Self-Led Required Professional Roles and boundaries Course

Responsive Boundaries: Cultivating Clinical Integrity

Learn a new anti-oppressive way to manage boundaries and satisfy your WAC 246-809-630 needs for the new Professional Boundaries requirement for LMFTs, LMHCs, LICSWs, and associates. Build an enhanced decision making model with case studies, applied exercises, and engaging experiential activities. Get ready to walk out with "Monday" ready skills and concepts to use at your next therapy session.

  • 2 hours

    Self-Directed

    • 2 CEU credits

      Professional Roles and Boundaries per WAC 46-809-630 (WA DOH)
    What you are going to learn

    A few more words about this course

    Professional boundaries in Washington State have traditionally been taught through a lens of risk management and clinical distance. This course critiques the Western neutral therapy stance and its impact on boundaries, provides a comprehensive review of Washington State's regulatory landscape (RCW 18.130 and WAC 246-809-040) and review of the AAMFT and ACA Code of Ethics regarding professional boundaries while introducing the "Responsive Integrity Model." This model helps mental health professionals challenge the liability-avoiding Western approach to boundaries to better serve clients from more backgrounds, as well as adapting boundary setting to accommodate the unique sensory and communication needs of neurodivergent and other marginalized individuals.

    By the end of this presentation, you're going to be able to:

    • Differentiate WAC 246-809-630 requirements and distinguish boundary crossings from violations using AAMFT/ACA Ethics Codes
    • Critique 3 ways traditional "Western Neutral" boundaries create systemic harm for neurodivergent and other marginalized clients
    • Apply the "Responsive Integrity" Decision-Making Model to complex ethical dilemmas involving power and identity
    • Execute boundary crossing documentation strategies that meet Washington State regulations while maintaining a social-justice-oriented clinical record
    I have no doubt that after taking the Responsive Boundaries training, I have a clearer process when I encounter "yellow" or ethically gray areas that come up in clinical situations. Learning specific tools/frameworks to utilize to make responsive decisions and consider power dynamics as it relates to my roles and boundaries as a person and professional left me feeling more confident.
    Melissa G., Past Responsive Boundaries Participant
    The material helped me think through how I will approach nuanced situations confidently, while adhering to ethical, legal, and personal boundaries.
    Becca J., Past Responsive Boundaries Participant
    I appreciate that myself and my supervisees can learn from this model of ethical decision-making and documentation.
    Hailee W., Past Responsive Boundaries Participant

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this course NBCC and ASWB-approved?

    This program is co-sponsored by the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT). WAMFT has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3020. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAMFT is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    How can I request ADA accommodations for this CEU?

    Connect Lab is committed to providing a learning environment that is accessible to all. If you require special accommodations (e.g., closed captioning, digital materials in specific formats) to fully participate in this webinar, please submit your request to rachel@connectcounselingandconsulting.com at least 7 business days prior to the event. We will make every effort to fulfill reasonable requests to ensure an equitable learning experience.

    What is your refund policy?

    You can request a refund up to 48 hours after purchase of the course for a full refund minus a $5 administrative processing fee.

    Please email rachel@connect-counseling.co to make a refund request.

    What if I have a grievance?

    Connect Counseling Lab seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner.

    If a participant has a complaint or grievance, please contact Hailee Windsor, LMHC at hailee@arcanacounselingwa.com within 15 days of the event. Hailee is an outside consultant contracted to offer a neutral contact person for participants in the event of hardship.

    Please include your name, the course title, and a detailed description of the concern. We will respond to all grievances within 5 business days to begin a resolution process. If a resolution cannot be reached internally, participants may contact the NBCC directly.

    Dr Rachel Hughes, LMFT, CMHS, CASDCS, Clinical Supervisor

    About Dr Hughes

    Dr. Rachel Hughes is a dedicated systemic therapist for the last 15 years and an educator, and supervisor with over a decade of experience specializing in neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Rachel is passionate about clinical services and therapist training rooted in culturally attuned and identity-affirming methods. Dr. Hughes operates from an ACT framework, integrating strategic and experiential family therapy to help clinicians develop authentic, effective "therapy brands" with strong ethical decision-making models. Rachel believes in empowering therapists to believe in cooperation instead of competition and responsiveness instead of reactivity in their practice.

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