Harambee Support Group
- Meets monthly through a virtual platform. Last Friday of the month from 12:00 – 1:00 PM PM
- Open to Pro Bono Counseling volunteers who identify as Black or African American
- Led by Pro Bono Counseling Volunteers Tanya Bryant-Nickens, LCSW-C, LCSW, and NaTasha Benjamin, LCPC, PMH-C
- If interested, email Yolonda Nelson Swain to be added to Zoom invitation list
Register today to virtually attend Providing Counseling Pro Bono: Clinical Applications for Volunteers
Learn about volunteering with Pro Bono Counseling, including the organization’s background and philosophy, its clients and intake process, and the responsibilities of volunteers during this online webinar.
FREE Online Workshop – 1 CE Credit*
Tuesday, January 28
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Featured Presenters: Clinical Director Sherri Bloom, LCSW-C; Outreach Manager Yolonda Nelson-Swain, MAHS, VASIII
Objectives
By the end of this online workshop, clinicians will be able to:
• Analyze ethical implications of providing pro bono services
• Assess impact of providing pro bono services on current clinical practice
• Make a plan to address socio-economic, cultural, and racial issues in therapy
• Explain professional benefits of providing pro bono mental health care
-Please note that this workshop is intended for clinicians newly enrolled as PBC volunteers. You many only earn CEUs by attending this workshop once.
Participants will receive a code prior to the webinar to log on to Zoom and participate in the online session.
Please review your information and email address carefully before completing your registration. Your complete name and license type will be entered on your CE certificate, and the email address you enter is where all meeting information and your certificate will be sent.
*IMPORTANT: Attendance will be monitored. Participants must be logged on to the meeting by the start time and participate in the entire event in order to earn CE credit.
Pro Bono Counseling is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pro Bono Counseling maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Maryland Boards of Social Work Examiners (Category 1) and Professional Counselors and Therapists (Category A) certify that this program meets the criteria for one credit hour of continuing education for social workers, professional counselors, and therapists licensed in Maryland.
By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by the following code of conduct:
Workshop Code of Conduct
Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is dedicated to providing a positive continuing education experience for everyone of all backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior or harassment of workshop participants, facilitators, or PBC staff in any form. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of characteristics that include but are not limited to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, veteran status, pregnancy status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, PBC may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.
Pro Bono Counseling in partnership with CHANA
2025 Professional Continuing Education Online Webinar
Working with Older Adult Victims of IPV: What Every Therapist Should Know
Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Online Workshop – Two (2) CE Credits
FREE for all mental health clinicians*
Featured Presenters: Lauren Shaivitz, Esq., LMSW; Alicia Bickoff, Esq.
The number of older Marylanders is increasing. In 2020, 22.62% were aged 60 or over. This percentage is expected to increase to 25% by the year 2030. With this increase the rate of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is also expected to rise. It is imperative now for therapists to know the intricacies of working with older adult victims of IPV.
Session Description: In this course, therapists will learn to identify types and indicators of abuse and lethality factors when presented in an older adult IPV relationship. The foundation and conceptual framework of power and control dynamics will be explored, as well as the power dynamics and tactics used by perpetrators. The course will also cover best practices for response to elder abuse, illuminated by case examples, including knowing where and how to report.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
- Identify types of abuse and lethality factors when presented in an older adult IPV relationship.
- Describe the foundation and conceptual framework of older adult IPV, and the power dynamics and tactics used by perpetrators.
- Explore the dynamics in later life onset of older adult IPV, including persons living with dementia.
- Discuss the safety implications of working with older adult IPV victims.
- Identify the unique challenges and barriers when working with older adult IPV victims, including the role of Adult Protective Services when reporting.
Presenter Bio: Lauren Shaivitz, Esq., LMSW
Lauren Shaivitz, Esq., LMSW, is both a lawyer and social worker with more than 25 years of experience in the field of domestic violence, sexual abuse and elder abuse. She served as CHANA’s Director of Programs for 6 years and became the Executive Director in November 2018. She has established policies and procedures that have sustained core components of a comprehensive domestic violence center while incorporating innovative practices that have addressed the complex trauma that victims experience. Prior to CHANA, Ms. Shaivitz worked as a forensic interviewer at the Baltimore Child Abuse Center. She worked at Sinai Hospital’s Family Violence Program and as a pro-bono domestic violence attorney at the law offices of Rubenstein and Rubenstein. Ms. Shaivitz also served as president and a board member of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. She began her career as an attorney at House of Ruth Maryland. Ms. Shaivitz received her B.A. from Hamilton College, her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, and her J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. In 2018, she received the Outstanding Jewish Communal Professional Award.
Presenter Bio: Alicia Bickoff, Esq.
Alicia Bickoff is the Deputy Director of CHANA, a Program of the Associated. Ms. Bickoff oversees the clinical and legal response to domestic violence, elder abuse and sexual abuse, including supervising clinical staff, grant writing and reporting, program development, and community collaboration. She also serves on collaborative task forces, including serving as the co-chair of the Baltimore County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams.
Prior to joining CHANA, Ms. Bickoff was a national and local technical assistance provider and trainer for the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. She supervised the implementation of the Lethality Assessment Program – Maryland Model throughout Maryland, provided technical assistance to Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams and worked to implement a national based assessment and implementation program with the Office on Violence Against Women. Ms. Bickoff previously practiced family law in the Baltimore area for a private firm and represented domestic violence victims in civil protection order cases for the Women’s Law Center of Maryland. While in law school, she worked for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, prosecuting child abuse crimes and clerking in the domestic violence unit. She graduated from Barnard College and holds a law degree from the University of Maryland. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland.
Mark your calendar for more upcoming CEU workshops!
*CHANA, an agency of The Associated, has been awarded a grant to partner with Pro Bono Counseling to provide a series of continuing education workshops on various topics for mental health clinicians related to working with victims/survivors of domestic violence. All workshops are free for mental health clinicians.
Grant Information
This project was supported by 15JOVW-23-GG-00730-UNDE by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
EVENT INSTRUCTIONS
Workshop registrants will receive a code prior to the webinar to log on to Zoom and participate in the online session.
IMPORTANT: Attendance will be monitored. Participants must be logged on to the meeting by the workshop start time and participate in the entire event in order to earn CE credit.
Pro Bono Counseling is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pro Bono Counseling maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Maryland Boards of Social Work Examiners and Professional Counselors and Therapists certify that this program meets the criteria for two (2) credit hours of continuing education for social workers (Category 1), professional counselors, and therapists (Category A – pending) licensed in Maryland.
CE credit is granted to participants with documented attendance at individual workshops. Attendance is monitored. Credit will not be granted to registrants who log on late or depart early from a session. It is the responsibility of registrants to comply with these requirements.
Please note that upon attendance verification, you will receive your CE certificate within four weeks via email. Please add Pro Bono Counseling to your contacts and check your SPAM folder to ensure delivery.
By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by the following code of conduct:
Workshop Code of Conduct
Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is dedicated to providing a positive continuing education experience for everyone of all backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior or harassment of workshop participants, facilitators, or PBC staff in any form. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of characteristics that include but are not limited to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, veteran status, pregnancy status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, PBC may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.
Workshop Views Disclaimer
The views expressed by the workshop presenter(s) and participants are their own opinions and do not represent Pro Bono Counseling, and do not imply an endorsement of them or the organizations they represent.
Supervisor Support Consultation Group
Topic – for Pro Bono Counseling Supervisor Volunteers to engage in consultation regarding questions or difficulties they have with supervisees or with providing supervision in general
Led by Harriet Mauer, LCSW
Will be held virtually once a month on the first Monday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Harriet Mauer, LCSW bio:
Harriet Mauer, LCSW in New York, is a retired social worker with significant clinical and supervisory experience. She has over 50 years of rich experience supervising clinicians and providing therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, and families through Good Shepherd Services in New York City (NYC), which is a youth development agency serving over 30,000 youth and families in NYC annually. Later, as the Director of Social Services Residential Services, she participated in various advisory groups pertaining to workforce and life-skill development, youth aging-out of foster care challenges, and trauma-related issues. In this role, she was a certified instructor for masters-level social work student interns. She has provided clinical supervision to approximately 1000 clinicians and clinician supervisors throughout her career. Most recently, over the past 12 years since retiring, she continues to do some clinical supervision and mentoring of social work interns, clinical providers and clinical supervisors/administrative staff. Harriet shared, “I am interested in volunteering with PBC [through leading a consultation group] because I value its mission and target populations. Additionally, while I have had many varied tasks and roles over my career, clinical supervision is one of the primary areas that I most enjoy and feel a meaningful level of competence to support and enable competency and empowerment in other social workers.”
For more information, email PBC Outreach Coordinator at YSwain@ProBonoCounseling.org
General Consultation and Peer Support for Pro Bono Counseling Mental Health Clinicians
- Meets twice per month through a virtual platform. First Mondays from 3:oo – 4:00 PM and Third Wednesdays from 2:00 – 3:00 PM
- Open to Pro Bono Counseling volunteers
- Led by Anne Devaughn, LCSW-C, a Pro Bono Counseling volunteer since 2009
- If interested, email Anne to be added to Zoom invitation list
2025 Professional Continuing Education Online Workshop
How to Heal a Sista: A Grassroots Approach to Helping Black Women
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 1:10 PM
Online Workshop – Three (3) CE Credits (This workshop meets the Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice content requirement)
Fee: $75/person
FREE for Active PBC Volunteer Clinicians
Featured Presenter: Shawna Murray-Browne, Ph.D., LCSW-C
Session Description: Black women face unique mental health challenges, shaped by institutionalized racism, stigma, and the roles they hold in families and communities, yet these factors are often overlooked in therapy. This workshop equips therapists to address the distinct stressors Black women endure, helping them better understand the physical and psychological impacts. Through culturally sensitive approaches like embodiment, authentic use of self, and grassroots strategies, therapists can foster self-determination and collective healing for African American women.
Workshop Level: Beginner
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the unique stressors Black women face along with effective ways to address the physical and psychological toll they can take.
- Explain 5 effective clinical strategies that celebrate Black culture and destigmatize mental health issues to improve clinical outcomes for African American women
- Explore the relevance and utility of grassroots approaches to inspire self-determination and collective healing among African American women.
Presenter Bio: Dr. Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C
Dr. Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C is an organizational strategist and healer, cultural historian, womanist scholar, transformational speaker and keeper of sacred space for leaders of color, globally. She is the Principal Consultant at Kindred Wellness LLC and trained as an integrative psychotherapist.
Dr. Shawna is known for holding sacred space for changemakers across the globe to return to themselves to equip Black families and change-makers with the tools to heal themselves. Others know her best for her training intensive, Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folk, where she co-creates space for deconstructing and reimagining mental health care as we know it.
Dr. Shawna works at the intersection of grassroot movement, institutional change and embodied ancestral wisdom. Intuitive, authentic, and high energy, she pulls from over 14 years of experience in mind-body medicine and mental health care to accompany executives in transcending historic and modern-day trauma. She guides organizations in creating affirming practices, policies and environments for Black, Brown and Indigenous people everywhere.
Dr. Shawna was named by The Huffington Post as one of the “Ten Black Female Therapists You Should Know,” featured on the PBS special Mysteries of Mental Illness, and was a two-time guest on the popular, Therapy for Black Girls podcast.
She completed her doctorate at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work where she gained her Master of Social Work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. She previously served on the Advisory Board of Cllctivly, as well as the Trauma Informed Care Task Force for the City of Baltimore, and is a former Minority Fellow for the Council on Social Work Education and SAMSHA.
Dedicated to continued growth, her practice in QiGong, African spiritual traditions, and sitting at the feet of elders maintain. She lives in Baltimore with her husband and her seven-year-old daughter.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Website: www.shawnamurraybrowne.com
Instagram: @withDrShawna
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnamurraybrowne/
SPECIAL NOTE – All workshop participants will receive a discount registration code for Dr. Shawna’s training intensive, Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folk, a virtual self-guided module series to earn 13 CE credits upon completion.
Workshop registrants will receive a code prior to the webinar to log on to Zoom and participate in the online session.
IMPORTANT: Attendance will be monitored. Participants must be logged on to the meeting by the workshop start time and participate in the entire event in order to earn CE credit.
Pro Bono Counseling is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pro Bono Counseling maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Maryland Boards of Social Work Examiners and Professional Counselors and Therapists certify that this program meets the criteria for three (3) credit hours of continuing education for social workers (Category 1 ), professional counselors, and therapists (Category A) licensed in Maryland.
CE credit is granted to participants with documented attendance at individual workshops. Attendance is monitored. Credit will not be granted to registrants who log on late or depart early from a session. It is the responsibility of registrants to comply with these requirements.
Please note that upon attendance verification, you will receive your CE certificate within four weeks via email. Please add Pro Bono Counseling to your contacts and check your SPAM folder to ensure delivery.
By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by the following code of conduct:
Workshop Code of Conduct
Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is dedicated to providing a positive continuing education experience for everyone of all backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior or harassment of workshop participants, facilitators, or PBC staff in any form. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of characteristics that include but are not limited to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, veteran status, pregnancy status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, PBC may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.
Workshop Views Disclaimer
The views expressed by the workshop presenter(s) and participants are their own opinions and do not represent Pro Bono Counseling, and do not imply an endorsement of them or the organizations they represent.
Register today to virtually attend Providing Counseling Pro Bono: Clinical Applications for Volunteers
Learn about volunteering with Pro Bono Counseling, including the organization’s background and philosophy, its clients and intake process, and the responsibilities of volunteers during this online webinar.
FREE Online Workshop – 1 CE Credit*
Tuesday, February 18
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Featured Presenters: Clinical Director Sherri Bloom, LCSW-C; Outreach Manager Yolonda Nelson-Swain, MAHS, VASIII
Objectives
By the end of this online workshop, clinicians will be able to:
• Analyze ethical implications of providing pro bono services
• Assess impact of providing pro bono services on current clinical practice
• Make a plan to address socio-economic, cultural, and racial issues in therapy
• Explain professional benefits of providing pro bono mental health care
-Please note that this workshop is intended for clinicians newly enrolled as PBC volunteers. You many only earn CEUs by attending this workshop once.
Participants will receive a code prior to the webinar to log on to Zoom and participate in the online session.
Please review your information and email address carefully before completing your registration. Your complete name and license type will be entered on your CE certificate, and the email address you enter is where all meeting information and your certificate will be sent.
*IMPORTANT: Attendance will be monitored. Participants must be logged on to the meeting by the start time and participate in the entire event in order to earn CE credit.
Pro Bono Counseling is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pro Bono Counseling maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Maryland Boards of Social Work Examiners (Category 1) and Professional Counselors and Therapists (Category A) certify that this program meets the criteria for one credit hour of continuing education for social workers, professional counselors, and therapists licensed in Maryland.
By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by the following code of conduct:
Workshop Code of Conduct
Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is dedicated to providing a positive continuing education experience for everyone of all backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior or harassment of workshop participants, facilitators, or PBC staff in any form. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of characteristics that include but are not limited to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, veteran status, pregnancy status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, PBC may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.
General Consultation and Peer Support for Pro Bono Counseling Mental Health Clinicians
- Meets twice per month through a virtual platform. First Mondays from 3:oo – 4:00 PM and Third Wednesdays from 2:00 – 3:00 PM
- Open to Pro Bono Counseling volunteers
- Led by Anne Devaughn, LCSW-C, a Pro Bono Counseling volunteer since 2009
- If interested, email Anne to be added to Zoom invitation list
Trauma Consultation – Peer Group Meeting for Pro Bono Counseling Mental Health Clinicians
- Monthly meetings through a virtual platform. The third Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.
- Open to Pro Bono Counseling volunteers. Limited spaces available due to demand.
- If interested, email PBC Outreach Coordinator (yswain@probonocounseling.org) to inquire about availability to join.
- Led by Bethan McGarry , LCSW-C, a Pro Bono Counseling volunteer since 2022
- Bio: Bethan McGarry (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, enthusiastic Baltimore City resident, and committed lifelong learner. Bethan has worked in settings from elementary school to in-patient psychiatry unit, and through in-depth experience in crisis care feels strongly that trauma-informed and person-centered connection is a vital path to healing at both an individual and a structural level. Bethan is committed to providing unconditional regard and a growth mindset in their therapeutic partnership, and enjoys supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families in navigating life transitions and periods of adjustment. They strive to provide culturally responsive care to a wide range of individuals seeking counseling support. Bethan is committed to anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and LGBTQ-affirming care and brings both a systems-analysis and spiritual lens to therapeutic work. Bethan enjoys YA fiction, crossword puzzles, and coffee shops within walking distance, and has been gratefully involved with PBC since fall 2022 as a volunteer clinician, trauma consult group participant, and now peer group co-facilitator.
Pro Bono Counseling
2025 Professional Continuing Education Online Webinar
Links Between Law, Ethics, Risk Management and Behavioral Health Practice: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You
Friday, February 21, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Online Workshop – Three (3) CE Credits (Ethics)
Fee: $59/person
FREE for Active PBC Volunteer Clinicians
Featured Presenter: Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C
Session Description: To fully navigate and understand the ‘person in the environment’ it is necessary for social workers and other behavioral health professionals to be aware of the various laws and regulations that impact practice. This workshop will explore the context and specific requirements behavioral health professionals are obligated to follow. The workshop will include opportunities to enhance skills for locating and understanding laws and regulations relevant to behavioral health practice. Ethical concepts identified include confidentiality, making reports of suspected maltreatment and harm, boundaries, and scope of practice. Risk Management Strategies will also be explored.
Workshop Level: Intermediate
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to:
- Identify the social worker and other behavioral health professionals’ roles and function as it relates to ethical and legal responsibilities.
- Describe the nature, context, and origin of policy that impact behavioral health practice.
- Locate relevant statutes and regulations relevant to behavioral health practice.
- Explore risk management strategies.
Presenter Bio: Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C
Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C, has over 35 years of social work experience in both clinical and macro practice areas. Her areas of expertise include policy, professional ethics, supervision and leadership, confidentiality, social work and practicum education, child welfare practice, and curriculum development. Ms. Ferretto provides consultation and training for private and public agencies in her areas of expertise. She has served on a variety of committees and boards at the local, state, and national level developing policy and program initiatives.
Currently, Ms. Ferretto is on the Faculty at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (SSW) and is the Director of Public Policy. During her tenure at the SSW, she has held positions in the Office of Field Education, Child Welfare Fellowship Program, Child Welfare Academy, Family Connections Baltimore and Social Work Community Outreach Service (SWCOS). Prior to her positions at the SSW, she served as an administrator at the Maryland Department of Human Services in the following programs: Child Protective Services, Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Office of Staff Development and Training. Ms. Ferretto began her social work career as a Child Protective Services Worker at Baltimore City Department of Social Services. She is an active member of NASW MD and serves as the chair for the NASW MD Faculty Student Committee and is founder of the statewide Annual Social Work Student Advocacy Day, which draws 400 social work students from across the state, now in its 27th year.
Workshop registrants will receive a code prior to the webinar to log on to Zoom and participate in the online session.
IMPORTANT: Attendance will be monitored. Participants must be logged on to the meeting by the workshop start time and participate in the entire event in order to earn CE credit.
Pro Bono Counseling is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pro Bono Counseling maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Maryland Boards of Social Work Examiners and Professional Counselors and Therapists certify that this program meets the criteria for three (3) credit hours of continuing education for social workers (Category 1 – Ethics), professional counselors, and therapists (Category A) licensed in Maryland.
CE credit is granted to participants with documented attendance at individual workshops. Attendance is monitored. Credit will not be granted to registrants who log on late or depart early from a session. It is the responsibility of registrants to comply with these requirements.
Please note that upon attendance verification, you will receive your CE certificate within four weeks via email. Please add Pro Bono Counseling to your contacts and check your SPAM folder to ensure delivery.
By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by the following code of conduct:
Workshop Code of Conduct
Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is dedicated to providing a positive continuing education experience for everyone of all backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior or harassment of workshop participants, facilitators, or PBC staff in any form. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of characteristics that include but are not limited to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, veteran status, pregnancy status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, PBC may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.
Workshop Views Disclaimer
The views expressed by the workshop presenter(s) and participants are their own opinions and do not represent Pro Bono Counseling, and do not imply an endorsement of them or the organizations they represent.
