Addictions, Trauma and Family Systems Conference Featuring Renowned Addiction Author, Speaker and Trainer, Dr. Claudia Black, Held in Chicago

CHICAGO, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is hosting a special half- day conference for behavioral health professionals, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water Street in Chicago.  The conference, "Addiction, Trauma and Family Systems," will feature keynote speaker Dr. Claudia Black, nationally renowned addiction and codependency author, speaker and trainer, as well as Dr. Kim Dennis, CEO and medical director of Timberline Knolls, a leading residential treatment center in Lemont, Ill. for women and adolescent girls struggling with eating disorders, addiction, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.

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"Millions of Americans struggle with addiction, trauma and other devastating disorders," said Kim Dennis, MD of Timberline Knolls. "Our goal is to shed light on the latest research and findings in the therapeutic field."

The educational event will explore the impact of substance abuse and trauma on the individual and examine how family systems play an integral role. The importance of an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach in therapy and the necessity of family involvement throughout treatment will also be addressed.

In her keynote presentation, Dr. Black will discuss "Addictive Disorders: The Legacy of Trauma" which will cover trauma experiences within one's family and how adverse child experiences, emotional abandonment and blatant violence are all aspects of the trauma.

"As complex and painful as life is for people impacted by addiction, there is a path out of a familial script to a life of greater choices," said Dr. Black. "In healing and recovery, people find meaning from their experiences and let go of the past in a way they can embrace the possibilities today."

Following the keynote presentation, Timberline Knolls' staff Stan Selinger PhD and Marcia Nickow PsyD, CADC, CGP, will present "Love, Lies, Secrets, Shame: Treating Trauma and Addiction Across Generations." This presentation will include a demonstration group for clinicians to process experiences within their own families and families they've treated.

Dr. Dennis will then present on the topic of "Trauma – Effects During the Life Cycle, Treatment and Case Studies from Timberline Knolls." This session will examine the consequences of early trauma as seen in the possible development of substance use disorders, eating disorder and/or self injurious behaviors.  Dr. Dennis will share specific case examples of how Timberline Knolls' integrated treatment approach is particularly useful for trauma survivors with addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Dr. Black will be doing a book signing and her publications will be available for sale.  She is probably best known for It Will Never Happen to Me, in which she offers a foundation for understanding what occurred growing up in an addictive family.

Her newest book, Intimate Treason: Healing the Trauma for Partners Confronting Sex Addiction, was written to help those confronted with sexual betrayal have a framework for their healing, but even more important, something that takes them to a level of honesty about themselves that helps them move forward.

There is an $89 registration fee to attend the conference, which includes continental breakfast, lunch and up to 4.00 CEs for psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and drug/alcohol counselors.  Discounted valet parking will be available at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel for $15 per vehicle.  Those interested in attending can register online at: www.timberlineknolls.com/claudia-black

For more information or questions about the conference, contact Kristen Powell at [email protected].

About Timberline Knolls:

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.  Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls.

Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
[email protected]
Tel: 602-359-6989

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center