The Advocate Fall 2021
VOL . 44 , NO . 4 www . amhca . org
FEATURE ARTICLES
CRAVINGS MANAGEMENT : IT ’ S MORE THAN HELPING CLIENTS DENY OR REDIRECT A ‘ STRONG URGE TO USE ’ / page 14 Enhance your knowledge about treating substance use disorders . Learn about the four types of cravings — reinforced use craving , overt interoceptive craving , covert craving , and conditioned cue craving — and watch short videos that depicts each of the craving types in action .
By Doug Paul , LPC , CPCS , LMHC , QS
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COUPLES THERAPY WITH ARAB AMERICAN CLIENTS / page 19 Expect that Arab American couples may hold different view of common couples issues — such as infidelity , sex , intimacy problems , commitment issues , and intimate partner violence . By Eman Tadros , PhD , LMFT ; Abrea Ramadan ; and Marram Salman , NCC
INSIDE AMHCA : pages 6 – 8
• AMHCA issues a new practice standard on Affectional Identity
• Watch a free video on online therapy with suicidal clients , featuring John Sommers-Flanagan , PhD
• AMHCA ’ s Fall Summit is a success
• Call for Nominations for 2022 election of three positions on AMHCA ’ s board of directors
• AMHCA announces annual awardees , and those who earned certification credentials this year
• Thank you to the 126 people who made donations to AMHCA in 2021 to support the profession
COLUMN
From the President & Interim CEO / ED — page 4 By Beverly Smith , PhD , LPC , NCC , CCMHC , ACS , NCSC , CFT , HS-BCP , BCC , MAC , CPCS , BC-TMH , CCTP , BCPCC : 45 th AMHCA President , 2021 – 2022 , and Interim CEO / ED
DEPARTMENTS
MEMBER REFLECTIONS / page 2
Why using nutrition as a mental health intervention makes sense By Dr . Sophia Sills-Tailor and Dr . Ularisi Green-Baker
NEWSBRIEFS / page 9
• An update on the development of the new 911 alternative — 988 — for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress
• The U . S . Surgeon General issues an Advisory calling for action to address the youth mental health crisis , which has been exacerbated by the pandemic
COUNSELING TIPS / page 10 How to use Progressive Muscle Relaxation ( PMR ) with clients to reduce anxiety , stress , and chronic pain . Plus :
• A step-by-step guide to relaxation training , and
• A sample , filled-in PMR practice log . ( Download a blank one at https :// www . amhca . org / viewdocument / progressive-muscle-relaxationblank .)
By Joseph Kertesz , LCMHC , NCC
ETHICS FAQ / page 24 Your questions , and the Ethics Committee ’ s answers
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS
Clinical mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education , training and clinical practice . Clinical mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide flexible , consumer-oriented therapy . They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical , problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution . The mission of AMHCA is to enhance the profession of clinical mental health counseling through advocacy , education and collaboration .
ADVERTISING : Email Whitney Meyerhoeffer at wmeyerhoeffer @ amhca . org for ad rates and availability .
The Advocate Magazine is for AMHCA members and subscribers only . To read The Advocate Magazine online , go to www . amhca . org / advocatemag
The Advocate Magazine Fall 2021 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org 33