URGENT: Read before you vote. CT leaders input re: National Vote

Dear Colleagues,

Regarding the AAMFT by-law vote taking place this summer through August 15:

Many of you have asked us our opinions regarding the proposed AAMFT by-law changes. Our division charter limits us as Connecticut Board members to follow AAMFT direction regarding voicing opinions about AAMFT matters. Therefore, we will share how either vote will be likely to play out in Connecticut:

A “yes” vote would eliminate the Connecticut division by ending mandatory dues payments and division leadership, with a transition starting in January 2016. This will mean all leadership authority and fiscal decision-making will be centralized with the national organization with a focus on forming special interest groups.

In the event that CT MFTs choose not to fund local services in any respect, lobbying, employment advocacy, local conferences/CEUs and statewide student/new grad mentoring in Connecticut would end.

We are optimistic, however, that local adaptations are possible, and will consider forming an organization independent from AAMFT to close any gaps in services.

A “no” vote would maintain mandatory local dues payments and fund the services that are currently in place in Connecticut until a new plan is accepted. If a plan for restructuring is re-drawn, we would advocate that it include specifics for all regions that AAMFT serves, regarding ways to:

• maximize strengths to promote the MFT profession locally
• include regional leadership roles and information gathering
• address weaknesses and threats to the MFT profession
• incorporate fiscal plans for specific regional and lobbying initiatives
• incorporate service region culture and demographics
• incorporate future service trends in the MFT profession

We strongly encourage you to check for your AAMFT ballot and control number, emailed May 29, or vote via paper ballot before the vote ends August 15.

We fully support your vote based on your own interpretation of the abundant information shared. For more information, feel free to call work numbers for Heather 203-438-3139 and Denise, at 860-486-2396.

Denise Parent, LMFT                            Heather Ehinger, LMFT, EdD
Rosemarie Coratola, Psy.D., LMFT      Jeffrey Schutz, LMFT, BCN, ORD
Normajean Cefarelli, LMFT                   Wendy Haggerty, LMFT
MaryAnn LaBella, M.A., LMFT              Nicole O’Brien, M.A., Ph.D.
Christine Senu, MFT student

Earn Up to 6 CEUs: CTAMFT Professional Development Workshop

Earn up to 6 CEUs – October 25, 2013

The CTAMFT Professional Development Committee is proud to bring to you our Fall Workshop this year. We, your friends and colleagues, have worked tirelessly to bring our membership something special, timely and ultimately useful for your continuing education demands. We have created a full-day or half-day – morning or afternoon option – to meet your busy scheduling needs.

Plus, a really cool part, is that lunch is included with every registration!

We, as always, have worked to keep the cost of this yearly offering as accessible as possible. A full day is $90 and EITHER half-day option is $75, and all registrations include lunch.

We hope to see our friends and colleagues on the 25th, to get caught up and to learn about the changes in the DSM-5 that affects every one of our jobs. Plus, if you attend the morning Ethics session, you can claim the credits towards a reduction in your annual Liability Insurance fees.

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon, our new Association Manager.

Date: Friday October 25, 2013

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Shelton, CT – Courtyard Marriott
Cost: $90 full-day; $75 half-day
Schedule:
8:00 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
*8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Ethics in the MFT Profession with Dr. Sebastian Perumbilly (3 CEUs)
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM DSM-5 Overview with Dr. Danielle Moreggi (3 CEUs)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Morning Session: “Ethics in the MFT Profession,” Dr. Sebastian Perumbilly

Seb Perumbilly is an assistant professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Southern Connecticut State University. He is actively involved with academic, clinical and research communities both in the United States and in India. He teaches Research Methods, Ethics and core courses in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). He holds an M.A. in Bioethics; and another M.A. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus in MFT from the University of Connecticut.

*This workshop is eligible towards liability insurance discount.

Afternoon Session: “DSM-5 Overview,” Dr. Danielle Moreggi

Dr. Danielle Moreggi has been providing psychological services since 1997 and has been a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of CT for over 10 years. With a private practice in Milford, CT, she provides psycho-therapy, assessment, and professional consultative services, with an expertise in college student mental health. She continues to serve as full-time faculty at the University of New Haven Psychology Department in West Haven, CT since 2001; and also as a professional trainer for the New England Institute of Addiction Studies (NEIAS) since 1998.