Question 1

RELATIONAL CHARTING (TM): STRATEGIES & PRACTICES (CORE ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

Do you want to learn some strategies for writing clients' notes in under 5 minutes that are brief, meaningful, and ethical?  Then this training is for you!This training has been described by many as highly valuable, intense, and fast-paced. An ethics event with Dr. Dawn McBride is packed with ample information dedicated to helping you refine your session note style so you can make your notes even more ethical, useful, and efficient (ideally, written in under 5 mins.). Yes! It can be done!Examples in the training will be focused on adult, one-to-one work with limited reference to working with couples, groups, and/or youth/parents (these are topics covered in the advanced ethics modules).Anyone is welcome to this training. Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 2

RELATIONAL CONSENT(TM): FORM & PROCESSES (CORE ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

In this core ethics training event, you will learn that obtaining consent goes way beyond having a client sign a form! This training has helped many participants update their consent forms and refine how they seek consent. As many participants powerfully noted on their exit feedback forms, "consent is so much more than getting a client's signature"!In this jam-packed training, we will examine how to convey that consent is about educating your clients about their rights. In addition, we will identify many consent topics that, if conveyed to the client in a meaningful way, might prove quite valuable when navigating the complexities and dilemmas we face in the counselling world.Examples in the training will be focused on adult, one-to-one work with limited reference to working with couples, groups, and/or youth/parents (these are topics covered in the advanced ethics modules).Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 3

THERAPISTS ENTERING THE LEGAL WORLD (ADVANCED ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

Most counsellors never expect to interact with the legal system—until they receive a subpoena, a court order, or a request for a client's file. This advanced specialty ethics module explores practical approaches to navigating these situations while balancing client confidentiality, professional responsibilities, and ethical decision-making. This training is not intended for expert witnesses or for professionals who must present formal assessments in court.We'll discuss examples from counselling practice, explore different perspectives, and examine the reasoning for responding to requests for client information and involvement with the legal system. This specialty module was developed by Dr. Dawn McBride and may be presented by Dawn, members of the Dawn Psychological Services training team, or both. Participants are encouraged to adapt the content to their own practice setting, regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment. Because every audience brings unique experiences and questions, each offering evolves naturally; however, topics commonly explored include:✔ Responding to subpoenas, court orders, and other legal requests✔ Tips when testifying as a fact witness✔ Strategies for protecting client information and advocating for privilege when responding to legal requests✔ Practical wording, documentation strategies, and consent considerationsThe training is currently offered online as a 3-hour module with one rest break.PREREQUISITE TRAINING: This advanced specialty module is only open to participants who have completed Part 1: Relational Charting™ and Part 2: Relational Consent™ within the past three (3) years. This training is designed for front-line helping professionals working in counselling and related settings across Canada.Please NoteTo avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, students currently enrolled in the University of Lethbridge Counsellor Education programs are asked not to register for Dawn Psychological Services training events.This workshop is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning rather than prescribe a single "correct" approach. Participants are encouraged to take what fits, adapt what makes sense, and leave the rest, while considering their own regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment.Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 4

WHEN SAFETY BECOMES A CONCERN (ADVANCED ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

This advanced module will address your questions about the documentation of risk of harm to self or others and/or the disclosure of abuse. Time will be devoted to an open discussion of the ethical challenges of consent and documentation when helping clients who present as high risk or disclose abuse. This is for frontline counsellors who have a general practice and have taken basic suicide assessment and prevention training.  Dawn will share her overall ethical and therapeutic stance when working with high-risk clients and a protocol to follow when there is a duty to report. She will examine actions a counsellor could take to minimize harm to the therapeutic relationship in these circumstances.There will be a focus on when a minor discloses abuse and the need to promote care, safety, transparency, minimize harm, and stay in our own lane of competency when handling this situation.The training is currently offered online as a 3-hour module with one rest break.PREREQUISITE TRAINING: This advanced specialty module is only open to participants who have completed Part 1: Relational Charting™ and Part 2: Relational Consent™ within the past three (3) years. This training is designed for front-line helping professionals working in counselling and related settings across Canada.Please NoteTo avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, students currently enrolled in the University of Lethbridge Counsellor Education programs are asked not to register for Dawn Psychological Services training events.This workshop is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning rather than prescribe a single "correct" approach. Participants are encouraged to take what fits, adapt what makes sense, and leave the rest, while considering their own regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment.Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 5

WHEN RELATIONSHIPS GET COMPLICATED (ADVANCED ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

Group or couple therapy have unique–often challenging–complex issues related to consent and documentation. This training has two foci.In the focus on couple counselling, Dr. Dawn will share a long list of recommendations to help counsellors navigate the many ethical dilemmas that can emerge when helping couples meet their goals for change, and she will invite an open discussion on ethical issues in couples therapy. Time will also be spent on examining documentation issues and file management.In the focus group counselling, Dr. Dawn will discuss the unique consent and documentation issues associated with group counselling. Strategies to make the note-taking process more efficient for group therapists will be offered, along with a discussion of the various ethical issues inherent in group counselling.The training is currently offered online as a 3-hour module with one rest break.PREREQUISITE TRAINING: This advanced specialty module is only open to participants who have completed Part 1: Relational Charting™ and Part 2: Relational Consent™ within the past three (3) years. This training is designed for front-line helping professionals working in counselling and related settings across Canada.Please NoteTo avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, students currently enrolled in the University of Lethbridge Counsellor Education programs are asked not to register for Dawn Psychological Services training events.This workshop is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning rather than prescribe a single "correct" approach. Participants are encouraged to take what fits, adapt what makes sense, and leave the rest, while considering their own regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment.Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 6

WHEN THE CLIENT IS A MINOR (ADVANCED ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

Working with youth and families often requires navigating situations where there isn't a single "right" answer. This advanced specialty ethics module explores practical approaches to common consent and documentation dilemmas encountered in counselling practice. (Please note that this training does not focus on assessment or legal-related services.)We'll discuss examples from clinical practice, explore different perspectives, and examine the clinical reasoning behind complex consent and documentation decisions. This specialty module was developed by Dr. Dawn McBride and may be presented by Dawn, members of the Dawn Psychological Services training team, or both. Participants are encouraged to adapt what fits their own practice setting, regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment. Topics commonly explored include:✔ Approaching consent before meeting with a youthDivorced or separated parentsAbsent or unavailable caregiversHigh-conflict family situationsSafety concerns
✔ Thinking through youth consent and parental involvement when ethical responsibilities overlap✔ Managing documentation when working with parents and youthWhat belongs in the youth's file?What belongs in the parent's file?When might information belong in both?
✔ Documenting ...consent, confidentiality, parent communication, and clinical reasoning clearly; charting tips and sharing of some templates.PREREQUISITE TRAINING: This advanced specialty module is only open to participants who have completed Part 1: Relational Charting™ and Part 2: Relational Consent™ within the past three (3) years. This training is designed for front-line helping professionals working in counselling and related settings across Canada.Please NoteTo avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, students currently enrolled in the University of Lethbridge Counsellor Education programs are asked not to register for Dawn Psychological Services training events.This workshop is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning rather than prescribe a single "correct" approach. Participants are encouraged to take what fits, adapt what makes sense, and leave the rest, while considering their own regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment.

Question 7

REFINING YOUR SESSION NOTES (ADVANCED ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

This module will offer opportunities to dive more deeply into ways to refine your documentation and session notes practices to make them even more efficient, ethical and useful. There will be ample examples and practice exercises. Participants will be given Dawn's/DPS' letter template package to use in their practice. Dr. Dawn will offer her ideas of how to ethically respond to requests that require documentation of a client's suffering, such as victim impact statements;  letters for insurance purposes; and client requests to forward their file to their lawyer.  This module is NOT relevant for those who are in the role of completing formal assessments. The training is currently offered online as a 3-hour module with one rest break.PREREQUISITE TRAINING: This advanced specialty module is only open to participants who have completed Part 1: Relational Charting™ and Part 2: Relational Consent™ within the past three (3) years. This training is designed for front-line helping professionals working in counselling and related settings across Canada.Please NoteTo avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, students currently enrolled in the University of Lethbridge Counsellor Education programs are asked not to register for Dawn Psychological Services training events.This workshop is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning rather than prescribe a single "correct" approach. Participants are encouraged to take what fits, adapt what makes sense, and leave the rest, while considering their own regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment.Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 8

WHEN YOU ARE THE SUPERVISOR (ADVANCED ETHICS)

Accepted Answer

While professionally fulfilling and an important part of developing future generations of therapist, supervision can be a risky service to offer due to vicarious liability. This module will outline various consent topics to address prior to engaging in a supervisor-supervisee relationship. Dawn will share how she prepares her supervisees for the supervision journey,  and how she documents the supervision process. There will be open time to discuss the ethical challenges we face as supervisors.The training is currently offered online as a 3-hour module with one rest break.PREREQUISITE TRAINING: This advanced specialty module is only open to participants who have completed Part 1: Relational Charting™ and Part 2: Relational Consent™ within the past three (3) years. This training is designed for front-line helping professionals working in counselling and related settings across Canada.Please NoteTo avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, students currently enrolled in the University of Lethbridge Counsellor Education programs are asked not to register for Dawn Psychological Services training events.This workshop is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning rather than prescribe a single "correct" approach. Participants are encouraged to take what fits, adapt what makes sense, and leave the rest, while considering their own regulatory standards, workplace policies, and professional judgment.Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 9

EDUCATIONAL NETWORKING CIRCLES

Accepted Answer

These wonderfully supportive educational coaching circles.  These are offered several times a year, and many times Dawn doesn't even charge a fee. These small group (max. 3 to 10 participants), online educational coaching circles are informal/unstructured opportunities to discuss various ethical complexities associated with consent and documentation issues in the counselling profession. Each educational coaching group will be different since the group unfolds organically based on the needs and interests of the participants. Any topic related to consent and documentation that frontline counsellors face are welcome–including issues associated with supervisees, group members, couples, parents/youth, adult clients, and so on. This group educational coaching opportunity is offered as a one-time event and does not imply an ongoing educational coaching relationship with Dawn/DPS. The training is  offered online as a 1 to 2-hour sessions.

Question 10

GROUP THERAPY - COUNSELLING TRAINING: SURVIVE & THRIVE AS A GROUP THERAPIST USING PROCESS SKILLS

Accepted Answer

Have you ever been asked to run a group, or wanted to? Have you ever wondered why your past groups were so much work, and so little fun? IF YES, this workshop is for you! This counselling intervention PD workshop, offered over 3 days, is filled to the brim -full of experiential, hands-on learning and is led by Dawn and another  experienced trainer - such as registered psychologist Alyson Worrall.  It is a fantastic opportunity to learn and enhance group skills and discover new interventions. This training is offered by all of us sitting in a virtual, or in-person learning circle! As  literature for teaching group counselling stresses the need for experiential learning, this workshop limited to 20 helping professionals to ensure ample time for discussion and processing. The emphasis in this training will be the development and refinement of your process skills as it relates to stages of group development and attachment theory as well as some somatic experiencing trauma informed approaches.We will show you how group process skills integrate well with various counselling approaches (e.g., CBT, DBT, NT, etc.) and group themes (e.g., family violence groups, assertiveness groups, life skill groups, disordered eating groups, etc.).  It is a wonderful training.This workshop is open to anyone who is interested in group work.  Interested in learning more on our group therapy training? Follow this link: https://www.dawn-mcbride.com/group-therapy

Question 11

GROUP THERAPY - FORMING STAGE: INTRODUCTION - From Strangers to Safety: Facilitating the Forming Stage of Groups Through a Polyvagal Lens

Accepted Answer

Have you ever wondered why some groups connect quickly while other struggle? Descriptions: This interactive workshop invites participants to deepen their understanding of the forming stage of group development through experiential learning and reflection. Our approach begins the moment participants enter the training space. Rather than starting with didactic instruction on group theory, we first model practices that foster emotional safety, connection, inclusion, and regulation within a trauma-informed environment grounded in polyvagal theory. Participants will experience two distinct approaches to facilitating the first 60 minutes of a group counselling session, providing opportunities to reflect on how early group experiences shape safety, trust, and belonging. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will explore the ways group leaders influence group culture and members' experiences during the forming stage. Building on this experiential foundation, we connect participants' experiences to foundational group counselling literature and polyvagal-informed practice. Participants will develop practical strategies for understanding group processes, supporting emotional regulation, and fostering connection in group settings. Through discussion, reflective exercises, and collaborative activities, participants will examine how intentional facilitation during the forming stage can promote safety, engagement, and a sense of belonging.Particular attention will be given to facilitating groups with survivors of trauma, recognizing the importance of choice, empowerment, cultural responsiveness, and relational safety.Duration: Tends to run from 2.5 to 3 hours. This workshop is open to anyone who is interested in group work. Interested in learning more on our group therapy training? Follow this link: https://www.dawn-mcbride.com/group-therapy

Question 12

EXPANDING YOUR COUNSELLING INTERVENTION TOOLBOX - BE INSPIRED.

Accepted Answer

AN EXCITING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY - BE INSPIRED.In this applied, action filled, virtual workshop Dr. Dawn will open her counselling toolbox to answer counsellors' questions that often arise during her session notes training. Many of the interventions she lists on her session note  template will be addressed in this training.It is day filled with  interventions that you can use the very next day with your clients to  help promote insight and change from affective, body sensation,  cognitive, and behavioural domains, with emotional regulation, trauma-informed care, and attachment theory  integrated into her work.  Intervention activities may be drawn from the alphabet soup of  counselling theories including, but not limited to: ACT, CBT, DBT, SE,  SFT, TA. It will be an eclectic day.Dawn  will also make ample reference to how she uses props, metaphors, and  other expressive activities in her work. On the day of the training,  participants will be given a handout and a "shopping list' of  recommended props.  Opportunities to test run and/or debrief some of the  interventions may be integrated into the workshop.Although the  focus will mainly be on sharing activities to use in individual therapy  with clients  age 13 and older, many of the activities can be adapted  for groups, couples, and families.   Consult the latest schedule on the DPS website for the dates of this training.

Question 13

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS (EGO STATES) INTEGRATED WITH EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Accepted Answer

Transactional  Analysis  (TA) is one of Dawn's favourite therapies to use when working with  individuals, couples, and families. It is an engaging form of  therapy that offers simple visual strategies to promote insight and  change. Dawn finds it an entertaining form of therapy to use with clients–in the community, schools, organizations, and in healthcare settings. It is a very culturally sensitive form of therapy.In this  training, Dawn will share how she uses/adapts TA concepts in her practice in two  main areas:
1. EGO STATES USING EXPRESSIVE ARTS:   TA does a fantastic job outlining how ego states are a  metaphor to represent our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.  From  three different perspectives,  Dawn will demonstrate how she adapts/explains  ego states to clients using expressive arts (e.g., props, sand tray  work, & metaphors). We will examine, from a *TA lens, how  mental  wellness and dysregulation can be documented. This work will set the  stage to invite clients to become curious about the dynamics and  interactions between their ego states (*based on how Dawn understands/uses  TA). 
2. GAMES PEOPLE PLAY:  TA is well known for  documenting games people play (i.e., defense strategies) in an attempt  to get their needs met (e.g., such as to feel psychologically defended  or safe). A core game to know  is the amazing drama triangle (Karpman's  triangle).  Dawn will share how she presents this concept to clients. Ample  time will be spent examining the three habitual, psychological roles  people may take when under stress ("drama") and how these roles interact  (feeding the drama) and can sabotage healthy communication. The day will  conclude with a variety of strategies to teach clients how to avoid  accepting invites onto the drama triangle and how to jump off the drama  triangle when they become stuck on it.Consult the latest schedule posted on the DPS website for the date(s) of this training.

Question 14

THE MOST IMPORTANT SESSION - The First Session Tips & Strategies to Break Free of the Medical Model Approach.

Accepted Answer

As is the case with meeting anyone new, a therapist has only one chance to make a good first impression that will encourage a client to return for the second session! Creating a first session that lays the foundation for a strong working alliance going forward is of paramount importance. This very practical workshop will focus on techniques to create an environment in the first session that will help a client feel seen and heard while also ensuring basic issues have been addressed (e.g., family violence assessment, suicide-homicide risk). This training shifts the counsellor away from the power over method of using an intake form in the first session. Goal setting (and if you want, an intake) can be done once the client feels witnessed, heard, and supported by you. When Is This Training Offered?  This training is usually offered to agencies on a private contract basis. The learning objectives are developed in consultation with the agency requesting this training. Dawn's Schedule: Dawn will return to offering this training in 2024 on a private contract basis.

Question 15

TRAUMA: Therapeutic Assessment - Practical Strategies For Counsellors

Accepted Answer

In this workshop, Dr. Dawn will provide a detailed description of what trauma is and how to assess it from a variety of perspectives. There will be numerous demonstrations, and participants will have time to practice what they are learning using non-copyright forms (i.e., no fees for use). The demonstrations and practice sessions will enhance participants' informal assessment skills. In addition, Dr. Dawn will discuss how these assessment tools can be used as interventions. When Is This Training Offered?  This training is usually offered to agencies on a private contract basis. The learning objectives are developed in consultation with the agency requesting this training. Dawn's Schedule: Dawn will return to offering this training in 2024 on a private contract basis.

Question 16

TRAUMA: Helping Victims of Trauma and Accidents Heal - FOUR WORKSHOPS

Accepted Answer

Below are four options for workshops addressing this topic. The learning objectives for each are provided.When Is This Training Offered?  This training is usually offered to agencies on a private contract basis. The learning objectives are developed in consultation with the agency requesting this training. Dawn's Schedule: Dawn will return to offering this training in 2024 on a private contract basis.  WORKSHOP 1: Trauma-informed Care–Core Issues, Assessing Impact, and Frameworks 1.Define and explain the “3 Fs”, as they  relate to the definition of trauma. 2.Describe the common symptoms and difficulties related to experiencing trauma. 3.Describe three frameworks to understand traumatic reactions (acute & chronic) and/or the impact of trauma. 4.List at least three, no-cost, self-report assessment measures to learn more about the impact of trauma on a person’s life and to measure recovery from the trauma.5.From an organizational perspective, describe what trauma-informed care means by identifying four (4) guiding assumptions (the 4Rs) and six (6) guiding principles. In addition, provide examples of how trauma-informed care can help develop trauma-sensitive practices (e.g., schools, medical offices, counselling sites).WORKSHOP 2: Trauma Healing -Resourcing, Emotional Regulation, & Post-traumatic Growth  1.Describe two trauma counselling frameworks (i.e., emotional regulation model drawing upon sympathetic/parasympathetic theory & the three-stage model of treatment).2.Describe the critical importance and ethical necessity of focusing on stabilization, crisis management,  and emotional regulation prior to debriefing the trauma story.3.Describe several core counselling activities to help the client re-establish a sense of safety and positive resource states.4.List three self-report instruments (no cost) to assess and promote post-traumatic growth.5.Identify several issues and questions to consider when implementing a trauma-informed approach to care. WORKSHOP 3: Resourcing Positive States & Managing Traumatic Arousal 1.Identify emerging practice standards when working with people who have experienced trauma.2.List several qualities/characteristics that are essential for helpers to demonstrate when working with people affected by trauma, including the necessity of having a calm, regulated state when helping a traumatized client who is in a highly-activated state (e.g., highly anxious, judgemental, irritable).3.Describe several strategies to help clients stay in, or return to, their window of tolerance when they are participating in intake sessions and debriefing their trauma experiences.4.Describe various trauma tools to reduce traumatic arousal symptoms (e.g., body memories, nightmares, flashbacks).5.List several strategies helpers can use to reduce and/or manage the impact of trauma exposure on themselves. WORKSHOP 4: Specific Treatment Strategies & Issues(After Achieving Stabilization, Resourcing Positive States, & Managing Traumatic Arousal)  1.Identify several trauma healing practices when working with First Nations.2.Identify why guided breathing practices, mindfulness exercises, and yoga can sometimes be highly activating for those who have experienced trauma, and list several strategies to reduce these risks. 3.Describe several counselling approaches/strategies to promote post-traumatic growth.4.List several strategies teachers, parents, and/or spouses can use to help those who have been impacted by trauma.5.Describe several counselling approaches/strategies to address and promote healing around the specific traumatic event(s).

Question 17

MAXIMIZING COMPASSION SATISFACTION AND AVOIDING COMPASSION FATIGUE/BURNOUT: Meeting Our Ethical Duty to Care For Ourselves

Accepted Answer

An experiential workshop, using metaphors, discussion questions, PPT material, and creative expressive art to reduce the impact of listening to stories of pain. Sample topics include: (a) assessing counsellor wellness(b) discussing common symptoms for stress-related exhaustion & when it becomes too much(c) "hemorrhaging of the self" - examining burnout (Maslach & Leiter's work)(d) naming the demands that can put our emotional well-being at risk(e) completing and debriefing various assessment measures(f) reviewing self-care activities: before, during, and after shifts(g) enhancing compassion satisfaction(h) being emotional regulated (around staff, clients, and family)-what that means and looks like(i) rebuilding our compassion(j) knowing our arousal states and how these impact our work with our clients(k) expanding our window of tolerance to stay compassionate and curious with "red" clients(l) learning to regulate your nervous system so you are not held hostage by someone else's nervous system (Rothschild)(m) developing an action plan to enhance and protect the "helping" spiritWhen Is This Training Offered?  This training is usually offered to agencies on a private contract basis. The learning objectives are developed in consultation with the agency requesting this training. Dawn's Schedule: Dawn will return to offering this training in 2024 on a private contract basis.

Question 18

EMDR & TAPPING:  Preparing Clients To Receive EMDR and Borrowing Concepts from EMDR to Help Stabilize Clients.

Accepted Answer

EMDR is a powerful resource for working with clients who have experienced trauma. While formal training in EMDR is required before a therapist can use EMDR as an intervention, there are many techniques from EMDR that can be used by a therapist to help prepare clients for EMDR or to assist clients to return to an emotionally regulated state.

This workshop will explain what EMDR is and how differences in training (American vs Canadian training) can affect a client's experience of EMDR. It will also explain TAPPING and how this is used to strengthen a client's inner resources.

When Is This Training Offered?  This training is usually offered to agencies on a private contract basis. The learning objectives are developed in consultation with the agency requesting this training.

Dawn's Schedule: Dawn will return to offering this training in 2024 on a private contract basis.

Question 19

ESCAPE HATCHES: Navigating Dual Roles with Counselling Clients

Accepted Answer

Navigating the moments when professional and personal worlds unexpectedly intersect.Description: Dual relationships are rarely black and white. Whether you unexpectedly encounter a client in your community, supervise someone you also employ, or discover a personal connection outside the therapy room, these situations can leave even experienced clinicians questioning the best path forward.This engaging, case-based training is designed to help counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, supervisors, and students confidently navigate the ethical complexities of dual and multiple relationships. Rather than relying on rigid rules, you'll learn a structured approach to ethical decision-making that helps you slow down your thinking, recognize power dynamics, assess risks, and make decisions you can confidently explain, document, and defend.Through real-world scenarios, interactive discussions, ethical quizzes, and practical tools, you'll gain strategies you can immediately incorporate into your practice.In this training, you'll learn how to: Recognize common and often overlooked dual-role situations before they become ethical problems.Evaluate benefits, risks, alternatives, power dynamics, and conflicts of interest.Apply the B.R.A.I.N.E. Framework, a practical model developed by Dawn McBride to support thoughtful ethical decision-making.Determine when a dual role should be avoided, when it may be ethically manageable, and when consultation is essential.Strengthen informed consent conversations and documentation practices.Create practical "escape hatch" plans and agency procedures for managing unexpected encounters outside the therapy room.Build defensible decision-making processes that align with professional standards and prioritize client well-being.Whether you work in private practice, an agency, a school, healthcare, supervision, or a small community where overlapping relationships are inevitable, this training will provide practical tools to help you navigate ethical complexity with greater confidence, clarity, and accountability.Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Welcome!

2026 Training Events

Recognizing our connection to the University of Lethbridge and to avoid any perceived conflict of interests, our trainings are reserved for those who do not attend the U of L. Thank you for your understanding.

Overview
Of Our Trainings

Visual Representation of DPS's Deepening Your Ethical Knowledge

& Other PD offerings for Counsellors

The frequency as to when these trainings are offered tend to be limited - sometimes just once a year.

FYI - If you are interested in our Advanced Ethics Module,
you must complete both of our Core Ethics Issues in Consent & Charting
before being eligible for the Specialty Modules.

2027 TRAINING SUMMARIES

RELATIONAL CHARTING (TM): STRATEGIES & PRACTICES (CORE ETHICS)

RELATIONAL CONSENT(TM): FORM & PROCESSES (CORE ETHICS)

THERAPISTS ENTERING THE LEGAL WORLD (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN SAFETY BECOMES A CONCERN (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN RELATIONSHIPS GET COMPLICATED (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN THE CLIENT IS A MINOR (ADVANCED ETHICS)

REFINING YOUR SESSION NOTES (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN YOU ARE THE SUPERVISOR (ADVANCED ETHICS)

EDUCATIONAL NETWORKING CIRCLES

GROUP THERAPY - COUNSELLING TRAINING: SURVIVE & THRIVE AS A GROUP THERAPIST USING PROCESS SKILLS

GROUP THERAPY - FORMING STAGE: INTRODUCTION - From Strangers to Safety: Facilitating the Forming Stage of Groups Through a Polyvagal Lens

EXPANDING YOUR COUNSELLING INTERVENTION TOOLBOX - BE INSPIRED.

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS (EGO STATES) INTEGRATED WITH EXPRESSIVE ARTS

THE MOST IMPORTANT SESSION - The First Session Tips & Strategies to Break Free of the Medical Model Approach.

TRAUMA: Therapeutic Assessment - Practical Strategies For Counsellors

TRAUMA: Helping Victims of Trauma and Accidents Heal - FOUR WORKSHOPS

MAXIMIZING COMPASSION SATISFACTION AND AVOIDING COMPASSION FATIGUE/BURNOUT: Meeting Our Ethical Duty to Care For Ourselves

EMDR & TAPPING: Preparing Clients To Receive EMDR and Borrowing Concepts from EMDR to Help Stabilize Clients.

ESCAPE HATCHES: Navigating Dual Roles with Counselling Clients

In Case You Want To Know...

Subscribe to Our PD Newsletter

Welcome!

​2026 Training Events

Recognizing our connection to the University of Lethbridge and to avoid any perceived conflict of interests, our trainings are reserved for those who do not attend the U of L. Thank you for your understanding.

Overview Of Our Trainings

Visual Representation of DPS's Deepening Your Ethical Knowledge

& Other PD offerings for Counsellors The frequency as to when these trainings are offered tend to be limited - sometimes just once a year.

FYI - If you are interested in our Advanced Ethics Module, you must complete both of our Core Ethics Issues in Consent & Charting before being eligible for the Specialty Modules.

2027 TRAINING SUMMARIES

RELATIONAL CHARTING (TM): STRATEGIES & PRACTICES (CORE ETHICS)

RELATIONAL CONSENT(TM): FORM & PROCESSES (CORE ETHICS)

THERAPISTS ENTERING THE LEGAL WORLD (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN SAFETY BECOMES A CONCERN (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN RELATIONSHIPS GET COMPLICATED (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN THE CLIENT IS A MINOR (ADVANCED ETHICS)

REFINING YOUR SESSION NOTES (ADVANCED ETHICS)

WHEN YOU ARE THE SUPERVISOR (ADVANCED ETHICS)

EDUCATIONAL NETWORKING CIRCLES

GROUP THERAPY - COUNSELLING TRAINING: SURVIVE & THRIVE AS A GROUP THERAPIST USING PROCESS SKILLS

GROUP THERAPY - FORMING STAGE: INTRODUCTION - From Strangers to Safety: Facilitating the Forming Stage of Groups Through a Polyvagal Lens

EXPANDING YOUR COUNSELLING INTERVENTION TOOLBOX - BE INSPIRED.

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS (EGO STATES) INTEGRATED WITH EXPRESSIVE ARTS

THE MOST IMPORTANT SESSION - The First Session Tips & Strategies to Break Free of the Medical Model Approach.

TRAUMA: Therapeutic Assessment - Practical Strategies For Counsellors

TRAUMA: Helping Victims of Trauma and Accidents Heal - FOUR WORKSHOPS

MAXIMIZING COMPASSION SATISFACTION AND AVOIDING COMPASSION FATIGUE/BURNOUT: Meeting Our Ethical Duty to Care For Ourselves

EMDR & TAPPING: Preparing Clients To Receive EMDR and Borrowing Concepts from EMDR to Help Stabilize Clients.

ESCAPE HATCHES: Navigating Dual Roles with Counselling Clients

In Case You Want To Know...

Subscribe to Our PD Newsletter

2026 Training Events

Overview
Of Our Trainings

& Other PD offerings for Counsellors

The frequency as to when these trainings are offered tend to be limited - sometimes just once a year.

FYI - If you are interested in our Advanced Ethics Module,
you must complete both of our Core Ethics Issues in Consent & Charting
before being eligible for the Specialty Modules.