Find Empathy - Mental Health Continuing Education

Welcome to the find empathy podcast, a podcast for therapists who specialize in health. My name is Dr. Meghan Beier, and I'm a clinical psychologist with training and health psychology, rehabilitation psychology, and neuropsychology. The goal of Find Empathy is to help people living with challenging medical conditions find the mental health providers who can understand their diagnosis, our continuing education, which includes this podcast, is focused on increasing the number of mental health providers who can help. Our first series is focused on multiple sclerosis. In every episode, you will hear the voices of people and families living with MS. Learn out more about our education and podcast at: https://findempathy.com/learn/ SUBSCRIBE NOW!

In this episode we introduce Meghan Beier, PhD, the Host of Find Empathy. In this casual interview, you will learn how she became interested in psychology, her training, and ultimately what brought her to founding Find Empathy and this Podcast. There is no continuing education for this first episode, but you will be able to obtain CE for future episodes.  Visit www.FindEmpathy.com/Learn for more information.  Dr. Beier's Bio: Dr. Meghan Beier is a psychologist and researcher at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who specializes in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Beier completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology, Health Emphasis, from Yeshiva University. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington where she focused on rehabilitation, cognition, and mental health in individuals living with multiple sclerosis. She has been featured as a consultant and speaker for organizations such as National MS Society, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, and more. Dr. Beier’s research interests include neuropsychological outcomes for individuals living with chronic illness; empathy; cognitive rehabilitation; and mindfulness approaches to physical wellness. Dr. Beier founded and currently leads Find Empathy, an organization that creates continuing education for mental health providers. She's passionate about providing continuing education for mental health providers to improve their ability to care holistically for people living with chronic illness and challenging medical conditions while maintaining high standards for professional practice.

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening this episode, go to: Multiple Sclerosis: What is it? How is it Diagnosed? To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   PODCAST SUMMARY This podcast course discusses basic pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis, theories of etiology, and basic epidemiology. This will help mental health providers address unhelpful or inaccurate thought patterns and help you understand common emotional patterns seen in individually newly diagnosed with MS. You will hear from three experts: Ashley Pike – PhD Student Living with and Studying MS at University of Arkansas Aaron Boster, MD - Neurologist and Founder of The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis  Kevin Alschuler, PhD - Psychologist and Researcher at University of Washington    RESOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Multiple Sclerosis Center at UW Medical Center University of Washington's Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation &Wellness Research Center Can Do MS National MS Society Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life by Steven C. Hayes My MS Toolkit   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free. Try out our CE Courses. This course is FREE and provides 1.5 CE credits.   CE APPROVALS PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Find Empathy maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06/14/2022 – 06/14/2023.   Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 continuing education credit.

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening this episode, go to: Multiple Sclerosis: How is it Treated? To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   PODCAST SUMMARY Adherence to disease modifying treatments (DMT), as well as health promoting behaviors, can have a major impact on prognosis and clinical outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, some studies demonstrate poor adherence, especially for injectable DMTs (only 41-88%). It is important for the psychologist treating an individual with multiple sclerosis to understand the different types of DMTs (e.g., injectable vs. oral vs. infusions). They should also understand barriers that may impact uptake or adherence, such as needle phobia, or worry about severe side effects such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) infection. Helping patients understand "shared decision making" in regard to medication, could lead to increased adherence due to increased sense of agency with the chosen medication. This course will teach psychologists and mental health providers about the different types of DMTs used by individuals with MS, common barriers to adherence, and the concept of patient-provider shared decision making. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate between the different types of MS disease modifying medications.  Be able to describe to your patients the difference between disease modifying medications and symptom management in multiple sclerosis.  Identify at least two common treatment barriers and strategies for helping your patients overcome them.  You will hear from three experts: Bron Webster - Founder of Multiple Success, Lives with MS Ben Thrower, MD - Medical Director of the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at the Shepherd Center Aviva Gaskill, PhD - Clinical Psychologist    RESOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Podcast: the MS Show Multiple Sclerosis Center: Providence Holy Family Hospital National MS Society: Partners in MS Care Multiple Sclerosis Society of America Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Can Do MS Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free. Pay only if you need the continuing education credits. This course costs $20 and provides 1 CE credit.   CE APPROVALS PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie,

If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening this episode, go to: Multiple Sclerosis: Not Just a White Woman's Disease   Episode Content: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been traditionally considered a disease that impacts mostly white women. However, newer data suggests that there is a higher incidence of MS in Black women. This module will explore what is known about MS in racial and ethnic minorities. It will also explore the mental health provider's role in promoting equity and eliminating disparities. You will hear from three experts: Tyler Campbell, President of Tyler Campbell Enterprises, LLC. Jagriti 'Jackie' Bhattarai, PhD, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Founder & CEO of the Joi Life Wellness Group Multiple Sclerosis Center To find more of our courses, subscribe to this podcast or visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.      Resources Discussed in this Episode: Psychology Today Therapist Finder Pro Player Foundation iConquerMS Johns Hopkins Community Advisory Board Johns Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Joi Life Wellness Group Book: MS Made Simple: The Essential Guide to Understanding your MS Diagnosis by Mitzi Williams

If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening to this episode, go to: Multiple Sclerosis: Support Partners In this course, we hear from three experts that will talk about multiple sclerosis (MS) family, friends, and support partners: Warren Taninbaum, a husband supporting his wife who is living with MS, Dr. Abbey Hughes, a psychologist and researcher at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Rosalind Kalb a clinician, educator, and author who has dedicated the majority of her career to supporting the families of individuals living with multiple sclerosis. We focus on topics such as how family roles shift over time, grief, loss, and healthy communication. To find more of our courses, subscribe to this podcast or visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.  Resources National MS Society: MS Family Caregiver Support Group Finder Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: Support Groups Finder Can Do MS Program Information and Sign Up Can Do MS Webinars eSupportHealth Virtual Support Group National MS Society Education Brochures MS Association of America Relationships Blog Speak to a Nation MS Society Navigator: 1-800-344-4867 Book: Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for Families, Third Edition By Rosalind Kalb    CE Approvals PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses,

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening this episode, go to: Multiple Sclerosis: Mood, Neuropsychiatry, & Suicide Prevention To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   PODCAST SUMMARY What are the symptoms of mood disorders and how do they interact with MS? We'll explore that in this course. We'll hear from a neuropsychiatrist who specializes in MS. He discusses the frequency of mood symptoms, interaction between mental health and multiple sclerosis, as well as when to consider referring someone for medication management. This course also helps you learn how best protect patients who may be at risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. We will cover assessment strategies, as well as prevention techniques that work specifically for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.Our experts include:  Bron Webster - Founder of Multiple Success, Lives with MS Adam Kaplin, MD, PhD - Chief Scientific Officer of MyMD, MS Neuropsychiatrist Aviva Gaskill, PhD - Clinical Psychologist  COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free. Pay only if you need the continuing education credits. This course costs $30 and provides 1.5 CE credits.   CE APPROVALS   CE Approvals PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Find Empathy maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06/14/2022 – 06/14/2023.   Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 continuing education credit.

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening this episode, go to Multiple Sclerosis: Exercise. To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   PODCAST SUMMARY Not long ago, people with MS were told to go home, rest, and not overexerted themselves. Through the work of both patient advocates and exercise researchers. We now know this advice to go home and rest is not only wrong, but potentially harmful. Current data demonstrates that exercise and movement in people with Ms is associated with improved cognition, mood, fatigue, and improved progression outcomes. In many sessions, I've found myself sitting with people, living with MS, who wanted to get back to exercise, but had fears or worries about how to get back into it or were having a lot of struggles with motivation. In this episode course, you learn about the importance of exercise, help your patients learn to exercise safely, when to refer to professionals, to help patients manage and reduce fears around topics like fatigue or heat sensitivity, and to help your clients problem solve through the challenges of staying active with multiple sclerosis. Our experts include:  Daryl Kucera - Founder and Director of MS Forward, lives with MS Peiting Lien, PT, DPT - Board Certified Neurologic Physical Therapist at Johns Hopkins Kathy M. Zackowski, PhD, OTR - Associate Vice President for Research at the National MS Society   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free. Pay only if you need the continuing education credits. This course costs $25 and provides 1.25 CE credits.   CE APPROVALS   CE Approvals PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Find Empathy maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06/14/2022 – 06/14/2023.   Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 continuing education credit.

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want 1 CE credit for listening this episode, click on this link: https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/diet.  To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   PODCAST SUMMARY If you work with people that have multiple sclerosis, at some point, you're going to hear about diet. And this is for good reason. As highlighted by the National MS Society, a number of diet-related factors are linked to worse MS outcomes. For example, in some recent research, lower Vitamin D and adolescent obesity were associated with increased risk for developing MS. In a mouse model of MS it was found that salt was linked with more rapid development of disease. And there are numerous studies looking at gut bacteria in people with MS. Finally, some recent research has also examined "MS diets." Some individuals swear by stricter diets and they lived by strict dietary rules. On the other end of the spectrum, many individuals with MS struggle to eat healthy whole foods and may rely largely on pre-packaged or easy to make foods.  In this course, you're going to hear details about dietary research, more on the "MS Diets," recommendations for healthy eating, as well as emotional factors or MS symptoms that may be playing a role on those two ends of the spectrum. As a note, diet can be a controversial topic in the MS world. With strong opinions on many sides. If this is a topic that is of interest, I would encourage you to continue seeking out additional resources and research to draw your own conclusions. Some of these resources are located in our resource page associated with this podcast course. Our experts include:  Emily Reilly, Healthcare Provider Engagement Manager for the NMSS & Certified Personal Trainer (adaptive fitness trainer) Mona Bostick RDN, CSO, LDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Owner of MS Bites Ellen Mowry, Director, Multiple Sclerosis Experimental Therapeutics Program and Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins    COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free. Pay only if you need the continuing education credits. This course costs $20 and provides 1 CE credits.   CE APPROVALS   CE Approvals PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Find Empathy maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06/14/2022 – 06/14/2023.   Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 continuing education credit.

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/MS-Fatigue To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn. Learning Objectives:  Identify at least three contributors to multiple sclerosis fatigue. Name two strategies for helping your patients manage or cope with MS-related fatigue. Identify two ways that CBT for Insomnia can be adapted for people living with multiple sclerosis, especially those with mobility challenges or increased disability.   PODCAST SUMMARY Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis and occurs in approximately 80% of people with this condition. In an article that was published in the Journal of Neurological Sciences in 2021, it was found that fatigue was the number one factor influencing self-reported ability to work.  In this 2021 study, fatigue was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of missing work, low work productivity, and decreasing ability to work. When fatigue was combined with depression, there was a higher likelihood of people reducing their work hours or not working at all. And when fatigue and anxiety were present, fatigue was associated with many more work-related challenges.  While fatigue can develop directly from multiple sclerosis. It can also be caused by or exacerbated by many other factors, including things like vitamin deficiencies, depression, and physical exertion. Another huge contributor to MS-related fatigue is poor sleep.  Although fatigue and sleep can exacerbate one another. They can also be independent of one another. Sleep disorders are extremely common in people with multiple sclerosis. They can be caused by MS symptoms like bladder urgency at night, restless legs, chronic pain, or temperature dysregulation. But other conditions like sleep apnea are also more common and contribute to daytime sleepiness.  In this podcast course, you will learn from two psychologists. The first is Dr. Anna Kratz. She's a research psychologist at the University of Michigan. She discusses new ways to assess fatigue, as well as ways to treat or mitigate its effects.  Dr. Abbey Hughes from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discusses different types of sleep disorders seen in individuals with multiple sclerosis, as well as a current study she's conducting to assist patients to improve their sleep. She offers advice for mental health professionals on how to work with their clients on sleep-related issues. Our patient voice and advocate is Kathy Chester. She's the host of the Move it or Lose it Podcast. And she's also the owner of Disrupt Fitness Gym. Kathy has lived with both multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years. She shares about living with both of those conditions, as well as some helpful tips for managing fatigue, especially for those who want to keep active and exercise regularly. Our Experts:  Kathy Chester - MS Warrior, Certified MS Fitness Trainer and Certified Personal, Host of the Move It of Lose It Podcast Anna Kratz, PhD - Clinical Psychologists and Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Abbey Hughes, PhD - Clinical Psychologist, Assistant Profe

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/MS-therapy To find out more about our courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   Learning Objectives: Identify the difference between the “normal” frustrations of living with a challenging condition like MS and a mental health diagnosis. Identify at least two psychotherapeutic strategies (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT, etc.) that work well for people living with MS. Identify at least three everyday skills that a person living with MS can use to challenge unhelpful thoughts, calm strong emotions, or provide self-comfort and empathy when grieving.   PODCAST SUMMARY Up to half of individuals living with MS will experience symptoms of depression, in episode 5 we discussed medical approaches to mood, and looking out for serious symptoms like suicidal thoughts. However, not every bad mood is depression. In this episode we will learn the difference between a diagnosable mental health condition and normal fluctuations in mood.  We will also discuss how grief shows up for people living with MS, and how that differs from depression.  We will also focus attention on topics such as resilience, healthy coping, and psychotherapeutic or behavioral strategies for managing uncomfortable emotions.   Our Experts:  Jennifer Powell - Director of Community Engagement for BioNews, Columnist with Multiple Sclerosis News Today - Silver Linings, Host of The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast Amy Sullivan, PsyD, ABPP - Director of Behavioral Medicine at the Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research at the Cleveland Clinic Victoria M. Leavitt, PhD, FAAN - Researcher and Clinician at Columbia University. She's also the founder of eSupport Health. COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free.  Pay only if you need the continuing education credits.  This course costs $25 and provides 1.25 CE credits   CE APPROVALS PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Find Empathy maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06/14/2022 – 06

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: Employment & Disability *Note. This episode course is a three-part series. CE is available after listening to all three parts.  To find out more about all our CE courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Name at least two symptoms that are predictive of poor vocational performance or leaving the workplace. Describe recommendations for when and how to disclose a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis to an employer. Identify at least one strategy for supporting a patient who is applying for social security disability or long-term disability.   PODCAST SUMMARY Only 20% of persons with multiple sclerosis are still employed after 10 years following diagnosis. In a 2015 paper entitled "Multiple sclerosis, etiology symptoms, incidence, and prevalence and implications for community living and employment," the researchers pointed to several reasons for the dramatic decrease in employment. Some are obvious reasons - symptoms of the disease such as cognitive change, fatigue, or mobility challenge directly impact vocational performance. However, many individuals with MS cite more subtle and difficult workplace barriers as reasons for leaving their jobs. Some of these include bias or outright prejudice on the part of management or coworkers, a lack of knowledge or access to workplace accommodations, or a lack of flexibility in accommodating changing MS symptoms and medical appointments. This three-part podcast course will help you guide your patients through a tricky maze of employment issues - from the time they are diagnosed with MS to deciding to leave the workforce. In the first part, we'll look at ways to retrain or obtain a job that is flexible and can accommodate your patient's problems - as well as how to assist your patients through their fear of trying something new. In part two, we'll discuss diagnosis disclosure in the workplace, as well as when and how to request accommodations with an MS specialty vocational counselor. In part three, we'll go over applying for SSDI disability benefits with a lawyer. She will walk you through the process as well as how to assist your patients in planning for an application and appeals procedure. She also explains how to help your patients obtain letters of support or prepare their medical records for evaluation. This course will help you become more knowledgeable about the employment challenges that your patients with MS face, as well as give you some practical tools to assist them through these tough transitions.   Our Experts:  Kathy Reagan Young: MS patient advocate, blogger, and podcaster. Founder and CEO of Patients Getting Paid & FUMS. Joe Stuckey, MS, CRC: Rehabilitation Counselor, University of Washington Medical Center Tracy Tyson Miller, Esq.: Social Security Disability Attorney   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free.  Pay only if you need the continuing educ

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: Employment & Disability *Note. This episode course is a three-part series. CE available after listening to all three episodes.  To find out more about all our CE courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Name at least two symptoms that are predictive of poor vocational performance or leaving the workplace. Describe recommendations for when and how to disclose a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis to an employer. Identify at least one strategy for supporting a patient who is applying for social security disability or long-term disability.   PODCAST SUMMARY Only 20% of persons with multiple sclerosis are still employed after 10 years following diagnosis. In a 2015 paper entitled "Multiple sclerosis, etiology symptoms, incidence, and prevalence and implications for community living and employment," the researchers pointed to several reasons for the dramatic decrease in employment. Some are obvious reasons - symptoms of the disease such as cognitive change, fatigue, or mobility challenge directly impact vocational performance. However, many individuals with MS cite more subtle and difficult workplace barriers as reasons for leaving their jobs. Some of these include bias or outright prejudice on the part of management or coworkers, a lack of knowledge or access to workplace accommodations, or a lack of flexibility in accommodating changing MS symptoms and medical appointments. This three-part podcast course will help you guide your patients through a tricky maze of employment issues - from the time they are diagnosed with MS to deciding to leave the workforce. In the first part, we'll look at ways to retrain or obtain a job that is flexible and can accommodate your patient's problems - as well as how to assist your patients through their fear of trying something new. In part two, we'll discuss diagnosis disclosure in the workplace, as well as when and how to request accommodations with an MS specialty vocational counselor. In part three, we'll go over applying for SSDI disability benefits with a lawyer. She will walk you through the process as well as how to assist your patients in planning for an application and appeals procedure. She also explains how to help your patients obtain letters of support or prepare their medical records for evaluation. This course will help you become more knowledgeable about the employment challenges that your patients with MS face, as well as give you some practical tools to assist them through these tough transitions.   Our Experts:  Part 1: Kathy Reagan Young: MS patient advocate, blogger, and podcaster. Founder and CEO of Patients Getting Paid & FUMS. Part 2: Joe Stuckey, MS, CRC: Rehabilitation Counselor, University of Washington Medical Center Part 3: Tracy Tyson Miller, Esq.: Social Security Disability Attorney   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free.  Pay only if you

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: Employment & Disability Course *Note. This episode course is a three-part series. CE available after listening to all three episodes.  To find out more about all our CE courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Name at least two symptoms that are predictive of poor vocational performance or leaving the workplace. Describe recommendations for when and how to disclose a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis to an employer. Identify at least one strategy for supporting a patient who is applying for social security disability or long-term disability.   PODCAST SUMMARY Only 20% of persons with multiple sclerosis are still employed after 10 years following diagnosis. In a 2015 paper entitled "Multiple sclerosis, etiology symptoms, incidence, and prevalence and implications for community living and employment," the researchers pointed to several reasons for the dramatic decrease in employment. Some are obvious reasons - symptoms of the disease such as cognitive change, fatigue, or mobility challenge directly impact vocational performance. However, many individuals with MS cite more subtle and difficult workplace barriers as reasons for leaving their jobs. Some of these include bias or outright prejudice on the part of management or coworkers, a lack of knowledge or access to workplace accommodations, or a lack of flexibility in accommodating changing MS symptoms and medical appointments. This three-part podcast course will help you guide your patients through a tricky maze of employment issues - from the time they are diagnosed with MS to deciding to leave the workforce. In the first part, we'll look at ways to retrain or obtain a job that is flexible and can accommodate your patient's problems - as well as how to assist your patients through their fear of trying something new. In part two, we'll discuss diagnosis disclosure in the workplace, as well as when and how to request accommodations with an MS specialty vocational counselor. In part three, we'll go over applying for SSDI disability benefits with a lawyer. She will walk you through the process as well as how to assist your patients in planning for an application and appeals procedure. She also explains how to help your patients obtain letters of support or prepare their medical records for evaluation. This course will help you become more knowledgeable about the employment challenges that your patients with MS face, as well as give you some practical tools to assist them through these tough transitions.   Our Experts:  Part 1: Kathy Reagan Young: MS patient advocate, blogger, and podcaster. Founder and CEO of Patients Getting Paid & FUMS. Part 2: Joe Stuckey, MS, CRC: Rehabilitation Counselor, University of Washington Medical Center Part 3: Tracy Tyson Miller, Esq.: Social Security Disability Attorney   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free.  Pay only

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/cognition To find out more about all our CE courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify the prevalence of cognitive changes, and at least 3 common cognitive challenges experienced by people living with multiple sclerosis. Describe the difference between screening and full neuropsychological assessment, as well as identify, concretely, how often and with whom they should be referred for screening and assessment. Identify at least three strategies for improving or managing MS-related cognitive challenges.   PODCAST SUMMARY Up to 65% of individuals living with MS experience changes in their cognition.  This podcast CE course will review the types of cognitive challenges experienced by people with MS, etiology of cognitive changes, ways to assess for cognitive decline, and strategies improving or addressing cognitive difficulties. A unique focus of this episode will be on the interaction between emotions and cognition, and the role mental health providers can play in helping individuals with MS improve cognitive functioning and emotion regulation.   Our Experts:  Laura Hancock, PhD: Clinical Neuropsychologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Ruchika Prakash, PhD: Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Ohio State University and the Director for the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Brain Imaging   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free.  Pay only if you need the continuing education credits.  This course costs $30 and provides 1.5 CE credits   CE APPROVALS PSYCHOLOGISTS Empathie, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Empathie, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.   SOCIAL WORKERS Find Empathy, #1817, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Find Empathy maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06/14/2022 – 06/14/2023.   Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 continuing education credit.

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link: https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/FirstDescents To find out more about all our CE courses visit: FindEmpathy.com/learn.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: In addition to multiple sclerosis, describe at least two medical populations, in which research conducted in collaboration with First Descents, demonstrated improved psychological outcomes.   Identify, based on published peer-reviewed research, at least three psychological symptoms or outcomes that improved for medical populations that participated in Outdoor Adventure Programs.  List at least three ways, according to Dr. McGrath, that Outdoor Adventure Programs put psychotherapeutic concepts and theory (e.g., behavioral activation, problem-solving, DBT concept of willingness) into practice outside of the traditional psychotherapy office.    PODCAST SUMMARY Outdoor adventure programs can be helpful for the mental health of people living with multiple sclerosis for a number of reasons. First, these programs provide a structured environment in which participants can trial skills that they may have discussed in therapy. This can be beneficial for testing the limits of perceived capabilities, practicing problem-solving, and improving communication skills. Additionally, these programs often take place outdoors, in nature, which research has shown provides mental health benefits. Finally, these programs typically involve physical activity, which can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels. Overall, outdoor adventure programs offer a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for people living with multiple sclerosis. In this course, we will talk with an individual with multiple sclerosis who completed the First Descents program, an MS psychologist and researcher who has published on the benefits of wilderness programs for individuals with serious medical diagnoses, and the Vice President of Programs for First Descents.    Our Experts:  Tracy Herring, PhD - MS Researcher and Clinical Psychologist from University of Washington Mackenzie McGrath - Vice President of Programs for First Descents Jennifer Lee, MD - Both a Medical Professional and participant in the First Descents program   RESOURCES Learn more about First Descents - https://firstdescents.org Read Dr. Herring's Paper - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34483758/

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist or social worker and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link:  https://learn.findempathy.com/courses/outpatient   To find out more about all our CE courses visit: https://learn.findempathy.com.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Describe relevant patient privacy protections and compliance requirements when using technology to deliver telepsychology services with neurologic, medical, or disability populations. Identify at least 2 ways to ensure confidentiality and privacy during outpatient individual or group telepsychology visits.  Describe at least 3 strengths or ways telepsychology has reduced barriers for neurologic, medical, or disability populations, AND 3 barriers that should be examined by the practicing psychologist prior to initiating use of technology. Describe technical, ethical, legal, and diagnosis specific clinical considerations that should be examined and identified prior to initiating outpatient telepsychology or teleneuropsychological assessment.   PODCAST SUMMARY As of July 2022, 34 States have enacted PsyPact legislation with 31 fully effective participating states.  After COVID-19, the participation of states and professionals in PsyPact grew considerably and continues to expand across the country.     The ability to use telepsychology to practice across state lines and expand practice has brought many benefits for patients and providers. However, there are distinct and vital competencies, ethics, and standards that must be addressed, implemented, and maintained. This is particularly true for telepsychology practices (including virtual neuropsychological assessments) with neurologic, medical, and disability populations. Although this technology can break down transportation and geographic barriers, some individuals may require additional assistance to properly utilize telepsychology services.The PsyPact Bundle is a continuing education podcast course series in which we look at the various advantages and requirements of telepsychology for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups. This course will cover: Available research and literature on telepsychology's application for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups Telepsychology's use in outpatient care  Use of technology to increase mental health access for inpatient rehabilitation units and the medical ICU.  How family and care partner participation may be boosted with telepsychology Topics covered in this series will meet the criteria needed to satisfy PsyPact requirements, and APA/ASPPB/APAIT telepsychology guidelines. Specifically, established research, clinical cases, and lessons learned will be presented to cover the following topics: Ensure Competence of the Psychologist to utilize and practice telepsychology and/or tele-neuropsychology Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services in Rehabilitation and Neurologic Populations Informed Consent of Patient, especially when considering patients with cognitive impairment or dysfuncti

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist or social worker and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link.  To find out more about all our CE courses click here.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify 2 ways telepsychology can be used on inpatient or medical ICU units. Name at least 2 reasons to be cautious about relying on only telepsychology on inpatient units.  Describe the safety, ethical, legal, and logistical considerations that should be examined and identified and problem-solved prior to initiating telepsychology as an inpatient psychologist.   PODCAST SUMMARY As of July 2022, 34 States have enacted PsyPact legislation with 31 fully effective participating states.  After COVID-19, the participation of states and professionals in PsyPact grew considerably and continues to expand across the country.     The ability to use telepsychology to practice across state lines and expand practice has brought many benefits for patients and providers. However, there are distinct and vital competencies, ethics, and standards that must be addressed, implemented, and maintained. This is particularly true for telepsychology practices (including virtual neuropsychological assessments) with neurologic, medical, and disability populations. Although this technology can break down transportation and geographic barriers, some individuals may require additional assistance to properly utilize telepsychology services.The PsyPact Bundle Course is a continuing education podcast series which will look at the various advantages and requirements of telepsychology for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups.    This course will cover: Available research and literature on telepsychology's application for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups Telepsychology's use in outpatient care  Use of technology to increase mental health access for inpatient rehabilitation units and the medical ICU.  How family and care partner participation may be boosted with telepsychology Topics covered in this series will meet the criteria needed to satisfy PsyPact requirements, and APA/ASPPB/APAIT telepsychology guidelines. Specifically, established research, clinical cases, and lessons learned will be presented to cover the following topics: Ensure Competence of the Psychologist to utilize and practice telepsychology and/or tele-neuropsychology Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services in Rehabilitation and Neurologic Populations Informed Consent of Patient, especially when considering patients with cognitive impairment or dysfunction Ensuring Confidentiality of Data and Information Security and Transmission of Data and Information Disposal of Data and Information and Technologies especially for psychologists working in a home office setting Testing and Assessment when Providing Teleneuropsychology Services Interjurisdictional Practice

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist or social worker and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link.  To find out more about all our CE courses click here.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Describe 2 ways to adapt traditional neuropsychological assessments for the virtual environment.  Describe technical, ethical, legal, and clinical considerations that should be examined and identified prior to initiating a teleneuropsychological assessment. Identify at least 2 ways to promote test security when administering assessments virtually.   PODCAST SUMMARY As of July 2022, 34 States have enacted PsyPact legislation with 31 fully effective participating states.  After COVID-19, the participation of states and professionals in PsyPact grew considerably and continues to expand across the country.     The ability to use telepsychology to practice across state lines and expand practice has brought many benefits for patients and providers. However, there are distinct and vital competencies, ethics, and standards that must be addressed, implemented, and maintained. This is particularly true for telepsychology practices (including virtual neuropsychological assessments) with neurologic, medical, and disability populations. Although this technology can break down transportation and geographic barriers, some individuals may require additional assistance to properly utilize telepsychology services.The PsyPact Bundle Course is a continuing education podcast series which will look at the various advantages and requirements of telepsychology for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups.    This course will cover: Available research and literature on telepsychology's application for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups Telepsychology's use in outpatient care  Use of technology to increase mental health access for inpatient rehabilitation units and the medical ICU.  How family and care partner participation may be boosted with telepsychology Topics covered in this series will meet the criteria needed to satisfy PsyPact requirements, and APA/ASPPB/APAIT telepsychology guidelines. Specifically, established research, clinical cases, and lessons learned will be presented to cover the following topics: Ensure Competence of the Psychologist to utilize and practice telepsychology and/or tele-neuropsychology Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services in Rehabilitation and Neurologic Populations Informed Consent of Patient, especially when considering patients with cognitive impairment or dysfunction Ensuring Confidentiality of Data and Information Security and Transmission of Data and Information Disposal of Data and Information and Technologies especially for psychologists working in a home office setting Testing and Assessment when Providing Teleneuropsychology Services Interjurisdictional Practi

CONTINUING EDUCATION  If you are a psychologist or social worker and want CE credits for listening this episode, click on this link.  To find out more about all our CE courses click here.   PODCAST SUMMARY As of July 2022, 34 States have enacted PSYPACT legislation with 31 fully effective participating states.  After COVID-19, the participation of states and professionals in PSYPACT grew considerably and continues to expand across the country.     The ability to use telepsychology to practice across state lines and expand practice has brought many benefits for patients and providers. However, there are distinct and vital competencies, ethics, and standards that must be addressed, implemented, and maintained. This is particularly true for telepsychology practices (including virtual neuropsychological assessments) with neurologic, medical, and disability populations. Although this technology can break down transportation and geographic barriers, some individuals may require additional assistance to properly utilize telepsychology services.The PSYPACT Bundle Course is a continuing education podcast series which will look at the various advantages and requirements of telepsychology for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups.    This course will cover: Available research and literature on telepsychology's application for neurologic, medical, and disability patient groups Telepsychology's use in outpatient care  Use of technology to increase mental health access for inpatient rehabilitation units and the medical ICU.  How family and care partner participation may be boosted with telepsychology Topics covered in this series will meet the criteria needed to satisfy PSYPACT requirements, and APA/ASPPB/APAIT telepsychology guidelines. Specifically, established research, clinical cases, and lessons learned will be presented to cover the following topics: Ensure Competence of the Psychologist to utilize and practice telepsychology and/or tele-neuropsychology Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services in Rehabilitation and Neurologic Populations Informed Consent of Patient, especially when considering patients with cognitive impairment or dysfunction Ensuring Confidentiality of Data and Information Security and Transmission of Data and Information Disposal of Data and Information and Technologies especially for psychologists working in a home office setting Testing and Assessment when Providing Teleneuropsychology Services Interjurisdictional Practice   Our Experts:  Mary Wells, PhD - Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Anna Agranovich, PhD - Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine   COST Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free.  Pay only if you nee