Boundary Crossings and Boundary Violations: Avoiding the Slippery Slope
Sep
10
9:00 AM09:00

Boundary Crossings and Boundary Violations: Avoiding the Slippery Slope

A ride home in an unexpected snow storm, spontaneous self-disclosure, a small gift for a client who is graduating from college… not all boundary “crossings” are harmful, unethical, or illegal. Yet, almost every harmful boundary violation started with a series of boundary crossings.

This engaging and interactive training will explore the ethical and clinical considerations involved in navigating professional boundaries with clients. Participants will examine decision-making frameworks for evaluating boundary dilemmas, and discuss real-world examples that go beyond simplistic "right versus wrong" thinking by exploring the nature, significance and context of the boundary.

Through audience polling, small-group discussion, and case analysis, participants will strengthen their ability to recognize risk factors, apply ethical decision-making processes, and maintain dynamic and authentic professional relationships that support client well-being while avoiding the slippery slope toward boundary violations. Please be prepared to have camera-on whenever possible and ready to interact with other participants.

This webinar is hosted by NASW Washington, taught by Lara Okoloko, and fulfills the professional roles and boundaries requirements (2 CEs).

Course Goals

1. Increase participants' understanding of professional roles, boundaries, and ethical responsibilities in clinical social work practice.

2. Strengthen participants' ability to evaluate complex boundary situations using ethical decision-making and professional integrity.

Register with NASW
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CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions
Sep
25
to Oct 16

CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions

  • Google Calendar ICS

This CRAFT training for providers is 4 live virtual sessions, in a small group setting for the benefit of interaction with your instructor and practice with classmates. Classes take place on four Fridays, Classes take place on four Fridays from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: beginning September 25, 2026.

Register
“Lara has a natural flow to her style of teaching that allows the group to engage in, and be a part of, the learning experience.”
— 2023 participant

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. You will have access to a virtual classroom with learning materials and demonstration videos. This course is seeking approval for 13 CEUs from NASW Washington.

In service to accessibility of training in evidence based practices, reduced cost tickets are available to students, associate-level clinicians, and people working in community mental health. Email for a discount code.

Discount also available to people registering as part of a group of 3 or more. Take this class with a co-worker and support each other in implementing new practices with your clients!

Refunds: Full refunds can be requested until 14 days before the first day of the live training, if the course has been unused. After that time, you can get a credit for a future training if you can not attend the training you are registered for. Classes are not recorded and partial CEUs can not be issued.

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Adapting CRAFT for Groups
Nov
19
9:00 AM09:00

Adapting CRAFT for Groups

 This advanced workshop is designed for clinicians and facilitators who have completed foundational CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) training and are ready to apply it in a group setting.

Participants will learn how to adapt the CRAFT model for group work, with a focus on group structure, engagement strategies, and facilitation challenges, while adhering to fidelity to the CRAFT model. 

Topics covered include creating an engaging and respectful group milieu, fostering a sense of universality and group cohesion, and addressing common facilitation challenges. Participants will receive a customizable group facilitation guide and adaptable participant handouts to support immediate use.

Meets on Zoom. $100. Three (3) hours of continuing education is offered.

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Boundaries Start With Us
Dec
9
12:00 PM12:00

Boundaries Start With Us

Boundaries start with us: developing a sense of a grounded and boundaried self

Since “we are the tools of our trade,” our ability to both be appropriately boundaried with our clients and teach our clients to be healthily boundaried in their interpersonal relationships, “good boundaries” starts with us. Not us as the clinician, but first as a self.  

This boundaries and roles workshop will draw from a number of theoretical orientations to create a vibrant and diverse approach to self-inquiry about boundaries and the self. We will then turn our attention to how to use this self awareness and self development to strengthen our work with our clients. 

This workshop is designed to be engaging, exploratory and experiential. Come ready to reflect and connect with other therapists and clinical social workers (this is not a webinar and will not be recorded - be ready to have camera on whenever possible). 

This workshop is seeking 2 hours of continuing education from NASW-WA and will satisfy the “professional roles and boundaries” continuing education requirement (WAC 246-809-630).

Meets on zoom. $65.

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Adapting CRAFT for Groups
Apr
22
9:00 AM09:00

Adapting CRAFT for Groups

 This advanced workshop is designed for clinicians and facilitators who have completed foundational CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) training and are ready to apply it in a group setting.

Participants will learn how to adapt the CRAFT model for group work, with a focus on group structure, engagement strategies, and facilitation challenges, while adhering to fidelity to the CRAFT model. 

Topics covered include creating an engaging and respectful group milieu, fostering a sense of universality and group cohesion, and addressing common facilitation challenges. Participants will receive a customizable group facilitation guide and adaptable participant handouts to support immediate use.

Meets on Zoom. $100. Three (3) hours of continuing education is offered.

Learn more
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CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions
Feb
13
to Mar 13

CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions

  • Google Calendar ICS

This CRAFT training for providers is 4 live virtual sessions, in a small group setting for the benefit of interaction with your instructor and practice with classmates. Classes take place on four Fridays, Classes take place on four Fridays from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: February 20, 27, March 6 & 13, 2026.

Learn more & Register
“Lara has a natural flow to her style of teaching that allows the group to engage in, and be a part of, the learning experience.”
— 2023 participant

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. You will have access to a virtual classroom with learning materials and demonstration videos. This course is seeking approval for 13 CEUs from NASW Washington.

In service to accessibility of training in evidence based practices, reduced cost tickets are available to students, associate-level clinicians, and people working in community mental health. Email for a discount code.

Discount also available to people registering as part of a group of 3 or more. Take this class with a co-worker and support each other in implementing new practices with your clients!

Refunds: Full refunds can be requested until 14 days before the first day of the live training, if the course has been unused. After that time, you can get a credit for a future training if you can not attend the training you are registered for. Classes are not recorded and partial CEUs can not be issued.

View Event →
Adapting CRAFT for Groups
Oct
23
9:00 AM09:00

Adapting CRAFT for Groups

 This advanced workshop is designed for clinicians and facilitators who have completed foundational CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) training and are ready to apply it in a group setting.

Participants will learn how to adapt the CRAFT model for group work, with a focus on group structure, engagement strategies, and facilitation challenges, while adhering to fidelity to the CRAFT model. 

Topics covered include creating an engaging and respectful group milieu, fostering a sense of universality and group cohesion, and addressing common facilitation challenges. Participants will receive a customizable group facilitation guide and adaptable participant handouts to support immediate use.

Meets on Zoom. $100. Three (3) hours of continuing education is offered.

Register
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CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions
Sep
12
to Oct 3

CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions

This CRAFT training for providers is 4 live virtual sessions, in a small group setting for the benefit of interaction with your instructor and practice with classmates. Classes take place on four Fridays, Classes take place on four Fridays from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: September 12, 19, 26 & October 3, 2025.

This course has already started. Get on the newsletter list to see announcements of new classes.

“Lara has a natural flow to her style of teaching that allows the group to engage in, and be a part of, the learning experience.”
— 2023 participant

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. You will have access to a virtual classroom with learning materials and demonstration videos. This course is seeking approval for 13 CEUs from NASW Washington.

In service to accessibility of training in evidence based practices, reduced cost tickets are available to students, associate-level clinicians, and people working in community mental health. Email for a discount code.

Discount also available to people registering as part of a group of 3 or more. Take this class with a co-worker and support each other in implementing new practices with your clients!

Refunds: Full refunds can be requested until 14 days before the first day of the live training, if the course has been unused. After that time, you can get a credit for a future training if you can not attend the training you are registered for. Classes are not recorded and partial CEUs can not be issued.

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An introduction to Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): virtual training for Peer Specialists
Jun
11
11:30 AM11:30

An introduction to Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): virtual training for Peer Specialists

This 90 minute live interactive workshop will introduce you to the evidence-based practice of CRAFT: Community Reinforcement and Family Training. This workshop is sponsored by the Washington Healthcare Authority and is free to participants.

CRAFT is designed to assist the concerned loved ones of people with substance use disorders. This introduction will show how behavioral health providers can use the concepts from CRAFT in their work with patients with SUD and their families. This workshop is pending approval from the NASW Washington for 1.5 hours of continuing education.

Register
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An introduction to Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): virtual training for Mental Health Providers
Jun
11
8:30 AM08:30

An introduction to Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): virtual training for Mental Health Providers

This 90 minute live interactive workshop will introduce you to the evidence-based practice of CRAFT: Community Reinforcement and Family Training. This workshop is sponsored by the Washington Healthcare Authority and is free to participants.

CRAFT is designed to assist the concerned loved ones of people with substance use disorders. This introduction will show how behavioral health providers can use the concepts from CRAFT in their work with patients with SUD and their families. This workshop is pending approval from the NASW Washington for 1.5 hours of continuing education.

Register
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An introduction to Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): virtual training for SUDPs
Jun
4
10:00 AM10:00

An introduction to Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): virtual training for SUDPs

This 90 minute live interactive workshop will introduce you to the evidence-based practice of CRAFT: Community Reinforcement and Family Training. This workshop is sponsored by the Washington Healthcare Authority and is free to participants.

CRAFT is designed to assist the concerned loved ones of people with substance use disorders. This introduction will show how behavioral health providers can use the concepts from CRAFT in their work with patients with SUD and their families. This workshop is pending approval from the NASW Washington for 1.5 hours of continuing education.

Register
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CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions
Jan
16
to Feb 27

CRAFT Provider Training - 4 sessions

  • Google Calendar ICS

This CRAFT training for providers is 4 live virtual sessions, in a small group setting for the benefit of interaction with your instructor and practice with classmates. Classes take place on four Thursdays from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: January 16 & 30 and February 13 & 27, 2025.

Register
“Lara has a natural flow to her style of teaching that allows the group to engage in, and be a part of, the learning experience.”
— 2023 participant

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. You will have access to a virtual classroom with learning materials and demonstration videos. This course is seeking approval for 13 CEUs from NASW Washington.

In service to accessibility of training in evidence based practices, reduced cost tickets are available to students, associate-level clinicians, and people working in community mental health. Email for a discount code.

Discount also available to people registering as part of a group of 3 or more. Take this class with a co-worker and support each other in implementing new practices with your clients!

Refunds: Full refunds can be requested until 14 days before the first day of the live training, if the course has been unused. After that time, you can get a credit for a future training if you can not attend the training you are registered for. Classes are not recorded and partial CEUs can not be issued.

View Event →
May
9
12:00 PM12:00

Psychiatry and Addictions Case Conference (UW PACC)

Psychiatry and Addictions Case Conference (UW PACC):  For providers in Washington to build the confidence and skills of providers who care for patients with mental and behavioral health conditions. Any community providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental health professionals) in Washington State are welcome to join the UW PACC series.


Thursday, May 9, 2024 12:00PM - 1:30PM PST

Topic: Leveraging Family in OUD Treatment

Speaker: Lara Okoloko, LICSW

Panelists: Mark Duncan, MD, Richard Ries, MD
 Kari Stephens, PhD  and Barb McCann, PhD --

Register (free)
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FREE In-person "taste of CRAFT" intro to CRAFT workshop
Apr
26
9:00 AM09:00

FREE In-person "taste of CRAFT" intro to CRAFT workshop

The NWATTC and YWCA are co hosting a workshop on Friday April 26th that is free to attend, at Edmonds CC. The topic is "a taste of CRAFT" and I am the workshop trainer!


This event is appropriate for therapists, recovery coaches, case managers, or others who might be interested in the area of treatment engagement and working with families experiencing addiction. 

REGISTER FOR FREE
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Dec
8
10:00 AM10:00

How Contagious Stigma Affects Our Work with People with SUDs and their Families

Instructor: Lara Okoloko, LICSW

Level: Intermediate

CEs: 3

Smith College, School for Social Work, Professional Education

Stigma against people with substance use disorders (SUDs) degrades the quality of services available for clients. This stigma also radiates out to the family and limits the informal social supports that families receive from their community, and the development and dissemination of quality services for families. Are we, as helping professionals, unwittingly contributing to the stigma these families face? If so, what can we do about it? How can we use what we already know about the value of unconditional positive regard, cultural humility and the family system to guide us forward and improve services for families experiencing a substance use disorder?

Weaving together wisdom from multiple theoretical orientations, this short course will challenge the outdated paradigm of codependency, detachment and confrontation to build a more validating, strength-based, theoretically-grounded base to work from when helping families survive a substance use disorder.

Register through Smith college
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CRAFT Provider Training
Sep
15
to Sep 29

CRAFT Provider Training

  • Google Calendar ICS

Each course series offers a series of virtual class meetings, with additional time to access and complete work in the virtual classroom, to give you both flexibility to complete work on your own time and the benefit of interaction with your instructor and practice with classmates.

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. Live synchronous class dates are on three Friday mornings from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: September 15, 22 & 29, 2023. You will have full access to a virtual classroom with learning materials, demonstration videos, and interactive quizzes to complete at your pace, for a total of 14 CEUs.

In service to accessibility of training in evidence based practices, reduced cost tickets are available to students, associate-level clinicians, and people working in community mental health. Email for a discount code.

Discount also available to people registering as part of a group of 3 or more. Take this class with a co-worker and support each other in implementing new practices with your clients!

This Program is seeking approval for for 14 CEUs for Licensed Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists by the Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work.

Refunds: Full refunds can be requested until 14 days before the first day of the training. After that time, you can get a credit for a future training if you can not attend the training you are registered for.

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Clinician CRAFT Training
Apr
26
to May 17

Clinician CRAFT Training

  • Google Calendar ICS

This training is for social workers, therapists, substance use disorder professionals, peer support workers, SUD treatment program managers, and other helping professionals who want to assist families through substance use related crisis. You do not need to be a family therapist or a SUD expert to learn CRAFT.  This is a full 14 hour approved introductory CRAFT training.

Each course series offers a series of virtual class meetings, with additional time to access and complete work in the virtual classroom, to give you both flexibility to complete work on your own time and the benefit of interaction with your instructor and practice with classmates.

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. Live synchronous class dates are on three Wednesday mornings from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: April 26, May 3, May 17, 2023. You will have full access to a virtual classroom with learning materials, demonstration videos, and interactive quizzes to complete at your pace, for a total of 14 CEUs.

In service to accessibility of training in evidence based practices, reduced cost tickets are available to students, associate-level clinicians, and people working in community mental health. Email for a discount code.

Discount also available to people registering as part of a group of 3 or more. Take this class with a co-worker and support each other in implementing new practices with your clients!

This Program is seeking approval for for 14 CEUs for Licensed Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists by the Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work.

Register
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Sep
20
10:00 AM10:00

"But I am not an expert!" Ethically responding to your clients' substance use

This course is hosted by Smith College continued education program.

Substance use disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders yet most social workers receive little training in how to respond to clients who may be experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol. Many social workers feel nervous about encountering addiction in their clients, but it cannot be avoided. Let’s reduce anxiety about discovering problematic substance use in your clients and increase your confidence about how to ethically and effectively address your clients’ substance use, whether or not you plan to provide “treatment” for risky or harmful substance use.

In this short course, participants will learn how to screen clients for substance use disorders and how to intervene in the context of the therapeutic relationship. Participants will consider how their responses to clients with substance use problems align with the NASW code of ethics, particularly the clients’ right to self-determination, considerations for termination of services and working within the bounds of our competence.

This course will cover:

  1. What is typical substance use and what is a substance use disorder.

  2. How to screen for substance use disorders using validated screening tools.

  3. How to therapeutically respond to your clients’ problematic substance use in the context of your work with them.

  4. How the NASW code of ethics can guide our work with people who have substance use disorders.

3 CEs available. Instructor: Lara Okoloko, LICSW

Register at Smith College
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Sep
9
to Sep 23

CRAFT training for therapists

Fall 2022 virtual training in CRAFT for professionals

This training is for social workers, therapists, substance use disorder professionals, peer support workers, SUD treatment program managers, and other helping professionals who want to assist families through substance use related crisis. You do not need to be a family therapist or a SUD expert to learn CRAFT.

Virtual training workshops are kept small so that you can benefit from an interactive and engaging learning environment. Live synchronous class dates are on the following Friday mornings from 9 am to 12:30pm PST: September 9th, 16th & 23rd, 2022. You will have full access to a virtual classroom with learning materials, demonstration videos, and interactive quizzes to complete at your pace, for a total of 14 CEUs.

Purchase your ticket
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May
10
12:00 PM12:00

Small group class series for therapists

Working with families impacted by someone's substance use problems 

Beginning May 10th, I will be hosting a monthly small-group series for clinical learning including demonstration, role-play and case discussion. Reading suggestions will be offered between each meeting, if desired. Please email me as soon as possible to hold your seat (my office is limited in size). CEUs are available and cost to enroll is on a sliding scale.  

12pm to 2pm, every 2nd Thursday

This program [each session] has been approved for 2 CEUs for Licensed Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists by the Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work.

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