NEFESH: The International Network of Orthodox Mental Health Professionals

2025 Summer Conference Day 1

This workshop has multiple parts:
View all workshop dates & times
View the full presenter list
$100.00 Member Price:  $0.00

Summer Conference!

Day 1 Only

July 22nd, 2025

To Purchase Day 1 ONLY Click "Buy Now" button

This Conference will take place completely online.

To register for just one class, click on the Class/link below.

To Go Back to the Full Conference Page Click the link Directly Below

Summer Conference Schedule 2025

Once you register for the conference, there is no need to pre-register or select your classes prior to the conference. At the time of each class, you will select the class from the time slot that you want to enter.

All class times listed are Eastern Time
  
 

Day 1 - July 22nd, 2025

 

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST

From Craving to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pornography Addiction & Recovery

This presentation explores the intersection of trauma and pornography addiction, highlighting how unresolved emotional wounds contribute to compulsive sexual behaviors. Participants will examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, the role of shame and isolation in reinforcing compulsive cycles, and the impact of pornography use on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Using a trauma-informed and attachment-focused lens, the presentation will introduce evidence-based treatment strategies—including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness—to support clients in shifting from escapism to authentic connection. Practical tools for working with individuals, couples, and families will be provided, with attention to cultural and religious considerations in treatment planning.

(Trainer - Yechiel S Aharonof, LCSW, CASAC-T has over a decade of helping teens and adults cope with addictions and trauma. He currently gives presentations for schools, organizations, first responders, and agencies in addition to providing individual and family counseling.)

 

01:30 PM to 02:30 PM EST

Adolescent Suicide and Deaths due to Opiate Overdose, Alcohol-Related Diseases, and Suicide (Deaths of Despair): Two Epidemics? or One?

This webinar explores the rising rates of adolescent suicide and how they intersect with broader social trends labeled “Deaths of Despair” (DoD), which include suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related deaths. Dr. Brent presents national and international data comparing teen suicide trends, examines the psychological and social antecedents of DoD, and evaluates the evidence linking these trends in adults to increasing suicidal behavior in adolescents. The presentation incorporates findings from longitudinal studies, claims data, and emerging risk factors such as parental substance use, economic inequality, and exposure to trauma. Prevention and intervention strategies are discussed, including those focused on family-based and community-level programs.

(Trainer - Dr. Brent is a child and adolescent psychiatrist whose research and clinical work has focused on the understand the causes and prevention of adolescent depression and suicidal behavior. He is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and holds an Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies.)

 

02:30 PM to 03:30 PM EST

Mental Health Apps for Teens: Treatment of Depression and Suicidal Risk

This webinar explores the growing role of mobile applications in addressing adolescent depression and suicide prevention. Dr. David Brent presents a comprehensive overview of the current digital mental health landscape, highlights what features are most effective and desirable for teens, and showcases the development, testing, and efficacy of the BRITE app, a safety planning tool for suicidal youth. Real-world examples, randomized controlled trials, and youth feedback are shared to illustrate challenges, impact, and future directions in digital intervention development.

(Trainer - Dr. Brent is a child and adolescent psychiatrist whose research and clinical work has focused on the understand the causes and prevention of adolescent depression and suicidal behavior. He is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and holds an Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies.)

 

04:00 PM to 05:00 PM EST

The WHY Does Not Matter: A discussion about school refusal

I am proposing a presentation on the critical issue of school refusal, a growing challenge affecting students, families, and educators worldwide. My talk will explore the underlying causes of school refusal, including anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence, while providing practical strategies for early identification and intervention. By drawing on research, case studies, and real-world solutions, I will offer a comprehensive approach that equips schools and caregivers with the tools they need to support struggling students and help them reintegrate successfully into the classroom.

With a background in education and counseling, I bring firsthand knowledge of the complexities surrounding school refusal and the impact it has on a child’s academic and emotional well-being. My session will be interactive, offering real-life scenarios and evidence-based interventions that empower parents to collaborate with educators effectively. By addressing school refusal with empathy and proactive solutions, we can create a more inclusive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

(Trainer - Michelle Steinberg Halon, LMHC)

 

07:00 PM to 08:30 PM EST

THE NEFESH Connect! A Facilitated Professional Networking Event.

Meet your colleagues.
Put a face to the name! Speed Networking!
A NEFESH meet and greet event.

2025 Summer Conference Day 1

Presenter:

Please enter your name and email address below to view this course:


Tell us how you heard about us:


Times New Roman

Summer Conference!

Day 1 Only

July 22nd, 2025

To Purchase Day 1 ONLY Click "Buy Now" button

This Conference will take place completely online.

To register for just one class, click on the Class/link below.

To Go Back to the Full Conference Page Click the link Directly Below

Summer Conference Schedule 2025

Once you register for the conference, there is no need to pre-register or select your classes prior to the conference. At the time of each class, you will select the class from the time slot that you want to enter.

All class times listed are Eastern Time
  
 

Day 1 - July 22nd, 2025

 

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST

From Craving to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pornography Addiction & Recovery

This presentation explores the intersection of trauma and pornography addiction, highlighting how unresolved emotional wounds contribute to compulsive sexual behaviors. Participants will examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, the role of shame and isolation in reinforcing compulsive cycles, and the impact of pornography use on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Using a trauma-informed and attachment-focused lens, the presentation will introduce evidence-based treatment strategies—including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness—to support clients in shifting from escapism to authentic connection. Practical tools for working with individuals, couples, and families will be provided, with attention to cultural and religious considerations in treatment planning.

(Trainer - Yechiel S Aharonof, LCSW, CASAC-T has over a decade of helping teens and adults cope with addictions and trauma. He currently gives presentations for schools, organizations, first responders, and agencies in addition to providing individual and family counseling.)

 

01:30 PM to 02:30 PM EST

Adolescent Suicide and Deaths due to Opiate Overdose, Alcohol-Related Diseases, and Suicide (Deaths of Despair): Two Epidemics? or One?

This webinar explores the rising rates of adolescent suicide and how they intersect with broader social trends labeled “Deaths of Despair” (DoD), which include suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related deaths. Dr. Brent presents national and international data comparing teen suicide trends, examines the psychological and social antecedents of DoD, and evaluates the evidence linking these trends in adults to increasing suicidal behavior in adolescents. The presentation incorporates findings from longitudinal studies, claims data, and emerging risk factors such as parental substance use, economic inequality, and exposure to trauma. Prevention and intervention strategies are discussed, including those focused on family-based and community-level programs.

(Trainer - Dr. Brent is a child and adolescent psychiatrist whose research and clinical work has focused on the understand the causes and prevention of adolescent depression and suicidal behavior. He is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and holds an Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies.)

 

02:30 PM to 03:30 PM EST

Mental Health Apps for Teens: Treatment of Depression and Suicidal Risk

This webinar explores the growing role of mobile applications in addressing adolescent depression and suicide prevention. Dr. David Brent presents a comprehensive overview of the current digital mental health landscape, highlights what features are most effective and desirable for teens, and showcases the development, testing, and efficacy of the BRITE app, a safety planning tool for suicidal youth. Real-world examples, randomized controlled trials, and youth feedback are shared to illustrate challenges, impact, and future directions in digital intervention development.

(Trainer - Dr. Brent is a child and adolescent psychiatrist whose research and clinical work has focused on the understand the causes and prevention of adolescent depression and suicidal behavior. He is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and holds an Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies.)

 

04:00 PM to 05:00 PM EST

The WHY Does Not Matter: A discussion about school refusal

I am proposing a presentation on the critical issue of school refusal, a growing challenge affecting students, families, and educators worldwide. My talk will explore the underlying causes of school refusal, including anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence, while providing practical strategies for early identification and intervention. By drawing on research, case studies, and real-world solutions, I will offer a comprehensive approach that equips schools and caregivers with the tools they need to support struggling students and help them reintegrate successfully into the classroom.

With a background in education and counseling, I bring firsthand knowledge of the complexities surrounding school refusal and the impact it has on a child’s academic and emotional well-being. My session will be interactive, offering real-life scenarios and evidence-based interventions that empower parents to collaborate with educators effectively. By addressing school refusal with empathy and proactive solutions, we can create a more inclusive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

(Trainer - Michelle Steinberg Halon, LMHC)

 

07:00 PM to 08:30 PM EST

THE NEFESH Connect! A Facilitated Professional Networking Event.

Meet your colleagues.
Put a face to the name! Speed Networking!
A NEFESH meet and greet event.



This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: introductory
Level of Clinician: beginner
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by the NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
Refund Policy: Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.