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Going Back to Basics: The Importance of Authenticity and the Assessment of Stress (Recorded)

Previously Recorded
Jessica Hasson, PhD
$59.99

The therapist is the most important tool in mental health treatment. However, the modern focus on clinical techniques over the therapeutic relationship has led some to neglect the most important tool in our toolbox; ourselves. This workshop discusses how therapists can bring their whole selves into the room. This includes practical strategies for therapists to enhance their self-awareness and authenticity, referencing foundational research by Carl Rogers. Strategies discussed including self-reflection, ways to embrace our imperfections, and the importance of seeking out critical feedback through consultation and personal therapy. The latter part of the training focuses on assessing client stressors with care and nuance—emphasizing rapport-building over quick solutions. By understanding each client’s unique context, therapists can tailor interventions more effectively and compassionately.

About the Presenter

Jessica Hasson, PhD, is licensed as a psychologist in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. She is able to provide psychological services in 40 states and two jurisdictions in the United States via PSYPACT. She specializes in psychological assessment, including psychological evaluations, psychoeducational evaluations, and forensic evaluations. She has presented over 50 times at state, national, and international psychology conferences and has published book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles on assessment.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to identify three possible stressors that clients experiences that could impact therapeutic progress
  2. Participants will be able to list three practices they can engage in to help be more authentic with their clients.
  3. Participants will be able to discuss Roger’s theory of therapeutic change and identify the three factors necessary for therapeutic change

Agenda:
Agenda: 1. Introduction – This is what we will cover (15 minutes) a. The focus in mental health has shifted away from the strength of the therapeutic connection to a focus on the techniques we rely on b. This may have been done in an effort to appear more “science” or “evidence based” c. The research says the best tool in our toolbox is us i. Discuss how to bring ourselves into the treatment room ii. Review traditional ideas about self-disclosure and self-involving statements and suggest a possible update d. Recognize that stress and distress arising from a variety of courses impacts functioning as well. As a result, some of the techniques may not work if the stress/distress if from certain stressors (e.g., poverty, intergenerational trauma, active trauma). i. Review of Maslow’s expanded hierarchy of needs ii. Discussion of possible stressors that may impact therapy 2. Sharpening your best tool: You! (1.25 hours) a. Review the research on therapeutic effectiveness b. Common denomination: us! i. Review of Roger’s research c. How to be our Authentic Selves i. Self Understanding ii. The Shadow Self – We have flaws iii. Examining our Masks iv. Assess your own actions, not your words d. Continued Work on Being Authentic i. Consultation with others who challenge you 1. Get outside of your echo chamber ii. Therapy 1. Want to be challenged. 3. Assessment of Stressors (1.25 hours) a. Review Maslow’s Expanded Hierarchy of Needs i. Not actually a pyramid ii. People can get “stuck” on a step iii. Importance of analyzing why the person is “stuck” b. Importance of Understanding the Client’s Stressors i. Stressors in their control vs. out of their control ii. Are you asking them to “appropriately” cope with trauma 1. Are you and the client recognizing it may be trauma? iii. These can be other factors that impact rapport, as the client may not feel understood c. How to Assess Client’s Stressors i. Avoid the jump to techniques – slow down and develop rapport 1. Case example ii. Get to know your client 1. Helps to identify what tools/techniques may work best with your client 2. Weave in techniques to see how they work & for therapeutic benefit iii. Work with the clients on areas of need, collaborate frequently 4. Concluding Thoughts & Questions (15 minutes)

This workshop offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
    CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.