This is a foundational workshop for psychotherapists seeking to expand their approach to working with clients who use substances. This webinar explores harm reduction as a compassionate, client-centered framework that prioritizes safety, autonomy, and incremental change over rigid abstinence-based models. You will learn practical strategies for reducing harm, fostering engagement, and addressing substance use in a nonjudgmental, collaborative manner. Through case studies, discussion, and experiential exercises, you will gain confidence in applying harm reduction principles to support clients in making meaningful progress toward their self-defined goals while maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify the keys components of harm reduction
- Identify how to introduce harm reduction to clients
- Implement therapeutic strategies that are harm-reduction based
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Identify the keys components of harm reduction
- Defining harm reduction
- Principles: Client autonomy and nonjudgment
- The role of compassion
Objective #2: Identify how to introduce harm reduction to clients
- Meeting clients where they are
- Stages of change
- Normalizing the validity of harm reduction
Objective #3: Implement therapeutic strategies that are harm-reduction based
- Psychoeducation
- Motivational interviewing skills
- Decision-making skills
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: July 17, 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 2hrs Clinical 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.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com