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Presenter: Roberta Wasserman LCSW-C
CEUs: Category 1 | 3.0
This professional training addresses the growing phenomenon of family estrangement and the ethical complexities it presents in clinical practice. As more individuals seek therapeutic support for estrangement-related distress, clinicians must navigate the ethical principles of beneficence (promoting client well-being) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm) with care and nuance. This intermediate level training explores how to ethically support clients while considering the multifaceted impact of family dynamics, potential harms, and relational outcomes. Participants will engage in a thoughtful exploration of the increasing prevalence of family estrangement and its connection to the rise in mental health services. Through a review of relevant definitions, ethical principles, and clinical case complexities, attendees will examine how to ethically balance individual and relational needs. Emphasis will be placed on applying ethical decision-making models to real-world scenarios and on evaluating risks and benefits in both individual and systemic contexts. Case examples and interactive discussion will support clinicians in identifying and addressing potential ethical dilemmas with cultural sensitivity and professional integrity.
Workshop Objectives:
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Agenda:
Recommended Reading:
About the Presenter:
Roberta Wasserman, LCSW-C is a trauma-informed therapist, coach, and consultant with over two decades of clinical experience. As the founder of Healthwaves Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting, she specializes in family estrangement, grief, trauma, and couples work. Roberta draws from both personal and professional insight in her work, offering a uniquely compassionate and informed perspective. She is a Certified Family Estrangement Coach, trained by Dr. Josh Coleman, a pioneer in the field, and a Certified Grief Educator through renowned expert David Kessler. Roberta is also fully trained in the Gottman Method, with specializations in couples counseling, addiction, trauma, and affair recovery. In her practice, Roberta advocates for the well-being of children within the family system and supports clients through complex relational dynamics. She facilitates virtual support groups for individuals navigating estrangement, separation, divorce, and widowhood. Prior to the Pandemic she facilitated support groups for Alienated Grandparents Anonymous.
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