The HPA Axis: Research Put Into Clinical Practice

The Hypothalamus-Anterior Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex (HPA) axis has been a cornerstone in understanding mental health. This course will review the evidence provided by research and teach participants how to integrate it into their practice.

Areas of focus for the course will include the neurologicaland physiologicalimpacts of each part of the HPA axis.The interactions between each part of the HPA axis will be taught. Most of the material will be focused on giving the clinicals the tools to be able to provide psychoeducation to clients on the subject while avoiding confusion or patronization. The clinical use of analogy, visual handouts, and videos will be completed.

Workshop attendees can expect to:

1. Learner will be able to identify the function of each piece of the HPA axis
2. Learner will be able to explain the interactions between the HPA axis including negative
3. Learner will be able to provide psychoeducation on the HPA axis in verbal or visual format.

EPDC CE Hours: 1

Presenter: Leo DeBroeck

Leo DeBroeck, MS, LMHC, CMHS, MHP  received his BA in Psychology from Gonzaga University and his Masters in Psychology from Eastern Washington University.   Leo is currently a Child and Family Therapist at Sea Mar Community Health.  He is the Founder/CEO of Counselor’s Choice Award, LLC, and a Quarterly Faculty Member at Eastern Washington University, Bellevue where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes and seminars. Mr. DeBroeck has written several articles and books about Suicide, Trauma, Abuse and Neglect, and children dealing with parental drug and alcohol dependency. Leo also has volunteered for Everett School District, Boy Scouts of America and Compass Health