Steve Harris, MCS Clinical Supervisor and licensed clinical social worker in private practice will be the presenter at an all-day workshop on November 2 sponsored by MCS on Sexual Addiction, Workaholism, and the Recovery of Intimacy. 6 CEU credits have been applied for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors.

Sexual addiction has become a significant public health concern, prompting clinicians to become trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Traditional addiction/recovery methodology, while a helpful foundation, is often not sufficient to produce lasting change. Workaholism is often seen in alternating cycles with sexual addiction. At this workshop, Steve will employ the use of presentations, assessments, exercises, media excerpts, and case discussion to explore effective approaches to sexual addiction, workaholism, and intimacy.

MCS welcomes new residents Stefanie Speanburg, MSW (pictured left) and Monica DiCristina, MA, LAPC (pictured right). Stefanie has a Masters Degree in Social Work from Smith School for Social Work in Northampton, MA . Her clinical experience includes working teens, adults, and families in inpatient and outpatient settings. Stefanie takes a developmental and relational approach to therapy with the aim of creating space for clients to make meaning out of current struggles and explore new possibilities for relating to others. Her clinical interests include life transitions,depression and loss, trauma, and identity concerns.

Monica holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Davidson College. She began working in the mental health field at Vistas, a division of Northside Hospital Behavioral Health, that specializes in services to individuals with severe and persistent psychiatric illnesses. Monica has broad experience working with a wide variety of personal issues, and is passionate about facilitating the therapeutic experience to effect positive change in people's lives. She holds the therapeutic relationship and trust established between therapist and client with great respect and considers it central to the growth process. In working with individuals, couples, and groups, Monica's clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, self-image, personal growth, life transitions, and communication skills.

The Old Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur was filled with supporters of MCS on Saturday night, September 29 for the center's annual fundraising benefit. The event, known this year as Night on the Town, raised thousands of dollars to help bridge the gap between our low client fees and what it actually costs to provide our services.

Partygoers danced to the live sounds of Magnif', enjoyed fine food and drink, and competed to be the winning bidder on loads of fabulous silent auction offerings. These included airline tickets, vacation getaways, fine wines, jewelry, gift certificates, and many more items donated by merchants and service providers from around the metro Atlanta area.

According to MCS board chair Mickey Desai, "many people donated countless hours of their time and energy to make this event so successful. We at MCS are grateful to all who served as sponsors, donors, and hosts, and who had a hand in the party's planning and execution." And we appreciate those of you who came to the event and helped make it a true "night on the town!"

Pictured above: Event sponsors Monica and Martin Long (left and center) with Masako Morita. We are grateful to Anne Parke for donating her photography services for the event. To view and order photos, go to www.anneparkephotography.com, click on Proofs, and enter password 9108.