Upcoming Trainings

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): An Introduction to Evidence-Based Treatment for Young Children and Families

Presenter: Sara Stephens, LPC-S

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment designed for young children exhibiting disruptive behaviors and for caregivers seeking to strengthen parent-child relationships. This introductory course provides an overview of the theoretical foundations, core components, treatment phases, and clinical applications of PCIT. Participants will gain an understanding of how live coaching and structured parent-child interactions promote positive behavior change and improve family functioning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the history and development of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.
2. Identify the target populations and presenting concerns commonly treated using PCIT.
3. Explain the two primary phases of PCIT.
4. Recognize the role of live coaching in treatment implementation.
5. Discuss the evidence supporting PCIT as an effective intervention for children and families.

$25

1 NBCC Live-Synchronous Hour via TEAMS

Walking Through the DSM-5-TR: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Clinicians 

Presenter: Sara Stephens, LPC-S

The DSM-5-TR serves as the primary diagnostic resource for mental health professionals in the United States, yet many clinicians report feeling overwhelmed by its organization, diagnostic criteria, and clinical application. This course provides a practical walkthrough of the DSM-5-TR, helping clinicians understand its structure, use diagnostic criteria effectively, distinguish between common mental health disorders, and avoid frequent diagnostic errors. Participants will gain confidence navigating the manual while integrating ethical and culturally responsive diagnostic practices.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the structure and organization of the DSM-5-TR.
2. Navigate major diagnostic categories within the manual.
3. Apply diagnostic criteria to clinical case scenarios.
4. Differentiate between commonly confused diagnoses.
5. Identify cultural and contextual factors influencing diagnostic decisions.
6. Utilize DSM-5-TR tools and specifiers effectively.

$75

3 NBCC Live-Synchronous Hours via TEAMS

AutPlay Therapy: An Introduction to Neurodiversity-Affirming Play Therapy Interventions

Presenter: Sara Stephens, LPC-S

AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity-informed, play therapy framework designed to address the mental health, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. This introductory course provides an overview of the AutPlay model, its theoretical foundations, key therapeutic components, and common interventions used with autistic and other neurodivergent clients. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of how play-based interventions can support emotional regulation, social development, and family connection.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose and development of the AutPlay Therapy model.
2. Identify populations commonly served through AutPlay Therapy.
3. Explain the theoretical foundations supporting AutPlay interventions.
4. Recognize core components and goals of the AutPlay approach.
5. Describe basic AutPlay interventions that support emotional, behavioral, and social development.

$25

1 NBCC Live-Synchronous Hour via TEAMS

Ethical Decision-Making in Crisis Situations: Balancing Client Welfare, Legal Obligations, and Professional Ethics

Presenter: Sara Stephens, LPC-S

Counselors are often called upon to make rapid decisions during crises involving suicide risk, homicidal threats, abuse, neglect, and other situations where client safety is at risk. This training explores ethical decision-making models, legal obligations, documentation practices, and consultation strategies that support sound clinical judgment while protecting client welfare and counselor liability.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify ethical obligations when responding to crisis situations.
2. Apply ethical decision-making models to complex clinical dilemmas.
3. Differentiate between confidentiality and exceptions to confidentiality.
4. Recognize appropriate responses to suicide risk, homicidal threats, and mandated reporting situations.
5. Implement effective documentation and consultation practices to support ethical decision-making.

$75

3 NBCC Live-Synchronous ETHICS Hours via TEAMS