Current Live and On-Demand CE Trainings

Registration: Please complete the training registration form by November 3^rd 2025

Fees: $125.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

Amount of CE credit offered: 5.5 CE

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Social Workers, Behavioral Health Providers, Healthcare Providers

Course Description:

This course will explore trauma art narrative therapy, as a structured creative cognitive exposure technique for the purpose of narrating and resolving traumatic events. Learners will be introduced to the non-interpretive drawing steps, use of the technique to reduce intrusive PTSD symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, body memories, and PTSD related behaviors from both simple and complex traumas. Learners will explore how clients can use the technique to resolve and integrate trauma related emotions like anger and depression and to help with unresolved grief, shame, guilt, survivor issues, and reenactments.

Course Objectives:

List the five steps of the TANT process
Identify appropriate clinical situations in which to apply TANT with children and adults
List at least two requirements needed before using TANT with a client
Describe at least three of the preparation steps before starting the TANT process including assessment, symptom measure and informed consent
List at least two situations where the TANT method should not be used
Define a Safe Point, Transition Point and explain the Narrative
Explain how to look for and identify gaps
Identify at least two challenges to TANT

Agenda with specific times and breaks:

10:00am-10:15am: Introduction to TANT
10:15am-10:45am: What: Description of what TANF is and how it works; Who: Therapists/Clients and Roles; When: How long sessions are, when TANT is recommended and the work prior to the first session
10:45am-11:00am: Getting into the steps and process of TANT. Review of sessions, details of the process; checklist and materials
11:00am-12:00pm: Details of Sessions 1-5 with details of drawing steps. Safe points (define safe points, review need and what they are for)
- Session 1: First two drawing steps, check in, review safety/self-care plans, review goals
- Session 2: Starting with first two steps, check in, next two drawing steps, transition point (Details and description on transition points)
- Session 3: Fifth drawing step and first narrative review (describe narrative review, explain the process)
- Session 4: Check in, lay out drawing series, GAP check; Second and Third narrative review; Review details for next session (define and describe GAP check)
- Session 5: Check in with client, coordination, screening measures

Agenda with specific times and breaks:

12:00pm-12:30pm: Lunch

12:30pm-12:45pm: Review of main information from Part 1, 2 and learning objectives

12:45pm-1:00pm: Review TANT basic steps, measuring outcomes for TANT

1:00pm-1:30pm: Process for TANT drawing seps, Pre-TANT checklist

1:30pm-2:15pm: Small group practices; Review as a group, then role play steps

2:15pm-3:00pm: Common challenges with TANT, Common concerns, parent/caregiver involvement, observations, use of a TANT team

3:00pm-3:30pm: Compassion fatigue, TANT research, references, competency, summary, next steps

CE credit type: University of Pittsburgh Office of Professional & Continuing Education, [1948], 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: [5/6/25-5/6/26]. Social workers completing this course receive 5.5 continuing education credits.

November 19th:Evidence-Based Trauma Assessment and Treatment Overview

ate: November 19^th, 2025

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Format: Live Webinar using Zoom, Interactive

Course Instructor: Hannah Frye, MA

Registration: Please complete the training registration form by November 1st^t 2025.

Fees: $150.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

Amount of CE credit offered: 6 CE

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Social Workers, Behavioral Health Providers, Healthcare Providers

Course Description:

This course will provide an overview of the impacts of trauma on children and their families, including evidence-based trauma screeners and treatment. The Child and Adolescent Trauma Screener (CATS) is one measure used to assess for trauma-related symptoms and treatment components of evidence-based trauma therapy for children and adolescents. Screening for trauma is necessary to determine the need of treatment and requires clinicians to screen symptoms in a trauma-informed manner. Engagement strategies when administering trauma screeners will be discussed. This course will also explore the components of evidence-based trauma treatment for youth, including an overview of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT).

Course Objectives:

Participants will learn and discuss the impacts trauma has on youth and their families, including the components of diagnosing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Participants will be able to identify the utility of screening youth for trauma exposure and symptoms.
Participants will learn how to administer and score the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screener (CATS) in a trauma-informed and engaging manner to inform treatment decisions.
Participants will explore evidence-based treatment models for treating trauma-related symptoms in youth, including an overview of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)*

*Of note, attending this training alone will not be sufficient to implement TF-CBT in clinical practice. Instructions on how to become trained and certified in TF-CBT will be shared during this training.

Agenda with specific times and breaks:

9:00am-9:45am: Impacts of Trauma on Children and Families
9:45am-10:30am: Overview of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screener (CATS)
10:30am-10:45am: Break
10:45am-11:15am: Scoring and interpreting the CATS
11:15am-12:00pm: Providing feedback to families
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm-2:15pm: Core Components of EBT for Trauma and TF-CBT
2:15pm-2:30pm: Break
2:30pm-3:30pm: Research on TF-CBT and engagement strategies with families and systems
3:30pm-4:00pm: How to pursue TF-CBT training and certification: Questions and evaluations

CE credit type: University of Pittsburgh Office of Professional & Continuing Education, [1948], 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: [5/6/25-5/6/26]. Social workers completing this course receive 6 continuing education credits.

Nov. 21st and 22nd: Core Skills in Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

Date: Day 1: November 21^st 2025

Time: 8:30am-12:30pm

Delivery Format: In Person

University of Pitt Main Campus:

4200 Fifth Avenue

Cathedral of Learning (Room 2017)

Pittsburgh, Pa 15260

Course Instructor: Kristine Buffington, MSW, LISW-S

Amount of CE credit offered: 4 CE

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Social Workers, Behavioral Health Providers, Healthcare Providers

Course Description:

This course is designed for mental health professionals who work with children who have experienced trauma. It is an intermediate-level course. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a heavily researched, evidence-based form of therapy designed to treat children who have experienced a traumatic event and struggle with subsequent emotional and/or behavioral problems. The model treats children with an array of trauma histories, including children with multiple and complex traumas in their lives.

Course Pre-requisite: There is a mandated pre-requisite to participating in the live TF-CBT workshop per directive of the TF-CBT model developers. All trainees must complete the 11-hour TF-CBT webinar which can be accessed at tfcbt2.musc.edu . The cost is $35.00. The webinar includes handouts, slides, and films of each component being put into practice. Most disciplines can earn CEs toward for their licenses. The webinar can be completed incrementally; the learner can start, stop, and continue moving through the material at their convenience.

Course Objectives:

Describe the nature of the research that supports the efficacy of TF-CBT
Understand the key issues related to model fidelity and inclusionary criteria for TF-CBT
Recognize the importance of respectful and empowering client engagement in the treatment process
Understand the rationale behind each TF-CBT component and be able to use at least 3 tools or strategies for each of the model’s components

Date: Day 2: November 22^nd 2025

Time: 8:30am-4:30pm

Delivery Format: In Person, Pitt Main Campus (Cathedral of Learning, Room 2017)

Course Instructor: Kristine Buffington, MSW, LISW-S

Amount of CE offered: 7CE

Registration for both sessions: Please complete the training registration form by November 1st^t 2025.

Fees: $275.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

December 5th: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Date: December 5^th, 2025

Time: 9:00am-11:00am

Delivery Format: Live Webinar using Zoom, Interactive

Course Instructor: Michelina Darr, LPC

Registration: Please complete the training registration form by November 21^st 2025.

Fees: $50.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

Amount of CE credit offered: 2 CE

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Social Workers, Behavioral Health Providers, Healthcare Providers

Course Description:

This course will explore the therapeutic principles and several primary interventions of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based treatment modality. The clinical highlights of ACT, which include avoidance and mindfulness, as well as the pathological processes underlying psychological inflexibility will be explored. Learners will complete a case conceptualization to demonstrate the application ACT approaches.

Course Objectives:

Describe the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy framework and the common interventions used
Recognize the advantages and drawbacks of utilizing Acceptance & Commitment Therapy as a treatment modality
Demonstrate the principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy in a case conceptualization of an active client

Agenda with specific times and breaks:

9:00am-9:15am: History and Philosophy of ACT
9:15am-9:30am: Cognitive Inflexibility
9:30am-10:00am: ACT Interventions
10:00am-10:30am: Case Conceptualization
10:30am-10:45am: Case Discussion
10:45am-11:00am: Closing review, Q&A

December 12th: Components for Enhancing Clinician Experience and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT)

Date: December 12^th 2025

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Format: Live Webinar using Zoom, Interactive

Course Instructor: Amanda Mitten, MA, LPC

Registration: Please complete the training registration form by November 21^st 2025.

Fees: $150.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

Amount of CE credit offered: 6 CE

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Social Workers, Behavioral Health Providers, Healthcare Providers

Course Description:

This course will provide a thorough overview of the Components for Enhancing Career Experience and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT) model. Developed by Dr. Brian Miller, CE-CERT is a skills-based approach to improving provider’s well-being and effectiveness in working with traumatized clients. Drawing from what is known about trauma impacts and treatment, CE-CERT posits that secondary traumatic stress is not developed in response to mere exposure to others’ trauma stories but occurs when feeling overwhelmed or helpless. This and other past assumptions of career impacts will be discussed. In contrast to self-care strategies that require the individual to engage in restorative practice after-work, the CE-CERT model proposes micro-interventions done throughout the day. The five core components of CE-CERT: Experiential Engagement, Reducing Rumination, Conscious Narrative, Reducing Emotional Labor, and Parasympathetic Recovery, and the acquirable skills within each will be taught through both didactic and experiential activities.

Course Objectives:

Participants will learn about the practical application of the CE-CERT model to reduce compassion fatigue for professionals who encounter trauma in their work.
Participants will learn and discuss assumptions and myths associated with secondary traumatic stress related to provider well-being and effectiveness in working with traumatized clients.
Participants will learn the five core components of CE-CERT and how to apply the associated micro-interventions throughout their day.

Agenda with specific times and breaks:

9:00am-9:45am: Introduction to CE-CERT
9:45am-9:50am: Break
9:50am-10:35am: Experiential Engagement: Feeling the Feels
10:35am-10:40am: Break
10:40am-11:25am: Reducing Rumination: Stopping the Spin
11:25am-11:30am: Break
11:30am-12:00pm: Conscious Narrative: Creating Your Story, Part 1.
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm-2:00pm: Conscious Narrative: Creating Your Story, Part 2
2:00pm-2:05pm: Break
2:05pm-3:00pm: Reducing Emotional Labor: Finding Joy
3:00pm-3:05pm: Break
3:05pm-4:00pm: Parasympathetic Recovery: Rest & Recover; Questions & Evaluation

Four Part DBT Training Series: January 7th Session 1: DBT Theory, Treatment Structure, and Assessment

Date: January 7^th 2026

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Format: Virtual, via Zoom, Interactive

Course Instructor: Nina Hotkowski, LCSW,

Amount of CE credit offered: 6 CE

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Social Workers, Behavioral Health Providers, Healthcare Providers

Course Description:

The first session of this training will include information about the theoretical framework and structure of comprehensive DBT, the structure and goals of individual DBT sessions, the use of dialectics in DBT, and the importance of competent assessment (including suicide risk assessment) to identify treatment targets. Modes of learning will include lecture, discussion, case examples, and didactic activities designed to help you practice DBT strategies and skill.

Course Objectives:

Describe the biosocial theory of the development and maintenance of pervasive emotional dysregulation.
Identify and describe the 4 components of adherent Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Identify the three main strategies associated with DBT.
Apply the main elements of pre-treatment and assessment in DBT to a case example.

Course Description:

The second session of the DBT training will focus on the main treatment strategies in individual DBT. Specifically, this session will focus on understanding and practicing validation, behavior chain analysis, and dialectical strategies. Once again, modes of learning will include lecture and discussion with an emphasis on case examples, demonstrations, and didactic activities. Much like a card game is best learned by sitting at the table, clinical skills are acquired and strengthened by putting them into action. Participants are encouraged to bring their own case examples to use when practicing treatment strategies.

CE credit type: University of Pittsburgh Office of Professional & Continuing Education, [1948], 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: [5/6/25-5/6/26]. Social workers completing this course receive 6 continuing education credits

Fees: $150.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

**Register to attend all four sessions for $500.00: Registration form

January 14th: Session 2: Strategies in DBT: Validation, Problem-Solving, and Dialectical Strategies

Date: January 14^th 2026

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Format: Virtual, via Zoom

Amount of CE credit offered: 6 CE

Course Outline

Course Description:

Course objectives:

• Identify and model at least two levels of validation as defined in the DBT treatment model.

• Describe the function and main elements of a behavioral chain analysis in DBT.

• Demonstrate the ability to apply behavior chain analysis skills to a case example.

• Explain the role of dialectical strategies in individual DBT

Fees: $150.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

January 21st: Session 3: The Skills

Date: January 21st, 2026

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Format: Virtual, via Zoom

Amount of CE credit offered: 6 CE

Course Outline

Course Description:

This session will focus on the main skills modules that are part of comprehensive DBT. The skills modules in DBT focus on four categories—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The facilitator will introduce each module and its core skills and provide time for discussion and practice. There will also be discussion about how to adapt DBT skills training for your individual or group practice, troubleshooting common barriers to providing DBT skills training to patients, and potential adaptations to skills training for adolescents and families. This will be an interactive session so you can really get a feel for how the skills work!

Course objectives:

Identify and describe the functions of the 4 main skills modules in DBT.
Give examples of 1 or 2 exercises that are useful in teaching and practicing mindfulness skills.
Explain the concept of radical acceptance and how it is useful to patients in DBT.
Integrate at least one skill from each skills module to your current clinical practice.

Fees: $150.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.

January 28th: Session 4: A Deeper Diver into CBT: Adaptation and Implementation

Date: January 28^th, 2026

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Format: Virtual, via Zoom

Amount of CE credit offered: 6 CE

Course Outline

Course Description:

In this session, we will start by building upon the principles, strategies, and skills discussed and practiced in previous sessions. The facilitator will introduce commitment strategies, common dialectical dilemmas for patients with pervasive emotional dysregulation, and a format for more detailed case conceptualization. There will also be discussion about guidelines for DBT phone coaching, how to develop and maintain a DBT consultation team, options for supervision, and how to adapt and implement DBT based on the unique needs of your practice and patients. Discussion, case examples, and questions are encouraged throughout the session.

Course objectives:

Identify and describe the three main dialectical dilemmas (secondary targets) in DBT.
Apply skills, strategies, and concepts from this and previous sessions to a case conceptualization.
Differentiate between adherent DBT and DBT-informed treatment.
Identify at least two barriers to providing adherent DBT in the community.

Fees: $150.00 payable via Credit Card or Interdepartmental Transfer. We currently accept, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We DO NOT accept Discover.