Thank you for joining Division 56 at APA 2025 in Denver!
APA 2025 attendees will have on-demand access to every Main and Feature Stage session, starting September 3
Division 56 Programing at APA 2025
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Symposium
CE Credits: CE Session -- 1 credit
Description:
Trauma experts will present data and discuss innovations in trauma interventions, including delivery processes, mechanistic targets, and applicability to diverse/underserved communities. This information will be contextualized in how such innovative aspects can widen clinicians’ toolbox to work with trauma survivors and how such information can enhance healing from trauma.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss emerging trends and research on posttrauma healing, and challenges in existing trauma interventions.
Presentations
Nicole Weiss
Ateka A. Contractor, PhD, University of North Texas
Joseph P. Gone, PhD, Professor of Anthropology, Harvard University
Maria C. Crouch, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale School of Medicine
Rm: 301; Colorado Convention Center, Street Level
Skill Building
Description:
Discover an innovative approach to trauma resourcing with psychodrama in this experiential session exploring the Circle of Supports. Learn to guide clients in accessing supports, building safety, and fostering resilience. Engage in dynamic techniques that empower healing, promote growth, and enhance trauma recovery while transforming your trauma-informed practice!
Learning Objectives
- Describe one way the Psychodramatic Circle of Supports structure helps clients access and activate personal resources for continued trauma recovery.
Presentations
Brittany Lakin-Starr, PhD, Chicago Center for Psychodrama; Kate Merkle, MSW, Chicago Center for Psychodrama; Mallory Primm, PsyD, Chicago Center for Psychodrama
Kate Merkle, MSW, Chicago Center for Psychodrama
Mallory Primm, PsyD, Chicago Center for Psychodrama
Exhibit Hall A, Solutions Center, Poster Sessions
Presentations
Kyla Mari Leones, University of Illinois at Springfield; Frances Shen, PhD, University of Illinois Springfield
Elizabeth N. Hernandez, MA, Baylor University; Sara Dolan, Baylor University
Sarah Barton, Compass Health Network; Aadin Miller, Researcher-Evaluator, Compass Health Network; R Paul Thomlinson, PhD, Executive Director-Research, Compass Health Network
Laura R. Lopez, MS, Fielding Graduate University; Rickki A. Martinez, Rickki Martinez, Fielding Graduate University; Kristine Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University
Ibrahim A. Kira, PhD, Director, Center for Cumulative Trauma Studies; Darya R. Ahmed, Darya Rostam Ahmed, BS, Koya university; Hanaa Shuwiekh, PhD, Fayoum University; Reinhard Heun, Professor, University of Bonn; Luqman S. Amin, University of Halabja
Steven Bistricky, PhD, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Timothy Doenges, Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience; Kristin Samuelson, Forensic and Clinical Psychologist in private practice
Jiyoung Shin, MA, University of Iowa, Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, Counseling Psychology; Julie M. Koch, PhD/JD, University of Iowa; Si Hyeong Kim, Sungkyunkwan University; Hyunji Yi, The University of Iowa
Daniela M. Zbona, MD, Alliant International University-San Diego; Kenneth J. Thompson, PhD, Alliant International University-San Diego; Alberto Gomez, Alliant International University-San Diego; Lindsay Brandt, MA, Alliant International University-San Diego; Vanessa Kalach, Alliant International University-San Diego; McKenzie Stone, Alliant International University-San Diego; Ariana M. Williams, BA, Alliant International University, San Diego; Constance J. Dalenberg, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Trauma Research Institute
Jaylene Arnett, MA, California Baptist University; Veola Vazquez, PhD, California Baptist University; Robert Pate, California Baptist University; Jessie Lowell, California Baptist University
Leah Waltrip, BS, University of Denver; Naomi Wright, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic; Anne DePrince, University of Denver
Mi-Ting Lin, PhD, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Shih-Han Chiu, Ming Chuan University; Erh-Yun Hsu, Ming Chuan University; Ming-Wei Chang, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
Eva M. Hentges, MA, University of South Dakota; Christine Yost, University of South Dakota; Raluca M. Simons, Dr., University of South Dakota; Jeffrey Simons, Dr. Jeffrey Simons, University of South Dakota; Brooke Beckius, University of South Dakota
Stephanie Castelin, MA, University of Cincinnati; Farrah Jacquez, University of Cincinnati
Steven K. Hatcher, BS, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Brigitta M. Beck, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Elisabeth McLane, BA, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Maria M. Galano, University of Massachusetts Amherst; Colin T. Mahoney
Victoria Greene, BS, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University; LaToya Shakes Malone, PhD/JD, Nova Southeastern University, College of Psycholog
Hui Chia Hung, MEd, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.Hsin-Chu, Taiwan; Yih-Lan Liu, PhD, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
Liza M. Hinchey, PhD , Dr., Wayne State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences; Megan Cihak, BS, Wayne State University; James Abelson, The University of Michigan
Ricky T. Munoz, JD, MSW, Associate Professor, University of Oklahoma; Liz A. Kollaja, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Chan M. Hellman, PhD, University of Oklahoma, Hope Research Center
Elisabeth McLane, BA, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Reagan E. Fitzke, BS, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Steven K. Hatcher, BS, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Maria M. Galano, University of Massachusetts Amherst; Colin T. Mahoney
Rebecca L. Nguyen, MA, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Bonnie Woodward, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Molly R. Franz, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Shuyan Sun, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Monique R. Welch, BA, Fielding Graduate University; Kristine Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University
Elaine DeJulio, fiedling graduate university; Tiffany Beckman, MA, Fielding Graduate University; Kristine Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University
Lila L. Rupp, Lila Rupp, Westminster College; Christopher Davids, Dr. Chris Davids, Westminster College
Shaune-Ru Wang, PhD/JD, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles; Matthew Ylach, Palo Alto Univeristy; Yan Leykin, Palo Alto Univeristy; Lisa M. Brown, PhD, Palo Alto University
Morgan Aamodt, Associate’s, Utah Valley University; Tasha Seppie, Utah Valley University; Malisa Brooks, Utah Valley University; Kent Hinkson, Utah Valley University
Amber L. Fredrick, MEd, University of Denver; Rebecca Suzuki, University of Denver; Leah Waltrip, BS, University of Denver; Anne DePrince, University of Denver
Kathryn J. Andrews, BA, Dr Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University; Amanda Britto-Ribeiro, Fielding Graduate University; Kristine Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University
Georgia E. Perris, BA, Doctoral Student, University of California, Santa Barbara; Erika D. Felix, PhD, University of California Santa Barbara
Anjana Varadarajan, MS, Mrs., University of Calgary; Ling Jin, University of Calgary
Jenna Happe, BS, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; Alex D. Stover, BS, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; Charles C. Benight, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Symposium
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Explain how victimization experiences impact health outcomes and service utilization among under-studied and at-risk populations.
- Discuss the role of systemic barriers, identity, and trauma in shaping access to care and support services.
- Describe policy and practice reforms that can improve healthcare and justice responses for marginalized communities.
Presentations
Amelia Wagner, MS, Northeastern University; Carlos A. Cuevas, PhD, Northeastern University
Lisa Jones, University of New Hampshire
Cassie DiBenedetti, MS, Cassie DiBenedetti, Northeastern University; Carlos A. Cuevas, PhD, Northeastern University
Rm: 205 Colorado Convention Center, Street Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to explain the physiological impacts of grief and will demonstrate at least three somatic tools.
Presentations
Amy Pickett-Williams, MSW, Founder and Co-Executive Director, LIGHT Movement; Kathleen Mattei, LIGHT Movement
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Critical Conversations
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Identify five ways that psychedelic therapy can become traumatic for the participants and explore how to offer support that is ethically informed.
- Explain and apply foundational ethical principles, such as Kylea Taylor's Inner Ethics and Cedar Barstow's Right Use of Power, in the context of psychedelic therapy.
- Describe the importance of therapist self-care, including techniques like shadow work, and its impact on ethical practice and client well-being.
Presentations
Shoshana Aal, PsyD, The Kaleidoscope Center
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Explain an overview of the Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) theoretical model and treatment protocol.
- Assess and compare safety for both clients and providers of MEMI with other trauma therapies (e.g. CPT, PE, EMDR).
- Apply insights from case studies relating to the speed and effectiveness of MEMI in their own practice.
Presentations
Maria R. Gear Haugen, PhD, VA; Michael Denninger, Trauma Counseling & Training of Tuscon, LLC
Friday, August 8th
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Describe and implement narrative interventions to facilitate meaning-making in the aftermath of morally injurious experiences.
Presentations
Patricia U. Pernicano, PsyD, PSYCHOLOGIST, retired
Melissa Smigelsky, PhD, Veterans Administration
Exhibit Hall A, Solutions Center, Poster Sessions
Presentations
Ayesha Qureshi, Ms., Akron Children's Hospital; Sima Sharghi, Dr., Akron Children's Hospital; Ayla R. Mapes, PhD, Dr., Akron Children's Hospital
Shalet Punnoose, Palo Alto Univeristy; Kayleigh Watters, PhD, Palo Alto Univeristy
Carolyn Yeager, PhD, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; Brigitta M. Beck, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Charles C. Benight, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Shreya Aragula, DePaul University; Natalia Rodriguez, Loyola University Chicago; Patricia Vargas, Loyola University Chicago; Jessica Rodriguez, Brushwood Center; Anne Saw, DePaul University
Lauren C. Wallace, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellow, UC Davis CAARE Center; Rebecca L. Babcock Fenerci, PhD, Founder and CEO of Compassionate Healing, Compassionate Healing
Tara m. Smith, BA, Fielding Graduate University; Amanda Rodriguez, MS, Fielding Graduate University; Kristine Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University
Leah Siwinski, MS, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Michael Gawrysiak, Assistant Professor of Psychology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Allison M. Sylvia, PhD, Aurora Mental Health; Quintino Mano, Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati; Jennifer Brown, Associate Professor, Purdue University; Kristen Jastrowski Mano, Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati; Joel Sprunger, Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Joanna DeMeyer, BS, joanna.demeyer@oregonstate.edu, Oregon State University
Amanda Jensen, BA, University of Miami; Annette M. La Greca, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics, University of Miami
Lana Marks, MS, Palo Alto Univeristy; Jennifer Keller, PhD, Stanford School of Medicine
Skyla Renner, Baylor University; Chris Corlett, MA, Baylor University; Katherine Scheffrahn, BS, Baylor University; Alex Hood, Baylor University
Jasmine Cosby, MS, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Wayne State University; Valerie Simon, Ph.D., Wayne State University
Emma Mew, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate, Duke University; Jessica Bonumwezi, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Loyola University Maryland; Sarah Lowe, Associate Professor of Public Health, Yale School of Public Health
Belén Rogowski, Northern Arizona Univesity; Laura K. Noll, Laura Katherine Noll, PhD, Northern Arizona Univesity; Steven D. Barger, Northern Arizona University; Hannah McEntarffer, Northern Arizona University; Robert Wickham, Northern Arizona University
Belén Rogowski, Northern Arizona Univesity; Laura K. Noll, Laura Katherine Noll, PhD, Northern Arizona Univesity; Steven D. Barger, Northern Arizona University; Hannah McEntarffer, Northern Arizona University; Robert Wickham, Northern Arizona University
Liliane D. Efinger, PhD, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Sydney A. Lozada, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Michael Fernandez, San Antonio Police Department; Victoria Torres, PhD, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; Suzy Gulliver, PhD, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; Vivian Ta-Johnson, PhD, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Janelle Kohler, PhD, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Sandra B. Morissette, University of Texas at San Antonio
Merdijana Kovacevic, PhD/JD, Road Home Program at RUSH University Medical Center (Warrior Care Network); Anusha Limdi, Clinical Research Assistant, Rush University Medical Center; Rachel Boutte, Assistant Professor, Rush University Medical Center; Kelly Carroll, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago; Sarah Pridgen, Rush University Medical Center; Philip Held, Rush University Medical Center
Kelsey G. Potter, BS, Kelsey Potter, Kennesaw State University; Caitlyn Hume, Caitlyn Hume, Kennesaw State University; Jen Adams, Jen Adams, Kennesaw State University; Dorothy Marsil, PhD, Professor & Program Coordinator, Kennesaw State University
Ke Wang, MA, Adelphi University; Kate Szymanski, PhD, Adelphi University
Lisa A. Eaton, PhD, Professor, University of Connecticut; Ryan Watson, University of Connecticut; Samantha Lawrence, University of Connecticut; Nikole Babcock, university of Connecitcut; Raymond Moody, University of Connecticut; Meg Paceley, University of Connecticut
Steven M. Sanders, PhD, Oregon State University; Tiffany R. Williams, PhD, Indiana University; Vaughan Hooper, Oregon State University; Imani Rivers, MS, Tennessee State University; Kiara Tookes-Williams, Tennessee State University; Raymond Popplewell, Tennessee State University; Keyishi Peters, Tennessee State University
Disha Thakkar, BA, Nova Southeastern University; Alexandria Johnston, Nova Southeastern University; Charles J. Golden, Nova Southeastern University
Elizabeth Bolen, BA, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Sydney A. Lozada, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Liliane D. Efinger, PhD, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Alexis Blessing, PhD, Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention; Sandra B. Morissette, University of Texas at San Antonio
Ayla R. Mapes, PhD, Dr., Akron Children's Hospital; Kate L. Theimer, Dr., University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Elizabeth Risch, Dr., University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Alaira A. Lourido, MS, Albizu University- San Juan Campus; Andel V. Nicasio, PhD, Associate Professor, Albizu University -San Juan Campus; Gilda F. Rodriguez-Diaz, PsyD, Albizu University
Elizabeth Lee, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Duluth; Nicole M. Strumbel, University of Minnesota, Duluth; Mikayla Falteisek, University of Minnesota Duluth; Sophia Pellegrom, MEd, University of Massachusetts Boston; Leena Haas, Justice Resource Institute; Mariah Rooney, MSW, Center for Trauma and Embodiment; Candace Liger, Center for Trauma and Embodiment; Viann N. Nguyen-Feng, PhD, University of Minnesota Duluth
Rob Horowitz, Principal Evaluator, Arts Research; Tal Bar-Zemer, MS, Program Director, Partnership With Children; Samuel Leopold, MSW, Partnership With Children
Alexandra R. Mangus, BA, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medince; Cindy B. Veldhuis, Northwestern University
Mile High Ballroom 1E; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Symposium
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Describe easily applicable strategies for enhancing data integrity in remote surveys.
Presentations
Daniela M. Zbona, MD, Alliant International University-San Diego; Alberto Gomez, Alliant International University-San Diego; Monica Ortiz, MA, Alliant International UniversitySan Diego; Kenneth J. Thompson, PhD, Alliant International University-San Diego; Constance J. Dalenberg, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Trauma Research Institute
Kenneth J. Thompson, PhD, Alliant International University-San Diego; Constance J. Dalenberg, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Trauma Research Institute
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Drive organizational change through data informed decision making to identify priorities, implement trauma-responsive practices and measure progress over time.
Presentations
Elizabeth Meeker, PsyD, Vice President, Consulting Services, Coordinated Care Services, Inc; Lukas Jenkins, MS, Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
Lukas Jenkins, MS, Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Critical Conversations
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Identify the impact vicarious racial trauma has on them as they conduct racial trauma work.
Presentations
Jennifer Jones-Damis, Rutgers University
Mile High Ballroom 1E; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Articulate the role of TTRPGs as a therapeutic modality and identify ways to incorporate trauma-focused techniques into group gameplay.
Presentations
Brooke E. Long, PsyD, CCTP, PsyD, Dr. Brooke Long, Rush University Medical Center; Erin C. Walker, PsyD/JD, Road Home Program at RUSH University Medical Center (Warrior Care Network)
Rm: 501; Colorado Convention Center, Street Level
Critical Conversations
Description:
Presentations
LaTosha Ramos Lake, PsyD, Dr., US Air Force Reserves; Trevor Pinkalla, Associate’s, Milwaukee Fire Department
Mile High Ballroom 1CD; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Symposium
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Identify how recent and current historical events are affecting levels of vicarious trauma.
Presentations
Tracy M. Vozar, University of Denver
John Holmberg, Family Care Center
Erica L. Adkins, PhD, University of Denver
Hannah Bronson, PsyD, Uniformed Services University and Henry M. Jackson Foundation
Ryan Rogers, The University of Denver
Mile High Ballroom 1CD Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Describe the basics of a new combination therapy including 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) combined with massed prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD.
- Explain the basics of a new combination therapy including a stellate ganglion block (SGB) combined with massed prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD.
Presentations
Jessica Punzo, PsyD, President - APA Division 56, APA Division 56 - Trauma Psychology
Barbara Rothbaum, PhD, Emory University School of Medicine
Alan L. Peterson, PhD, Professor and Chief, Division of Behavioral Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Damon Krohn, Monarch Neuroscience
Don't miss our annual Social Hour and Awards Ceremony being held at the Hyatt Regency Level 3 Centennial Ballroom G!
Saturday, August 9th
Mile High Ballroom 1E; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Based on the content of the session, participants will be able to approach neuropsychological and psychological evaluations from a trauma-informed lens.
Presentations
Rebecca Fisher, PsyD, Rebecca J Fisher, PsyD PLLC; Samantha Straughn, PsyD, Growth Opportunity Center
Rm: 501; Colorado Convention Center, Street Level
Critical Conversations
Description:
Learning Objectives
- identify 2 ways to empower youth and connect them with digital tools to improve their well-being.
Presentations
Melissa Brymer, PhD, UCLA-NCCTS
Blanche Wright, University of Oregon
Jocelyn Meza, University of California, Los Angeles
Nastassia Hajal, UCLA
Mile High Ballroom 1E; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Symposium
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Identify three intervenable factors that impact the successful implementation of trauma-focused evidence-based interventions/practices.
Presentations
Ginny Sprang, PhD, University of Kentucky
Adrienne Whitt
Stephanie Gusler, PhD, University of Kentucky
Rm: 502; Colorado Convention Center, Street Level
Skill Building
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Identify the neurotransmitters and areas of the brain that are utilized in KAP.
Presentations
Gregory Jones, PsyD, Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness
Rm: 501; Colorado Convention Center, Street Level
Critical Conversations
Description:
Learning Objectives
- Identify at least three adaptions in psychological intervention to enhance acknowledgement and understanding of patients' internal resiliency in trauma pre-work.
Presentations
Jackson Newsome, PsyD, Forge Psychology Chicago, PLLC
Mile High Ballroom 1E; Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Skill Building
Description:
Although much attention has been paid to averting the risks of secondary traumatic stress amongst clinicians, many non-mental-health-related professions--including law enforcement, quality control, and trauma research—involve exposure to other persons' traumas. This session will provide practical skills for protecting ourselves and colleagues from STS, applicable to a range of contexts.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish factors that confer risk or resilience in the face of exposure to secondary traumatic stress.
- Identify effective coping strategies to use in the moment when exposed to trauma-related material.
Presentations
Patricia K. Kerig, PhD, Professor, University of Utah