Reclaiming Civility: A Therapist’s Guide to Clinical and Ethical Dilemmas in a Divided World (Webinar, 3 CEUs)

Speaker: John M. O’Brien, Ph.D. ACC, NBC-HWC

Hate and division in our society seem to be at an all-time high. Threats of violence and even murder have now become commonplace in social media simply because of political beliefs. In our country and in countries around the world, assassination or assassination-attempts have seemingly become a way to solve political issues. This can leave many individuals in our society feeling fearful and hopeless about how to navigate a way forward. 

            
Therapists are on the front lines every day in talking with clients on all sides of the political spectrum about deeply held beliefs and the “right” way for our country to move ahead as a society. These discussions can become heated, and therapists are left wondering how to be of help to clients while also observing their own limits. How can therapists maintain hope and be of help to clients in such a stressful time?

            
This three-hour training will explore ways that therapists can navigate difficult political conversations with clients while attending to their own self-care. Skills will be reviewed that will help maintain civility in these conversations, especially when they extend into the personal life of the clinician. The training will incorporate the presentation of skills while also allowing ample time for discussion and self-reflection.

By attending this training, participants will be able to:

1.    Identify the true nature of “division” in our society. 
2.    Discuss the ethical issues associated with difficult conversations with clients.
3.    Describe skills to teach clients and use themselves to deal with discussions of politics with others who may think differently.