Addressing Implicit Bias in the Clinical Relationship and Mandated Reporting

This live and interactive workshop provides 1 CEU in Implicit Bias, and 1 CEU in Implicit Bias in Mandated Reporting.

Implicit biases are unconscious attitudes and stereotypes which can impact a number of areas in the clinical relationship, including: how much eye contact therapists make with clients; the amount of energy we put out to serve clients; who we advocate for; who we believe; who gets helped and hurt by our services; client length in treatment and clinical outcomes.

Topics covered in this portion of the presentation include: the definition of implicit bias; how to become aware of your blind spots; research-based strategies for turning implicit bias into explicit bias; a strength-based counseling approach for addressing implicit bias.

In the second hour, we will explore how implicit bias may impact our responsibilities as mandated reporters. According to research, the majority of the cases of suspected child abuse and neglect go unreported by mandated reporters.

Topics covered in this presentation include: criteria for suspected child abuse and neglect; reasons mandated reporters do not report suspected child abuse and neglect, how to overcome the barriers; the role implicit bias plays in reporting suspected abuse and neglect; professional boundaries and reports of suspected abuse and neglect; how self-care impacts reporting of suspected abuse and neglect; and how to make a report and remain a therapeutic ally with the family.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the presentation on implicit bias you will be able to:

• Recognize the differences between conscious and unconscious bias.
• Articulate how implicit bias develops.
• Use research to reduce your implicit bias.
• Turn implicit bias into explicit bias.
• Make greater connections with clients cross culturally.
• Utilize a strength-based counseling approach to address implicit biases in the clinical relationship

By the end of the presentation on implicit bias in mandated reporting, participants will be able to:

• Define child abuse and neglect.
• Do the documentation of suspected child abuse and neglect
• Examine reasons you might be hesitant to report suspected abuse and neglect as a mandated reporter.
• Use strategies to help assure your implicit biases do not negatively impact your reporting of suspected abuse and neglect.
• Establish healthy boundaries with families.
• Continue to partner with families to help bring about positive change after a report has been filed.

Please register by Tuesday, December 3, 2024.