Category: Law and Ethics Category: Law and Ethics (show less) Other: Washington Other: Washington (show less)

Too often, we read that counselors are sanctioned for sexual misconduct. While sexual dynamics of any sort can be complicated, Counselor-Client sexual dynamics can put your job at risk, and leave a career hanging by a thread. In this presentation, Frances Schopick, JD, MSW invites attendees to gain familiarity with a range of dynamics that can result in such sanctions. We will consider the unintentional sexualization of the therapy space, hormonal responses to gratitude from feeling “heard” for the first time, triangulation and client responses to authority, sexual attraction that feels like “true love,” and predation. Anyone can be at risk for these dynamics. In fact, your greatest risk may be thinking you’re not at risk! Join Fran Schopick for an interactive presentation that aims to give attendees a chance to contemplate factors that may create unwanted vulnerability, as well as resources that may be protective to manage risk.
Objectives:

• Attendees will gain awareness of WA State laws, regulations, and sanctions pertaining to sexual misconduct.
• Attendees will gain familiarity with relevant Codes of Ethics and ethical implications of sexual relations with current and former clients.
• Attendees will be able to identify risk factors and safeguards correlated with therapist/client sexual interactions.