Elements Behavioral Health Experts Speak at BFI Summit for Clinical Excellence in Chicago
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 27, 2014 -- From March 6 through 8, renowned nutrition expert Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP and internationally recognized trauma specialist Christine Courtois, PhD, will join more than a dozen leading behavioral health experts in Chicago for The Ben Franklin Institute’s Summit for Clinical Excellence. Themed “Freud Meets Buddha: Mindfulness, Trauma and Process Addictions,” the conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel.
Dr. Peeke, Senior Science Advisor for Elements Behavioral Health and the creator of innovative healthy lifestyle and nutrition programs for addiction recovery at Lucida Treatment Center and Promises Malibu, will present “Slipping Into Your Genes: How the Science of Epigenetics Will Reshape Your Mind and Body,” on March 6 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The keynote address explores the complex interactions between DNA, genes, lifestyle, environment, nutrition and mental state.
“While inherited genes exert a significant influence on health,” reported Dr. Peeke, “DNA is not necessarily destiny. The emergence of the new science of epigenetics suggests that it’s the genetic expression, or what message the gene is sharing with the brain and body, that determines our mental and physical well-being. This is enormously empowering. We’ll explore practical ways to achieve the genetic expression to optimize longevity and quality of life.”
Dr. Peeke’s presentation that same day, “Shame, Blame and Guilt: Solutions for Healing the Triad of Pain,” from 3:30 to 5 p.m., examines how the regeneration of shame fuels the compulsive-addictive cycle. She will also detail the effect of these emotional conditions on the brain and body, including how they impact gene expression.
Dr. Courtois, National Clinical Trauma Consultant for Promises Treatment Centers, will lead three presentations about treating complex trauma on March 8:
• “Treating Complex Trauma: A Sequenced Relationship,” from 10:30 a.m. to noon;
• “Treating Complex Trauma: Relationship-Based Approaches,” from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.; and
• “Treating Complex Trauma: Spiritual Issues,” from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.
“Collectively, the presentations cover the challenges of the therapeutic relationship, the sequence of treatment, and the unique spiritual issues that arise with trauma,” said Dr. Courtois. “My hope is that participants come away from the sessions with more context and information about the nature and treatment of complex post-traumatic conditions.”
Attendees may earn six continuing education credits per session (18 total). For an agenda or to register for the conference, which is co-hosted by Promises and The Ranch, visit the BFI website. To learn about other speaking engagements in the behavioral health care field, visit the Elements Behavioral Health events or contact Jeanette Lisalda at jlisalda(at)theelements(dot)com.
About Dr. Courtois
Christine Courtois, PhD, ABPP, is a leading authority in the treatment of trauma, having worked in this area for over 30 years. She is a Board Certified Counseling Psychologist who directs the development of guidelines for the treatment of complex trauma for three professional organizations and has been appointed to the American Psychological Association’s Guideline Development Panel for post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Courtois has written or co-edited eight books on healing from incest, child sexual abuse, complex traumatic stress disorders and other types of trauma, and on spirituality and trauma.
About Dr. Peeke
Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP is the author of the New York Times bestsellers “Fight Fat after Forty,” “Body for Life,” and “Fit to Live.” Her newest New York Times bestseller is “The Hunger Fix: The Three-Stage Detox and Recovery Plan for Overeating and Food Addiction.” Dr. Peeke is board certified in internal medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Peeke is WebMD’s lifestyle expert and the chief medical correspondent for nutrition and fitness at Discovery Health TV. She is also co-host of RadioMD’s weekly HER Radio Show and is a TED conference speaker.
About The Ranch
Since 1999, The Ranch has provided comprehensive therapeutic programs that treat the underlying causes of eating disorders, addictions and other self-defeating behaviors. The Ranch offers innovative therapies to address the multidimensional aspects of the whole person while teaching personal accountability in a safe, nurturing, real-life environment. Located on a working horse ranch in the beautiful rolling hills of Nunnelly, Tennessee, The Ranch offers programs with a variable length of stay, which allows each client to anchor new recovery behaviors needed for lasting change. For more information about The Ranch, call (855) 893-5987 or visit http://www.recoveryranch.com.
About Promises Treatment Centers
Promises Treatment Centers in Malibu and West Los Angeles are the premier addiction treatment centers in Southern California. Led by some of the nation’s leading addiction specialists, Promises has built an international reputation for innovative addiction treatment and exceptional service. Whether an individual requires detox, residential drug rehab, outpatient treatment, extended care or a sober living environment, Promises has been a drug rehabilitation center of choice for more than 25 years. For more information about Promises Treatment Centers, visit http://www.promises.com or call (866) 285-9441.
Promises Treatment Centers and The Ranch are part of Elements Behavioral Health, a family of behavioral health care programs that also includes The Recovery Place, Lucida Treatment Center, Clarity Way, Journey Healing Centers, the Sexual Recovery Institute and Right Step. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.
Nanci Stockwell, Promises Treatment Centers, http://www.promises.com, +1 (866) 285-9441, [email protected]
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