Non-members can attend 2 support groups, coffee socials, or cinema therapy club mtgs before joining the chapter.

Presented by Jerrold Lee Shapiro, PhD

Includes 3 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. There will be a break for the luncheon buffet from 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM. This event will be in person and live online. A recording will be made available to all registrants for 3 months. For those who can't attend live, CE credit is available by watching the recording and passing a test. 

Please join us in-person at beautiful Michael's at Shoreline for a delicious luncheon buffet, community, and professional networking! 

Since its origins, the field of psychotherapy has been primarily focused on theories and practice that grew from Western European and American individualistic philosophies, religions and values. In the 1970s and continuing today there has been an increased focus on couple therapy and a dramatic increase in clients who have ancestry and traditions in collectivistic cultures.

In 2025, five of us at Santa Clara University engaged in a study of couple therapy with clients who come from traditional Asian cultures. We wanted to explore how our very useful Western therapeutic tools may fail to connect with Asian clients? How might we be effective therapists with clients for whom individualistic values of self-actualization and direct boundary-setting often clash with the collectivist priorities of harmony, family duty, and "saving face."

The result is this workshop and a 2026 book, Couple Therapy through the Lens of Four Asian Cultures (Cognella, 2025) offering a vital roadmap for therapeutically bridging a cultural divide. Drawing extensively on the expertise of clinicians and clients with deep ancestral ties to the Philippines, China, India, and Israel, our book challenges the "one-size-fits-all" approach to healing.

In this workshop, we offer case examples and a guide for greater cultural-oriented competence. Included are a navigation of collectivist dynamics (e.g., "setting boundaries" may have to involve co-created harmonious solutions involving the extended family). We describe and demonstrate how indirect interventions such as metaphors, stories and somatic practices will limit experiences of shame and
direct confrontation. We also address significant and often hidden acculturation stress and how often therapists may have to introduce it.

Finally, we show how effective therapy is more about "being with" than "doing to." By embracing cultural humility and honoring indigenous wisdom, clinicians can transform relational distress into opportunities for deep, culturally resonant healing.

About the Presenter

Jerrold Lee Shapiro, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor in Santa Clara University’s Counseling Psychology graduate program. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Assn. Having taught and done couple therapy since the late 1960s, he has authored 20 books and over 200 journal articles and professional presentations. He has won awards for teaching, research, and writing and has appeared in public media numerous times. He has taught couple therapy in graduate programs and was in private practice working with couples from these populations for over 50 years. In addition to professional publications, his work has appeared in major news outlets including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Boston Globe and 170 other news outlets nationally and internationally. Dr. Shapiro has also appeared on traditional media outlets including the CBS Morning Show, CNN, NBC and Oprah.

Presentation Outline

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Assessment of participant needs, hidden agenda. Basic
descriptions of differences between individualistic and collectivistic cultures in therapy. Implications of guilt and shame in couple therapy. Focus on harmony vs self-actualization
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - 45-minute lunch break
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM – Focus on therapeutic approaches. Special consideration of non-linear forms of couple therapy. Introduction and honoring of indigenous and cultural practices. The essence of being present with clients vs doing something to them. A novel approach to culturally-based resistance.

This is an intermediate level course.
TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs

If you miss any of the presentation, you will not be eligible for the CE credits. This course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. SCV-CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs (CEPA 052466). SCV-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speaker and not, necessarily, of SCV-CAMFT. SCV-CAMFT can not be held liable for any damages arising from recommendations or advice given by our speakers or any actions or decisions arising out of the content of this presentation. Presentations at SCV-CAMFT events do not constitute an endorsement of the vendor or speaker's views, products or services.

Event Policies and Agreements

Light snacks and drinks provided.

Important Note: If we do not get 30 registrants by April 29, this event will cancelled. So If you plan on coming, please register early.

The Day's Agenda:

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Continental Breakfast 
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: State of the Profession w/ Joy Alafia
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Break with food and coffee/tea
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Nature Restore and Reset for Therapists w/Saskia Lucas

Join us for a nourishing and educational day with CAMFT Executive Director, Joy Alafia, presenting "State of the Profession" (for 1 CE credit) and Saskia Lucas presenting "Nature Restore and Reset," three nature connection practices. This event includes a continental breakfast with coffee and tea. Read below for the details.

9:30 AM - State of the Profession

Presented by Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE, CAMFT Executive Director

Includes 1 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. 

Join CAMFT Executive Director, Joy Alafia, CAE, to understand events, legislation, and internal association processes currently impacting CAMFT members.

Learning Objectives

Participants will

• Identify at least one recent/pending legislation and how MFTs may be impacted by the bills
• Describe one way your role affects the governing structure of the profession
• Name two ways to obtain CEs via the new digital offering of The Therapist
  
  

About the Presenter

Joy Alafia joined CAMFT as the Executive Director in June of 2022.   She has over 20 years of association experience, specializing in transformational leadership, organizational management, governance, marketing, and partnership development. She has led the organization through historic milestones including record membership and reserves, the passage of legislation allowing MFT’s to become eligible Medicare providers, increased MFT brand awareness, greater license portability, and providing valuable financial and training resources to members. Her passion includes elevating the MFT profession while destigmatizing the role of therapy and advocating for equitable access to mental health.  She believes in the power of association and its unique ability to make a significant positive social impact.

Joy presently serves on the Board for the United Way Bay Area and previously served on the Board for the non-profit Building Diversity in Science. She has a BS in Physics from Spelman College and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Joy is also a Certified Association Executive.

11:30 AM - Nature Restore and Reset 

A Cultural Field Guides Offering

Presented by Saskia Lucas, LMFT

No CE credit for this portion of the event 

Join in community and take self-care time to connect, ground and nourish, with the support of nature. Participants will be guided in three nature connection practices to take with them to support wellbeing in a profession that requires holding a lot with clients.

Feel your body exhale and your nervous system calm as you connect with the natural world. Connect with nature’s wisdom, and with fellow colleagues, in a mini-retreat that will leave you with greater peace and perspective.

Objectives

Cultivate mindfulness
Engage in inner reflection
Gain insights
Receive inspiration
Feel nourished
Feel connected to self, greater world and community

About the Presenter

Our guide, Saskia Lucas, LMFT, is a lifelong a nature lover, and trained ecotherapist. “My first love is nature,” she said. “Nature time is my reset to calm, return to myself and feel joy. I am delighted to share my love of nature and nourishing practices with my community of colleagues." Saskia’s best childhood memories were moments spent outdoors, be it exploring rivers with girlfriends or sailing with her grandpa on lakes in the Midwest. For Saskia, the land feels part of her body and spirit, and is the ground of her spirituality.

Saskia works in private practice in South Bay, with an office in Campbell. She is a mindfulness based and somatically oriented therapist who utilizes somatic Internal Family Systems as a primary model. Saskia also offers Brainspotting and is currently training in Psychodrama at the Moreno Institute.

This is an introductory level course.
TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs

If you miss any of the "State of the Profession" presentation, you will not be eligible for the CE credits. This course meets the qualifications for 1 hour of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. SCV-CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs (CEPA 052466). SCV-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speaker and not, necessarily, of SCV-CAMFT. SCV-CAMFT can not be held liable for any damages arising from recommendations or advice given by our speakers or any actions or decisions arising out of the content of this presentation. Presentations at SCV-CAMFT events do not constitute an endorsement of the vendor or speaker's views, products or services.

Event Policy Information

Presented by Kristin Roscoe, JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney

Includes 3 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. A recording will be made available to all registrants for 3 months. For those who can't attend live, CE credit is available by watching the recording and passing a test. 

Discount for Chapter Members
Members of a local chapter will receive a $5 discount. Be sure to be logged in when you register. 

Chapter members:  $55
CAMFT members:  $60
Non-members:  $85

REGISTER

Presentation Description

Children are cute, but the issues you often face in their treatment can be complex. In this three-hour CE course, CAMFT attorney Kristin Roscoe will use the story of 13-year-old “Jack” to guide attendees through common legal and ethical issues a therapist might reasonably encounter when working with a child. From consent to treatment, mandated reporting, writing letters, to court involvement, attendees will learn how to spot areas of liability and best proceed to support the treatment of minors. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify who may consent to the treatment of a minor and understand the particulars of a minor being able to consent to their own treatment. 
2. Distinguish when some common mandated reporting scenarios may be permissive rather than mandatory. 
3. Understand the legal and ethical risks associated with writing letters, particularly when there is court involvement. 
4. Understand the psychotherapist-patient privilege and how best to support minor patients during custody or guardianship legal proceedings. 

Event Support

infocenter@camft.org
(888) 892-2638
(858) 292-2638
Business Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM PT; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30AM to 4:00PM PT 

TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs

Presented by Alain Montgomery, JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney

Includes 3 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. A recording will be made available to all registrants for 3 months. For those who can't attend live, CE credit is available by watching the recording and passing a test. 

Discount for Chapter Members
Members of a local chapter will receive a $5 discount. Be sure to be logged in when you register. 

Chapter members:  $55
CAMFT members:  $60
Non-members:  $85

REGISTER

Presentation Details

This 3-hour law and ethics webinar will delve into the more nuanced areas of gift giving and receiving within the context of the therapeutic relationship, explain updates to the BBS advertising regulations, and describe the elements that constitute ethical client termination. Each of these topics is unique and requires a clear and thorough understanding of the legal and ethical implications involved.  This webinar will be informative in a way that helps participants formulate legally and ethically sound courses of action in dealing with each of these areas in their practice. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

1. Interpret the CAMFT ethical standards relevant to gift giving and receiving. 
2. Identify the elements required for the ethical termination and discharge of a client.
3. Apply advertising standards in alignment with all legal and ethical requirements. 
4.  Identify the updated BBS advertising regulations. 
5. Asses when it is appropriate and/or inappropriate to either give and/or receive a gift during the therapeutic relationship.
   
   

Event Support

infocenter@camft.org
(888) 892-2638
(858) 292-2638
Business Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM PT; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30AM to 4:00PM PT 

TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs

Presented by Alain Montgomery, CAMFT Staff Attorney

Includes 6 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. This event will be in-person only - no online options or recording. 

Please join us in person this year, at beautiful Michael's at Shoreline! We will offer a delicious luncheon buffet with drinks, coffee, and dessert, and the beautiful patio for eating and breaks. 

About the Program

This six (6)- hour law and ethics in-person presentation will delve into topics such as letter writing, telehealth, and preparing clients for the unexpected. Each of these topics is unique in and of itself and requires a clear and thorough understanding of the legal and ethical implications involved.  This presentation will be informative, helping participants formulate legally and ethically sound courses of action to successfully address each of these areas.

Educational Goals

1. Letter Writing: To provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the legal and ethical parameters around letter writing; explain guidelines that can help participants write letters that are clear, evidence-based, and clinically defensible; and, help participants understand when it is appropriate to write a letter and when it may not be appropriate.
2. Professional Wills: To provide participants with an understanding of what a professional will is and how it relates to facilitating continuity of care in the event of death, incapacity, or an unintended absence; help participants identify key components of a comprehensive professional will; and address matters of confidentiality using informed consent.
3. Telehealth: To provide participants with an understanding of how telehealth is used as a modality to provide mental health services; review the California specific regulations and guidance from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and summarize the ethical standards; address jurisdictional issues including practicing across state lines and provider/client location requirements; increase awareness of the legal, ethical, and clinical risks unique to telehealth; and support participants in integrating telehealth into their practice in a compliant and effective manner.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Letter Writing

1. Identify key legal and ethical standards applicable to letter writing. 
2. Describe guidelines that ensure statements, attestations, or assertions made in a letter align with the MFT scope of practice and scope of competence. 
3. Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to determine when it is clinically appropriate to write a letter.
4. Evaluate potential outcomes associated with letter writing.

 
Professional Will

1. Define a professional will and explain how it can be used to facilitate continuity of care for clients.
2. Identify the ethical standard(s) related to professional wills.
3. List the essential components of a professional will.
4. Demonstrate how to incorporate professional will information into informed consent.

Telehealth

1. Identify California-specific telehealth regulations as prescribed by the California Board of Behavioral Science.
2. Summarize the ethical standards for telehealth practice.
3. Analyze jurisdictional and licensure issues relevant to interstate practice.
4. Describe the concept of license portability, including temporary practice laws and California regulatory developments, and explain how these impact providing telehealth services across state lines.
   
   

About the Presenter

Alain Lance Montgomery, Esq., is a member of the State Bar of California.  Alain received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Prior to joining the CAMFT legal department, Alain worked in public interest law as a legal advisor for the Superior Court of California where he helped self-represented parties navigate the complexities of small claims litigation.  As a member of the CAMFT legal department, Alain has served as part of the support staff for the CAMFT Ethics Committee and has represented the Association at various state regulatory board meetings.  After graduating from college and before attending law school, Alain worked as a ski instructor at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs

If you miss any of the presentation, you will not be eligible for the CEUs. SCV-CAMFT is a CAMFT-approved Continuing Education Provider (CEPA 052466). This course meets the qualifications of 6 continuing education credit for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs. SCV-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

The views expressed in presentations made at SCV-CAMFT membership meetings or other SCV-CAMFT events are those of the speaker and not, necessarily, of SCV-CAMFT. Presentations at SCV-CAMFT events do not constitute an endorsement of the vendor or speaker's views, products or services.

Event Policies and Registrant Agreement

Presented by Sara Jasper, JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney

Includes 3 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. A recording will be made available to all registrants for 3 months. For those who can't attend live, CE credit is available by watching the recording and passing a test. 

Discount for Chapter Members
Members of a local chapter will receive a $5 discount. Be sure to be logged in when you register. 

Chapter members:  $55
CAMFT members:  $60
Non-members:  $85

REGISTER

Presentation Details

This law and ethics-focused training is designed for mental health professionals who are paneled with insurance companies, considering becoming in-network, or seeing clients who wish to use out-of-network benefits. While insurance provides increased access to care, it also introduces complex legal and ethical obligations. During the training, Ms. Jasper will discuss how to fully inform patients about insurance issues at the outset of treatment, bill accurately and respond to records requests and audits in a manner that complies with state and federal confidentiality laws. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify essential insurance-related disclosures that must be included in the informed consent process at the outset of treatment. 
2. Implement informed consent procedures that fully notify patients about insurance issues and financial responsibilities at the start of treatment. 
3. Execute accurate billing practices to ensure compliance with insurance company requirements and professional standards. 
4. Identify common reasons for insurance record requests and audits. 
5. Respond to records requests and insurance audits effectively while maintaining adherence to state and federal confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA. 
6. Develop a legally sound, step-by-step protocol for responding to insurance audit requests. 

Event Support

infocenter@camft.org
(888) 892-2638
(858) 292-2638
Business Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM PT; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30AM to 4:00PM PT 

TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs