Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ethical Therapy in Uncertain Times

At its core, ethical practice requires us to attend to harm–preventing it when possible,  ameliorating its effects and facilitating repair when not. But we live in a time where we struggle to collectively recognize the harms taking place. This presents a challenge to us as clinicians. How do we help our clients when people don’t agree on a shared reality, let alone a mutual understanding of the problems that we face or potential solutions?

In this training, we’ll talk about the ethics of working with your clients in these deeply unsettling times. We discuss how we can meet clients where they are while recognizing the larger context we find ourselves in. We’ll talk about how to help our clients confront and navigate societal harms, including global instability, the growing impact of climate change, and the rise of authoritarianism and artificial intelligence. We’ll also discuss how we as clinicians can confront our own fears, sadness, anxiety, and anger regarding the present moment–both for our own well-being and to be of service to our clients.

Using principles and techniques from the RISE model and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we’ll discuss strategies you can use to help your clients navigate the present moment, in accordance with their values and histories. You’ll leave this training with tools to support populations targeted by the current administration, help clients manage uncertainty, and practice self of the therapist work that allows you to be ethical and effective in these difficult times.

About the Presenter: Erica R. Turner, MS, LMFT is the owner of Rosewater Therapy, as well as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Couple and Family Therapy program at the University of Maryland, College Park.  She advocates for mental health literacy and training through teaching, writing, and speaking, including co-hosting a wellness book review podcast, S* Your Therapist Reads. 

CEUs: Attendees will gain 3 hours of continuing education through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists (pending approval).

Learning Objectives: