Continuing Education Workshop Description:

In an increasingly polarized and socially complex world, psychotherapists are often called upon to navigate the intersection of clinical practice, social justice, advocacy, and professional ethics. Whether responding to systemic oppression, supporting marginalized communities, or engaging in public discourse, therapists may wrestle with important questions: Where does our responsibility to advocate begin and end? How do we balance personal values with professional obligations? When might neutrality become ethically problematic, and when might advocacy compromise the therapeutic relationship?

This engaging and thought-provoking continuing education workshop explores the ethical complexities of being a socially engaged therapist while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Participants will examine the distinction between personal activism and professional advocacy, the ethical implications of therapist self-disclosure and public expression, and the challenges of navigating political and social issues within clinical practice. Special attention will be given to how power, privilege, cultural humility, and intersecting identities shape professional responsibilities.

Ultimately, this workshop invites clinicians to consider how they can remain socially engaged, ethically grounded, and respectful of professional boundaries while recognizing the broader social conditions that influence psychological well-being.

Continuing Education Workshop Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key ethical principles and professional standards relevant to social advocacy, political engagement, and the responsibilities of psychotherapists within and beyond the therapeutic relationship.
2. Differentiate between ethically appropriate professional advocacy and actions that may compromise therapeutic boundaries, client autonomy, or the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.
3. Analyze ethical dilemmas involving therapist self-disclosure, political expression, social justice advocacy, and competing personal and professional values, with particular attention to power dynamics and cultural considerations.
4. Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to clinical and professional scenarios involving social engagement, advocacy, and boundary management, while maintaining respect for client self-determination and diverse perspectives.