The Therapist Experience will provide space for therapists to explore the toll that they (and their clients) have experienced over the past several years. In addition to hearing life stories, often traumatic, and bearing witness to the pain and suffering of clients, therapists have been inundated with requests and overwhelmed with the need during this unprecedented time in recent history. Though there’s barely been time to attend to the negative impacts of this overwhelming need (exhaustion, moral distress, hopelessness, etc.), we have paid even less attention to the positive impacts and satisfaction of knowing we are contributing to individual and family recovery, and to the wellbeing of our broader community by meeting those needs. Recognizing and amplifying these positive pieces play a critical role in sustaining therapists. These sessions will emphasize both negative and positive effects, along with conversation, support and development of sustaining strategies.

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be better able to:

1. Explore the negative and positive impacts of working with traumatized and/or suffering clients
2. Consider the ways that the COVID pandemic, the racial justice movement, political divisions, mass shootings and additional societal events have impacted clients and therapists and the therapeutic relationship
3. Learn strategies to incorporate into daily practice to mitigate the negative impacts and enhance the positive
4. Identify signs of burnout and what to do when it presents
5. Develop strategies for navigating burnout

Schedule (all times in ET):
12-12:15pm Introduction and agenda for the day
12:15-12:30pm Lecture: What is secondary trauma? The impact of trauma on the body
12:30-12:45pm Discussion group: How does the experience of secondary trauma impact your work professionally and personally?
12:45–1pm Experiential learning: What are strategies and coping skills for navigating secondary trauma?
1-1:15pm Discussion group: How do you want to incorporate this strategy into your larger life?
1:15-1:30pm Conclusion and gains made

Pricing:
Free for Members (no CEs)
$80 for Non-Members (no CEs)
$120 for Members (with CEs)
$144 for Non-Members (with CEs)
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SIGN UP FOR The Therapist Experience

This activity is pending certification by the New England Association for Family and Systemic Therapy (NEAFAST) on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LMFT professional continuing education.

This activity is pending certification by the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LMHC professional continuing education.

This activity is pending certification by the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LICSW professional continuing education.

Please note: It is the participant’s responsibility to check with their individual state boards to verify CE requirements for their state.

This program is being offered independent of any commercial support or conflict of interest. Clinicians with any level of experience are welcome to participate.

Upon completion, you will receive an evaluation about the program. You must complete it within 14 days in order to receive your CE certificate.

Cancellation Policy: Please email us at [email protected] if you are unable to make it. We will give a full reimbursement for cancellations one month prior to the event.