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Ethics and Boundaries of Dual Relationships

Dual Relationships Ethics Training

Sep. 12, 2026

10:00 AM - 1:15 PM (EST)

Virtual Event
3 CE Ethic Credits
Understand the ethical implications of dual relationships and explore ways to assess appropriate versus inappropriate dual relationships in clinical practice.  This course fulfills the NYS requirement for mental health professionals to complete three hours of training on maintaining professional boundaries. It is not specific to New York State and can also meet other states’ ethics, boundaries, and general CE requirements.

The client and therapist relationship – how do clinicians navigate the possibility of a dual relationship? What ethical principles and standards should be considered? These are both important questions that will be addressed in this workshop on the ethical considerations of dual relationships. Learners will increase their ethical framework for exercising appropriate professional boundaries with clients and their relationships. Categories of dual relationships will be presented, and discussion will center on using critical thinking skills to identify best practices. Special consideration will be given to diversity in dual relationships, such as rural settings and racial and ethnic influences on dual relationships. Learners will have increased clinical judgment in identifying appropriate professional relationships with clients.

Key Takeaways For Clinicians

Dual Relationships Ethics Training helps clinicians navigate one of the most challenging areas of professional practice: maintaining clear and ethical boundaries with clients. This Dual Relationships Ethics Training explores common boundary dilemmas, ethical decision-making frameworks, and risk management strategies that support sound clinical judgment. Learn more about ethical considerations and dual relationships in clinical practice.

Through Dual Relationships Ethics Training, therapists will learn how to assess situations involving social, financial, digital, and professional boundary concerns while protecting client welfare. The course highlights how Dual Relationships Ethics Training can strengthen ethical awareness, reduce liability risks, and improve confidence when managing complex clinical situations. By participating in Dual Relationships Ethics Training, clinicians will gain practical tools to identify potential conflicts of interest, maintain professional integrity, and apply ethical standards consistently across practice settings.

Effective Dual Relationships Ethics Training is essential for safeguarding therapeutic relationships and supporting ethical, client-centered care. Insights from professional ethics literature show that thoughtful boundary management and ethical decision-making are critical components of competent clinical practice. Explore more continuing education and professional training opportunities at Clinical Events.

This live interactive webinar is designed for behavioral health professionals, including:

  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychotherapists
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Substance Use Disorders Counselors
  • Case Managers
  • Physicians
  • Other Mental Health Professionals
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSWDiane Bigler, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW

A licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas. She has over 25 years of experience in the fields of law enforcement, social work and mental health. Prior to her career in social work, Diane was a Criminal Investigator for a District Attorney’s office in Nashville, Tennessee on a Child Crimes Task Force. She completed over 200 criminal investigations in child abuse, human trafficking, missing persons, sexual assault, and homicide. Diane completed two field internships at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia; one while obtaining her associates and bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, and one during post-graduate work. She studied criminal investigation, interrogation, behavioral analysis, and tactical response.Diane was an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare for over 10 years. She obtained her master’s degree in Social Work from KU in 2006, with clinical concentrations in Children & Families and Mental Health. Diane taught classes in the Clinical Master’s program, which included: Clinical Social Work Practice, Loss and Grief, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Therapy, Advanced Standing Practice, and Mental Health & Psychopathology. In 2017, Diane was honored with the distinguished “Adjunct Professor of the Year” award. Diane was also a practicum Field Instructor, Field Liaison and Community Education trainer for the School of Social Welfare. Diane has 30 years of clinical experience in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and in the provision of in-home and community-based therapy. She has also functioned in leadership and supervisory positions as a teacher, mental health consultant, clinical supervisor, and program coordinator. In addition to her clinical background, Diane has experience in the EAP behavioral health and corporate arena providing employee and leadership trainings, along with coaching and mediation. Diane has facilitated more than 500 trainings to mental health professionals, physicians and nurses, teachers, police officers, and corporate employees. Diane enjoys the creativity that comes with envisioning and designing trainings, and aims to provide trainings that are informative, engaging and skill-building. She has customized and facilitated leadership and corporate trainings to EAP clients on wellness and business topics.

After this training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify qualities of dual relationships and at least three key considerations.
  • Employ at least five strategies to have ethical boundaries and relationships with clients.
  • Build confidence in assessing professional roles in ethical dilemmas involving dual relationships.

10:00 -10:05 am – Introduction

10:05-10:30 am – Opening case study (discussion), boundaries survey

10:30-11:00 am – Ethical considerations, defining dual relationships, types

11:00-11:30 am -key points, contexts, examples, possible negative outcomes, video: “Can My Psychologist Be My Friend?”, rural community considerations, case scenarios (discussion),

11:30-11:45 am – Break

11:45-12:15 pm –boundary crossing vs. boundary violation, ethical decision-making model (EDMM), EDMM application to a case study (discussion)

12:15-12:45 pm – contextual factors, military case example (discussion), situations that do not constitute dual relationships, lawsuit case presentation and outcome

12:45-1:10 – best practices, social networking dual relationships

1:10-1:15 – resources, closing Q&A

Intermediate.

Registration Cost

Registration $67 | Sep. 12 | Virtual Event | 3 CE Ethics & Professional Boundaries Credits | 10:00 am – 1:15 pm ET

Registration Deadline:  Sep. 12, 2026

Cancellation Policy

All registrations are non-refundable. However, you may request a full credit toward a future training if:

  • You notify us at least 72 hours before the event start time.
  • Credit is valid for up to 6 months from the original event date.
  • No credit will be issued for no-shows or same-day cancellations.
  • When you register for an event, you agree to these terms

A total of 3 CE Ethics credits are available.

This Program awards 3.0 continuing education hours, which may be applied toward either Ethics or Professional Boundaries

Additional Approvals Pending.


ASWB ACE

Clinical Events, LLC, (provider # 2201) is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/01/2025 – 11/01/2028.

NBCC

Clinical Events, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved   Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7643 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Clinical Events, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

NAADAC

This course has been approved by Clinical Events, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #320899, Clinical Events is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

NY State Board of Psychologists

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0292.

NY State Board of Social Workers

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0828.

NY State Board of Mental Health Counselors

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0329.

NY State Board of Marriage & Family Therapists

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0140.

NJ State Board of Social Workers & Professional Counselors

The New Jersey Social Work Examiners Board accepts ASWB ACE Provider credits. The New Jersey Professional Counselors Board accepts NBCC-approved CE provider credits.

All Other States Social Workers & Professional Counselors

All other states accept ASWB ACE Provider credits and NBCC-approved CE provider credits. Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their jurisdictions. States and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Florida Certification Board

Clinical Events is approved by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) to offer continuing education programs (Provider # 5527-A).

Canada Social Workers

BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC accept ASWB ACE-approved provider programs to meet licensure renewal requirements.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Canada Counsellors

Clinical Events is an NBCC-approved provider.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Please contact us if you would like to inquire about applicable approvals for your continuing education (CE) needs.

Each professional is responsible for understanding and meeting the specific CE requirements set by their individual licensing board or regulatory agency. We encourage you to reach out to your licensing body directly to confirm how our programs apply toward your licensure renewal.

Questions:  [email protected]

Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW, receives a speaking honorarium from Clinical Events, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.

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