Navigating Ancient Traditions: Working with Clients Within Their Meaning-Making Systems

Description: While metaphysical beliefs and practices have been around well before Western medicine, there can be misinformation and outright concern that clinician's experience when examining these beliefs through a clinical lens. This clinical lens can lead to clients being pathologized or their meaning making system largely being ignored. This workshop will discuss ways to understand and work with clients within their meaning making system, reduce the incidents of metaphysical/spiritual beliefs being pathologized, and increase clinician comfort in working with Client’s whose beliefs may differ from what's often seen as typical religious beliefs. From tarot to energy work to astrology to convening with those that have passed on, let's discuss how clinicians can best identify clinical bias, deepen understanding, and strengthen the therapeutic work being done with Client's who practice ancient traditions. Participants will leave with actionable insights and strategies to apply in their work.

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain strategies to assess Client meaning making system.
2. Describe common misconceptions and biases related to ancient metaphysical - often termed “alternative” - practices.
3. Differentiate between spiritual practices and pathology.
4. Summarize techniques and interventions to identify, discuss, support, and utilize Client's meaning making system to support wellbeing.

Colette McLeod is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor (MHC & MFT), and Certified Case Manager. She is the founder of CMCCS and creator of the Spill the T.E.A. (Time, Expectations, & Access) framework that supports folks in identifying, understanding, and living life from an empowered place. Her offerings include therapy and therapeutic services as well as ‘soul work’ facilitations (i.e. workshops, retreats, & courses) to support folks living as fully, whole, and connectedly as possible. She often describes herself as clinically trained, intuition powered, and spirit led and uses these skills to contribute to the healing of community. She's been practicing and facilitating using trauma-informed and holistic healing practices for over 10 years. To learn more, check out her social media. Colette is also the co-creator of GO! Mental Health Initiative (GO! MHi) whose mission is to support the well-being of mental health professionals through scholarships and mind/body/soul nourishing facilitations. This program serves as an oasis for all mental health professionals and a call to claim our right to wellness. GO! MHi is a program of Gifted Ones, INC. a local non-profit that supports visionary leaders in getting innovative solutions into their communities. To learn more, visit us on social media.