Clinical Health Psychology Students, Faculty Attend Adult Services Conference

East Carolina University psychology students and faculty from the clinical health psychology program had a strong showing at this year’s Adult Services Conference, hosted by the Eastern NC Area Health Education Center (AHEC). The AHEC is the major source of continuing education in this region and the 2-day training event, designed by the Adult Training Committee – ECU’s Dr. Matt Whited, associate professor of psychology, is a member – provides the bulk of continuing education credits for various providers’ licensure.

“Training in state-of-the-science clinical practice is essential to the training needs of our region’s providers, and the mental health of their patients,” said department chairperson Dr. Alan Christensen.

The following teams of faculty and students presented on various topics that are new, but essential, to providers.

Tony Cellucci, Amy Gencarelli and Emma Muscari presented, “The Unified Protocol: A Flexible Evidence-Based Approach to Treating Emotional Disorders.” Their presentation educated providers on a single evidenced-based protocol that may be used for a wide variety of patients experiencing emotional disorders.

Rob Carels, Abi Shonrock and Rhonda Byrd presented, “A Crash Course in Weight Loss, Nutrition, Metabolism and Principles of Successful Weight Loss.” This presentation dispelled the myths surrounding weight loss and provided practical practice recommendations so that providers may confidently discuss weight loss with their patients without falling victim to common errors and issues.

Stephanie Wallio, Andrea Winters and Michelle Ruiz presented, “Psychological Aspects of and Interventions for Chronic Pain.” Their presentation covered the vast knowledge base of chronic pain causes and treatment and left participants with practical suggestions to implement in their practice, including a self-generated script for discussing chronic pain with patients.