Expert Panel: Methods in Helping Clients Establish & Sustain Long Term Sobriety: Specific Focus on the Challenges in Working with Millennial Aged Clients – LifeStar Therapists
1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
This panel discussion will be hosted by LifeStar founder, Dan Gray, and include Geoff Steurer, Jeff Ford, and Denise Quirk, Erik Johnson, all seasoned LifeStar therapists with experience treating clients affected by trauma and sexual concerns. This session will discuss the challenges in sustaining long term recovery and abstinence for clients of all ages. Of special interest is Millennial-age clients and their unique challenges, including trends towards digital methods of communication in relationships and isolating factors for addicts and their loved ones.
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish the specific issues facing clients who have established periods of substantial sobriety, but have continual relapse episodes.
- Learn successful clinical application of therapeutic tools and strategies for establishing long term recovery and sobriety.
- Interact with therapists in dialogue about the issues and effective methods of treatment for Millennial-aged clients.
Panelists:
Denise F. Quirk, M.A.
Denise has been an addictions counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist in Reno, Nevada since 1992. She is presently the CEO and Clinical Director of the Reno Problem Gambling Center (RPGC), a non-profit outpatient treatment center for problem gambling clients and their families. She wrote and teaches an online senior/graduate course called “Exploring Gambling Behaviors” for the University of Nevada, Reno. Denise advocated for the nation’s highest standard for Certified Problem Gambling Counselors in Nevada, as well as testifying in support of AB 102, which became law as part of NRS 458, paving the way for treatment diversion for addicted gamblers in the legal system. She also supervises five Certified Problem Gambling Counselor-Interns (CPGC-I’s) around the state of Nevada through face-to-face and distance supervision. Denise co-authored the “Gambling Patient Placement Criteria” (GPPC) treatment handbook with her GPPC Initiative colleagues with the help of a grant from the Nevada Problem Gambling Revolving Fund. She opened the RPGC in 2006 and has been the recipient of Nevada Problem Gambling Revolving Grant funding since 2008. Denise serves as the Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling (ACPG). She served on the State of Nevada’s Board of Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors for five years. She is the recipient of the Bybee Award for excellence in education and advocacy in the problem gambling field in Nevada. Denise has testified as an expert witness in Nevada’s District Court and Federal Court to advocate for clients she has evaluated and treated a number of times since 2009. Denise has been practicing as an MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) in her private practice, Red Hawk Counseling, since 1992. Her therapeutic focus is addiction and families. She is the director of LifeStar Northern Nevada, specializing in treating individuals and couples with sex/pornography addiction since 2008.
Geoff Steurer, MS, LMFT
Geoff is a licensed marriage and family therapist and is the founding director of LifeSTAR of St. George. Geoff is the co-author of Love You, Hate the Porn: Healing a Relationship Damaged by Virtual Infidelity. He also co-produced the 6-part audio series called Strengthening Recovery Through Strengthening Marriage: Healing from Pornography Addiction. He also co-authored many of the LifeStar workbooks and regularly presents at local and national conferences on topics related to addiction, betrayal trauma, and marriage recovery. Geoff is the host of the Illuminate recovery podcast. He completed a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from Brigham Young University and a masters degree in marriage and family therapy from Auburn University. He and his wife are the parents of four children.
Jeffrey J. Ford, MS, LMFT
Jeff is a licensed marriage and family therapist and specializes in treating pornography and sexual addiction. He also works with spouses and family members that are affected by addiction. Jeffrey received his Bachelor Degree at the University of Utah in Psychology. He earned his Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy at Purdue University. He has authored numerous workbooks for the LifeStar Network, articles, and chapters on addiction recovery and has spoken extensively about the effect that pornography and addiction has on individuals and families. His favorite pastimes include being with his family and mountain biking.
Dan Gray, LCSW
Dan is one of the Cofounders of LifeStar and is an accomplished thought leader in the field of sexual compulsion and trauma recovery. A sought after speaker, author, and practicing therapist, Mr. Gray has spent his career advocating for mental health in civic, religious, and professional organizations throughout the world. As Clinical Director of LifeStar Salt Lake, he supports and mentors a team of over a dozen therapists and staff while also leading in the growth and training of LifeStar Therapy’s network of affiliated clinics and licensed professionals. Married and the father of four, and a doting Grandfather, Dan enjoys taking time with his family and you can often find him outdoors fishing, hiking, or biking with them.
