Event to focus on helping individuals, families

Published: September 15, 2009

“Working with Individuals and Families of Addiction” will be the topic of a behavioral health symposium Oct. 9 at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland in Oklahoma City.

The event will feature Rita Crockett, Jackie Landler and David Swope, all from A Chance to Change Foundation.

Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the symposium starting time set for 9 a.m. Part I will end at 10:30 a.m., with part II running 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. It will be in the Crossings pavilion.

There is a $20 fee for those who prepay by midnight Oct. 7. On-site registration or enrollment after that date is $35 per person.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to: describe the many facets of chemical dependency and behavioral addictions; restate how addiction affects individuals and families and how best to work with those dealing with addictive behaviors; and explain interventions and treatments for chemical dependency, addictions and co-occurring disorders.

Discussion will include how addictive behaviors add additional stress to marriages and families and often result in financial, legal and work and/or school performance issues.

Crockett is a counselor, an adjunct teacher and an instructor. She has provided counseling at a residential adolescent substance abuse center, as well as in outpatient settings. She is a certified domestic violence counselor. She and her husband co-own Support People Incorporated.

Landler is director of substance abuse services at A Chance to Change and one of its founders. She counsels chemically-abusing/dependent individuals and their family members, supervises a free school-based program for adolescents and their parents and serves on the management team of the agency.

Swope is director of employee assistance services and gambling programs at A Chance to Change. He regularly sees clients on an outpatient basis and is a licensed professional counselor, alcohol and drug counselor and is an employee assistance professional.

For additional information, call 302-1293.