Ronald Ruff, Ph.D.

&

 Joan Shapiro, M.D. 

Saturday, January 24th, 2015

9:00am to 4:00pm

(Registration/Breakfast 8:30am)

First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley Calvin Room  

2407 Dana Street

Berkeley, CA 94704

NCNF is launching the New Year with a fresh look at the clinical work neuropsychologists. NCNF welcomes two speakers, Ronald Ruff, Ph.D., and Joan Shapiro, M.D., in this full-day symposium which will highlight innovative clinical practices for disorders commonly encountered by neuropsychologists. The morning session will focus on effective psychotherapeutic techniques for patients with acquired brain injuries, while the afternoon session will address the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. This clinically-focused workshop will provide important tools for all neuropsychologists and affiliates who make critical diagnostic decisions and treatment recommendations in their daily practice. 

Dr. Ruff’s morning workshop, Adapting Psychotherapy for Brain Injured Patients, is designed for neuropsychologists who, in addition to assessment, provide supportive psychotherapy to individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Dr. Ruff is a clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist who has specialized in working with patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) since the early 1980s. The focus of his research and clinical work in neuropsychology has been assessing and treating the cognitive and psychological changes that occur subsequent to a neurological illness. He has developed and published several tests that address specific functions often compromised in patients with TBI. His therapeutic model includes evaluating not only the patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, but also their emotional status. He also integrates the caregivers’ and community’s role into the patient’s rehabilitation. Dr. Ruff CV

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize which patients are suitable for psychotherapy and which are not.
   
2. Identify which interventions help patients learn more effective ways to manage their energy.
   
3. Tailor psychotherapy techniques for anxiety, depression, and/or anger to be more beneficial for ABI patients.
   
4. Learn how to guide ABI patients to create a meaningful life in two ways: (a) have patients grieve the loss of the expected future and (b) develop a meaningful future based in patient’s core values.
   

Dr. Shapiro’s afternoon workshop, The Challenges and Rewards of Treating the ADHD Adult, will give an overview of the symptom presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of adult ADHD.  She will highlight the executive functioning difficulties often experienced by adults with ADHD. She will also present information about treatment with medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Joan Shapiro is a psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado who has been in private practice since 1981.  For the past twelve years, she has worked exclusively with adults with ADHD and associated conditions.  She is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and is the author of three books, Men:  A Translation for Women; A Woman’s Guide to Making Therapy Work; and 4 Weeks to an Organized Life with ADHD.  In addition to her private practice, she is a faculty member of the Medical Center of Aurora where she treats adult and geriatric patients. Dr. Shapiro CV

Learning Objectives:

1. Diagnose ADHD in adults according to the criteria of the DSM-V.
2. Differentiate ADHD from mood and anxiety disorders.
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the neurobiology and medication management of ADHD in adults.
   
4. Learn how to apply psychotherapeutic strategies for adults with ADHD.

*** EARLY BIRD DEADLINE IS January 16, 2015 ***

Lunch will NOT be provided, but many lunch options are available within walking distance of The First Presbyterian Church.