Speaker

Juan Carlos Barrera LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Juan Carlos received his Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University. He also completed his Master of Social Work degree at Rutgers University. Juan Carlos has 13 years of experience ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. He recognizes that each family is unique, and that they are their own expert. Juan Carlos is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and has experience working with the Hispanic community.

Juan Carlos utilizes a strength-based approach. Juan Carlos recognizes that respect, empathy, and authenticity are core conditions to build therapeutic relationships. Juan Carlos is enthusiastic, empathetic, and non-judgmental by nature. He is focused on providing a welcoming and safe environment to those who need it most. Each individual Juan Carlos meets as a mental health professional matters to him. His main goal is to assist individuals of all ages in developing functional coping skills that will assist them to enjoy their lives to their fullest potential.

Juan Carlos's Presentations

keynote

The Magic of Common Language

And Panel Discussion

This session champions the reality that mental health is not binary. Everyone’s mental health lives and moves on a “continuum,” or in simpler words, a “Scale” that stretches from “Thriving” to “Sinking.” The most common question asked every day is: “How are you?” Because there is no common language in mental health, the most common answers are: “Good, Fine, OK.” None of these are actual responses, nor do they help us see trends or track changes in the way we think/feel/function/perform.

This interactive workshop introduces the SameHere Scale (based on “Polyvagal,” Dr. Stephen Porges) in both hard copy and app formats. Participants will learn about the balance between our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system responses, and how that balance can be compromised. They will learn about movement on the SameHere Scale – and how someone’s Scale “position” can be discovered based on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors they are experiencing. Attendees will walk away with a common language to do check-ins with patients, clients, students or whomever attendees do their clinical and/or advocacy work with.

A panel discussion will examine how this language can be brought into various integrative modalities.

Workshop

Understanding Transgender Identity

Explore the complex nature of gender identity with a focus on the experiences and emotions of transgender individuals. Challenges Faced by Transgender Youth. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment, Supporting Mental Health and Well-being. Therapeutic Support, Emotional Validation, Self-care and Coping, Providing Access to Healthcare and Resources and how to be an ally.

Workshop

Understanding Aging LGBTQI+ Populations from an Intersectionality Perspective

In the workshop, participants will delve into an examination of the complex dynamics shaping the psychosocial needs of older LGBTQI+ individuals. Through the lens of intersectionality, attendees will delve into the intricate interplay of race, age, gender, sexual expression, sexual orientation, disability, and class, gaining valuable insights into the multifaceted experiences of this demographic. Facilitated discussions and case studies will illuminate how these intersecting identities converge to influence the mental health and well-being of aging LGBTQI+ individuals, highlighting the imperative for tailored and inclusive support frameworks. Throughout the workshop, participants will not only deepen their understanding of the unique challenges faced by aging LGBTQI+ populations but also explore the transformative potential of an integrated mental health approach.