Ethics, Boundaries & the Traumatized Addict: Perspectives in Clinical Practice

Full Day Webinar

October 23rd, 2026

10:00 AM - 3:45 PM EST

The cost of one day is $89.99, an individual class is $59.99 and $39.99

To register for the FULL DAY SEMINAR Click "BUY IT NOW". To register for just one class, click on the Class/link below.

If you have any difficulty registering, please contact us here.

Class 1

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET

Complicated Relationships: Case Studies in Ethics and Boundaries

Mental health professionals are more than their professional role. We have personal lives. When those personal lives intertwine with our professional lives, things get complicated. This training explores dual/multiple relationships by examining case examples from the common to the unlikely, but still real. Special attention will be paid to considerations for communities where dual/multiple relationships in the provision of mental health care might not be avoidable, including rural areas, religious groups, LGBTQ communities, and veterans of military service. This course is designed to meet the NYS requirement of mental health professionals to receive 3 hours of training on maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. This course is NOT New York state specific, and can satisfy ethics, boundaries and general CE requirements for any state.

(Trainer: Kathryn Krase, Ph.D., J.D., LMSW., is the Principal Consultant at Krase Consulting and the founder of Making the Tough Call. An expert on the professional reporting of suspected child maltreatment, she has authored multiple books and articles on the subject. For over 20 years, Dr. Krase has educated students as well as mental health, medical, and legal professionals on navigating complex legal and ethical obligations. She has lectured extensively on implicit bias and the systemic challenges faced by marginalized populations. Dr. Krase has years of experience consulting with government and community based organizations to develop policy & practice standards.)

3 Hours

Class 2

1:45 PM - 3:45 PM ET

Trauma and Addiction: Exploring the Traumatized Addict

Trauma and addiction are closely intertwined, with extensive evidence indicating that exposure to traumatic experiences significantly increases vulnerability to substance use disorders. Trauma, particularly when chronic or experienced during childhood, can disrupt neurobiological development, emotional regulation, and stress-response systems, creating conditions that heighten the reinforcing effects of substances. Many individuals use drugs or alcohol as maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage trauma-related symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive memories, dissociation, and emotional pain. Over time, this pattern can evolve into compulsive substance use, reinforcing a cycle in which addiction exacerbates trauma symptoms and further impairs functioning. This abstract examines the bidirectional relationship between trauma and addiction, highlighting shared neurobiological pathways, including dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and alterations in reward circuitry. It also emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed approaches to prevention and treatment, which recognize the role of adverse experiences in substance use behaviors. Integrating trauma-focused interventions with addiction treatment has been shown to improve engagement, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term recovery. Understanding the complex interplay between trauma and addiction is essential for developing effective, compassionate, and holistic clinical responses.

(Trainer: Ashley Ryan, LCADC, CCS, CCTP, has been working in the field of addictions for 15 years. Ms. Ryan has held a director position for the last 5 years and has worked diligently on improving clinical services within substance use agencies. Ms. Ryan is passionate about the inclusion of trauma-informed care when working with people in substance use recovery.)

2 Hours