Continuing Education Workshops

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This workshop is designed to help participants gain a deeper understanding and confidence in the theory and practice of psychodynamic/interpersonal group psychotherapy. Participants will explore the history, theory and practice of group dynamics, the change process, the role of the leader, “contracting” for safety, and transference/counter transference issues in groups. For experienced and beginning clinicians.

• Develop an understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of group psychotherapy practice (Foundations of Group Therapy)
• Develop a conceptual understanding of fundamental group dynamics and process, and conceptualize the interrelationship between group process and personality dynamics in creating a therapeutic group experience for all group members (Group Process and Group Dynamics)
• Learn how to use the group psychotherapy treatment modality in order to change and improve the client’s level of psycho-social functioning (The ChangeProcess in Groups)
• Learn methods, approaches, and strategies to lead a psychotherapy group according to the highest ethical standards of the mental health profession (Role of the Group Leader)
• Learn the theory, practice, and techniques of psychodynamic and interpersonal group psychotherapy, including but not limited to, exploring the therapeutic use of self, developing safe boundaries with a group “contract,” and transference and counter-transference issues (Role of the Group Leader)

This workshop explores the impact of HIV/AIDS in a variety of social work practice settings. Specifically, the workshop provides social workers with the necessary tools to screen for HIV risk behaviors and intervene. As mental health and substance use treatment becomes more integrated in medical treatment, social workers will develop strategies to maintain the focus on clients. We will review basic and advanced HIV prevention skills, increase skills related to Harm Reduction practice, and review care protocols. It will orient social workers to basic HIV care highlighting areas of opportunity to complement existing care and/or direct clients to care/prevention. Participants will have an opportunity to explore their own knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about sexual and drug using behaviors. This workshop incorporates both lecture and hands-on experiential exercises designed to be thoughtful and engaging.

• Participants will develop professional skill to screen clients for HIV risks of infection and/or transmission and develop strategies to minimize harm related to those risks.
• Participants will increase their knowledge of HIV prevention theories and interventions, HIV care, and resources.
• Participants will enhance their understanding of how HIV affects mental health and substance use as well as increasing their understanding of the social worker’s role in supporting/advocating for care.

Social Workers, whether in clinical or agency services, must determine the scope of a minor’s authority to consent to treatment, the right to release records (and to whom), and a child’s right to autonomy. Each of these “rights” and “duties” creates ethical and legal traps for the unwary. In this seminar, the ethical and statutory elements of informed consent and confidentiality for minors will be discussed.

• Participants will enhance their understanding of the application of Federal and State law to treatment and interventions for minors, including confidentiality, communications and records, and informed consent for treatment.
• Participants will develop a means to assess and incorporate in their practices the rights of minors to autonomy and self-determination during treatment and intervention, including medications.

The workshop will focus on the ethical issues most often faced by social workers, including dual relationships and boundaries, mandated reporting obligations, responding to legal process, note taking and obtaining appropriate consent to treat minors.

• Participants will enhance their understanding of some common breaches of the NASW code of ethics.
• Participants will learn to assess the above issues and what that can do to avoid legal and ethical traps.

Psychosocial Assessment is a basic introduction to the content, reliability, use, risks and benefits of systematic identification of the strengths and challenges of individuals as they relate to status and functioning within the social environment. The course will also include discussion of the importance of maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the information, the need to obtain prior consent for assessment, and the responsibility that the information obtained will only be used for benefit of the individual. Participants will understand the different categories of diagnoses and will be able to apply them within the context of the assessment.

• Participants will develop skills to conduct a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, enhance their understanding of the use of the psychosocial assessment, and learn how to structure a psychosocial assessment to ensure that the information is reliable, that the needs are identified and that cultural and spiritual components are included.