August 24, 2020
10:30AM - 5:00PM EST
VIRTUAL--One-day Training on Ethics: Understanding Boundaries
About the event
Boundaries can be seen as an invisible filter in which one uses to control what goes in and what goes out. Therapists are responsible for both the safety of the therapeutic relationship and the client and therefore responsible for protecting both the client’s boundaries and therapist’s boundaries. Boundary crossings are anything that steps outside the traditional setting of therapy. When a therapist crosses a boundary for the benefit of the client and therapy, it may be a way to enhance the therapeutic relationship. When therapists’ cross boundaries for their own personal gain, misusing their power, it is a boundary violation and unethical. A boundary crossing that many therapists use to create a bond with their client is self-disclosure. Many times, in addictions therapy, a therapist who is in recovery may share his/her story with the client. This may allow the client to relate to the therapist and feel he/she will not be judged. The safety and benefit of the client should always be the priority when deciding to cross boundaries.
Objectives:
• Examine and Identify the types of boundaries (Physical, Emotional/Spiritual, Intellectual, Material, Time, Sexual)
• Demonstrate an understanding of boundary characteristics such as open, rigid or flexible, that create Healthy vs Unhealthy Boundaries.
• Distinguish between a Boundary Crossing and a Boundary Violation and when it is considered either a negative or positive undertaking
• Determine the extent and what information therapists should self-disclose as well as the purpose of why they are disclosing.
• Recognizing the importance of role modeling healthy boundaries for the safety and benefit of the client.
About the trainer
Dianna has been in the Behavioral Health field for over 20 years as a Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, and Executive Director of Substance Use/Mental health agencies. Dianna holds two master’s degrees in Addiction Studies and Clinical Psychology. She is licensed as an LCPC, LMHC and certified as a CRADC, SAP and CEAP. Currently an owner/therapist of Acceptance Counseling, a private practice in the Western Suburbs of Chicago started in 2018. Dianna has been an adjunct professor in the Addictions Studies and Psychology Programs at Governors State University since 2005. In her consulting role, she conducts clinical training to agencies and groups, as well as Clinical Supervision. Dianna has been a member of the IABH board since 2016 and a member of the Governors State Behavior Health Advisory Board since 2005.
