Presenter(s): CJ Polihronakis, Ph.D., Alex Agiliga, Ph.D., Grace-Ellen Mahoney, Ph.D.

Location: Room 104

Abstract:
Bi+/plurisexual (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, aromantic) individuals represent more than half of the LGBTQIA+ community (Gallup, 2022), and the prevalence of culturally diverse bi+/plurisexual people in higher education has continued to increase. Nevertheless, helping professionals may lack specific training and knowledge regarding bi+ communities (Ebersole et al., 2018). Therefore, this presentation will discuss the unique experiences of bi+/plurisexual people from an intersectional perspective and consider a multi-dimensional approach of fostering support for – and healing amongst – bi+ faculty, staff, and students.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define bisexuality/bi+/plurisexual, anti-bisexual discrimination, and bi+ minority stressors.
2. Describe the heterogeneous group of bi+/plurisexual people.
3. Identify affirming clinical interventions for working with bi+/plurisexual clients.
4. Discuss recommendations to improve experiences of bi+/plurisexual people in the workplace.

Presenter(s): R. Ryan Patel, DO, FAPA, Leisha Chiles, Psy.D., Allie Alayan, M.S., M.A.,
Darreon Greer Sr., Ph.D., Ashley Cooley, MSW, LISW, Susan Kimmel, M.D.

Location: Room 105

Abstract:
In May 2023, the US Surgeon General issued a national advisory on the devastating impact of loneliness in America. We discuss the impact of loneliness on mental and academic health in college students, etc. We also present evidence based interventions along with the Surgeon General’s Framework, and discuss efforts made at OSU to decrease loneliness. Multicultural dimensions of loneliness will be discussed along with counseling and psychiatry cases. College loneliness survey results will be discussed along with discussion and q/a.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the current literature on the epidemic of loneliness
2. Describe the impact of loneliness and isolation on the mental health of college students
3. Identify treatment interventions for college campuses to address loneliness
4. Explain strategies to address loneliness in diverse student populations
5. Review and describe survey results regarding loneliness awareness on college campuses
6. Identify the variable presentations of loneliness in counseling and psychiatry in college counseling centers

Presenter(s): Camille Sluzis, LPC & Caitlin Chun-Kennedy, PhD

Location: Room 106

Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the mental health and well-being of college students. Students experienced grief related to the death of loved ones as well as significant losses related to social, emotional, and academic milestones. Many experienced COVID as traumatic and as a result began endorsing trauma symptoms post COVID. It is vital to understand the impact as well as protective and risk factors and recommendation for clinicians moving forward.

Learning Objectives:

1. Name one type of loss that was experienced by college students during the pandemic.
2. Identify one risk factor associated with increased mental health distress post-pandemic.
3. Describe one clinical consideration for therapists working with college students post-Covid.

Presenter(s): John Mitchell, Psy.D. & Sultan Magruder, PhD

Location: Room 107

Abstract:
The evidence-based psychological practice (EBPP) paradigm has influenced how the bulk of mental health professionals are trained in the provision of client care. Traditional therapy approaches foundational to EBPPs have been widely adopted for diverse client populations and clinical presentations, yet have faced increased scrutiny given their colonized origins. Importantly, prominent voices in the field of psychological practice with diverse populations have questioned the integrity of the research which undergirds these treatment approaches. This workshop aims to hold and explore the inherent tensions that exist between the data-driven, evidence-based approaches that underlie our clinical foundations, along with a needed and vital questioning regarding whether such approaches can adequately account for the social justice values clinicians and clients aspire to.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the origins of the evidence-based psychological practices paradigm
2. Assess strengths and shortcomings of utilizing evidence-based practices, particularly with marginalized communities
3. Identify culturally liberatory, justice-based approaches to data driven psychological practices

Presenter(s): Melissa Sulkowski, RN, MA, LPC, Nicole Parish, MA, LPC, Matt Szczesny, MA, Christian Szuch, MSW, LISW-S, Lee Shadeck, MA, LPC, NCC, Alison Merrill, M.Ed., LPC, Jim Dowds, MS

Location: Room 108

Abstract:
Skills focused programming is common within college counseling centers. This program will explore the various methods used within a College Counseling Center to engage students in a creative format. Interventions presented in a nontraditional format provide inclusivity for students who may not prefer or need the standard talk therapy interventions. Presenters intend to provide an experiential workshop that allows participants to learn about, and participate in, various creative interventions relating to art, music, yoga, and writing. Qualitative and quantitative data will also be shared to further highlight the reach and impact these interventions can have.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and explain practical ways to creatively program and engage students.
2. Discuss the benefits and limitations of creatively based workshop interventions in a collegiate mental health setting.
3. Describe the impact of using creative interventions with students using conducted student surveys and attendance rates.
4. Describe the benefits of using creative programming with students firsthand by discussing their own experiences.

Presenter(s): CJ Polihronakis, Ph.D., Alex Agiliga, Ph.D., Grace-Ellen Mahoney, Ph.D.

Location: Room 104

Abstract:
Bi+/plurisexual (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, aromantic) individuals represent more than half of the LGBTQIA+ community (Gallup, 2022), and the prevalence of culturally diverse bi+/plurisexual people in higher education has continued to increase. Nevertheless, helping professionals may lack specific training and knowledge regarding bi+ communities (Ebersole et al., 2018). Therefore, this presentation will discuss the unique experiences of bi+/plurisexual people from an intersectional perspective and consider a multi-dimensional approach of fostering support for – and healing amongst – bi+ faculty, staff, and students.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define bisexuality/bi+/plurisexual, anti-bisexual discrimination, and bi+ minority stressors.
2. Describe the heterogeneous group of bi+/plurisexual people.
3. Identify affirming clinical interventions for working with bi+/plurisexual clients.
4. Discuss recommendations to improve experiences of bi+/plurisexual people in the workplace.

Presenter(s): R. Ryan Patel, DO, FAPA, Leisha Chiles, Psy.D., Allie Alayan, M.S., M.A.,
Darreon Greer Sr., Ph.D., Ashley Cooley, MSW, LISW, Susan Kimmel, M.D.

Location: Room 105

Abstract:
In May 2023, the US Surgeon General issued a national advisory on the devastating impact of loneliness in America. We discuss the impact of loneliness on mental and academic health in college students, etc. We also present evidence based interventions along with the Surgeon General’s Framework, and discuss efforts made at OSU to decrease loneliness. Multicultural dimensions of loneliness will be discussed along with counseling and psychiatry cases. College loneliness survey results will be discussed along with discussion and q/a.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the current literature on the epidemic of loneliness
2. Describe the impact of loneliness and isolation on the mental health of college students
3. Identify treatment interventions for college campuses to address loneliness
4. Explain strategies to address loneliness in diverse student populations
5. Review and describe survey results regarding loneliness awareness on college campuses
6. Identify the variable presentations of loneliness in counseling and psychiatry in college counseling centers

Presenter(s): Camille Sluzis, LPC & Caitlin Chun-Kennedy, PhD

Location: Room 106

Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the mental health and well-being of college students. Students experienced grief related to the death of loved ones as well as significant losses related to social, emotional, and academic milestones. Many experienced COVID as traumatic and as a result began endorsing trauma symptoms post COVID. It is vital to understand the impact as well as protective and risk factors and recommendation for clinicians moving forward.

Learning Objectives:

1. Name one type of loss that was experienced by college students during the pandemic.
2. Identify one risk factor associated with increased mental health distress post-pandemic.
3. Describe one clinical consideration for therapists working with college students post-Covid.

Presenter(s): John Mitchell, Psy.D. & Sultan Magruder, PhD

Location: Room 107

Abstract:
The evidence-based psychological practice (EBPP) paradigm has influenced how the bulk of mental health professionals are trained in the provision of client care. Traditional therapy approaches foundational to EBPPs have been widely adopted for diverse client populations and clinical presentations, yet have faced increased scrutiny given their colonized origins. Importantly, prominent voices in the field of psychological practice with diverse populations have questioned the integrity of the research which undergirds these treatment approaches. This workshop aims to hold and explore the inherent tensions that exist between the data-driven, evidence-based approaches that underlie our clinical foundations, along with a needed and vital questioning regarding whether such approaches can adequately account for the social justice values clinicians and clients aspire to.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the origins of the evidence-based psychological practices paradigm
2. Assess strengths and shortcomings of utilizing evidence-based practices, particularly with marginalized communities
3. Identify culturally liberatory, justice-based approaches to data driven psychological practices

Presenter(s): Melissa Sulkowski, RN, MA, LPC, Nicole Parish, MA, LPC, Matt Szczesny, MA, Christian Szuch, MSW, LISW-S, Lee Shadeck, MA, LPC, NCC, Alison Merrill, M.Ed., LPC, Jim Dowds, MS

Location: Room 108

Abstract:
Skills focused programming is common within college counseling centers. This program will explore the various methods used within a College Counseling Center to engage students in a creative format. Interventions presented in a nontraditional format provide inclusivity for students who may not prefer or need the standard talk therapy interventions. Presenters intend to provide an experiential workshop that allows participants to learn about, and participate in, various creative interventions relating to art, music, yoga, and writing. Qualitative and quantitative data will also be shared to further highlight the reach and impact these interventions can have.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and explain practical ways to creatively program and engage students.
2. Discuss the benefits and limitations of creatively based workshop interventions in a collegiate mental health setting.
3. Describe the impact of using creative interventions with students using conducted student surveys and attendance rates.
4. Describe the benefits of using creative programming with students firsthand by discussing their own experiences.