I offer several ethics workshops of various lengths, including:
- Ethical and Legal Considerations When Counseling Teens
- Navigating Confidentiality and Consent with Teens
- Danger to Self or Others
- The Ethics of Equity
Descriptions can be found below. For more details or to schedule a presentation, contact me today.
ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN COUNSELING TEENS
Teen counselors confront a variety of unique ethical and legal considerations–from navigating informed consent requirements, to defining what “imminent harm” actually means, to balancing best practices and client willingness.
This can be especially challenging here in Washington state, where laws about confidentiality and related treatment issues places the age of consent for counseling at 13 years old, at least in most cases. That’s why this workshop focuses specifically on the unique ethical and legal challenges faced by therapists who work with teens.
We’ll start this highly interactive workshop by reviewing state laws covering confidentiality and consent when counseling teens, with a focus on recent changes. Next, we’ll explore HB1874, which went into effect in 2019. Then we’ll examine a variety of practical considerations related to Washington’s age of consent, ethical issues when working with mandated teens, and much more.
Throughout the day, we’ll explore relevant sections of the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, exercise our ethics muscles by discussing several case studies, and engage in discussions that bring relevant ethical challenges to life.
This training provides six ethics-specific CEUs.
This training is typically scheduled 9:00am to 4:30pm, with an hour lunch and two 15-minute breaks.
NAVIGATING CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONSENT WITH TEENS
Counselors meeting with teens confront a variety of unique ethical and legal considerations, especially regarding confidentiality and consent. That’s why this workshop focuses specifically on the unique ethical and legal challenges faced by therapists who work with teens.
We’ll start this highly interactive workshop by reviewing state laws covering confidentiality and consent when counseling teens, with a focus on any recent changes. Next, we’ll explore HB-1874, which went into effect in 2019 and continues to challenge counselors regarding requirements, expectations, and ethical considerations. Finally, we’ll explore field-tested strategies for navigating parent involvement when counseling teens.
Along the way, we’ll explore relevant sections of the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, exercise our ethical muscles by discussing several case studies, and more.
This training provides three ethics-specific CEUs.
It runs a total of 3 hours and 15 minutes, with one 15 minute break.
DANGER TO SELF OR OTHERS
Concerns related to imminent danger are on the increase among teens. Unfortunately, many therapists have little or no training on addressing these concerns—especially when it comes to homicidal or violent ideation. That’s why this workshop focuses on the unique ethical and legal challenges when counseling teens reporting danger to self or others.
We’ll review requirements about confidentiality and consent when counseling teens, define terms like imminent danger, and consider ethical challenges that can arise when teens report danger to self—including suicidality, self-harm, and other higher-risk behaviors.
Next, we’ll further explore danger to others. Studies show that homicidal ideation is common among adolescents, especially teens with mental health concerns. Yet, this topic is nearly ignored in training programs and often avoided in therapy. With that in mind, we’ll explore the difference between ideation and intent, identify strategies for addressing homicidal and violent ideation among teens, and consider our own comfort zone related to this topic.
Along the way, we’ll explore relevant sections of the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, exercise our ethics muscles by discussing several case studies, and more.
This training provides three ethics-specific CEUs.
It runs a total of 3 hours and 15 minutes, with one 15 minute break.
THE ETHICS OF EQUITY
As professional helpers, we have an ethical obligation to engage in ongoing self-reflection on topics related to equity, social justice, and cultural humility. In fact, the Codes of Ethics for all professional organizations specifically identify ethical requirements related to these topics.
We’ll start this training by reviewing relevant parts of various Codes of Ethics. Then, through the use of discussion and experiential activities, we’ll reflect on our own lived experiences of privilege and marginalization. With this foundation in place, we’ll explore what it means to be an ally and consider ways to continue growing as ever more equitable, ethical helpers.
Throughout the day, we’ll explore relevant sections of the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, exercise our ethics muscles by discussing several case studies, and more.
This training provides four ethics-specific CEUs.
It runs a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes, with one 15 minute break.
Due to the interactive nature of this workshop, it is only offered in-person.