Summary
Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is the most significant tool in the healing process. While ethics trainings often emphasize procedural steps on developing this relationship, fewer address the personhood of the mental health professional and how their own histories shape thier work. This essential workshop for psychologists, licensed mental health professionals and ministry leaders will explore how the therapist’s personal story, including attachment patterns, past traumas, and resilience, can influence clinical practice. Attendees will recognize their own vulnerabilities to absorbing secondary traumatic stress and trauma-based responses that may emerge during sessions. A toolkit of strategies will be provided for in- the- moment regulation, post-session recovery, and attachment priming. By increasing awareness of their internal landscape, attendees will be better equipped to regulate effectively, maintain ethical boundaries, and provide more effective counseling alliances.
Learning Objectives
Describe the overlap of attachment styles, trauma responses, and triggers in the context of the therapeutic relationship
Identify potential ethical boundary issues in therapeutic settings
Apply strategies to reduce professional helper’s risk of absorbing secondary traumatic stress and negative impact on personal relationships