2021 Continuing Education Offerings

Presented by Lessep Duncan, PhD, LCSW 

One Continuing Education Hour

A significant number of the US population experience issues of isolation and loneliness which is increasingly viewed as a public health crisis. Enhancing social connection (a crucial determinants of health) reduces the risk of social isolation and contributes to a positive and fulfilling life. Social and public health services practices need to apply effective approaches to address the needs of vulnerable or at risk populations facing limited or a lack of human connection.
This presentation aims to provide a forum to discuss the need to identify and address the presence and impact of social isolation and loneliness particularly on the elderly population.
Discussion will focus on:

• Acknowledging and addressing the existence and impact of social isolation and loneliness.
• The relationship between social, physical and mental health.
•  Identifying & examining risk factors that lead to or result from social isolation and loneliness
• Identifying best practices and services to address social isolation and loneliness.

Learning Objectives
After attending this workshop participants will:
1. Increase their awareness of and sensitivity to clients facing social isolation.
2. Recognize the impact on the emotional and physical health on clients dealing with social isolation and loneliness.
3. Learn and better understand the difference between social isolation and loneliness.
4. Understand the importance of human/social connection.
5. Enhance their interventions with individuals, or clients facing issues of social isolation and loneliness

COST:
Members - $25
Student & Retired Members - $20
Non-Members - $35

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Presented by Gary U. Behrman, PhD, MSW, M.Div., LCSW

3.0 Clock Hours

With addictions and other behavioral challenges, clients present with overwhelming emotions that tempt them to give up. Instilling hope through surrender is a breakthrough understanding in how clients can achieve their goals and change their behaviors. This workshop will distinguish between giving up and surrendering and provide practical approaches to helping clients achieve their goals.

Objectives:

1. Learn how surrender serves as a powerful framework for addressing the intertwined challenges of mental health disorders and substance abuse.
2. Demonstrate techniques to help clients overcome denial, mistrust, and fear about surrendering as part of their healing journey.
3. Understand how to incorporate surrender as a therapeutic principle to help clients navigate internal conflicts and external challenges.
4. Address ethical issues in aiding clients in adapting to the principle of surrender from various religious and spiritual backgrounds.

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8/21/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Presented by Gary U. Behrman, PhD, MSW, M.Div., LCSW

3.0 Clock Hours

*** This course meets the 3.0 hour Ethics requirement for licensure renewal. ***

Our Code of Ethics provides valuable tools and insights into acting ethically. However, the needs of vulnerable populations such as persons with life threatening illnesses, brain disease, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, minority status, and others can be exploited and overlooked. This workshop will closely examine our responsibilities when working with vulnerable populations and how to be both sensitive and effective in meeting their healthcare goals.

Objectives:

1. Identify what it means to be empathic, compassionate, and ethical
2. Understand how vulnerable populations can be disenfranchised by the healthcare system
3. Explore how to build character to act ethically
4. Apply Code of Ethics principles to working with vulnerable populations

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More Than a Case File: Radical Authenticity in Therapy with Justice-Involved Youth
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 11:00am to 12:30pm CT / 10:00 to 11:30am MST / 9:00 to 10:30am PST
Speaker: Joyce Harduvel 
Cost: 1.5 Cult. Comp. CEUs | $23 Nonmember | $10 NASW-IL/MO/WI Member | $15 Other NASW State Member
Registration Form: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/43030-101526-more-than-a-case-file

Ethical Resilience and Trauma-Informed Practice in Today’s Social Work
Date: October 9, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Presenter: Mariah Maurice
Cost: 1.5 Ethic CEUs / $45 Nonmember / $25 NASW Member Share
Registration Link: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z1tdj3k20bp3rj1/