Past Topics
Assessing the "Whole Picture" – Complex Diagnoses and Co-occurring Conditions
How do we differentiate between ADHD and trauma-related symptoms in children?
What biases or assumptions might we bring when diagnosing children in foster care?
How might attachment disruptions influence behavior and therapy?
How do we create a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate treatment plan?
Treatment Resistance or Systemic Misalignment? Navigating Stuck Cases
What does "treatment resistance" mean in this context?
How might the environment or provider expectations influence the case?
What systemic or cultural factors should be considered?
How can we re-engage clients without imposing our agendas?
Boundaries and Ethical Edges in Long-Term Therapy
Where is the line between empathic care and blurred boundaries?
How do we manage boundary fluidity, over-identification, and perfectionism in clients?
What is the lived impact of ethical drift?
Managing A Crisis Without Over-Pathologizing
How do we preserve dignity while responding to acute distress?
When does safety planning become disempowering?
What are alternatives for managing risk?
Rethinking Digital Mental Health:
How can technology support healing without reducing people to problems?
When does convenience compromise connection?
How do automated systems unintentionally silence user voices?
Common Factors Theory
What do you believe are the most powerful elements that contribute to client change across different therapeutic models?
How can we intentionally strengthen the therapeutic relationship to enhance outcomes?
In what ways might focusing on common factors shift how we view clinical effectiveness
Challenging the DSM
How does the DSM help or hinder our understanding of client experiences?
What are the risks of over-relying on diagnostic labels in clinical work?
How can we incorporate cultural and contextual factors when using diagnostic frameworks?
Struggles of the Novice Counselor
What internal challenges do new counselors often face in their early sessions?
How can supervision and peer support help reduce feelings of inadequacy?
What strategies can help bridge the gap between theory and practice?
Establishing Rapport
What are the key ingredients for building trust with clients early in the relationship?
How do our own identities and communication styles impact rapport-building?
What do you do when rapport doesn’t come easily with a client?
Understanding Triggered Responses
How can we recognize when a client is experiencing a triggered response in session?
What role does psychoeducation play in helping clients understand their reactions?
How can we respond in ways that promote safety and regulation?
Words Matter: Reducing Bias in Our Documentation
How might our word choices in documentation unintentionally reflect bias or judgment?
What are some examples of neutral, respectful language we can use in clinical notes?
How can we ensure our documentation supports client dignity and accurate care?
Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care
How do you recognize signs of vicarious trauma in yourself or colleagues?
What self-care practices have been most effective for you in sustaining your work?
How can organizations better support clinicians in managing emotional labor?