Education
Education is critical for many reasons, but most of all to help you to understand what is possible. We have assembled some of the top experts in their fields to build a first rate workshop series as the basis of our Advantage Program. Along with assessment, treatment, and most importantly results worth striving for, the Advantage Program is setting the new standard of care in mental health. Although each workshop can be taken separately, the complete series provides a necessary base of knowledge as well as a shift in thinking that leads to success.
The Advantage Program workshop series is for those who experience mental health conditions. Family, friends and professionals are also encouraged to attend. Workshops are designed to be available to all those who would like to make use of intensive, weekend learning where an interactive environment encourages participation.
Bipolar Advantage is certified by the California State Office of Behavioral Health (PCE#4050 ) to offer CEU units to MFT and LCSW.
Tom Wootton takes existing medical care and augments it to a promising new level for all patients and their loved ones. The combination of accessible information and executive level presentation is a very exciting development. His work in the field offers the most logical and exciting path to success in mental health today.
Paul Cumming, Network of Care
Bipolar In Order Workshop
Bipolar In Order is the foundation workshop of the series. Tom Wootton facilitates group interaction and teaches why your condition gives you an advantage. The central concepts are Acceptance, Introspection, Mind Skills Development, Life Planning, and Getting Help. Each of these topics are covered in detail and the participants end the workshop with a clear understanding of what it takes to create a life worth striving for. Read More
Life Planning Workshop
Life Planning and Introspection Weekend is for graduates of the Bipolar In Order Workshop that want to take the opportunity to put it all together. Focusing attention on the real steps that will get you where you want to go in every aspect of your life is facilitated by Tom Wootton. "Many of us are not at the stage where we can work on this yet. But please be assured: When you are ready to move forward, you will have a guide. What may sound crazy and out of reach now will make good sense in its own good time." Read More
Biopsychosocial Workshop
Biopsychosocial Model of Treatment is Dr. Peter Forster's very broad ranging offering of the ways in which psychotherapy, medications, social rhythms and ways of dealing with anxiety can be approached with the whole person in mind. Reaching optimal health, gaining clear awareness of the condition and how to manage it are taught with humor, compassion and the wisdom of many years of practice. Read More
Evidence Based Therapies Workshop
This workshop facilitated by Rochelle I. Frank, PhD gives participants an understanding of the history and various types of cognitive therapies available: What Are They? Where Is The Evidence? How Do You Find The One That Will Work For You? Dr. Frank provides a clear introduction to this subject which helps to navigate the terminology and history of these therapeutic approaches. Learning to ask the questions that will answer how assessment is done, or progress is monitored, will be covered. Recommendations for interviewing therapists to find the "best fit" will help to ensure a better start with a new therapist. read More
Relationships Workshops
Nourishing Relationships that Work was designed especially for those with bipolar conditions and their families by Dr. Maureen Duffy. It is a relationship training program that will give you the skills and support to bridge the gap between wanting better relationships and actually having them. Understanding and managing your own emotional responses happens when Bipolar is In Order. Nourishing Relationships that Work will help you get there. Read More
Mind Skills Training
Mind Skills provides so many useful tools we can only mention a few here. Brian Weller teaches exercises for stress, focus, memory, mind sets, interpretation and response mechanisms. These 2 full days are designed around some core principles based on well established mind/brain research. The style of the training is fun and highly interactive with lots of practice in the skills. Read More
Spirituality Workshop
Spirituality with Dr. Scott Sullender, willingly delves into the relationships between the spiritual life and dealing creatively with depression. Acknowledging senses of loss, separation, or being a victim can undermine our attempts at progress. This workshop demonstrates how to make peace with existential questions within your chosen faith. This workshop will help you identify and embrace one way in which you are a "better" person as a result of depression. Yes, we will help you identify your Bipolar Advantage! Read More
Family and Friends Workshop
The Family and Friends Workshop with James W. Jordan, Jr., helps those who love and support someone with a mental condition better understand their important role and how best to perform it. Read More
Addictions Workshop
Addictions are a common problem for those diagnosed with bipolar and depression. Dr. Edelstein's approach to this subject will use many of the same tools learned from our previous workshops. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy posits that addictions are not caused by your dysfunctional childhood, a disease, your addicted friends or partners, or even by your strong craving for a substance. REBT helps you identify your addictive thinking and offers a cognitive-behavioral alternative to the 12-step model. Read More
Career Workshop
The Career Workshop with Maria Chang-Calderon, PhD(c), MSHR, covers career issues and how they are affected by mental conditions. In order to achieve and maintain success, it is important to identify and build on your strengths. There are many paths to success in managing bipolar disorder and a career. Read More
Money Mastery 101 Workshop
The Money Mastery 101 Workshop with Denise K. Hughes, M.A., covers money issues and how they are affected by mental conditions. Read More
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Workshop
The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Workshop with Justin Liu, MD, covers Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and how it is affected by mental conditions. Read More
Nutrition Workshop
The Nutrition Workshop with Ruth Leyse-Wallace PhD, RD, covers Nutrition and how it is affected by mental conditions. Read More
Fitness Workshop
The Fitness Workshop with Mark Jenkins, covers Fitness and how it is affected by mental conditions. Read More
Writing Workshop
Unresolved childhood trauma can impede our progress toward satisfying lives. In the Writing Toward Wellness workshop, Dr. Will Meecham guides participants through writing exercises aimed at gently raising awareness of the enduring emotional impact of early hardships, and taking steps to honor the past in a way that heals. Read More
Whole Person Workshop
The physical body exerts a powerful influence over the mind's health. In the Whole Person workshop, Dr. Meecham discusses ways in which bodily states affect moods, and methods to improve mind-body harmony. Read More
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