Self-Led Required Professional Roles and boundaries Course

Responsive Boundaries: Reimagining Clinical Decision Making

Boundaries don’t have to be one-size-fits-all. This course gives LMFTs, LMHCs, LICSWs, and associates a fresh, anti-oppressive approach to boundary decisions while fulfilling the new WAC 246-809-630 Professional Boundaries requirement. Work through real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises to strengthen your clinical decision-making. Walk away with skills you can use on Monday morning.

  • 2 hours

    Self-Directed

    • 2 CEU credits in WA

      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:

    • Identify the differences between boundary crossings and boundary violations as defined in WAC 246-809-630 and the AAMFT and ACA Codes of Ethics.
    • Describe three ways Western neutral boundary norms reinforce systemic harm for neurodivergent and other marginalized clients.
    • Demonstrate use of the Responsive Decision-Making Model to evaluate boundary dilemmas in case examples involving power and identity.
    • Select the appropriate documentation level for a boundary decision, from informed consent through progress notes, in line with Washington State regulations.
    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

    How do I access my course?

    After registering for this course, you'll receive log-in information to your email of choice from LearnWorlds. From here you'll log into connectlab.learnworlds.com to access your enrolled course. The course is built as a self-guided CEU, so please take all the time you need. The content works on a drip feed, meaning as you complete something, another module will open up until you complete the course. If you hvae any issues with the technology, please contact Dr. Rachel Hughes for a tutorial at rachel@connectcounselingandconsulting.com

    Is this course NBCC and ASWB-approved?

    This program has been approved by the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT) for the Washington State Requirements for the Professional Roles and Boundaries course. This does not mean that the program is NBCC or ASWB approved. Please check your state licensure requirements.

    When was this course created?

    All videos were recorded on 5/16/2026. The course is updated as participants bring up issues with the technology or errors.

    How do I get my CEU certificate?

    1. Complete all assigned learning materials (video segments and reading materials) in full.
    2. Complete the post-course Knowledge Exam with a passing score of 80%.
    3. Complete the program evaluation form available in the final module, "Course Evaluation and CEU Link."
    4. Upon verification of completion (steps 1–3), a Certificate of Completion will be automatically issued via the WAMFT Wix Page, stating the number of WA DOH CEU hours earned.
    5. Retain your certificate for your records.
    If you run into any issues, please reach out to rachel@connect-counseling.co for assistance.

    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 WAMFT 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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