Presentations

Medical Presentation: PTSD and the Patient Experience

Presenters: Wanda Sanchez & Shelly Beach

From one to three sessions

Overview

Following this presentation, which combines personal story and medical and mental health information, attendees will be able to recognize the commonly seen symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and implement effective strategies for patient interaction when indicated. This activity is expected to result in increased confidence in assessing at-risk populations for post-traumatic stress disorder and providing more effective treatment, referral, and follow-up care, while increasing patient satisfaction.

Target Audience

Family physicians, emergency room physicians and all physicians and health care professionals seeking information about post-traumatic stress disorder and how it can influence a patient’s medical experience.

Objectives

Present an overview on trauma, its effect on the brain, and a summary of the resulting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder,

Help hospital staff gain a better understanding of the medical experience for the 1 in 13 adults who develop post-traumatic stress disorder in their lifetime (Sidran Institute for Traumatic Stress Education and Advocacy), and the high percentage of patients with PTSD served in emergency rooms, the inner city, and low-income medical communities

Present strategies for improving staff-patient communication and tools that often increase the patient’s sense of safety, security, and satisfaction, resulting in a higher likelihood of compliance in their treatment plan.

Criminal Justice, Mental Health, Education, and Child Advocate Presentation: PTSD and the Prison of the Mind 

Presenters: Wanda Sanchez & Shelly Beach

From one to three sessions

Overview

Following this presentation, which combines Wanda and Shelly’s personal stories with mental health information, attendees will be able to recognize the commonly seen symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and implement more effective strategies for communication. This activity is expected to result in (1) increased confidence in assessing at-risk populations for post-traumatic stress disorder, (2) creating greater awareness of the cause-and-effect cycles produced by PTSD, (3) creating new opportunities for effective communication with clients, (4) cultivating opportunities for positive client life-change.

Target Audience

Social workers, mental health clinicians, child advocates, those within the criminal justice system and caring professions who are seeking information about post-traumatic stress disorder and how it influences an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health and their ability to create and sustain positive life changes.

Educational Presentation: The Hope Bucket

Presenters: Wanda Sanchez & Shelly Beach

This presentation adapts to other audiences as well

Objectives

To help increase understanding of the pervasive nature of trauma and abuse and help students understand they are not alone

To help students find the freedom to talk about their painful circumstances as they identify with Wanda’s story

To increase understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

To point student, educators, and family members to sources of hope and healing, as well as resources and strategies for treatment

Church Presentations

Presenters: Wanda Sanchez & Shelly Beach

This presentation adapts to other audiences as well

Overview

Wanda and Shelly offer conferences, seminars, and counsel to churches, Christian schools, and faith organizations who desire to grow in their understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and its influence on faith and life.

Topics

An overview of PTSD, its causes and symptoms

How individuals with PTSD feel

How PTSD impacts faith, spirituality, and interaction with the church

Why people with PTSD can’t just “trust God” and move on

How to create environments of safety and understanding for those struggling with mental health issues

An overview of treatment options

Recommended mental health resources every faith organization should have in place

Handouts and resources

Stories of hope and healing through Jesus Christ

Endorsements

“Rarely is the complex issue of PTSD presented in a format that makes the information as easy to assimilate and the skills ready-made to implement as the PTSD presentation by Wanda Sanchez and Shelly Beach. Their presentation is succinct, well researched and practical. The passion and experience they bring to this important topic enables people-helpers in all fields to effectively diagnose and treat those with PTSD who can then go on to enjoy healthy relationships and live productive lives.”

Sam Beals, retired CEO of Samaritas
Michigan’s largest faith-based foster care and adoption organization, providing family preservation programs, Substance Use Disorder services, refugee services, senior care and living communities.

“Wanda Sanchez and Shelly Beach tell a story of healing from PTSD that is seldom heard. They provide a blend of both personal story and clinical information that brings insight to the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder. Anyone who works in the business of caring for hurting people would greatly benefit from hearing their presentation.”

Andy Soper, Former Director
The Manasseh Project for Trafficked Children
www.ManassehProject.org

“Excellent presentations. We wish we’d had more time with Shelly and Wanda. We’d love to have them come back and expand on the information they presented.”

Julianne Paulsen, Former Public Affairs Director
Virginia Regional Medical Center

“Just a word of thanks…I’m hearing wonderful reviews of Shelly and Wanda’s presentation here from participants, and staff has been talking about the great program. Thank you.”

Galen Bremmer, Former Community Services Director
Madison, Indiana, Juvenile Correctional Facility

“Shelly and Wanda speak with candor, humility and love for the pain of others as they bring a powerful message of hope and inspiration. They inspire action and personal responsibility that move listeners toward the redeeming and transforming power of Jesus. Their life-changing message needs to be heard again and again!”

Maria Keckler, Marriage and Family Leader, Shadow Mountain Church
Publisher, Vineworks