ODL 375: Ethics and Boundaries: Self-Disclosure and Dual Relationships

* Some states do not require/accept ethics hours for counselors, for those cases contact hours will be awarded.

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

6 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 6 Ethics CE credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 6 Contact hours
Psychologists
APA – 6 CE credits
Counselors 6 Contact hours or 6 Ethics Hours*
NBCC ACEP – 6 Contact hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 6 Contact hours
Addiciton Professionals
NAADAC – 6 Contact hours 
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 6 Contact hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 6 Ethics hours

Created On:  12/26/25                 

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services
8. Legal, Ethical and Professional Development

Overview:

Self-disclosure and dual relationships in therapy are complex and nuanced ethical issues. In this comprehensive full-day training, we will explore both topics, with a focus on ethical considerations and professional boundaries. The first session will delve into clinician self-disclosure, examining its multiple dimensions, including clinical, therapeutic, technical, and legal factors. Participants will explore the potential benefits and risks of self-disclosure, with case vignettes and ethical principles guiding the discussion. Clinicians will gain tools to “know thyself” and ethically navigate self-disclosure opportunities.

In the second session, we will shift focus to the ethical challenges of dual relationships. Learners will examine categories of dual relationships, explore relevant ethical standards, and develop critical thinking skills to navigate professional boundaries. Special attention will be given to the unique challenges presented by cultural diversity and rural settings in dual relationships. By the end of the training, participants will have a deeper ethical framework and enhanced clinical judgment to guide their professional interactions with clients.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Describe key aspects of therapeutic self-disclosure, including potential benefits and risks
• Examine and articulate key ethical considerations of self-disclosure, including advantages and disadvantages.
• Apply best practices for ethical and therapeutic self-disclosure by considering a variety of clinician and client factors.
• Identify qualities of dual relationships and at least three key considerations.
• Demonstrate at least five strategies to have ethical boundaries and relationships with clients.
• Show confidence in assessing professional roles in ethical dilemmas involving dual relationships.

Presenter:

Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW, and Owner of Diane Bigler Therapy Services Inc.

Diane Bigler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas. She has over 20 years of experience in the social services field. Diane has held positions as a therapist (in-home and outpatient), private practice owner, trainer/facilitator, clinical supervisor, and professor of social work. She also has experience in corporate wellness training and coaching. Diane is most passionate about providing quality educational training to professionals. She enjoys spoiling her four dachshunds and anything 80s-related.