Location
Venue8600 | 8600 E Anderson Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Presented By
Amy Serin, PhD, BCN, Erin J Buggy, PsyD and Sarette Zecharia, PhD, DCEP, C-EHP, CIHMP

Event Schedule

8:30 - 9:00 am | Registration
9:00 - 11:00 am | CE Presentation: Cutting Edge Use of Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) and Bi-Lateral Tactile Stimulation (BLS): Mechanisms of Action and Innovation in Clinical Applications
11:00 - 11:45 am | Lunch 
11:45 am - 1:45 pm | CE Presentation: A Novel Experiential Therapy Technique: The Layered Symbolic Narrative (LSN)
1:45 - 2:00 pm | Break
2:00 - 4:00 pm | CE Presentation: Shifting Paradigms: Integrating Somatic, Energy, and Cultural Therapies to Address Medical Trauma

Program Descriptions

Cutting Edge Use of Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) and Bi-Lateral Tactile Stimulation (BLS): Mechanisms of Action and Innovation in Clinical Applications
Amy Serin, PhD, BCN 
2 CE credits
Recent technological advances in transcranial photo biomodulation (tPBM) and bi-lateral tactile stimulation (BLS) have democratized technological use both in and out of clinician’s offices. Because the technologies are unregulated, they are often used without clinician guidance. Now more than ever, clinicians need to understand the technologies’ mechanisms of action, research outcomes, clinical use cases, practical applications, and contraindications for use to educate their patients and to consider integrating technology into their practices. In this presentation, Dr. Serin will explain the primary mechanisms of action for tPBM and BLS including pre and post EEG images and research. She will also identify the advantages, limitations, and benefits of various devices, demonstrate the use of devices for clinical settings, and discuss how to integrate these technologies with therapy in clinical settings. Participants will be able to recognize predictable EEG pattern changes resulting from the use of the technologies and will also gain insight into use for specific diagnoses and performance enhancement. Contraindications, diversity considerations, and ethics will also be discussed as well as the future directions and implications for clinical and consumer use. 
Program Level: Intermediate
Learning Objectives:

1. Describe primary mechanisms of action for photobiomodulation and bilateral stimulation according to current research and convey understanding to patients.
2. Identify 1 typical EEG pattern change resulting from photobiomodulation and bilateral stimulation.
3. Apply knowledge of these technologies with existing therapeutic and neurofeedback approaches for at least 2 specific patient populations.

A Novel Experiential Therapy Technique: The Layered Symbolic Narrative (LSN)
Erin J. Buggy, PsyD 
2 CE credits
This workshop will provide both a conceptual overview and live demonstration of a novel experiential therapy technique that crosses cultural boundaries using tangible symbols and metaphors. Symbols and metaphors are ubiquitous across all cultures and are a means to convey and illuminate what is complex and intangible in a manner that promotes clarity, as it stimulates the fundamental human drive to represent and understand the ineffable. The Layered Symbolic Narrative Technique (LSN) is a distinct approach to processing thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and somatic experiences. LSN incorporates a variety of curated objects into therapeutic processing from which a personal narrative of layered symbolic meaning emerges.

This technique is informed by experiential theory, as are Emotion-Focused Therapy and Psychodrama. LSN has been used to treat adults with trauma, addiction, grief, adjustment difficulties, mood disorders, and other common clinical presentations. LSN will be demonstrated so that participants are able to observe for themselves how the technique is implemented. This workshop will help participants understand not only what the Layered Symbolic Narrative Technique is but how it can be incorporated within a broad range of therapies.
Program Level: Intermediate
Learning Objectives:

1. Define the Layered Symbolic Narrative Technique. 
2. Describe 2 stages of LSN implementation.
3. Identify 2 ways curated symbolic objects impact therapeutic processing with adult clients of differing abilities, clinical presentations, diversity intersections, and needs.

Shifting Paradigms: Integrating Somatic, Energy, and Cultural Therapies to Address Medical Trauma
Sarette Zecharia, PhD, DCEP, C-EHP, CIHMP 
2 CE credits
Effectively understanding and addressing medical trauma requires a holistic framework that embraces the full spectrum of human diversity. This workshop explores the pressing need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive care at individual, cultural, and systemic levels. Such care is foundational to reducing health disparities, improving patient outcomes, and restoring trust in healthcare systems, especially among historically marginalized communities (McBaine & Cordova, 2024).

We will also examine the shifting medical paradigm influenced by transformative research in epigenetics, which shows that gene expression, and consequently, health and illness, are shaped by the interplay between genetics and environment. This new understanding challenges the limitations of traditional medical models and calls for a more integrative, dynamic approach to trauma care (Feinstein, 2022; Freeman et al., 2025)

Additionally, the session will introduce a range of evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions and practical exercises. These approaches consider the impacts of cultural and generational trauma and are grounded in principles of cultural humility and respect (Feinstein, 2022; Han et al., 2021; Mahon, 2024).

By the end of the session, participants will gain a deeper awareness of the intersections between trauma, culture, and biology, and leave equipped with tools to provide care that is empathetic, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving landscape of modern medicine. 
Program Level: Intermediate
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify 2 key concepts at the intersection of trauma, culture, and biology, including the role of epigenetics and the impact of intergenerational and cultural medical trauma.
2. List 2 evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions that promote healing across diverse communities.
3. Identify 3 core principles of cultural humility and examine how they can be applied to build trust, safety, and more inclusive practices within your professional setting.

About the Speakers:

Amy Serin, PhD, BCN, Neuropsychologist, Serin Center

Dr. Amy Serin is an internationally recognized neuropsychologist and stress expert on a mission to help you live your best life. After graduating from Arizona State University in 1996 as Valedictorian (Moeur Award), she obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in 2006. She then founded Serin Centers in 2007 to integrate cutting-edge, results-oriented neuropsychology into profound and permanent results for her clients. Her unique blend of scientifically based methods for anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorders, giftedness, performance enhancement, and life challenges are "truly revolutionary" according to Huffington Post. Since 2007 Serin Centers have helped thousands of kids, teens, and adults reach their full potential.

Dr. Serin serves on the scientific advisory board of Sens.ai, an AI powered neurofeedback and brain longevity consumer headset. She is also the Chief Clinical Director at Dharma Dr., AI integrated wireless tabs for stress relief and integrated therapy. Dr. Serin pioneered Neural Reset Technique, a technique therapists of any clinical orientation can utilize to desensitize triggers and panic and improve the efficacy of therapy. Dr. Serin is also one of the only board-certified clinicians in the United States with technology and protocols to induce deep meditative states for trauma release without the use of psychedelics or ketamine. 

Erin J. Buggy, PsyD, Psychologist, Psychological Counseling Services

Dr. Erin Buggy is an early career psychologist, in private practice at Psychological Counseling Services (PCS) in Scottsdale, Arizona. As of September 2025, she will have completed her postdoctoral residency with PCS. Dr. Buggy plans to continue working extensively in their Intensive Treatment Program, primarily treating adults with complex presentations such as developmental trauma, betrayal trauma, traumatic grief, mood disorders, and compulsive, addictive, and high-risk behaviors. Ever passionate about trauma treatment, Dr. Buggy’s dissertation involved developing a novel, integrative theoretical framework for understanding and approaching treatment of CPTSD, which she has shared on both state and national psychology association platforms. In 2023, she was formally recognized by NAU’s College of Education as the “Outstanding Doctoral Student from the department of Clinical Psychology” for her ongoing excellence and unique contributions to the program. Dr. Buggy is passionate about connecting, creating, collaborating, learning, teaching, leading, advocating, and growing, and she can often be found pursuing these aims both professionally and personally.

Sarette Zecharia, PhD, DCEP, C-EHP, CIHMP, Psychologist, Lighthouse Psychology 

Dr. Sarette Zecharia, Ph.D., DCEP, EHP-C, CIMHP, is a psychologist based in Arizona who works with an international clientele. As a certified trainer and consultant in Comprehensive Energy Psychology (CEP), she is committed to advancing the integration of Energy Psychology into mainstream healthcare. Dr. Zecharia specializes in pain management, trauma, anxiety, depression, nutrition for mood and pain management, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Clinical Qigong.