This course will explore the use of the Kawa model, a culturally sensitive occupational therapy model of practice, in geriatric care to establish rapport, identify client strengths and barriers, and improve communication. Attendees will gain knowledge regarding the components of the Kawa model, how to apply the model to geriatric practice, as well as the current research on use of the model in long term care, home care/caregiving, and community-based settings.

In the United States there are nearly 16 million caregivers caring for persons with dementia; nearly half have clinically significant symptoms of depression. This course will introduce means to identify and address caregiver well-being.

This presentation defines infant mental health, reviews attachment, and explains how to promote attachment behaviors in the caregiver/infant dyad or family system.

The purpose of this course is to examine dance-based interventions to address the physical and cognitive symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease to improve outcomes and enhance well-being. Using different styles and modifications of dance moves and sequences, clinicians will be instructed on how to implement beginner dance-based interventions in seated and standing positions along with modifications with their clients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

This course is a continuation of the course titled, "Yoga Therapeutics to Cultivate A Sustainable Core". We build on the evidence-based and anatomical foundation of the dynamic core and apply the clinical reasoning of progressing patients and athletes through therapeutic exercises.

Chronic pain triggers changes in brain structure that are linked to depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. New research shows that practicing yoga has the opposite effect on the brain and can relieve chronic pain.

This course is designed to provide evidence-based information on the cognitive behavioral therapy treatment approach for eating disorders. Various occupational therapy treatment techniques and interventions will be highlighted.

A variety of groups and group intervention activities will be presented that may be used in mental health, skilled nursing, school-based and a variety of other practice areas. This presentation addresses groups specific to occupational therapy and provides a basic outline of how to facilitate a group.

This course will offer insight into the role of occupational therapists in addressing the mother's mental health, occupational performance, and role satisfaction.

Efforts to treat addiction are hampered by prejudice and a public view that treats it as a disorder of self-control, not a disease. We will explore advances in addiction research that, if disseminated to the public, could reverse these misconceptions and facilitate changes which will improve treatment.