South Carolina Clinical Mental Health Counselors Assocation upcoming events

Ethics, Shmethics….. What do South Carolina LPC Supervisors Need to Know to Do It Right? (05/29/2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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Description

In addition to competency, ethics is one of the most crucial skill sets that counselors need to master for client well-being and clinical success. It is vital that supervisors of LPC/As model ethical behavior and clinical excellence as they develop their supervisees’ professional identity.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Identify key ethical responsibilities of supervisors in South Carolina.

Objective 2: Recognize common ethical dilemmas in supervision.

Objective 3: Connect real-word issues to SC licensure regulations.

Objective 4: Apply ethical decision-making to supervision challenges.

Presenter

Helen Elliott Wheeler, LPC,LPC/S, NCC, CFMHE

Helen is presently serving as the Chair of Ethics Committee of the SC Clinical Mental Health Association. She is in private practice in Charleston working with families, marriages, and individuals. She is experienced in working with the Family Court in SC with special emphasis on parenting after divorce with a speciality in parent child contact problems. She has presented to counselors and other mental health professionals in SC as well as attorneys, Guardians ad Litem, and Family Court Judges.

Costs:
$20 for SCCMHCA Clinical Members
$10 for SCCMHCA Students Members

$30 for Non-SCCMHCA Members

Continuing Education Information

SCCMHCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SCCMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

SCCMHCA is an approved provider for continuing education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialist licensing board. All hours may count as general social work continuing education hours and Category B educational offerings for psychologists. Provider # 4521

If you need special accommodations, have questions, or need assistance registering, contact SCCMHCA.

Refund Policy Cancellations and Refunds

If canceling more than two weeks before a scheduled event, the registrant is entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If canceling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, a registrant is entitled to a 50% refund OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If an attendee at a scheduled event leaves early for any reason, the attendee is not eligible for a refund. An attendee must attend a minimum of 90% of an SCCMHCE educational event in order to receive continuing education credits.

Trauma-Informed Clinical Care with Domestic Violence Survivors (06/26/2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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Description

Therapists and counseling professionals receive a wealth of training in mental health disorders and therapeutic techniques, yet they do not often receive training specific to working with domestic and intimate partner violence survivors. While therapists may reach for therapeutic treatments for trauma when working with this population, it is vitally important to understand the complexities and nuances of domestic and intimate partner violence in addition to any evidence-based treatments. This session will dive into those complexities, how they intersect with therapy, and how community resources can also be beneficial to clients.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Describe the mental & physical health impacts of intimate partner violence.

Objective 2: Differentiate between types of coercion in abusive relationships.

Objective 3: List the differences between therapy and victim advocacy.

Objective 4: Demonstrate trauma-informed skills specific to intimate partner violence survivors.

Presenter

Shannon Nix, M.S., LPC

Therapists and counseling professionals receive a wealth of training in mental health disorders and therapeutic techniques, yet they do not often receive training specific to working with domestic and intimate partner violence survivors. While therapists may reach for therapeutic treatments for trauma when working with this population, it is vitally important to understand the complexities and nuances of domestic and intimate partner violence in addition to any evidence-based treatments. This session will dive into those complexities, how they intersect with therapy, and how community resources can also be beneficial to clients.

Costs:
$20 for SCCMHCA Clinical Members
$10 for SCCMHCA Students Members

$30 for Non-SCCMHCA Members

Continuing Education Information

SCCMHCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SCCMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

SCCMHCA is an approved provider for continuing education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialist licensing board. All hours may count as general social work continuing education hours and Category B educational offerings for psychologists. Provider # 4521

If you need special accommodations, have questions, or need assistance registering, contact SCCMHCA.

Refund Policy Cancellations and Refunds

If canceling more than two weeks before a scheduled event, the registrant is entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If canceling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, a registrant is entitled to a 50% refund OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If an attendee at a scheduled event leaves early for any reason, the attendee is not eligible for a refund. An attendee must attend a minimum of 90% of an SCCMHCE educational event in order to receive continuing education credits.

Heartbreak & Hormones: A Trauma‑Informed Framework for Emotional Healing & Secure Attachment (07/24/2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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Heartbreak & Hormones: A Trauma‑Informed Framework for Emotional Healing & Secure Attachment Inspired by the book “Heartbreak & Hormones,” available on Amazon

Description

Heartbreak & Hormones is a trauma-informed, attachment-focused training designed to help clinicians understand the emotional, physiological, and relational impact of heartbreak. This workshop integrates psychological science, nervous system education, and practical therapeutic strategies to support clients experiencing emotional overwhelm, identity disruption, and attachment injury. Participants will examine the interplay between hormonal responses, stress activation, and relational patterns, while learning evidence-informed tools to guide clients toward emotional regulation, secure attachment behaviors, and long-term healing.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Describe the emotional, physiological, and relational impact of heartbreak through a trauma-informed lens.

Objective 2: Identify key hormonal and nervous system responses associated with attachment injury and emotional overwhelm.

Objective 3: Differentiate between adaptive and maladaptive coping patterns commonly observed after relational rupture.

Objective 4: Apply evidence-informed strategies to support emotional regulation and secure attachment behaviors in clients

Presenter

Kenya Dennis, M.Ed., LPCS

Kenya Dennis, M.Ed., LPCS, is a clinical therapist, author, and educator specializing in trauma-informed care, emotional regulation, and attachment-based healing. With extensive experience supporting individuals through heartbreak, identity disruption, and relational trauma, she integrates psychological science, nervous system education, and practical therapeutic tools to help clients restore emotional stability and relational safety.

Kenya is the author of Heartbreak & Hormones and the creator of the Heartbreak & Hormones Workshop, a framework designed to help clinicians understand the intersection of emotional pain, physiological responses, and attachment patterns. She is committed to empowering both clients and clinicians with accessible, evidence-informed strategies that promote healing, resilience, and secure attachment.

Costs:
$20 for SCCMHCA Clinical Members
$10 for SCCMHCA Students Members

$30 for Non-SCCMHCA Members

Continuing Education Information

SCCMHCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SCCMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

SCCMHCA is an approved provider for continuing education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialist licensing board. All hours may count as general social work continuing education hours and Category B educational offerings for psychologists. Provider # 4521

If you need special accommodations, have questions, or need assistance registering, contact SCCMHCA.

Refund Policy Cancellations and Refunds

If canceling more than two weeks before a scheduled event, the registrant is entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If canceling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, a registrant is entitled to a 50% refund OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If an attendee at a scheduled event leaves early for any reason, the attendee is not eligible for a refund. An attendee must attend a minimum of 90% of an SCCMHCE educational event in order to receive continuing education credits.

Socially Interested Families: Supporting Parents with ADHD Raising Children with ADHD with an Adlerian Lens (08/28/2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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Description

Raising a child with ADHD presents unique challenges that often disrupt traditional family systems and parenting strategies. Parents may struggle to understand their child’s neurological differences,as well as their own. While children with ADHD may experience heightened emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties in social and academic settings. This workshop invites therapists to explore how ADHD impacts parents and children.

Adlerian principles can help families move from chaos and frustration toward connection, cooperation, and social interest.

Participants will learn to apply Adlerian concepts such as encouragement, belonging, and parenting strategies in practical ways to support parents raising children with ADHD. We will examine strategies for fostering social interest within the family system, reframing misbehavior, and exploring interventions therapists can use with parents to help the plan, identify and implement resources that will help support both of their needs.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Differentiate how ADHD impacts children and parents, including neurological, emotional, and behavioral differences, and how these differences can lead to misunderstandings and power struggles within families.

Objective 2: Apply Adlerian concepts (e.g., belonging, social interest, encouragement, democratic parenting) to help families cultivate cooperative and respectful.

Objective 3: Utilize parent coaching techniques to support caregivers in understanding and responding to ADHD-related behaviors through an Adlerian framework.

Objective 4: Facilitate socially interested family planning, helping families build routines, communication systems, and shared responsibilities that support regulation and belonging for all members.

Presenter

Passion Bankhead, MA, LPC-A
Passion Bankhead, MA, LPC-A, is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in South Carolina who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families in school-based and outpatient settings. Her clinical work focuses on trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergent populations.

Passion integrates Adlerian principles with creative and strengths-based approaches to promote belonging, encouragement, and social interest. She also develops interactive therapeutic tools and trainings that help therapists, parents, and children apply psychological concepts in practical and meaningful ways.

Costs:
$20 for SCCMHCA Clinical Members
$10 for SCCMHCA Students Members

$30 for Non-SCCMHCA Members

Continuing Education Information

SCCMHCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SCCMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

SCCMHCA is an approved provider for continuing education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialist licensing board. All hours may count as general social work continuing education hours and Category B educational offerings for psychologists. Provider # 4521

If you need special accommodations, have questions, or need assistance registering, contact SCCMHCA.

Refund Policy Cancellations and Refunds

If canceling more than two weeks before a scheduled event, the registrant is entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If canceling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, a registrant is entitled to a 50% refund OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If an attendee at a scheduled event leaves early for any reason, the attendee is not eligible for a refund. An attendee must attend a minimum of 90% of an SCCMHCE educational event in order to receive continuing education credits.

Better Together: Building Parent Engagement within Child-Centered Treatment (09/25/2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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Description

Working with children means working with parents. Join this discussion-hybrid session to explore factors that can improve clinical outcomes through effectively integrating parents into the treatment process. Identify common barriers and brainstorm solutions through sharing insights and suggestions. Discuss cultural factors that contribute to unique family needs and address personal biases. Integrate your wisdom with the collective strengths of the counseling community to add a few more tools to your toolbelt when working with families. This session is designed to kindle your passion for working with parents as a core element of a child’s treatment.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Identify at least 3 barriers that can limit parental involvement and structure a culturally-informed plan to remedy these barriers in future sessions.

Objective 2: Select a minimum of 5 new techniques or interventions to apply in clinical practice to increase parental involvement.

Objective 3: Identify 4 cultural or ethical factors that influence family systems and impact clinical outcomes for current child clients on active clinical caseload.

Presenter

Sara Lynn Calderon LPC, RPT

Sara Lynn Calderon established Together Family Counseling in 2024 and is a Registered Play Therapist. Through family-focused and child-centered approaches, she seeks to integrate family members into the treatment approach for every child client.

Costs:
$20 for SCCMHCA Clinical Members. $10 for SCCMHCA Students Members. $30 for Non-SCCMHCA Members.

Continuing Education Information

SCCMHCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SCCMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. SCCMHCA is an approved provider for continuing education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialist licensing board. All hours may count as general social work continuing education hours and Category B educational offerings for psychologists. Provider # 4521 If you need special accommodations, have questions, or need assistance registering, contact SCCMHCA.

Refund Policy Cancellations and Refunds

If canceling more than two weeks before a scheduled event, the registrant is entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA. If canceling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, a registrant is entitled to a 50% refund OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA. If an attendee at a scheduled event leaves early for any reason, the attendee is not eligible for a refund. An attendee must attend a minimum of 90% of an SCCMHCE educational event in order to receive continuing education credits.

Adolescent Digital Risk: Brain Development, Identity, and Hidden Vulnerabilities (11/20/2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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Description

Adolescents are developing identity, sexuality, autonomy, and peer belonging inside a digital ecosystem designed to amplify stimulation, comparison, and reward-seeking behavior. Social media validation cycles, online grooming, sexting behaviors, cyberbullying, algorithm-driven content exposure, and digital coercion are reshaping adolescent vulnerability in ways many clinicians are not fully trained to assess.

This 90-minute training examines how adolescent neurodevelopment intersects with digital environments to increase impulsivity, risk exposure, emotional reactivity, and identity fragmentation. Participants will gain a neuroscience-informed framework for understanding digital behavior, identifying red flags, and integrating digital risk assessment into clinical work with teens and families.
This presentation moves beyond fear-based narratives and instead provides structured, research-informed strategies for assessment, intervention, and parent guidance.
Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Describe how adolescent brain development increases vulnerability to digital risk behaviors.

Objective 2: Identify behavioral indicators of online grooming, digital coercion, and problematic online engagement.

Objective 3: Apply structured clinical interview strategies to assess digital behaviors in adolescents.

Objective 4: Integrate digital risk findings into treatment planning and parent consultation.

Presenter

Dr. Lourdes Araujo, LMHC, LMHC-QS, CFMHE

Dr. Lourdes Araujo is a bilingual counselor educator, trauma specialist, and nationally recognized speaker with over 18 years of clinical experience working with adolescents and families navigating complex emotional and relational challenges. As an Assistant Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she prepares future clinicians in neuroscience informed, trauma responsive, and culturally grounded practice.

Dr. Araujo’s work focuses on the intersection of adolescent neurodevelopment, identity formation, and environmental risk factors, including the growing impact of digital ecosystems on youth mental health. She integrates research on brain development, attachment, and reward sensitivity to help clinicians understand how social media, online validation cycles, and digital coercion shape vulnerability and behavior in teens.

Through her teaching, clinical work, and professional trainings, Dr. Araujo equips mental health professionals with structured assessment strategies, practical intervention tools, and culturally responsive frameworks for addressing modern adolescent risk. Her approach emphasizes regulation, resilience, and empowering both youth and families to navigate digital environments with awareness and strength.

Costs:
$20 for SCCMHCA Clinical Members
$10 for SCCMHCA Students Members

$30 for Non-SCCMHCA Members

Continuing Education Information

SCCMHCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SCCMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
SCCMHCA is an approved provider for continuing education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialist licensing board. All hours may count as general social work continuing education hours and Category B educational offerings for psychologists. Provider # 4521

If you need special accommodations, have questions, or need assistance registering, contact SCCMHCA.

Refund Policy Cancellations and Refunds

If canceling more than two weeks before a scheduled event, the registrant is entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If canceling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, a registrant is entitled to a 50% refund OR the option to apply the full dollar amount paid toward a future training or event that will be provided by SCCMHCA.

If an attendee at a scheduled event leaves early for any reason, the attendee is not eligible for a refund. An attendee must attend a minimum of 90% of an SCCMHCE educational event in order to receive continuing education credits.