and Treating Narcissistic Abuse Recognizing Narcissistic Abuse--Characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder, signs of narcissistic abuse, and the impact on victims. Assessment Tools--Techniques for assessing narcissistic traits and the extent of abuse. Therapeutic Approaches--Strategies for helping survivors, including trauma-focused therapy, boundary setting, and self-esteem rebuilding. Psychoeducation--Educating clients about narcissistic behaviors and the importance of self-care. Support and Resources-- Connecting clients with support groups and resources for ongoing support. 

Conflict Management Understanding Conflict--Types of conflict (intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational), sources of conflict, and the role of communication. Conflict Resolution Strategies--Mediation, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving techniques. Therapeutic Techniques--Using CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic approaches to manage and resolve conflict. Cultural Competence--Understanding how cultural differences impact conflict and resolution strategies. Practical Applications--Role-playing exercises, case studies, and real-world applications