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• 2025 THE ART AND PRACTICE OF GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY

  • Start
    Wednesday, January 22, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, February 26, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Online WEBINAR
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Presenter:  Michael P. Frank, LMFT, AGPA-LF, CGP    therapy@michaelpfrank.com   
  phone:  818-679-7490   
  CEUs 12 units;  registration limit - 49 

  2 hour sessions on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm, on the following dates:  1/22/25, 1/29/25, 2/5/25, 2/12/25, 2/19/25, 2/26/25 (The program will be recorded so that members can access it if a session is missed.)

  Cost: Member - $95 | Non-Member - $135 | Student - $30

  COURSE DESCRIPTION:

  Adding to his highly successful class given in 2018 for CSCSW, Michael Frank weaves together the four modes of therapy group leadership, the phases of the therapy group development, and the underlying dynamics between group members and between the members and the leader.  Attention is paid to issues of diversity and how they are an essential part of the process of the group both internally and externally.  The course attends to both theoretical understanding and practical application throughout.  It will include didactic presentation, case examples, a live demonstration group, and discussion.

  LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  1. Identify the four modes of therapy group process.
  2. List the phases of group development.
  3. Apply W.S. Schutz's theory of internal conflicts to group therapy.
  4. Identify how countertransference and projective identification can be used diagnostically. 
  5. Explain how scapegoating occurs both in the group and in society at large.
  6. Identify the effects of historical racial, ethnic, and cultural oppression on group members. 
  7. List three characteristics of a successful termination.

  ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

  Michael P. Frank, MA, LMFT, AGPA-LF, CGP is a psychotherapist in private practice in Los Angeles, a Certified Group Psychotherapist, a Life Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, and Clinical Supervisor and Coordinator of the Group Therapy Program at Maple Counseling in Los Angeles. He has been leading therapy groups in his practice for 40 years.
  
  Michael has been an Institute Group leader at the AGPA Annual Conference since 2010. He has been the Practicum Coordinator for the Wagner Human Services Training Program at the University of Judaism, a clinical supervisor for the San Fernando Valley Counseling Center and the Antioch University Los Angeles Counseling Center, and is a regular guest lecturer in group therapy at the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. He supervises therapists who are working towards becoming Certified Group Psychotherapists and teaches the Principles of Group Psychotherapy course.
  
  Michael is a past president of the Los Angeles Group Psychotherapy Society (now the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles), and is a recipient of the American Group Psychotherapy Association Affiliate Societies Assembly Award and the LAGPS award for outstanding contribution to the advancement of group psychotherapy. He currently serves on the International Board for Certifying Group Psychotherapists and, in 2021, he was recognized by that board for “exceptional contributions to including diversity, equity and inclusion learning in our recertification requirements and advancing creative, new ways for group therapists to access the consultation/supervision opportunities they need and deserve”. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles.
  
  At Maple Counseling, Michael trains and supervises group therapy interns who co-lead five therapy groups. These groups include a group for gay men and a group for LGBTQ+ folks. He also supervises a group of interns who treat individual adults. He was a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee from its inception in 2020 until it was incorporated into the general clinical staff in 2023. Maple Counseling is a non-profit community counseling center.
  
  Michael currently runs two psychodynamic/interpersonal process groups in his private practice. He also sees individual adults and the occasional couple.
  
  In his previous career, Michael was an elementary school teacher in the Los Angeles public school system. He was a music specialist, a math and computer specialist, and a classroom teacher. He taught at predominately Latinx and Black schools as well as culturally and racially diverse schools.
  
  Little-known facts: Michael is a talented photographer who has exhibited in galleries. He is also a skilled craftsman who has completely rebuilt three kitchens and remodeled three houses including building some of the furniture. He has a life-long addiction to reading Science Fiction and is currently not in recovery.

  Contact: Ingrid Chung Nishimoto | ingrid@ingridnishimototherapy.com

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• Law & Ethics | Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Social Work: Emerging Ethical and Risk Management Issues (Dr. Frederic Reamer)

  • When
    Sunday, February 09, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Location
    Online ZOOM

  Register

  ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR -  WILL BE RECORDED
  

  Costs: Member - $95.00 | Nonmember - $135.00 | Student - $30   
  Presenter:  Dr. Frederic Reamer     
  CEUs: This workshop qualifies for 3 CEUs of the 6 CEUs required by BBS for Law and Ethics

  (A second 3 hour Law & Ethics workshop on The Ethical Care of Your Practice and Yourself: Creating Your Therapist’s Professional Will will be held on April 26, 2025 - - click here for information)

  Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in clinical social work. AI is being used to conduct client risk assessments; assist people in crisis; provide resources; strengthen prevention efforts; identify systemic biases in the delivery of social services; provide social work education; and predict social worker burnout and service outcomes, among other uses.

  This webinar will examine cutting-edge ethical issues related to clinical social workers’ use of AI; apply relevant ethical standards; and outline key elements of a strategy for social workers’ ethical use of AI. Join Dr. Frederic Reamer as he examines ethical issues and risks related to informed consent and client autonomy; privacy and confidentiality; transparency; potential client misdiagnosis; client abandonment; client surveillance; plagiarism, dishonesty, fraud, and misrepresentation; algorithmic bias and unfairness; and use of evidence-based AI tools.

  Learning Objectives:

  At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the ways in which artificial intelligence is being used in clinical social work.
  2. Identify ethical issues and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in clinical social work.
  3. Apply social work ethics standards.
  4. Develop ethics-informed policies and protocols to protect clients and social workers.

  ___________________________________________________________

  About the Presenter:

  

  Frederic Reamer has been on the faculty of the School of Social Work, Rhode Island College since 1983. His teaching and research focus on professional ethics, criminal justice, mental health, health care, and public policy. Dr. Reamer received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and has served as a social worker in correctional and mental health settings. He chaired the national task force that wrote the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Social Workers and served on the code revision task force. Dr. Reamer also chaired the national task force sponsored by NASW, the Association of Social Work Boards, Council on Social Work Education, and Clinical Social Work Association that developed standards governing social workers’ use of technology in professional practice. He has lectured nationally and internationally on social work and professional ethics, including in India, China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and in various European nations. His books include Risk Management in the Behavioral Health Professions: A Practical Guide to Preventing Malpractice and Licensing-Board Complaints; The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work; Social Work Values and Ethics; Risk Management in Social Work; The Social Work Ethics Casebook; Ethical Standards in Social Work; Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships in the Human Services; Ethics and Risk Management in Online and Distance Social Work; Moral Distress and Injury in Human Services; Heinous Crime: Cases, Causes, and Consequences; On the Parole Board: Reflections on Crime, Punishment, Redemption, and Justice: and The Social Work Ethics Audit, among others. Dr. Reamer has served as an expert witness in many court and licensing board cases throughout the United States. In 2016 Dr. Reamer was named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers for his "commitment and dedication to the social work profession and to the improvement of social and human conditions at the local, state, national, and international levels."

  This webinar meets the qualifications for 3.0 hours of Law & Ethics continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours. Cancellation Policy 14 days or more before event date: Full refund 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund 6 days or less before event date: No refund Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

  
  

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• Basics of Nonsuicidal Self Injury

  • When
    Thursday, February 20, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online WEBINAR
  • Registered
    21 registrants

  Register

  Presenters: Angela Caldwell & Robert Alexander Cabrera ONLINE ZOOM -  WILL BE RECORDED Costs: CSCSW Member: $39 | Nonmember (with CEUs): $69 | Student: $19 1 CEU

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  Description:

  This training will lay a foundation for understanding the basics of the self-injury population. Participants will learn about the typical clinical presentation, how to differentiate Non Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) from suicidal ideation, the difference between borderline and non-borderline NSSI, treatment failures, and treatment recommendations.

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  Learning Objectives:

  At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the typical clinical presentation of a non-suicidal self-injurer.
  2. Differentiate between non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal self-injury and distinguish between self-injury associated with borderline personality non-borderline self-injury.
  3. List treatment recommendations supported by the evidence base.

  ABOUT THE PRESENTERS Angela Caldwell is the Founder of Self Injury Institute and has been working with self-injurers and their families for two decades.  She also is the President of the family coaching group, Caldwell Family Institute, an adjunct professor at California State, Northridge, and a speaker covering a broad range of topics, including building a family identity, finding core values, parenting in the digital age, and understanding non-suicidal self-injury. Robert Cabrera is an Associate of Self Injury Institute and has been working with self-injurers and their families for several years. In addition, he currently is a therapist at Partnerships to Uplift Communities working with adolescents in the school setting.

  This ONLINE WEBINAR meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours. Cancellation Policy 14 days or more before event date: Full refund 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund 6 days or less before event date: No refund Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

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• The Magic Years of Selma Fraiberg: Clinical Social Work Pioneer--Clinician, Researcher, Author

  • When
    Thursday, March 13, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online WEBINAR

  Register

  Presenter: Joel Kanter, MSW, LCSW-C
  

  ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR - WILL BE RECORDED

  Costs:  CSCSW Member: FREE | Students: FREE
  Nonmember: $65 

  CEUs: 2.0

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  Description:

  Over a career of nearly forty years, Selma Fraiberg’s integration of social work, psychoanalysis and child development continues to have a profound impact. This presentation, using video excerpts and audio recordings, will outline her career arc: its beginning in group work with disadvantaged children, her untraditional training in psychoanalysis, her contributions to social work education, her recognition as an expert in child therapy and psychoanalysis, her work with congenitally blind children, her groundbreaking innovations in infant mental health and, of course, her prolific writings in psychoanalytic and social work journals, literary and popular magazines, including her classic work, The Magic Years.

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  Learning Objectives:

  At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify Selma Fraiberg’s impact on both social work, psychoanalysis and child development.
  2. Identify Fraiberg’s skills in effectively communicating lessons from clinical social work practice to the general public.
  3. Discuss why helping at-risk mothers and infants requires an integration of social work and psychotherapeutic interventions.

  Workshop Logistics: After registering you will receive a link to the ZOOM WEBINAR.   Closed Captioning available ABOUT THE PRESENTER Joel Kanter, MSW, LCSW-C is in private practice of psychotherapy and clinical case management in Silver Spring, Maryland. Recognized as a Distinguished Practitioner by the National Academy of Practice in Social Work, he is an Instructor in Psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine and is a Consulting Editor of the Clinical Social Work Journal. He serves on the Board of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work. He has published over 40 articles and book chapters—many on community care of persons with severe mental illness–in diverse social work, psychoanalytic and psychiatric journals. His major publications include Coping Strategies for Relatives of the Mentally Ill (NAMI, 1984), Clinical Studies in Case Management (Jossey-Bass, 1995), and Face to Face with Children: The Life and Work of Clare Winnicott (Karnac, 2004).

  This is a District Meeting coordinated by the Mid-Peninsula District
  

  This DISTRICT MEETING meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours. Cancellation Policy 14 days or more before event date: Full refund 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund 6 days or less before event date: No refund Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

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• In-person | Los Angeles Networking Event (FREE)

  • When
    Wednesday, March 26, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Everson Royce Bar 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

  Register

  The date for this event is Wednesday, March 26, 2025 

  Join us for an evening of networking with fellow social workers and mental health providers. Learn about the CSCSW, make some business connections and network with peers. Bring your business cards. 

  **Light appetizers and no-host bar will be provided** 

  There is street parking and valet parking available.

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• Midpeninsula District Social Gathering and Networking

  • When
    Friday, March 28, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Mid Peninsula TBD (address will be provided after registration)

  Register

  In-person Gathering for Social Work Month | Midpeninsula District Networking and Social

  Friday, March 28 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  Local Member's Home (address will be given out when you register)

  Register Early: Space limited to 40 people

  Join us for a gathering of local members and guests to say "hello", network, and recognize Social Work Month. Learn about CSCSW, make some business connections, and network with peers. Bring your business cards. 

  **Light appetizers and drinks will be provided**

  
  
  For questions, contact Joan Berman: berman.joan@gmail.com
  
  

   

  
  

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• Understanding Excessive Worry: Theory & Therapy Strategies

  • When
    Monday, April 07, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online WEBINAR

  Register

  Presenter: Katie Fracalanza, PhD
  

  ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR

  Costs:  CSCSW Member: FREE | Students: FREE
  Nonmember: $65 

  CEUs: 1.5

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  Description:

  In this workshop, Katie Fracalanza, PhD, explains the Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) theory and how research based on IU informs therapy practices that can help calm worry and anxiety. Dr. Fracalanza describes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches for improving high levels of worry and discusses how these principles may be implemented in day-to-day life. She highlights the effects of CBT strategies based on both research studies and observations from her clinical practice as a psychologist.

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  Learning Objectives:

  At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Define and explain generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
  2. Be able to describe how intolerance of uncertainty (IU) contributes to the development and maintenance of worry.
  3. Develop behavioral exposures to uncertainty tailored for clients diagnosed with GAD.

  Workshop Logistics: After registering you will receive a link to the ZOOM WEBINAR.   Closed Captioning available ABOUT THE PRESENTER Katie Fracalanza is a licensed clinical psychologist, Clinical Associate Professor within Stanford University’s School of Medicine, and Clinic Director of the California Psychology Center. Her area of expertise is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies (EBT) for worry, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression.

  This is a District Meeting coordinated by the Mid-Peninsula District
  

  This DISTRICT MEETING meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours. Cancellation Policy 14 days or more before event date: Full refund 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund 6 days or less before event date: No refund Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

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• Law & Ethics | The Ethical Care of Your Practice and Yourself: Creating Your Therapist’s Professional Will

  • When
    Saturday, April 26, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Location
    Online ZOOM

  Register

  ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR -  WILL NOT BE RECORDED
  

  Costs: Member - $95.00 | Nonmember - $135.00 | Student - $30   
  Presenter:  Ann Steiner, PhD, LMFT, CGP, AGPA-F    
  CEUs: This workshop qualifies for 3 CEUs of the 6 CEUs required by BBS for Law and Ethics

  Covid and the increase in natural disasters have been a wakeup call and reminder that we all, regardless of age, health and socio-cultural location, need to have backup systems in place.  Illnesses, retirement, relocation and sudden emergencies happen. Plus, the Ethics Codes for every discipline require that you have a Professional Will. This This hands-on Law and Ethics workshop helps you plan who will contact patients if you cannot, and ways to minimize the impact of your absence on your patients, colleagues, and community.  

  All levels of experience welcome!

  Learning Objectives:

  At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. List 3 common problems and complications created for patients when the therapist cancels, is ill, or dies.
  2. List 3 important criteria for selecting backup/ Emergency Response Team members.
  3. Analyze when and whether it is appropriate to be self-disclosing regarding the therapist's health, reasons for canceling sessions and termination, factoring in differences in these areas: social-economic, power, privilege, racial, cultural differences, as well as cultural differences in beliefs and attitudes toward death and dying that exist in their clinical practice.

  ___________________________________________________________

  About the Presenter:

  Ann Steiner, PhD, LMFT, CGP, AGPA-F has led the charge in bringing this important and frequently neglected issue to the attention of therapists throughout the US and internationally. She has published over twenty articles, been cited in many additional publications, and since 1999 has spoken about and presented workshops on the important yet taboo topic of preparing for the illness, death, relocation and retirement of psychotherapists. Her eBook on this topic, The Psychotherapist’s Professional Will: Handbook for Managing Planned and Unplanned Absences from Practice, released in 2025.

  This webinar meets the qualifications for 3.0 hours of Law & Ethics continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours. Cancellation Policy 14 days or more before event date: Full refund 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund 6 days or less before event date: No refund Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

  
  

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• EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LICENSURE IN CALIFORNIA: THE BBS SPEAKS

  • When
    Saturday, May 10, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR
  • Spaces left
    1166

  Register

  Get Informed About Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in California!

  Direct from the source: Join us on May 10, 2025, for a 2-hour live event where you’ll learn everything you need to know about becoming a licensed social worker in California! The staff of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) will present a comprehensive overview of the licensing process, including how to register as an Associate Social Worker (ASW), steps for earning supervised experience, and information about the exams required for licensure. They will also provide updates on recent changes to coursework requirements. This is a great opportunity to get the answers you need directly from the experts at BBS!

  Please forward this announcement to share this FREE event with others.  

  THIS EVENT WILL BE RECORDED AND WILL BE POSTED ON THE CSCSW WEBSITE HOMEPAGE ONCE THE RECORDING IS PROCESSED

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  BBS Panel:

  Shari Brunner

  Shari Brunner has been with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since March of 2024. She is the Lead ASW Analyst and also serves as the out-of-state APCC evaluator.

  Carl Peralta

  Carl Peralta is the Registration Manager for the Board of Behavioral Sciences and has been with the Board since 2014. Prior to his current role, Carl served as the lead analyst for the Licensing Unit from 2022 to 2024 and as the lead analyst for the LMFT Unit from 2018 to 2022.

  Sasha Addison

  Sasha Addison has been with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2016 and has been the lead analyst for the LCSW Unit since 2022.

  Martin Gamez

  Martin Gamez has been with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2019 and has been an LCSW evaluator since 2022.

  Lisa Cigelske

  Lisa Cigelske is the LCSW/LPCC team manager. She has been with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2015. Lisa has worked in a variety of units and has a well-rounded knowledge of the entire licensing process.

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  For information: Donna Dietz, CSCSW Administrator - info@clinicalsocialworksociety.org

  Day of contact: Ingrid Chung Nishimoto |  ingrid@ingridnishimototherapy.com

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