Supporting Non-Monogamous Clients in Therapy
$80 | 3 CEUs | Virtual
$80 | 3 CEUs | Virtual
This workshop will support clinicians on reflecting on their existing skills and approaches and considering how they can be adapted to working supportively with non-monogamous clients.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Date: TBD
Time: 9 a.m. - Noon ET
Program Cost: $70
Delivery: Synchronous Virtual Classroom via Zoom
As polyamory and other forms of non-monogamous relationships become increasingly more visible, mental health professionals are likely to encounter more clients whose ideas about relationships fall outside of societal norms. For clinicians who may have little exposure to these styles of relating, there may be apprehension, uncertainty, and fear around how to provide affirming care without “messing up,” “saying the wrong thing,” or “looking like they don’t know what they’re doing.” These concerns are normal, and when approached with curiosity and humility, can become part of a healthy self-reflective process that is beneficial to both clinicians and clients.
This workshop, designed for mental health professionals who are new – or newer – to working with non-monogamy, will provide basic foundational information about these relational models, validate common clinician concerns, and highlight ethical considerations when working with this population. Participants will be guided through self-reflective exercises to explore personal biases, and provided handouts for ongoing self-check-ins. Through sample language, case examples, and small group discussion, attendees will gain confidence in their ability to engage with non-monogamous clients from an affirmative, non-pathologizing stance - while using their existing clinical skills to help promote healing.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this program participants will learn how to do the following, related to working with non-monogamous clients:
- Identify common clinical challenges and ethical considerations that therapists encounter in working with this population
- Ask curious non-pathologizing questions to build rapport
- Use initial and ongoing self-reflection exercises to evaluate personal biases
- Begin to incorporate existing therapeutic skills into work with a new population
This program designed primarily for social workers and other mental health professionals working in outpatient therapy settings with adult individuals, couples, or other relational structures. Social workers in related roles who want to increase their cultural and relational awareness may also find the workshop helpful.
Instructor:
Jessica Williams, MSS, LCSW (she/her) is a 2017 graduate of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, and the owner of Oak & Evergreen Therapy, a Delaware-based solo private practice. She works with individuals, couples, and extended relationship structures, with a focus on supporting anxious people-pleasers, LGBTQIA+ clients, and those navigating polyamory and other non-traditional relationships. Jessica has presented for Bryn Mawr over the past several years, and enjoys public speaking and educating alongside her clinical work.
Cost | CEUs
Program Cost: $80
CEUs: 3
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON