This course focuses on the ethics of setting boundaries not just with clients—but with systems. Therapists often
face pressures from agencies, institutions, or leadership that can lead to ethical strain, role conflict, and burnout.
This workshop provides practical strategies for ethical self-advocacy, rooted in the NASW Code of Ethics, and
addresses dual loyalty, vicarious trauma, and systems-based harm in clinical environments.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Analyze ethical tensions that arise when organizational demands conflict with clinical ethics.
- Describe the impact of role strain and dual loyalty on clinician well-being and client care.
- Apply an ethical decision-making framework to real-world workplace dilemmas.
- Evaluate how ethical self-advocacy supports integrity, social justice, and service within complex systems.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Analyze ethical tensions that arise when organizational demands conflict with clinical ethics.
- Identify common examples of ethical strain in agency and institutional work.
- Explore how systemic pressure impacts documentation, productivity, and treatment decisions.
- Discuss the role of ethical reflection in navigating workplace dilemmas.
Objective #2: Describe the impact of role strain and dual loyalty on clinician well-being and client care.
- Define dual loyalty and its effects on ethical practice.
- Recognize the signs of ethical distress and vicarious harm.
- Examine how burnout and boundary violations emerge from unaddressed role conflicts.
Objective #3: Apply an ethical decision-making framework to real-world workplace dilemmas.
- Introduce models for ethical reasoning and decision-making.
- Practice applying frameworks to examples involving supervision, policy, and client advocacy.
- Reflect on your role within systems and how to navigate misalignment with values.
Objective #4: Evaluate how ethical self-advocacy supports integrity, social justice, and service within
complex systems.
- Explore relevant NASW Code of Ethics principles (service, integrity, social justice).
- Identify pathways for ethical advocacy within organizational structures.
- Develop a personal statement or boundary script to support aligned practice.
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Ethics continuing education training.
Instructor: Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C
Recording Date: July 12, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Ethics continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com