Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults
For the experienced clinician, the Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults provides a deep exploration of the cutting-edge theoretical perspectives of attachment, trauma informed care, and neuroscience, as they relate to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adults. In addition, participants select three electives in evidence-based treatment modalities for adults, and two electives in treatment focuses for adults, to gain advanced knowledge and deepen their practice in their particular area of expertise.
Target Audience: Intended for the experienced clinician.
Each course is 6 hours in length, offered in one full-day session, and offers 6 CEUs for students who complete the entire course. Qualified students may complete the courses in any order they choose, and may take any course(s) without committing to completing the certificate.
To receive the certificate, students must complete the 3 required courses and 5 electives within 3 years.
Theoretical Perspectives (3 required)
1. Attachment Theory (Course CORE-1)
2. Trauma Informed Care (Course CORE-2)
3. Neuroscience (Course CORE-3)
Adult Treatment Modalities (choose 3)
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM1)
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM2)
3. Motivational Interviewing for Adults (Course ADULT-TM3)
4. Narrative Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM4)
5. Psychodynamic Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM5)
6. Solution Focused Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM6)
Adult Treatment Focuses (choose 2)
1. Sexuality and Gender Across the Lifespan (Course ADULT-TF1)
2. Substance Use Disorders for Adults (Course ADULT-TF2)
3. Suicide Prevention for Adults (Course ADULT-TF3)
4. Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Adults (Course ADULT-TF4)
5. Issues Facing Older Adults (Course ADULT-TF5)
Adult
Certificate Information
To receive a certificate, students must complete the three core courses and five electives (three Treatment Modality courses and two Treatment Focus courses), for a total of eight courses. Each certificate program offers 14 course options. The core courses are the same for both certificate programs. A student who completes the core courses for one certificate program need not retake them to complete the other certificate program.
Each core course will be offered at least once per year. In addition, several Treatment Modalities and Treatment Focuses electives for each certificate program will be offered each semester. Students may take up to 3 years to complete the certificate.
Full-day courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Fall 2024
Social Work Certificate Courses in
Advanced Clinical Practice - Online
Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Registration deadline: Course registration will close at midnight three business days prior to the start date of each course.
- Online participants are required to have a computer with video and audio capability.
- Participants must create a Zoom account in advance according to Boston College security requirements.
- All programs offered online via Zoom will be delivered live and will not be recorded unless stated otherwise.
- These programs have a maximum capacity to allow for participant engagement. Register early to avoid disappointment!
Register
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Betsy Harris, LICSW
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults
This intensive course will provide an overview of the basics of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as move toward a deeper understanding of DBT. The course is designed for mental health professionals invested in a better understanding of DBT and the ability to implement the treatment in their settings. Following a review of Dialectical philosophy and Biosocial Theory, participants will learn several fundamental DBT skills to use with their clients right away. This course also addresses components of comprehensive DBT, treatment targets, and how to apply fundamental DBT strategies. Lectures, videotapes, small group exercises, and use of clinical examples are utilized to teach DBT theory and illustrate strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify DBT and what client population it was originally designed to treat.
- Participants will be able to explain Biosocial Theory.
- Participants will be able to define what it means to be dialectical.
- Participants will understand the essential components and importance of a comprehensive DBT treatment.
- Participants will be able to identify the four skills training modules taught in the DBT Skills Training Manual.
- Participants will learn at least one skill in Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW
Attachment Theory
Understanding attachment, both practically and theoretically, is critical to understanding development, relationships, and interactions in the social environment. Caregiving systems are the foundation for healthy development. Secure attachment allows for safe exploration of the world; provides a healthy model of self and others; teaches how to communicate and how to read others; teaches to understand, tolerate, and cope with emotional experiences; and provides structure and limits. When attachment systems are challenged or disrupted, the impact on development throughout the lifespan can be significant. This training offers an overview of the critical importance of attachment, discussion of theory, and exploration of practical application of concepts, utilizing a dynamic and multimedia approach.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will review and explore several theories of attachment and development and weigh the pros and cons of each.
- Participants will explore early childhood attachment systems and the impact on development and adult relationships.
- Participants will explore their own experiences in personal and professional settings of attachment styles on interpersonal interaction and relationships.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Greg Hallowell and Helen Stojanov-Acford, CAGS, MA, CADC, LADC-1
Motivational Interviewing for Adults
Motivational Interviewing (MI) encompasses therapeutic strategies for assisting clients with behavior changes that are more collaborative than prescriptive, while respecting the client’s autonomy and beliefs. We will cover basic (and some advanced) principles of MI including detailed strategies for engagement and collaborative practice. We will strengthen empathic skills, eliciting change talk, and learn to roll with resistance by focusing on MI’s OARS interviewing model (i.e., Open-ended questions, Affirmation, Reflective listening, Summarizing). We will use the classroom methods of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and practice together. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, present cases, complete practice exercises together, and learn the ways in which MI can be practiced in other arenas, not only in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will have direct practice and experience of using open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarizations.
- Participants will learn the fundamental client language cues (change talk and resistance), that allow continued feedback and learning in practice.
- Participants will experience and practice an MI style for meeting resistance.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Molly Magill, PhD, LICSW
Substance Use Disorders for Adults
This course will provide an overview of current research and practice guidelines in addiction care. Section one of the course addresses current etiological theory and research on alcohol and other drug use disorders, such as diagnostic, neuropsychological, and bio-psychosocial risk perspectives. The goal of the first section is to offer an overview of current thinking as to the nature of addictive disorders that applies to psychoeducational interactions with clients. Section two of the course addresses evidence-based addiction treatments for adult clients. An overview of modalities (i.e., motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mutual help groups, medication-assisted treatment) will be provided along with one experiential exercise. Clinical methods are taught from the perspective that interventions should be tailored to the client’s stage of motivational readiness for behavior change.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn the basic epidemiology of substance use disorders in the United States.
- Participants will learn about three foundation perspectives on substance use etiology (i.e., Neuroscience, Disease Model, Social Learning Theory).
- Participants will discuss and/or practice three evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Twelve Step Facilitation).
- Participants will learn about medication assisted therapies for substance use disorders.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Focus Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Amanda Platner, PsyD
Neurodevelopmental Disorders for Children, Youth, and Families
This course is geared towards experienced clinicians looking to gain a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities. The course will review diagnostic criteria and will then delve into gold standard procedures for assessment and diagnosis, as well as evidence-based treatment and support options for individuals and families. We will also discuss special topics such as the impact of neurodevelopmental disabilities on families, access and barriers to care, and other timely topics.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to accurately describe each of the neurodevelopmental disorders according to the DSM-5.
- Based on their previous clinical knowledge and their new knowledge of these disorders, participants will be able to discuss and implement evidence-based interventions for children, adolescents, and families.
- Participants will be able to read and interpret a neuropsychological report and learn how to integrate results into their practice.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kenna Sullivan, LICSW
Suicide Prevention for Children, Youth, and Families
This course will address the psychological and mental health factors that contribute to suicide in the young. We will examine the impact that factors such as family history of suicide, untreated mental illness, bullying, and “death by text” have on suicide among youth. We will address ethical dilemmas posed by these clients and their families in assessing and treating suicidal youth, as well as the bereaved. We will identify some common errors made by clinicians in assessing and treating adolescents and young adults at risk for suicide and the ramifications of these errors. The course will determine best and evidence-based practices in individual and group clinical practice, and review larger scale preventive interventions that seek to lower rates of suicide and suicidal behaviors by at-risk youth.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify and learn to refute some common myths about suicide in children and adolescents.
- Participants will name three high risk factors for suicide in these age groups.
- Participants will name one suicide assessment tool in determining suicide.
- Participants will list two methods/programs for suicide prevention.
- Participants will differentiate between normal grief, complicated grief, and persistent complex bereavement disorder of suicide survivors.
- Participants will name two strategies for burnout prevention for clinicians engaged in suicide assessment and prevention work.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma and traumatic stress impact the lives of individuals across all demographics and service systems. Human services organizations and entities are often tasked with responding to the biopsychosocial manifestations and stress responses, but do not always have the right tools and training to distinguish the symptoms from the source. Participants in this training will develop an understanding of trauma and the developmental impacts from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, and uncover the importance of infusing a trauma informed care approach to screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Intervention strategies gleaned from evidence-based practice models will be explored, along with resources for integration into a variety of practice settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will explore the history of the study of psychological trauma, collaboratively develop both objective and subjective definitions for trauma and traumatic stress, and explore various sources of exposure.
- Participants will explore symptoms and differential diagnosis, in conjunction with trauma informed and trauma focused screening, assessment, and evaluation processes and tools.
- Participants will explore trauma informed approaches to developing and maintaining safe and effective healing relationships.
- Participants will explore and engage in a variety of intervention strategies at the individual, family, community, and systems levels.
- Participants will explore the impacts of secondary traumatic stress and engage in self care planning and practice.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Matt Mooney, MSW, LICSW
Narrative Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
This course will introduce students to the social justice perspective a Narrative Worldview offers when working with children, youth, and families. A thorough examination of the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews will be followed by a brief exploration of the two pillars of narrative practice: Deconstructing and Reauthoring. Students will learn about the radically respectful and collaborative approach that narrative therapists take in working with people who are experiencing problems in their lives and relationships. Brief examples of practice will be shared and participants will take part in practice activities.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will begin to understand the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews.
- Participants will begin to understand the stance of the narrative practitioner.
- Participants will begin to learn externalizing practices.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Sara Keary, PhD, LICSW
Issues Facing Older Adults
This course will explore a variety of issues facing older adults and their caregivers in an aging society. We will review the strengths and challenges of aging in the 21st century within the context of medical advancements; where and how people live as they age; the impact of intergenerational trauma and epigenetics on aging; how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected aging people and their formal and informal caregivers; how social workers in all settings can familiarize themselves with issues facing aging people; and the ways in which intersecting identities of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion/spirituality, and socioeconomic status all impact the ways people receive medical care, facilitate advance care planning, and plan for the wide range of their needs in later life.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify important issues facing the older adult community.
- Participants will learn about and how to access important resources to help facilitate care for older adults regardless of their practice settings (i.e., Health Care Proxy documents, geriatric care managers, elder law attorneys, institutional and community-based resources).
- Participants will have a general knowledge base of medical and legal issues related to aging, especially in the context of dementia and/or cognitive impairment and other serious illnesses.
- Participants will have an understanding of how clinician awareness and advocacy regarding intersectionality are vital in meeting older adult clients’ needs.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Focus Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Certificate Program Instructors
General Admission
General Admission for each certificate course is $150.
No discounts are available.
General Information:
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Advanced Clinical Practice courses. All sales are final; we are not able to offer refunds. Registrations may not be transferred to another person or to another course, workshop, or program.
Online registration is required to participate in a course. Tuition for each certificate course is to be paid by debit or credit card. Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Payment is due in full in order to enroll.
These courses are approved for CEUs for Social Workers in MA, CT, RI, and VT. They meet the requirements for Continuing Education Hours established by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure in ME. If your state is not listed, please check with your local state licensing board to ensure the course meets state requirements prior to registering.
Boston College Continuing Education is required to ensure attendance to award CEUs. Participants must attend the complete program(s) they register for to receive CEUs; we are not able to award partial CEUs. Those who arrive late, leave early, or do not attend the entire program will be unable to receive CEUs.
Getting to Campus
Parking is available at the nearby Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue Garages. Discounted parking passes are available upon registration.
Boston College is also accessible via public transportation (MBTA B Line - Boston College).