This session will give attendees an in-depth examination of compelling ethical challenges in clinical social work. Moving beyond introductory ethics concepts, We will explore difficult ethics cases involving conflicting professional duties and discuss practical steps that social workers can take to manage ethical issues skillfully. Key topics will include boundary issues, dual relationships, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, privileged communication, informed consent, clients’ rights, termination of services, and clinicians’ use of technology.

Frederic Reamer, Ph.D.

Social workers see many clients with early childhood trauma and severe attachment wounds. Many meet criteria for dissociative identity disorder (DID), but will not be so diagnosed due to the widespread belief that the condition is rare. Unless accurately diagnosed, these clients will experience poor outcomes. There are many therapeutic modalities designed to treat trauma, but none are specifically geared toward the complexities involved with DID. Therapists who are skilled in working with clients with complex trauma can effectively diagnose and treat these clients, and this workshop provides a set of best practices to do so.

Gregory L. Nooney, MSW, LISW, LCSW

This workshop explores the critical issue of social isolation in aging adults, distinguishing it from loneliness and examining its impact as a key social determinant of health. Participants will gain insights into the prevalence and consequences of social isolation, why it warrants attention in this population, and practical strategies to address it. Additionally, the session will highlight resources and interventions that promote social connectivity, empowering professionals and caregivers to better support aging adults in their communities.

Nancy Lazar, DSW, LCSW

This session will equip attendees with techniques for distinguishing between performative and authentic allyship and navigating professional boundaries (balancing ethical responsibility to clients and the social work profession when personal values conflict), guided by the Code of Ethics. They will learn to promote nervous system regulation as resistance, encourage queer joy and self-advocacy, and engage clients in discussions on intersectionality and minority stress. Additionally, attendees will gain skills for mediating between queer youth and families, helping parents manage fear, and fostering trust and validation in their child's identity and experiences.

Anna Susol, LCSW

Please join us to speak LIVE with the sponsors and exhibitors of the 2025 NASW-NC Virtual CSWI Spring Conference during lunch.

This session explores the synergy between harm reduction strategies and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in addressing substance use disorders. Attendees will learn how to integrate these approaches into clinical practice to provide compassionate, client-centered care. The session covers strategies to reduce stigma, enhance client engagement, and implement practical, evidence-based tools tailored to diverse needs. Social workers will leave with actionable insights to support recovery while fostering equity and resilience in their practice. Perfect for clinicians seeking innovative and effective methods to address addiction in a way that meets clients where they are.

Adriana Londono, LCSW, LCAS, CSI,

Adults who have experienced traumatic events as children can present with a myriad of complex symptoms and dysfunctional lifestyles later in life. Studies show that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) can have long-term profound effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health. ACE's can affect how adults respond to anxiety-producing situations, how they communicate with others, and how they experience life overall. This interactive workshop will assist attendees with understanding how trauma from ACE's shows up in adulthood, will inform attendees of the long-term effects of ACE's, and will identify ways adults can build long-term resiliency.

Toscha Wilkins, LCSWA,

Anxiety is one of the most commonly presented challenges in clinical settings, yet its roots are often misunderstood by clients and clinicians alike. This session delves into the distinctions between stress and anxiety, helping clinicians accurately identify and address these experiences in their clients. We'll also explore the role of clinicians' own anxiety, including how it manifests and influences the therapeutic dynamic. Attendees will gain tools to help clients navigate their anxiety through evidence-based interventions, while also learning self-management techniques to prevent the clinician's anxiety from spilling into their practice. This presentation equips social workers with strategies to foster resilience and deeper client connections.

Leah Marone, LCSW,

This workshop examines how addiction affects family dynamics and the roles that family members may unconsciously adopt in response. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of common dysfunctional family roles—such as the Addict, Enabler, Hero, Scapegoat, Lost Child, and Mascot. Each role serves as a coping mechanism, but they can also perpetuate unhealthy patterns within the family system. Participants will learn about the psychological toll of these roles, how they emerge, and strategies to break the cycle. Practical tools will be discussed for setting boundaries, addressing codependency, and improving communication to support recovery.

Megan Best, LCAS, LCSW,

This workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to integrate the social justice principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, intersectionality, power analysis, antiracism, and anti-oppression into clinical work with complex populations. Using case studies and experiential activities, participants will enhance their clinical skills and confidence in broaching challenging issues. This presentation describes the application of social justice in various stages of the clinical relationship and healing process. Participants will explore individual, institutional, and structural injustice to deepen their understanding of the importance of incorporating social justice praxis.

Constance Perkins, DSW, LCSW, LISW-CP,

Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics, this workshop explores how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles enhance ethical decision-making, boundary-setting, and therapist accountability. Participants will examine how Consultation Agreements support ethical resilience, how the Middle Path informs boundary-setting in complex cases, and how DBT strategies like radical acceptance and validation prevent therapist burnout. Case studies will illustrate managing dual relationships, therapy-interfering behaviors (TIBs), and confidentiality challenges. Through interactive discussion, social workers will gain practical, DBT-based tools to strengthen ethical practice, enhancing client dignity, autonomy, and therapeutic effectiveness in alignment with NASW values.

Diana Partington, LPC-MHSP,