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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association
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Comprehensive Addiction and Psychological Services

2025 Behavioral Health Mini-Conference at Sea
Relax, Rejuvenate & Network

7-Night St. Kitts, San Juan & Puerto Plata Cruise
Round-trip Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
November 01 - 08, 2025
<em>Celebrity Apex</em>
Celebrity Apex
15 CE Credits for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, etc.
Course Fees
$398 for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Social Workers, and Addiction Counselors
$498 for Psychologists

Target Audience
Behavioral Health Professionals/Practitioners such as Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Social Workers, Addiction Counselors, Case Managers
Program Purpose / Objectives
  1. Self-Care and Wellness Strategies for Helping Professionals

    Presented by:     Melinda Barbour-Word, LPC, LSATP, LCMHC
    In the helping profession, we often prioritize others over our own well-being. True self-care involves a holistic approach across all aspects of life. This session covers the eight dimensions of wellness, helping participants create personalized wellness plans.

    Participants will also learn about Acudetox, a technique for stress reduction, emotional balance, and overall wellness. This interactive session offers practical tools for integrating self-care into daily life, allowing participants to support others while maintaining their own health.

    Objectives:
    • Understand the eight dimensions of wellness.
    • Develop a personalized wellness plan.
    • Learn about Acudetox and its benefits
  2. We’re Queer & We’ve Been Here! Exploring Pre-Colonial Queer History & Adlerian Community Feelings

    Presented by: Glen Bradley, MA, LGPC, NCC
    Where do our gender and sexuality norms originate, and how have they evolved over time? How do these norms shape our clients' identities, resilience, and self-support––especially in today’s sociopolitical climate? If these questions excite you, please join me for this presentation! Alfred Adler’s concept of “community feeling” points to the importance of feeling connected to the cosmic human community spanning time throughout both our past and future. This presentation will explore a variety of gender and sexuality cultural norms across the globe in pre-colonial societies, the influence of colonialism on these norms, and explore how oppression of the past influences power and social injustices of the present. We will conclude with actionable clinical strategies to help queer clients cultivate a strong sense of community feeling, empowering them to resist anti-queer propaganda and build community feeling as a source of resilience.

    Objectives:
    • Learn about the historical context of current gender and sexuality norms.
    • Explore therapeutic approaches to decolonizing gender and sexuality within psychotherapy by cultivating an Adlerian sense of community.
    • Develop strategies to empower queer clients to build resilience and a sense of community feeling.
  3. Understanding the Impact of Political Stress and Suicide

    Presented by:     Angele Moss-Baker, LPC, LMFT, MAC, SAP
    Political stress can significantly impact mental health, especially during and after elections. For some, this stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Behavioral health professionals must be able to identify individuals at risk of suicide. Recognizing the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors allows these practitioners to offer support and appropriate interventions. This session aims to enhance clinical skills to mitigate the negative effects of political stress and reduce the risk of suicide by further exploring polyvagal theory and somatic therapies for managing stress and reducing the risk of suicide.

    Objectives:
    • Recognize the impact of political stress on mental health.
    • Identify signs of suicide.
    • Examine techniques to facilitate open and respectful dialogue about political issues.
    • Explore somatic therapies and the polyvagal theory for mental and emotional well-being.
  4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Personality Disorders

    Presented by:     Frances M. Christian, PhD, LCSW
    Personality disorders involve long-term patterns of impairment affecting cognition, emotion, and interpersonal behavior. Research shows that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms and help people change their thinking and behavior patterns. This session will explore several techniques for addressing personality disorders, such as using a cognitive conceptualization diagram, Socratic questioning, identifying compensatory strategies, analyzing advantages and disadvantages, and conducting behavioral experiments to test cognition.

    Objectives:
    • Conceptualize clients with personality disorders using the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model.
    • Evaluate a CBT case formulation for understanding and involving clients in treatment.
    • Examine two strategies and interventions aimed at modifying schemas and reducing unhelpful coping mechanisms.
  5. Recognizing the Impact of Childhood Trauma, Implicit Biases, and Societal Norms on the Supervisor/Supervisee Relationship

    Presented by:     Miranda Y. Pearson, PhD, LCMHCS, NCC, BCC, CSOTP, MAC, BC-TMH
    Adequate supervision is more than just a professional obligation; it is a dynamic relationship shaped by personal experiences, societal influences, and unconscious biases. This engaging two-hour workshop explores how childhood trauma, implicit biases, and societal norms impact the supervisor/supervisee dynamic. Participants will examine how these factors shape perceptions, interactions, and decision-making within supervision to enhance cultural humility and improve supervisory effectiveness.

    Objectives:
    • Define and Explain the Key Concepts of childhood trauma, implicit biases, and societal norms.
    • Examine the Influence of Trauma on Supervision.
    • Recognize unconscious biases in supervisory releationships and apply at least two techniques to mitigate their impact.
    • Examine how cultural and societal expectations shape supervisors' and supervisees' behaviors and expectations.
  6. Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care for Healthcare Practitioners

    Presented by:     Darryl Moch, MEd
    This interactive training is designed for practitioners in health and human service-related fields seeking to enhance their clinical skills by integrating Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques within a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) framework. Through discussion and role-play participants will weave trauma-informed principles into MI strategies and identify adaptive treatment approaches to meet the unique needs of clients with trauma histories. Join us in this enriching experience to transform your practice and promote healing through understanding and compassion!

    Objectives:
    • Correlate trauma types and their impact on behavior, emotional regulation, and motivation.
    • Describe the prevalence of trauma in various populations and apply effective MI strategies to optimize treatment outcomes.
    • Utilize trauma-informed motivational interviewing techniques to support clients in transitioning from victimhood to empowerment.
Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All conferees, their families, and guests must book their cruise within the University at Sea® meeting group through University at Sea® at 800-926-3775 or by registering online. This ensures our company can provide conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Thank you for your cooperation.
Faculty

Angele Moss-Baker, LPC, LMFT, MAC, SAP

Angele Moss-Baker, LPC, LMFT, MAC, SAP
Angele Moss-Baker, LPC, LMFT, MAC, SAP, is the founder of Comprehensive Addiction & Psychological Services LLC (CAPS). She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with years of experience providing a broad spectrum of comprehensive, person-centered, integrated treatment to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in various treatment settings. CAPS specializes in developing and facilitating behavioral health training and clinical consultation to improve service delivery. Her interactive workshops are practical and engaging, offering valuable insights for behavioral health practitioners.

Darryl Moch, MEd

Darryl Moch, MEd
Darryl Moch is the founder of Innergy, Incorporated, a nonprofit community empowerment and faith-based organization working to eradicate poverty on all levels to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, Dance, and Psychology (Clinical Counseling); a Master of Education degree in Counseling; and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater from Alfred University. Darryl! is completing his doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Transformational Leadership. His passion and work is centered and rooted in social change, social justice, and equality for all people. Moch is a social entrepreneur, inspirational and motivational life coach, mental health specialist and master trainer. He currently provides consulting services and training in Mental Health in DC and MD and for nonprofits organizations providing DEI(B), Administrative, Leadership, Program, Community Engagement, and Development consulting. He has created and provides CARF accredited training and is a train-the-trainer on many DC Behavioral Health supported training.

Frances M. Christian, PhD, LCSW

Frances M. Christian, PhD, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
VCU Department of Psychiatry, Division of Ambulatory Care Psychiatry, Richmond, VA
Consultant and Workshop Presenter
National Association of Social Workers, Virginia Chapter
Richmond, VA
Clinical Professor
VCU Department of Psychiatry, Richmond, VA Frances M. Christian, Ph.D., LCSW, provides psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families as a private practitioner. She is a former full-time Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry faculty member who served as Director of Clinical Social Work and Co-Director of the Anxiety Disorders Specialty Clinic. She remains affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry as an external Clinical Professor supervising VCU psychiatry residents in providing psychotherapy services. She is a seasoned cognitive-behavioral therapist specializing in working with trauma survivors. She is past Chairman of the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Social Work and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (ABCT), The National Association of Social Workers (NASW,) and the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), International OCD Foundation and the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD), In 2013 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Virginia Chapter recognizing her as "someone who has been recognized beyond the social work profession”.

Glen Bradley, MA, LGPC, NCC

Glen Bradley, MA, LGPC, NCC
Glen Bradley, MA, LGPC (DC), NCC, (they) is a mental health therapist in Washington, DC. Their background includes advocacy and activism for queer people, beginning during their undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University, where they worked at the LGBTQ+ student resource center. Glen was invited to the 2016 National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference, where they spoke on LGBTQ+ cultural competency issues at Catholic universities. Glen has over 10 years of experience facilitating LGBTQ+ cultural competency training seminars across a diverse field, from the DC office for the Federal Maritime Commission to the DC Mental Health Counseling Association. Glen has presented six separate continuing education courses on queer topics. Glen uses a variety of theoretical lenses to inform their understanding of their clients: Gestalt, somatic, queer liberation, trauma-focused, body-process, Adlerian, mindfulness-based, and ecopsychotherapy.

Melinda Barbour-Word, LPC, LSATP, LCMHC

Melinda Barbour-Word, LPC, LSATP, LCMHC
Melinda Barbour-Word is the CEO and President of My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides sober living transitional housing. She is also the owner of Word Counseling and Consulting, where she offers expert therapeutic services, and a Treatment Practitioner at Prince William County Community Services Board, providing comprehensive mental health support. Melinda is a retired U.S. Air Force Major with 22 years of service. She is actively involved in her community as a Board Member at Resurrection Church, where she also leads the Children’s Ministry. She holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University, an MBA in Human Resources Management from Trident University, and a BS in Management Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Residing in Northern Virginia with her husband and her service dog, Jennifer. Melinda cherishes her family, including four adult children and a son-in-law. She continues to empower individuals through advocacy, counseling, and leadership.

Miranda Y. Pearson, PhD, LCMHCS, NCC, BCC, CSOTP, MAC, BC-TMH

Miranda Y. Pearson, PhD, LCMHCS, NCC, BCC, CSOTP, MAC, BC-TMH
Dr. Miranda Y. Pearson is the owner and Clinical Director of Divine Appointment Counseling Services, PA, offering specialized mental health services to individuals, families, and youth. As a dedicated public servant, she leads transformative mental health initiatives across North Carolina through The PhD Trauma Institute, Inc., bringing trauma-informed care and wellness programs in collaboration with churches and community organizations. Dr Pearson is also a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS) and supervises interns and clinicians. Her unwavering commitment to serving diverse populations underscores her mission to enhance the quality of mental health services through advocacy and education.

Pricing and Ports | Register Online | Itinerary | Questions? E-mail us |

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Cruise Itinerary

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sat Nov 01 Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
 - 3:30 pm
Sun Nov 02 *At Sea - Cruising
 - -
Mon Nov 03 Puerto Plata, Dom. Rep.
 10:00 am 5:00 pm
Tue Nov 04 San Juan, Puerto Rico
 10:30 am 6:00 pm
Wed Nov 05 Basseterre, St. Kitts
 8:00 am 4:00 pm
Thu Nov 06 *At Sea - Cruising
 - -
Fri Nov 07 *At Sea - Cruising
 - -
Sat Nov 08 Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
 7:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida - As the home of Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral is the launching point for all-out adventure in Central Florida. Its beaches offer a mix of family-friendly shores and secluded swaths of sand. And with Orlando’s theme park sprawl only an hour away, you can easily mingle with your favorite characters. Beyond the parks lie equally amusing gems packed with Old Florida character. Kayak past manatees in the Banana River Lagoon and zip line above alligators at Brevard Zoo. Discover notable art museums and Park Avenue’s ritzy charm. Orlando cruises give you access to trace the region’s roots at the Orange County Regional History Museum.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Puerto Plata, Dom. Rep. - In Puerto Plata, you’ll be greeted by verdant mountains, pristine beaches, and nature-filled adventures. Go for a swim at the awe-inspiring 27 Waterfalls complex. Hike through the lush, protected jungle of El Choco National Park, enjoying the park’s two lagoons. Swim with dolphins at World Ocean, the largest manmade dolphin habitat in the world, or grab a kayak and head out on the water at Manatee Reserve.

For history buffs, tour the Fortress of San Felipe and travel back in time to Spanish occupation. Don’t leave the Domincan Republic without sampling locally distilled rum or delicacies like la bandera and mofongo.

San Juan, Puerto Rico - The vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan offers something for every traveler — world-famous beaches with crystal clear waters, incredible cuisine, rugged natural beauty and a rich history that goes back 500 years. With its ancient fortresses and colorful colonial-era buildings, San Juan makes it easy to feel as though you’ve slipped into the past. Life moves at a slower pace along the sunny cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, and salsa beats seem to waft perpetually from open windows. If you’re craving a hike, head to El Yunque National Forest. And if you’re more in the mood to unwind, set your sights on the beautiful shores of Isla Verde or El Condado. Mealtime is also an adventure, with so many delicious options to try — from mofongo and pastelon to chillo frito and alcapurrias. Pair every bite with a piña colada — Puerto Rico’s national drink.

Basseterre, St. Kitts - The island England zealously defended from Brimstone Hill, the "Gibraltar of the West Indies." In Basseterre, a mini-London, there's Piccadilly Circus to shop and a gingerbread version of Big Ben by which to check the hour.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
Pricing and Ports | Register Online | Itinerary | Questions? E-mail us |
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.
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