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Therapists who see continuing education as something to just get over are missing out. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LPCCs), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) must maintain current skills by completing continuing education (CEU) requirements to renew their licenses.
This is not just a requirement, it’s an opportunity! These precious hours are time for the therapist to recover, recharge batteries, renew motivation, learn new skills, and refresh established ones.
Online or face-to-face teaching
Therapists can earn CEUs with self-study, online, and live trainings and workshops. While it’s easy to see the appeal of online courses (convenient, on your schedule, in your pajamas), “live” classes offer much more than basic information.
interactive learning
By attending live classes and workshops, therapists have the opportunity to discuss and gain clarification, “try out” ideas with colleagues, and view material in a communicative and up-close manner. Small groups are especially useful when they offer the opportunity to “learn it, see it, do it.” This way of learning brings the material to life and offers practical and efficient ways of learning.
meeting of colleagues
Attending live classes also offers you the opportunity to network with colleagues while learning together. Being a therapist can be an isolating experience, so it’s essential to talk with your peers, share ideas, and become part of the community. CEU classes provide an ideal opportunity to network, collaborate, and educate yourself while contributing to the group as a whole.
Bring theory to life
CEU’s live workshops offer the unique opportunity to see the material in action. Understanding a theory is great, knowing how to apply it is essential! As therapists learn and practice new skills, they contribute to the well-being of every client they see.
don’t put it off
It’s easy to put off CEU requirements, but that leads to a rushed experience as your renewal date looms. Help yourself and your practice by getting those CEU dates on your calendar now. While there is a legal minimum number of hours required, there is no maximum on the amount of learning a therapist can benefit from. You don’t give the “minimum” to your clients, why settle for that in your CEUs?
get motivated
Live classes allow you to be part of a larger community that will support your work, motivate you to be stretched, and need your energy input. Online IS convenient, but it is also one more place of isolation and often frustration. Take off your pajamas, go see your colleagues and get excited again about your meaningful and challenging work!