Whether you are a licensed professional, student, caregiver, or someone seeking to expand their skills, GATSA is your partner in professional growth. We are dedicated to advancing your knowledge and skills by providing comprehensive training programs that cater to a diverse audience and by offering expertise in relevant content areas.
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Sandtray Therapy
5 CE/CEUs (eligibility: social work and mental health practice in Nebraska)
Trainer: Teri Echtenkamp, LIMHP
Tuesday, September 09, 2025 | 9:00 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Delivered in-person at Southeast Community College*, Lincoln, NE
Standard Fee: $175
This foundational training introduces participants to the vital components of sandtray therapy. Join us for a hands-on day to learn about the elements of sandtray as a modality, interventions to process sandtrays with clients of all ages, and experiential sandtray exercises designed to practice key didactic elements. Each participant will have the opportunity to take a small sandtray for ongoing use in their practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of history, theory, directive/non-directive and viable indications for sandtray therapy
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic elements of sandtray therapy regarding the selection of materials, miniatures, and sand
- Describe eight interventions to process sandtrays with clients of all ages
- Engage in three experiential sandtray exercises designed to practice key didactic elements
Introduction to Somatic Experiencing
3 CE/CEUs (eligibility: social work and mental health practice in Nebraska)
Speakers: Stacey Mueller, MS, LIMHP, SEP and Liz Allrich, MS, LIMHP, SEP
Friday, September 12, 2025 | 9 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Delivered in-person at the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Standard Fee: $75
This training introduces an overview of Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy. Participants will learn to distinguish activation from deactivation cycles, identify signs of fight, flight, and freeze responses, and practice basic SE interventions through guided demonstrations.
Learning Objectives:
- Overview of the basic concepts of Somatic Experiencing
- Explain the role of the autonomic nervous system in Somatic Experiencing
- Differentiate between activation and deactivation cycles
- Identify indicators of the common trauma responses: fight, flight, and freeze
Beyond TikTok: Adult Neurodivergence in the Real World
2 CE/CEUs (eligibility: ACE, NBCC)
Speaker: Lynda Hayes, PhD, LP
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | Live Webinar 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. (CST)
Standard Fee: $40
This training will provide a foundational understanding of neurodivergence in adults, the impact of late diagnosis, and common misdiagnoses and differentials. Emphasis will be placed on therapeutic considerations and affirming care practices. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to support neurodivergent adults in outpatient therapy settings and an understanding of when to refer for evaluation.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe key clinical features of Autisim and ADHD in adults, including differences in presentation across the lifetime
- Differentiate between symptoms of neurodivergence and co-occurring conditions
- Apply affirming and effective evidence-based clinical strategies to support neurodivergent adult clients
Communication to Create, Navigate, and Change Blended Families
2 CE/CEUs (eligibility: ACE, NBCC)
Speaker: Dawn O. Braithwaite, PhD
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | Live Webinar 12 P.M. - 2 P.M. (CST)
Standard Fee: $40. Free for students.
This training explores how stepfamilies form, adapt, and evolve through communication, with a focus on turning points and five distinct developmental trajectories. Emphasis is placed on understanding stepfamily roles, navigating challenges and strengths, and applying this knowledge to support positive outcomes in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize how blended families form, live, and change via their communication
- Understand blended family members' perspectives on their family turning points
- Use strengths and challenges of stepchild and stepparent roles
- Apply unique dimensions of blended families that grow positive and resilient
- Harness knowledge about blended family communication in clinical practice
Imposter Syndrome & Cognitive Distortions: Ethical Implications for Clinicians
2 CE/CEUs (eligibility: ACE, NBCC, Ethics)
Speaker: Deborah Circo, PhD, LICSW
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | Live Webinar 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. (CST)
Standard Fee $70. Free for students.
This training explores the ethical responsibilities of clinicians in managing imposter syndrome, cognitive distortions, and their impact on professional integrity and client care. Participants will examine how personal biases, self-disclosure, and distortions can influence therapeutic relationships, supervision, and collaboration with colleagues. The training emphasizes cultural humility, ethical reflection, and practical strategies to uphold ethical standards in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the ethical responsibility to self and others, including managing imposter syndrome and supporting colleagues through supervision
- Recognize how clinician bias, cognitive distortions, and cultural factors can impact ethical client care
- Examine the ethical use of self-disclosure when addressing personal struggles as a clinician
- Develop strategies to identify and address cognitive distortions that may compromise clinical integrity
ASWB Clinical Exam Success Lab
No CE/CEUs
Instructor: Katie Robbins, LICSW
Friday, November 07, 2025 | Live Webinar 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. (CST)
Standard Fee $80. Discounted rate available when bundled with our Path-to-Pass exam prep course. Free for students. Contact gatsa@unomaha.edu for enrollment assistance.
Our comprehensive Success Lab and Path-to-Pass course prepares participants for the clinical social work exam by using curriculum that aligns with objectives outlined by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Whether you thrive in a live, collaborative space or prefer learning at your own pace, the Grace Abbott Training and Supervision Academy (GATSA) has two flexible, affordable options to support your exam prep journey.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the best curriculum and resources for effective studying
- Understand how to read and correctly interpret exam questions
- Learn techniques for managing exam anxiety and staying focused
- Gain confidence and knowledge through support and discussion
- Ask questions, network, and find study partners
- Get an overview of what to expect on exam day
Licensure 101: The Basics of Mental Health Licensure in Nebraska
2 CE/CEUs (eligibility: ACE, NBCC, Ethics)
Speaker: Susan Reay, EdD, LICSW
Tuesday, December 09, 2025 | Live Webinar 9 A.M. - 11 A.M. (CST)
Free to attend.
Gain valuable insight and knowledge to enhance your professional journey, learn the basics of becoming provisionally licensed as a mental health practitioner and certified as a master social worker, and understand why individuals conducting mental health treatment and/or identifying themselves as a social worker in Nebraska require licensure and certification by the State of Nebraska.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the basic steps required to obtain provisional licensure as a Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and certification as a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) in Nebraska
- Describe the key state requirements for individuals who provide mental health treatment or use the title "social worker" in Nebraska.
- Recognize the importance of licensure and certification for ethical and legal practice in the mental health and social work fields in Nebraska
DBT Skills for Clinicians
15 CE/CEUs (eligibility: ACE, NBCC)
Training Facilitator: Katie Robbins, LICSW
This course includes 3 synchronous, virtual meetings:
January 23, February 27, and March 27, 2026 | 9 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. (CST)
Standard Fee $520.
Whether you're just beginning your DBT journey or looking to refine your skills, this training series equips you with the knowledge and tools to implement DBT effectively and ethically. Learn DBT from the source, Dr. Marsha Linehan! Join our training series featuring video lessons from the creator of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan, and the Psychwire DBT team.
Your learning experience will include:
- Three synchronous virtual meetings facilitated by Katie Robbins, LICSW (January 23, February 27, March 27) to watch videos, practice skills, and hear expert DBT therapists talk about implementation
- Engaging video lessons led by Dr. Linehan and her team that break down DBT concepts and interventions in a clear step-by-step format
- Therapy demonstrations showcasing real-world use of DBT skills in both individual
and group therapy settings - Downloadable client handouts, worksheets, and facilitator tools to enhance your practice and support client growth - Practice DBT strategies for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness - ready to use in your clinical work
- Live Q&A with local DBT clinicians
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*The use of any Southeast Community College Facility or Property does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or support by the College of the view, opinions, programs or activities.