This introductory training provides psychotherapists with a comprehensive overview of stress—its physiological, psychological, and behavioral components—and equips them with practical, evidence-based tools to support clients in managing stress more effectively. Participants will explore the differences between acute and chronic stress, understand the stress response system, and examine how stress interacts with mental health conditions. The training will introduce a range of intervention strategies, including cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and mindfulness practices, with a focus on helping clients build resilience and develop sustainable coping skills.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the biological and psychological mechanisms involved in the human stress response.
- Identify the differences between acute and chronic stress and identify their potential impacts on mental health.
- Describe how to implement at least three evidence-based stress management techniques to support clients in reducing distress and enhancing resilience.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Understanding Stress and Its Impact
- What Stress Is and How It Shows Up
- Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Effects
- When Stress Becomes Chronic
Objective #2: The Body’s Stress Response
- Fight, Flight, Freeze Response
- Nervous System Activation
- Why the Brain Shifts Under Stress
Objective #3: Barriers to Managing Stress
- Automatic Reactions and Habits
- Difficulty Processing Information Under Stress
- The Role of Awareness
Objective #4: Practical Stress Regulation Strategies
- Breathing and Grounding Techniques
- Somatic and Body-Based Interventions
- Building Awareness and Regulation 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: April 30, 2026
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.
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