Claritycon2026: Full Schedule

10:10am CDT

"Is This Normal?": When to Accept Behavior, When to Correct Behavior, When to Seek Help - 1 CE hour

Monday July 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

Objectives:

Identify and discuss various childhood behaviors that frequently cause parents (and patients) concern
Understand the continuum of "normal" behaviors (taking into consideration developmental level), and be able to identify when care needs to be escalated.
Identify ways to effectively address the behaviors, and collaborate with the family to support the child or adolescent patient.

Statement of need:
As professionals working with children and adolescents, we need to be comfortable fielding questions and providing guidance related to seemingly concerning behaviors, whether they fall within the "expected" continuum or are more atypical.

Abstract
As professionals working with children and adolescents, we are frequently confronted with the question: "is this behavior normal?" Through a case-based, interactive approach, we will examine various behaviors across differing developmental levels to address when to give reassurance, when to ask more questions, when to work to correct, and when to escalate care.

Speakers

Abigail Talley, MD

Psychiatrist

Abigail Talley, MD, is board-certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in San Antonio, Dr. Talley attended Trinity University, where she received a B.S. in Biology. She completed medical school, General Psychiatry residency, and Child... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

Believe: Normalizing Language, Assessing Suicide Risk, & Responding with Care the "Lasso Way" - 1.5 CE hours

Monday July 13, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

302 BC

CBMT Approved

Objectives:

Participants will learn to use neutral, non-stigmatizing language around suicide, fostering openness, trust, and authentic disclosure.
Participants will gain practical, universal skills for suicide risk assessment and safety planning applicable across multidisciplinary settings.
Participants will understand how curiosity, collaboration, and empathy support effective responses to suicidal ideation, helping people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Statement of Need:
With youth suicide rates rising and many providers feeling unprepared to ask directly about suicidal thoughts, there is a critical need for practical, evidence-based training that equips multidisciplinary teams to engage in compassionate, confident, and life-saving conversations. .

Abstract:
In 2023, over 49,000 people died by suicide, with one death every 11 minutes, and millions more seriously considered or attempted suicide. Yet many providers across disciplines report discomfort and fear when discussing suicide directly with clients or patients. This interactive 90-minute session equips participants to approach suicide prevention with curiosity, compassion, and confidence, inspired by Ted Lasso’s principle: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Participants will learn to normalize language around suicide, apply a universal, human-centered risk assessment framework, implement multidisciplinary collaborative responses, and develop practical safety plans. Combining evidence-based practice with the presenter’s professional experience across inpatient, outpatient, and youth detention settings, this session emphasizes relational, hope-centered care and prepares providers to engage in life-saving conversations with clarity and confidence.

Speakers

Marissa A. Peña, LMSW

Juvenile Detention Counselor

Marissa A. Peña is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a passion for trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and empowering marginalized youth. She blends clinical expertise with a decade as a secondary educator, where she led award-winning speech/debate and academic programs... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Ransomed Life’s Human Trafficking: Training for Healthcare Professionals - 2 CE hours

Monday July 13, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

Differentiate human trafficking from human smuggling and consensual commercial sex
Recognize vulnerabilities, risk factors, and indicators of human trafficking
Apply patient-centered interventions and strategies for healthcare providers.

Abstract:
State-approved course. Understanding the world of human trafficking (HT) is essential for healthcare providers who interact with patients. This training covers HT facts, as well as common misconceptions, and guides personnel to provide appropriate patient-centered responses within various practice settings. (This presentation is a state of Texas-approved Human Trafficking Course for Health Care Practitioners).

Speakers

Muriel Lanford, MSN, RN, TCRN

Lead Medical Trainer, Ransomed Life

Muriel Lanford, a board-certified trauma nurse, holds both baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and has practiced at multiple trauma centers across the country.

Ms. Lanford served 10 years as Trauma Program and Emergency Preparedness Director for a large healthcare system in Texas. After consulting for several private healthcare corporations, she subsequently worked as a professional speaker, educating healthcare staff around the country

... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Shifting the Good-Bad Gridlock: Fostering Psychological Flexibility in Children and Teens - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

Understand the impact of polarized thinking on children’s mental health and relationships
Learn practical tools to help youth increase psychological flexibility and navigate conflict
Gain strategies to reframe “good vs. bad” thinking and support complex identity development

Statement of need:
In a particularly polarized culture where more and more families are estranged and instant gratification and technology leads us away from tolerating discomfort, attendees will learn why developing psychological flexibility is critical for children’s social and emotional well-being and how to implement practical interventions that foster resilience.

Abstract
Children today are growing up in an environment marked by polarization and rigid thinking, making it harder for them to connect, resolve conflicts, and develop healthy relationships. This session introduces the model The And Way to help children and teens build psychological flexibility, tolerate discord, and break free from “good-bad gridlock” thinking patterns. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to hold complexity and compassion.

Speakers

Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S

Clinician, Speaker, Author

Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, is a clinician, speaker, parent and author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World. Her work focuses on helping others navigate polarization, build psychological flexibility, and foster resilience in challenging environments. Her group therapy... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

The Perfect Storm - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

This session will present the current “stress storm” that is appearing on the horizons for so many people & allow the listeners to understand how individuals respond, react, and are affected by the daily toxic stress in their lives.
This session will give the listeners some additional communication tools to best communicate with those that are experiencing high levels of stress.
The listeners will learn the importance of become more Trauma-Informed within the office, community, and at home.

Abstract:
The session will help the listener to understand that developing a trauma-informed mindset is critical to help children deal with a world filled with stress. This session will open up an understanding for the need for equity and understanding in quality care and treatment for all communities.

NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Gregory Williams, PhD

Senior Leadership Team at Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department, Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Gregory Williams is on the Senior Leadership Team at Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department located in Texas Children’s Hospital in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He has a PhD in Counseling and is a well-known speaker/teacher. He travels the... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Ethics and the Therapeutic Relationship: Building Trust Within Boundaries - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

Describe how establishing and maintaining clear ethical boundaries fosters safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship.
Identify effective ways to communicate confidentiality limits and mandated reporting responsibilities to clients and families.
Recognize how ethical self-awareness and management of countertransference contribute to maintaining professional boundaries & explain strategies for balancing client autonomy with professional and ethical obligations in clinical practice

Abstract:
This presentation explores how ethical practice strengthens, rather than restricts the therapeutic relationship. Participants will examine how clear boundaries and transparent communication about confidentiality, reporting obligations, and professional limits create safety and trust. Emphasis will be placed on ethical self-awareness, managing countertransference, and supporting client autonomy even when reporting is required.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, BC-TMH

Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, St. Mary's University

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, Ph.D., is an LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S™, and a Board Certified- TeleMental Health Counselor. Priscilla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at St. Mary's University and serves as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
302 BC

Breakout session