Registration and Refund Policy
Registration and Refund Policy
Registration Process:
To register for any of our trainings, please complete the appropriate registration form below. Registration is not complete until payment has been received. Our administrative team will outreach to secure payment via credit card, check or Zelle. Registration for all programs are closed 5 days prior event.
Refund and Cancellation Policy for all trainings:
In the event you are unable to a training for which you have registered, refunds are provided as follows:
- Up to 4 weeks prior to the training – Full refund minus a $15 administration fee
- Less than 4 weeks, but prior to 7 days prior to the training – No refunds (the fee is transferable to another qualified participant or 35% of the fee may be applied to a future Semillas Counseling PLLC training offering).
- Less than 7 days prior to training, no refunds
If a training is cancelled for any reason, a full refund will be provided.
For any questions related to any of our trainings: info@semillascounseling.com or call 773 789-9775
Upcoming Training: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
A General Overview of Dissociative Identity Disorder
Presented by Dr. Zach Bloom PhD, LCPC, LFMT
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
2:00pm-3pm
Virtual -
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
1 CE Credits
Semillas Counseling PLLC is licensed by the State of Illinois as a CE provider for counselors. Attendees must be present for the entirety of the program to earn CE credit
Program Overview: Dissociation is a natural process that has adaptive and maladaptive connotations. This presentation seeks to provide an overview of dissociation, specifying markers for clinical relevance, promoting strategies for differentiating diagnoses of dissociative disorders, and providing recommendations for treatment.
Objectives:
-Attendees will be able to identify similarities and differences between dissociative disorders outlined in the DSM V-TR
-Attendees will be able to implement treatment approaches and strategies in their work with clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder
-Attendees will receive a series of resources to support their work with clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder
About Dr. Zach Bloom, PhD, LCPC, LFMT
Zachary D. Bloom is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Bloom specializes in working with individuals and couples presenting to counseling with issues related to trauma, anger management, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Bloom is also an associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University where he teaches courses in individual, couple, and family counseling.
Past Training: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 1:30PM
Working Difference and Diversity into the Counselor/Couple Dyad
Presented by Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum, Ed.D, LMFT, LCPC
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
1:30pm-3:00pm CST
Virtual -
Registration deadline 6/8/2023
Program Overview: In an increasingly diverse society, it is crucial for counselors to recognize and address the unique challenges and dynamics that arise when couples of different backgrounds, identities, cultures, or experiences seek therapy. This
90-minute interactive and engaging workshop is designed specifically for couples
counselors who are interested in deepening their understanding and skills in
working with difference and diversity within the couple counselor dyad. This
workshop will provide a safe and supportive space for participants to explore
these topics and enhance their cultural competence as couples counselors.
Program Objectives:
- Be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and insights necessary to effectively navigate and embrace difference and diversity within the therapeutic relationship
- Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of diverse identities and cultural backgrounds on couple dynamics
- Enhance their own self-awareness around their own biases and assumptions
- Develop political strategies for creating inclusive and culturally sensitive
- therapeutic environments
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
1.5 CE Credits
Semillas Counseling PLLC is licensed by the State of Illinois as a CE provider for counselors. Attendees must be present for the entirety of the program to earn CE credit
About Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum, Ed.D, LMFT, LCPC
Sara Schwarzbaum, Ed.D, LMFT, LCPC, is a retired Professor of Couples and Family
Counseling at NEIU, and the founder of Couples Counseling Associates in Chicago, and the founder of Th e Academy for Couples Therapists. Sara works with couples who want to improve their relationship; and also offers education and consultation for counselors who want to improve their work with couples.
Past Training
Traumatic Brain Injury: An Introduction to further Supporting Our Patients
Presented by Dr. Deena Mamdouh Hassaballa, DO FAAPMR
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
10:15am-11:15am CST
Virtual -
Registration deadline 1/28/2023
CE Title:
Program Overview: The field of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is vast. There are multiple different specialties that collaborate with this patient population and the goal of this workshop is to provide an introduction and guidance for challenging topics related to TBI
Program Objectives:
- Defining a traumatic brain injury
- Identifying the complications post traumatic brain injury
- Identifying resources needed to allow continued success on the road to recovery
- Increase comfort level with caring for this patient population
Cost of Workshop: $30.00 USD
1 CE Credits
Semillas Counseling PLLC is licensed by the State of Illinois as a CE provider for counselors. Attendees must be present for the entirety of the program to earn CE credit
Program Overview
In this 60-minute interactive workshop, participants will learn about the basics of Young, Long, & Barden's Brief Couples Counseling Integrative Model
Program Objectives
Participants will:
- Identify theoretical models and the principles and concepts that represent those theories
- Understand the role of attachment in romantic relationships
- Apply the Brief Couples Counseling Integrative Model in their work with couples
- Create an interactive definition of the couple’s identified problem
- Identify appropriate techniques to assist couples in meeting their counseling goals
Audience:
This workshop is open to:
- masters level mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their counseling skills
- the greater mental health professional community, those curious about counseling clients who are impacted by traumatic brain injury
- students pursuing a graduate degree within the mental health field
About Dr. Deena Mamdouh Hassaballa, DO FAAPMR
Deena Hassaballa is a Brain injury Medicine Physiatrist and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at UW Medicine. She brings a level of coverage expertise in the areas of inpatient neurological rehabilitation with special focus on stroke rehab and traumatic brain injury.
She is a born and raised local of Chicago where she completed her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois-Chicago followed by her medical education at the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency education in the field of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Loyola University Medical Center and strongly served as the Chief resident during her PGY-4 year. Her thirst for knowledge continued with a Brain injury Medicine Fellowship in Washington DC at the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital and National Rehabilitation hospital.
Dr. Hassaballa brings with her a passion for education, and this is evident with her previous honors as teacher of the year two years in a row 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at the Shirley Ryan Ability lab and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program. In addition, she was one of three winners for the 2020-2021 award for Recognition of Exemplary Role Modeling in the Learning Environment Feinberg School of Medicine Medical education as part of training medical students. Her most recent publications include topics such as concussion and central pain.
She believes that a supportive educational environment is key to the success of the future leaders in medicine.
Past Training: Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Introducing the Integrative Model of Brief Couples Counseling
Presented by Dr. Zach Bloom PhD, LCPC, LFMT
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
2:00pm-3:30pm
Virtual -
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
1.5 CE Credits
Semillas Counseling PLLC is licensed by the State of Illinois as a CE provider for counselors. Attendees must be present for the entirety of the program to earn CE credit
Program Overview
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will learn about the basics of Young, Long, & Barden's Brief Couples Counseling Integrative Model
Program Objectives
Participants will:
- Identify theoretical models and the principles and concepts that represent those theories
- Understand the role of attachment in romantic relationships
- Apply the Brief Couples Counseling Integrative Model in their work with couples
- Create an interactive definition of the couple’s identified problem
- Identify appropriate techniques to assist couples in meeting their counseling goals
Audience:
This workshop is open to:
- masters level mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their couples counseling skills
- the greater mental health professional community, those curious about couples counseling
- students pursuing a graduate degree within the mental health field
About Dr. Zach Bloom, PhD, LCPC, LFMT
Zachary D. Bloom is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Bloom specializes in working with individuals and couples presenting to counseling with issues related to trauma, anger management, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Bloom is also an associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University where he teaches courses in individual, couple, and family counseling.
Past Training: Tuesday, June 21, 2022
The Nuts, The Bolts, The Basics of a Systemic Approach to Couples Counseling
Presented by Dr. Zach Bloom PhD, LCPC, LFMT
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
2:00pm-3:30pm
Virtual -
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
1.5 CE Credits
Semillas Counseling PLLC is licensed by the State of Illinois as a CE provider for counselors. Attendees must be present for the entirety of the program to earn CE credit
Program Overview
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will learn about the basics of a system approach to support couples in various stages of restoring their relationship.
Program Objectives
Participants will:
- Learn how to utilize a systemic approach within couples counseling
- Understand how couples counseling differs from individual counseling
- Be able to assess when couples counseling might be contraindicated
- Develop strategies to examine therapist countertransference
- Identify practices to interrupt negative feedback loops and ineffective communication patterns
Audience:
This workshop is open to:
- masters level mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their couples counseling skills
- the greater mental health professional community, those curious about couples counseling
- students pursuing a graduate degree within the mental health field
About Dr. Zach Bloom, PhD, LCPC, LFMT
Zachary D. Bloom is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Bloom specializes in working with individuals and couples presenting to counseling with issues related to trauma, anger management, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Bloom is also an associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University where he teaches courses in individual, couple, and family counseling.
Past Training: Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Essential Interventions for Couples Therapy
Presented by Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum
Essential Interventions for Couples Therapy Workshop
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
2:00pm-3:30pm
Virtual - Synchronous
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
1.5 CE Credits
Semillas Counseling PLLC is licensed by the State of Illinois as a CE provider for counselors. Attendees must be present for the entirety of the program to earn CE credit
Program Overview
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will Learn about basic and advanced interventions to support couples in various stages of restoring their relationship.
Program Objectives
Participants will:
- Describe the three stages of the treatment process in couples therapy
- Learn tools to use in sessions during the first stage of the treatment process and demonstrate how to use them
- Learn tools to use in sessions during the second stage of the treatment process and demonstrate how to use them
- Learn tools to use in sessions during the third stage of the treatment process and demonstrate how to use them
Audience:
This workshop is open to:
- masters level mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their couples counseling skills
- the greater mental health professional community, those curious about couples counseling
- students pursuing a graduate degree within the mental health field
About Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum
Sara Schwarzbaum, EdD, LCPC, LMFT, is a retired Professor of Couples and Family Counseling at NEIU, and the founder of Couples Counseling Associates in Chicago, and founder of The Academy for Couples Therapists. Sara works with couples who want to improve their relationship; and also offers education and consultation for counselors who want to improve their work with couples.
Past Trainings: Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Frameworks for Couples Counseling
Presented by Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum
Frameworks for Couples Counseling
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
2:00pm-3:30pm
Virtual - Synchronous
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
Program Overview
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will be provided an overview of the essential frameworks for couples counseling, the common features of all frameworks, and the advantages of conceptualizing couples from multiple perspectives. Through an illustration of a clinical case, participants will identify strategies to prepare and support couples for an effective course of treatment
Program Objectives
Participants will be able to:
· Identify four essential frameworks commonly utilized when working with couples
· Identify the stages of couples counseling
· Identify constraints in relying solely on one framework
· Create an action plan for initial sessions with couples; assessing strengths, resiliency and developing an appropriate treatment plan
Audience:
This workshop is open to:
- masters level mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their couples counseling skills
- the greater mental health professional community, those curious about couples counseling
- students pursuing a graduate degree within the mental health field
About Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum
Sara Schwarzbaum, EdD, LCPC, LMFT, is a retired Professor of Couples and Family Counseling at NEIU, and the founder of Couples Counseling Associates in Chicago, and founder of The Academy for Couples Therapists. Sara works with couples who want to improve their relationship; and also offers education and consultation for counselors who want to improve their work with couples.
Past Training: Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Discernment and Separation Counseling
Presented by Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum
Discernment and Separation Counseling Workshop
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
2:00pm-3:30pm
Virtual - Synchronous
Cost of Workshop: $50.00 USD
Program Overview
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will learn about discernment counseling protocol, separation counseling, separation agreements, and how to support partners to honor their relationship.
Program Objectives
- Participants will be able to:
- Understand how discernment counseling differs from couples therapy and from separation counseling
- Summarize the characteristics of discernment counseling
- Compare the clinical interventions with the leaning in and the leaning out partner Identify basic issues a therapist needs to know about separation counseling and divorce counseling
Audience:
This workshop is open to:
- masters level mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their couples counseling skills
- the greater mental health professional community, those curious about couples counseling
- students pursuing a graduate degree within the mental health field
About Dr. Sara Schwarzbaum
Sara Schwarzbaum, EdD, LCPC, LMFT, is a retired Professor of Couples and Family Counseling at NEIU, and the founder of Couples Counseling Associates in Chicago, and founder of The Academy for Couples Therapists. Sara works with couples who want to improve their relationship; and also offers education and consultation for counselors who want to improve their work with couples.