Addressing Therapists' Concerns about Clients' Risky and Dangerous Behaviors
Therapists frequently encounter significant challenges when working with clients who exhibit risky or suicidal behaviors, which can evoke intense fear and concern. Recent research highlights that these fears often stem from potential client harm, legal and ethical ramifications, and feelings of professional inadequacy (Brennan et al., 2019). Such fears can lead to increased stress, burnout, and avoidance behaviors, potentially compromising the therapeutic alliance and quality of care (Barnett & Hillard, 2020). This presentation critically reviews the prevalence and impact of these fears on therapists, drawing on contemporary quantitative and qualitative studies.
Furthermore, this presentation outlines advanced strategies to mitigate these concerns, including the implementation of robust risk assessment protocols, regular supervision, peer support, and ongoing professional development. Studies indicate that structured risk assessment tools, such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), can significantly enhance therapists' confidence and competence in managing high-risk clients (Gipson et al., 2020). Additionally, fostering a supportive professional environment through supervision and peer consultation has been shown to alleviate feelings of isolation and fear, promoting a culture of open communication and continuous improvement (Hom et al., 2018).
By addressing the root causes of therapists' fears and providing practical, evidence-based solutions, this presentation aims to enhance the therapeutic experience for both clients and practitioners. It seeks to contribute to better mental health outcomes and professional satisfaction through critical analysis and the integration of advanced clinical practices.
https://nefesh.org/workshops/Navigatingthe2024/viewFREE WEBINAR
Navigating the Edge:
Addressing Therapists' Concerns about Clients' Risky and Dangerous Behaviors
Monday, March 24, 2025, 10:00 AM EDT - 1:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Elan Javanfard
Course Length: 3 Hours
Learning Objectives:
- Critically analyze and articulate the complex fears and concerns therapists experience when working with clients exhibiting risky or suicidal behaviors, considering potential client harm, legal and ethical ramifications, and feelings of professional inadequacy.
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in utilizing structured risk assessment tools, such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), to comprehensively evaluate clients risk levels, and synthesize this information to inform clinical decision-making.
- Develop, implement, and critically evaluate strategies for integrating supervision and peer support into clinical practice to mitigate personal fears, enhance clinical effectiveness, and foster a supportive and collaborative professional environment.
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
Therapists frequently encounter significant challenges when working with clients who exhibit risky or suicidal behaviors, which can evoke intense fear and concern. Recent research highlights that these fears often stem from potential client harm, legal and ethical ramifications, and feelings of professional inadequacy (Brennan et al., 2019). Such fears can lead to increased stress, burnout, and avoidance behaviors, potentially compromising the therapeutic alliance and quality of care (Barnett & Hillard, 2020). This presentation critically reviews the prevalence and impact of these fears on therapists, drawing on contemporary quantitative and qualitative studies.
Furthermore, this presentation outlines advanced strategies to mitigate these concerns, including the implementation of robust risk assessment protocols, regular supervision, peer support, and ongoing professional development. Studies indicate that structured risk assessment tools, such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), can significantly enhance therapists' confidence and competence in managing high-risk clients (Gipson et al., 2020). Additionally, fostering a supportive professional environment through supervision and peer consultation has been shown to alleviate feelings of isolation and fear, promoting a culture of open communication and continuous improvement (Hom et al., 2018).
By addressing the root causes of therapists' fears and providing practical, evidence-based solutions, this presentation aims to enhance the therapeutic experience for both clients and practitioners. It seeks to contribute to better mental health outcomes and professional satisfaction through critical analysis and the integration of advanced clinical practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Critically analyze and articulate the complex fears and concerns therapists experience when working with clients exhibiting risky or suicidal behaviors, considering potential client harm, legal and ethical ramifications, and feelings of professional inadequacy.
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in utilizing structured risk assessment tools, such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), to comprehensively evaluate clients risk levels, and synthesize this information to inform clinical decision-making.
- Develop, implement, and critically evaluate strategies for integrating supervision and peer support into clinical practice to mitigate personal fears, enhance clinical effectiveness, and foster a supportive and collaborative professional environment.
Agenda:
Outline:
Introduction and Overview (20 minutes)
- Welcome and Introductions
- Overview of the Presentation Objectives
- Relevance to Orthodox Jewish Therapists
Session 1: Understanding Therapists' Fears (40 minutes)
- The Nature of Therapists' Fears
- Potential for Client Harm
- Legal and Ethical Ramifications
- Feelings of Professional Inadequacy
- Impact of Fears on Therapists
- Stress and Burnout
- Avoidance Behaviors
- Compromised Therapeutic Alliance
- Interactive Discussion: Sharing Experiences and Concerns
Break (10 minutes)
Session 2: Risk Assessment Protocols (40 minutes)
- Importance of Risk Assessment in Therapy
- Introduction to Structured Risk Assessment Tools
- Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Other Relevant Tools
- Demonstration and Practice
- Case Studies and Role-Playing Exercises
- Q&A Session
Session 3: Supervision and Peer Support (40 minutes)
- The Role of Supervision in Mitigating Fears
- Regular Supervision Practices
- Benefits of Peer Consultation
- Building a Supportive Professional Environment
- Creating a Culture of Open Communication
- Peer Support Groups and Networks
- Interactive Exercise: Setting Up a Peer Support Group
Break (10 minutes)
Session 4: Ongoing Professional Development (30 minutes)
- Importance of Continuous Learning and Development
- Training Programs and Workshops
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Specialized Courses for High-Risk Clients
- Resources for Professional Development
- Books, Articles, and Online Courses
- Discussion: Identifying Personal Professional Development Goals
Session 5: Cultural Considerations and Sensitivity (30 minutes)
- Understanding Cultural and Religious Contexts
- Specific Concerns and Challenges for Orthodox Jewish Therapists
- Integrating Cultural Sensitivity into Risk Assessment and Intervention
- Case Studies
- Discussing Culturally Relevant Scenarios
- Strategies for Culturally Sensitive Interventions
- Group Discussion: Sharing Cultural Insights and Experiences
Conclusion and Q&A (20 minutes)
- Summary of Key Points
- Addressing Final Questions and Concerns
- Feedback and Evaluation
- Providing Additional Resources and Contacts for Further Support
References and Handouts (10 minutes)
- Distribute a list of References and Recommended Readings
Handouts of Risk Assessment Tools and Supervision Guidelines
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
- 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.
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0048.
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
- 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. - NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
- NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.