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Description
This engaging and self-reflective 3-hour CEU training is designed for mental health professionals who struggle with over-accommodation, avoidance of conflict, or difficulty saying "no" in the therapeutic relationship. Grounded in ethical codes (e.g., NASW, APA), interpersonal neurobiology, and countertransference theory, this course will help clinicians identify how their own people-pleasing patterns may affect client care, professional integrity, and boundary clarity. Through experiential exercises, real-world vignettes, and practical tools, therapists will learn to uphold ethical standards while maintaining self-awareness and self-compassion.
About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common ethical dilemmas that arise from people-pleasing behavior in therapeutic practice.
- Recognize signs of boundary blurring rooted in over-identification or avoidance of conflict.
- Explore the role of countertransference and attachment styles in ethical decision-making.
- Apply frameworks for ethical self-reflection and corrective action when boundaries are compromised.
- Utilize practical strategies for setting compassionate and clear boundaries with clients, colleagues, and systems.
Agenda:
0:00 – 0:15 (15 min)
Welcome & Overview
Introduction to people-pleasing as a professional liability
CE requirements and objectives
0:15 – 0:50 (35 min)
Module 1: The People-Pleasing Therapist – Origins & Impacts
Understanding the roots: childhood roles, attachment dynamics, fawn response
How people-pleasing shows up in clinical work
Ethical red flags: overextending, unclear fees/scheduling, blurred boundaries
0:50 – 1:30 (40 min)
Module 2: Ethics in Action – Codes, Conflicts & Countertransference
Review of relevant ethical codes (e.g., NASW, ACA, APA)
Case vignettes: dual relationships, gift giving, over-availability, client over-dependence
The role of guilt, fear, and self-worth in therapist behavior
Interactive Activity: Mapping your own ethical “triggers”
1:30 – 1:40 (10 min)
Break
1:40 – 2:20 (40 min)
Module 3: Reclaiming Boundaries with Compassion
Boundaries as a trauma-informed and ethical necessity
Scripts and strategies for saying no, setting limits, and repairing ruptures
Supporting client disappointment and managing your internal discomfort
Practice Exercise: Boundary setting role-plays (client cancellations, fee discussions, session limits)
2:20 – 2:50 (30 min)
Module 4: Rewriting the Pleaser Narrative
Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed view of the pleaser part
Journaling and guided reflection: Who are you protecting? What are you afraid will happen?
Cultivating the therapist's self: Boundaried, ethical, attuned
2:50 – 3:00 (10 min)
Wrap-Up & Post-Test
Final reflections, Q&A
Knowledge check for CE credit
Resource packet: reflection worksheet, ethical decision-making tools, boundary-setting scripts
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.
- 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.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- 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
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- 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
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a CeYou! Plus! seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform CeYou! Plus! ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by CeYou! Plus! is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program