Education - PESI 7-Night Caribbean Mental Health and Nutrition Cruise March 2027

The Complex Relationship between Mental and Physical Health

Physiological Factors of Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and ADHD

Transcending mind-body separation: Understanding the complex relationships
The factors that cause “chemical imbalance”
Beyond pharmaceutical management
Balancing circadian rhythm
Applying breathing exercises for mental health
Enhance sleep and address insomnia

How Foods Affect Moods

Carbohydrates – A new way to think about cravings
Effects protein may have on depression and anxiety
Fats for mental health (depression, ADHD, bipolar)
The connection between food, depression, diabetes and obesity
Physiological causes of fatigue, depression and anxiety
Vitamins: B-Vitamins, 5-MTHF, Vitamin D
Minerals: Magnesium, calcium

Nutrition, Diet and Culinary Medicine

Food as “brain-mind-medicine”
Fats: Essential fatty acids, toxic fats, fish oil
Protein: the building blocks of happiness
Nutrients to improve mental health and cognitive function
Vitamins, minerals, glandulars, and special nutrients for the non-nutritionist
Regulate hormonal imbalance
Balance blood sugar to balance mood
Cultural and genetic variations
Enhance digestion for mental health
Thyroid function and mental health

The Truth About Popular Supplements and Herbal Medicine

Seven major herbs for PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep and cognitive health
Endocannabinoid deficit theory
Cannabis and psychedelic medicine
THC versus CBD
Evidence for medical cannabis for mental health
PTSD and chronic pain
Adaptogens: Ginseng, licorice, ashwagandha
Melatonin
Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Assessments and Evidence-Based Research

Recognizing When “Mental Illness” is Something Else

Hormonal imbalance
Anxiety vs. hypoglycemia
Inflammation
Digestion
Depressed, fatigued or malnourished
Side effects of medications

Symptoms of Nutritional Deficiencies and Co-Morbid Conditions

Strategies to reduce inflammation
The major factor in depression, anxiety, bipolar and ADHD
Anxiety and digestion
The Second Brain: Microbiome, probiotics and GABA, and anxiety
Sleep, adrenal health, and rhythms
Alcohol abuse
Genetics, depression and brain
PTSD and auto immune, addictions and cognition
ADHD, ASD and food sensitivities
Integrative approach recovery from addictions

Simple Screening Tools to Identify Nutritional Deficiencies Contributing to:

Anxiety and PTSD
Depression
ADHD
Fatigue
Anger
Bipolar disorder
Lack of mental clarity
Other mental health concerns

Assessments Using Integrative Approaches

Conduct a basic nutritional food/mood assessment
Conduct an adrenal stress and biological rhythm assessment
The Cultural Formulation Interview
Basic lab tests for optimal mental health

Clinical Applications – Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment Strategies

Comprehensive Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment Plans and Protocols

Depression & Seasonal Affect Disorder
Anxiety, PTSD and complex trauma
Bipolar
ADHD
Body dysmorphia
OCD
Bulimia
Insomnia
Addictions
Obesity
Psychosomatic symptoms
Pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms

Practical Tools to Accelerate Treatment Results, Improve Energy, and Gain Mental Clarity

Food: The Good, the Bad and the Fake
Sleep: The 4 habits critical to refreshing sleep
Exercise: Elevate serotonin and regulate stress hormones
Stress: A holistic approach
Feed your brain

Unique Issues Across the Lifespan

Children: Supporting sleep, focus, mood and attention
Alternatives to psychotropics for ADHD
Preventing cognitive decline
Nutrition and integrative methods to support people with dementia and their caregivers

Build an Integrative Health Team

When and where to refer clients
How to find the right provider
Questions to ask before referring
Develop a niche practice as a certified specialist
Professional organizations and more training
Controversies and hot topics

Apply Techniques Within Your Scope of Practice

Ethics, law and competency
Nutritional therapies
Culinary medicine
Behavioral medicine
Nutritional supplementation
Herbal medicine
Integrative detoxification for addiction

Vicki Steine, DSc, LCSW, BCHN, IFNCP, has been a social worker for more than 25 years, working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She works with children and adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, Tourette’s syndrome, addiction, and trauma in her private practice in the Atlanta area. Dr. Steine received her master’s in social work from the University of Georgia and her Doctor of Science in holistic nutrition from Hawthorn University. She is board certified in holistic nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, a nutrition certified practitioner through the Integrated and Functional Nutrition Academy and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Dr. Steine enjoys combining her skills as a social worker and nutrition educator to help her clients who struggle with staying organized, keeping focused at work or school, and overcoming the anxiety and depression that often prevents them from fully living their lives. She integrates nutrition, mind-body exercises, and traditional psychotherapy methods, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, to help her clients get on with living their lives optimally. She has spoken at many conferences and delivered workshops providing education to professionals and lay people alike on the benefits of nutrition and improving mental health. Dr. Steine has had personal success using a holistic approach, including nutrition and supplements, to recover from a near death boating accident and an episode of debilitating depression.