One of my favorite things to do in private practice, besides working with my lovely clients, is continuing education. Even though I’ve been in the field for over 20 years, I’m always striving to get better. My clients come to me with a range of concerns and treatment preferences, so keeping up with research and best practices is crucial. In this blog post, I’m sharing a few upcoming things I’m excited to be reading, learning, and attending. This blog is for therapists, students, or those interested in a look behind the scenes of counselor continuing education.
Reading Books
I’m currently reading the book “Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations From Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Allies” by Sara Easterly, Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and Lori Holden. Many clients I work with have been adopted or are parents of adopted children (or both!). While adoption is not part of my story, I work with many people who struggle with the impacts of adoption on their identity or family.
This book is hot off the press- just released in 2024- and is thoughtful and inclusive. The authors center the experiences of those closest to the center of the adoption constellation. A must-read if you work with people in the adoption community. Check it out here.
Attending Trainings
I’m attending a training this Friday, February 23, 2024, titled “Prolonged Exposure: Trauma Treatment with Considerations for Racial Trauma.” Held by Rogers Behavioral Health in Denver, this in-person training is geared toward intermediate-level practitioners. Because I work a lot with trauma, continuing to learn new skills in this area is key. And what a gift to be able to network with other providers!
If you are in the Metro Denver area, check out this training here.
Watching Webinars
In addition, every month I’m watching webinars from the amazing trove of educational opportunities through the Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center. This is a completely free digital library of engaging nationwide content from the thought leaders at Pathlight. Topics focus on the assessment and treatment of eating, mood, and anxiety disorders. Later this month, I plan on watching a training on “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Mood, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders.”
Whether you are a student, a new therapist, or an advanced practitioner, there is something for everyone. Check out the options on Pathlight’s website here.
Reading Journals
Of course, no discussion of therapist continuing education is complete without mentioning journals! Two of my favorites are “Counseling Today” from the American Counseling Association and the “Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling.”
Keeping up with research, trends, and best practices is critical to providing high-quality care. I love taking this time on my own to focus on my learning. Additionally, sometimes my clients specifically ask about the research, and having access to the latest information through journals and professional organizations is helpful.
Registering for Conferences
Lastly, this month I’m registering for the Annual Rosenberry Conference, held by Children’s Hospital Colorado. Scheduled for May, the conference is on “Pediatric Anxiety: Exploring Innovative Evidence Based Treatments.”
In 2020, 12% of U.S. youth ages 3 to 17 were reported as having experienced anxiety or depression, up from 9% in 2016. This data, from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT report, matches the increase of kids I’m seeing in my private practice with anxiety and depression symptoms. I’m looking forward to this year’s conference to learn new tools to support kids.
More information about the conference, offered in-person and online, is on the Children’s Hospital Colorado website.
In closing, counselor continuing education is an integral part of providing quality care to those we serve. I’m grateful to have so many fantastic partners, friends, and resources to collaborate, consult, and learn with. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to keep learning.
If you want to learn more about me and what I do, check out my website or email [email protected].
