What happens when the “parts” our clients carry are shaped not only by personal experience, but by migration, survival, and cultural expectation? In this episode, we explore how Internal Family Systems can help therapists understand the inner conflicts often experienced by second-generation immigrant clients — from achievement-driven protectors to exiled feelings of guilt, grief, and not fully belonging.

Objectives:

• Review the basics of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework.

• Discuss common clinical challenges that second generation immigrants in the U.S. face.

• Explore applications of IFS practice when working with 2nd generation immigrant clients.

Host Bio: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

Guest Bio: Grace Oczon, LCPC is a licensed professional counselor and Therapist at AMK Counseling. She is also the Executive Director of the Infinite Possibilities Program. Name holds specialized training in Internal Family Systems and has experience in immigration advocacy.

AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, ⁠Infinite Possibilities Program⁠, we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠⁠amkcounseling.com/contintuining-education⁠⁠

for more information or email ⁠⁠trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

• Anderson, F.G., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R.C. (2017). Internal family systems skills training manual: Trauma-informed treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD & substance abuse. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing.
• Chang, G. (2016). Disposable domestics: Immigrant women workers in the global economy (2nd ed.). Haymarket Books.
• Rizzo, A. 2021 Jun 28. Unburdening Parts (Exiles and Protectors) in IFS Therapy. Therapy with Alessio. Retrieved from https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/unburdening-exiles
• Schwartz, R.C. & Sweezy, M. (2021). Internal Family Systems Therapy (2nd ed.). New York NY: Guilford Press.
• Schwartz, R.C. (2023). You are the one you’ve been waiting for: Bringing courageous love to intimate relationships. Louisville, CO: Sounds True. (Original work published 2008).
• Schwartz, R.C. (2020) No bad parts. Louisville, CO: Sounds True.
• The 8 C’s of IFS (1997). PDF. Retrieved from https://www.mentallyfitpro.com/c/free-therapy-worksheets/internal-family-systems-worksheets

As we come to better understand trauma and the impact it has on our clients, it’s becoming clear that many clients benefit from trauma-informed care. It’s our responsibility as therapists to provide this, while also being prepared to provide psychoeducation and early interventions for trauma-based symptoms. This episode seeks to provide therapists with tangible tools to use in session.

Objectives:

1. How trauma is defined, the different types of trauma, the principles of trauma-informed care.

2. How early attachment disruptions and relational trauma shape adult emotional regulation, identity, and relationships—both for clients and within the therapeutic relationship.

3. Recognize common trauma-related symptoms and presentations, including hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and dissociation as well as an introduction to the Window of Tolerance.

Host:

Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

Guest:

Sherene Al-Turk, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and clinical supervisor at AMK Counseling. Sherene holds specialized training in trauma-informed care.

CE Info & NBCC Statement:

AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, ⁠Infinite Possibilities Program⁠, we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠⁠amkcounseling.com/contintuining-education⁠⁠

for more information or email ⁠⁠trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

References:

• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery.

• Siegel, D. J. (1999). The Developing Mind.

• Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body.

• Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd Ed.).

• Janina Fisher: janinafisher.com/resources

• Bessel van der Kolk (2014): The Body Keeps the Score

• Janina Fisher (2021): Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma

• Richard Schwartz (2021): No Bad Parts

• Christine Courtois & Julian Ford (2016): Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders

  Francine Shapiro (2018): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, 3rd ed.

Parenting teens is challenging, especially when teens are trying to build independence. This episode explores how to connect with and support anxious teens using a SPACE (Supporting parents of Anxious Childhood Emotions) framework, identifies common barriers to connection and offers strategies for navigating conversations around risky behaviors at home and in the therapy space.

Objectives:

- Understand the meaning of support use a SPACE framework

- Explore barriers to parental connection and support

- Identify ways to build trust and connection with teen while navigating conversations on risky behavior

Presenter Bios:

Host: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

Guest: Riley Lowe, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Clinical Supervisor at AMK Counseling. Riley’s primary focus is working with children and adolescents who experience anxiety disorders, OCD, depression and behavioral concerns. She has specialized training in Selective Mutism and TF-CBT.

Continuing Education (CE) & Contact Info:

AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, Infinite Possibilities Program (chicagoipp.org), we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠amkcounseling.com⁠ for more information or email trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

References:

• CDC. (2024, November 22). Parental Monitoring. Healthy Youth Parent Resources. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth-parent-resources/positive-parental-practices/parental-monitoring.html
• Good Inside | Parenting With Dr. Becky. Good Inside. https://www.goodinside.com/
• Kafka, J. X., Kothgassner, O. D., & Felnhofer, A. (2024). A Matter of Trust: Confidentiality in Therapeutic Relationships during Psychological and Medical Treatment in Children and Adolescents with Mental Disorders. Journal of clinical medicine, 13(6), 1752. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061752
• Lebowitz, E. R. (2019). Addressing parental accommodation when treating anxiety in children. Oxford University Press.
• Lebowitz, E. R. (2020). Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD. Oxford University Press.

In Part One, listeners had the opportunity to learn to identify implicit biases and build awareness of their automatic perceptions and behaviors. Now what? In Part Two, clinicians can start to understand the historical and contextual impacts of implicit biases in the field of mental health treatment, beginning to understand systemic oppression. Therapists can also learn tools to challenge their biases, address cultural differences with clients, and build cultural humility. This is essential listening for therapists that want to become more intentional about cultural growth.

CE credit counts toward Implicit Bias Awareness and Cultural Competency requirements for counseling and social work licensure purposes!

Learning Objectives

- Deepen understanding of the impact of biases and systemic oppression on therapeutic relationships and the mental health field

- Develop strategies for recognizing biases and practicing cultural humility in practice

Presenter Bios:

Host: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

Guest: Emily Kidd, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the CEO at AMK Counseling. In addition to direct therapeutic work, Emily is passionate about providing clinical supervision and Continuing Education (CE) trainings for mental health professionals. Emily has worked as an Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she taught Diversity in Clinical Counseling.

Continuing Education (CE) & Contact Info:

AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, Infinite Possibilities Program (chicagoipp.org), we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠amkcounseling.com⁠ for more information or email trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

References:

• Day-Vines, N L., et al. (2018). Getting comfortable with discomfort: Preparing counselor trainees to broach racial, ethnic, and cultural factors with clients during counseling. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 40(2), 89–104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-017-9308-9
• Erby, A. N., & White, M. E. (2020). Broaching partially-shared identities: Critically interrogating power and intragroup dynamics in counseling practice with trans people of Color. International journal of transgender health, 23(1-2), 122–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2020.1838389
• Gottlieb, M. (2021). The Case for a Cultural Humility Framework in Social Work Practice. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 30(6), 463–481. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2020.1753615
• McCuistian C, et al. (2022). Consideration of racism experiences in the implementation of trauma-focused therapy in primary care. Health Serv Res, 57(Suppl. 2): 235-248. doi:10.1111/1475-6773.13998

Every therapist (and person for that matter!) carries implicit biases that impact how they view and interact with the world, self, and others. Starting to recognize and uncover these biases is where the real growth begins! In this episode, we will explore how implicit biases form and share strategies to help increase self- awareness of our automatic perceptions and behaviors.

This episode is part one of a two part episode on understanding implicit bias and developing cultural humility. Stay tuned for part two (available on 1/21/26!), which will explore biases embedded in the mental health field and discuss specific strategies to build cultural humility in clinical practice.

CE credit counts toward Implicit Bias Awareness requirements for counseling licensure purposes!

Learning Objectives:

• Define implicit bias and explore how neurobiology and socialization impact biases
• Develop strategies to increase self-awareness and recognize biases

Presenter Bios:

Host: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

Guest: Emily Kidd, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the CEO at AMK Counseling. In addition to direct therapeutic work, Emily is passionate about providing clinical supervision and Continuing Education (CE) trainings for mental health professionals. Emily has worked as an Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she taught Diversity in Clinical Counseling.

Reflection questions for challenging / confronting automatic biases:

• I wonder where this belief, preference or assumption came from?

• How is this belief, preference or assumption impacting my behavior and how I approach myself or others?

• Is this belief benefiting me in any way? Is it harming or limiting me? Could it be benefiting others? Harming others?

• What might be some other perspectives?

• Am I ready to challenge this belief, preference or assumption? What feelings come with that?

Continuing Education (CE) & Contact Info:

AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, ⁠Infinite Possibilities Program⁠, we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠⁠amkcounseling.com/contintuining-education⁠⁠ for more information or email ⁠⁠trainings@amkcounseling.com⁠⁠ to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Episode References:

Harro, B. (2000). The cycle of socialization. In M. Adams, W.J. Blumenfeld, R. Castaneda, H.W. Hackman, M.L. Peters, & X. Zuniga (Eds.), Readings for diversity and social justice (pp.15-21). New York: Routledge.

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director Scientific Workforce Diversity. (Updated 2017, December 13 & June 30). Implicit bias & Stereotype threat. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://diversity.nih.gov

Williams, David R. (2016, November). How racism makes us sick [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/david_r_williams_how_racism_makes_us_sick

In a time filled with uncertainty and constant change, it's hard not to feel helpless at times. In this episode we explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a lens to manage hopelessness and work through complex feelings, both for our clients and ourselves as clinicians.

Learning Objectives:

• Review challenges with hopelessness, impact on functioning and the current state of the world

• • Discuss basic principles and theoretical framework of ACT and how to implement in sessions with clients, as well as using personally as a clinician

  
  

  Presenter Bios:

  Host: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

  
  

  Guest: Frannie Siegel, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who serves as the lead clinical director at AMK Counseling. Frannie holds specialized training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), perinatal mental health and clinical supervision.

  
  

  Continuing Education (CE) & Contact Info:

  AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, Infinite Possibilities Program (chicagoipp.org), we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

  This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠amkcounseling.com⁠ for more information or email trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

  AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

  
  

  Supplemental Handout:

  The workability worksheet:

  
  

  Episode References:

  • Beygi, Z., Tighband Jangali, R., Derakhshan, N., Alidadi, M., Javanbakhsh, F., & Mahboobizadeh, M. (2023). An Overview of Reviews on the Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Depression and Anxiety. Iranian journal of psychiatry, 18(2), 248–257. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v18i2.12373

  • Harris, R. (2009). ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications

  • Harris, R. (2008). The Happiness Trap: How to stop struggling and start living. Robinson Publishing)

  • Hayes, S.C, Strosahl, K.D., & Wilson, K.G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). Guilford Press

  • Hayes, S.C. (2019). A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters. Avery.

  • McCloskey, J. (2020, September 19). Passengers on the Bus. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLroVwoPFW8

  • New Reports Highlight Depression Prevalence and Medication Use in the U.S. (2025, April 17). Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2025/20250416.htm

  • Stoddard, J. A., & Afari, N. (2014). The big book of act metaphors: A practitioner's guide to experiential exercises and metaphors in acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger Publications.