Wisconsin Ethics and Boundaries 4 CE
Ethical Boundaries, Telehealth, and the Therapeutic Frame
Continuing Education Credit Hours:
4
CE course Category:
Ethics, Boundaries, Telehealth
This CE course is approved by:
Target Audience:
Post-Master's and Post-Doctoral Level clinicians
APA, NBCC, IDFPR
Price shown at checkout
CE Course Type:
Asynchronous home study video online course
Instruction Level:
intermediate
Course Description:
A concept as old as psychotherapy itself, the therapeutic frame has long been recognized as a fundamental element that fosters an ethical and structured therapeutic focus on the client. The therapeutic frame provides the necessary boundaries and structure to facilitate a safe, effective, and professional therapeutic relationship. However, as our world rapidly evolves with technological advancements, therapists are increasingly facing challenges in maintaining these boundaries, particularly in the context of online therapy (Brown, 2023, Stoll, et al, 2020).
This course will explore the historical development of the therapeutic frame, identifying its core parameters and its critical function in ethical practice (Opland, 2024). Participants will engage in an in-depth analysis of the key elements that sustain the therapeutic frame, including the therapeutic contract, confidentiality, and role clarity (Shahriah , 2019). We will examine real-world examples of boundary crossings and breaches, analyzing their impact on clients and the therapeutic process (Ganzer, 2013, Cohen, 2017).
A particular focus will be placed on the transition to telehealth and how it has reshaped traditional concepts of the therapeutic frame. Studies indicate that the shift to virtual settings introduces new ethical dilemmas, such as maintaining client privacy, managing dual relationships, and addressing the unique demands of virtual interactions(McCoyd, et al 2022; Potash, 2021) . Participants will explore scenarios where the therapeutic frame serves as the primary reference point in clinical decision-making, as well as instances where intentional flexibility within ethical guidelines is required to meet client needs (Stoll, 2020, Finsrud, 2022).
Through case studies and discussion, attendees will develop strategies to reinforce ethical boundaries while adapting to evolving therapeutic contexts. The course will emphasize evidence-based approaches to ethical boundary management and provide practical tools for balancing structure with flexibility (Brown, 2023, Opland 2024).
Course Learning Outcome Objectives:
1. Participants will accurately identify and describe at least five key aspects of the therapeutic frame and explain their significance in maintaining ethical practice.
2. Participants will compare and contrast at least three challenges related to boundaries and the therapeutic frame in online therapy settings.
3. Participants will analyze and apply relevant professional ethical codes to real-world scenarios involving therapeutic frames.
4. Participants will evaluate and compare at least three ethical dilemmas that arise from boundary violations in therapeutic practice.
5. Participants will identify and describe three scenarios where bending the therapeutic frame may be ethically justified.
Shan Ru Lin, LCPC, ATR-BC, ATCS
Course Instructor Bio:
Shan Ru Lin is a Certified Sexual Assault Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and a Certified Art Therapy Supervisor (ATCS) in Chicago, Illinois. Trained in EMDR for trauma therapy, Shan has a long history of working with women, adult and childhood sexual assault survivors, marginalized populations and those most impacted by the lack of social justice. She has worked with women, adults, and children with a history of trauma in the community, medical, and educational settings. Shan currently works as a counselor, art therapist, educator, and clinical supervisor in private practice. She is the founder of Spring Advisory, a consulting firm focused on providing mental health services and serving the mental health professional community. with over 15 years of experience in trauma-focused therapy and over 7 years of supervisory experience. She holds an MA in creative arts in therapy from Drexel University.
How to Get Your CE Certificate After Completing The Course:
Please fill out a course evaluation and pass the post-test exam by 80% score or more. Your certificate will be issued to you after passing the exam. You can retake the exam if you do not pass.
This course meets Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board (MPSW) Chapter MPSW 20 Acceptable Conduct expected of licensed professionals.
Wisconsin Chs. SPS 1-299; Professional Services, Chs. SPS 160-169; Substance Abuse Professionals, Chapter SPS 168: SPS 168.01 Continuing education requirements. (2) A minimum of 4 continuing education credit hours of the required 30 credit hours shall be in the area of professional ethics and boundaries.
SPS 168.02 Approved continuing education: (1)a (8). The National Board for Certified Counselors. (c) The program is approved, sponsored, or co-sponsored by a presenter approved by the Committee for the Approval of Continuing Education Sponsors of the American Psychological Association.
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/sps/professional_services/160/168
Affected licenses include Wisconsin social workers, Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapists, Wisconsin Professional Counselors, and Wisconsin Addiction Counselors.
Licensing rules change. Check your own license for the most updated rules.
CE Providers:
Spring Advisory, PLLC has been approved by The National Board For Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7169. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Spring Advisory, PLLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Spring Advisory, PLLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spring Advisory, PLLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Our goal is to help maintain and advance the knowledge and skills of doctoral-level psychologists. APA-approved Continuing education (CE) in psychology is an ongoing process consisting of formal learning activities that (1) are relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or science; (2) enable psychologists to keep pace with the most current scientific evidence regarding assessment, prevention, intervention, and/or education, as well as important relevant legal, statutory, leadership, or regulatory issues; and (3) allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.
There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support in this program.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board recognizes CE credits granted by NBCC Approved Continuing Education Providers. All CE from Spring Advisory can be counted towards ATR, ATR-BC, and ATCS credential renewals for art therapists per ATCB.
Spring Advisory is an Illinois Social Work CE Sponsor, #159.001540
Spring Advisory is an Illinois Psychologist CE Sponsor, #268.000141
Spring Advisory is an Illinois Marriage and Family Therapy CE Sponsor, #168.000265
To ensure compliance with licensing board requirements, all CE courses expire 180 days after registration.
Terms and Conditions:
If you require assistance or accommodations for accessibility, please email admin@springadv.com.
You can find our refund and cancellation policy on our website’s terms of use.
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There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support in this program.
By taking an online course, in real-time/live or pre-recorded/video, you are required to pass an exam by 80% about the course content in order to obtain your CE Credits and Certificates.
Upon passing the post-test exam at 80% or above, certificates are issued within the same 24-hour period; CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER. Unforeseen technical failure may cause delays. Please email admin@springadv.com for any issues.
Any misspellings or unsubmitted exams or failed exams will require you to retake the exam.
Compatible Web Technology for Online Course:
Compatible Web Technology for Online Course: In order to make sure your course runs well, please make sure your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or smart device has the following:1.The most recent version of one of the web browsers in your PC or MAC computer. 2. Javascript enabled. 3. PDF plugin. 4.Graphic and audio output capability. 5.Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended). 6.TLS 1.2 is supported by your web browser
FAQ
Wisconsin 4-Hour Ethics & Professional Boundaries CE Requirement
Who must complete 4 Ethics CE hours in Wisconsin?
The 4-hour ethics and professional boundaries requirement applies to professionals credentialed under Wis. Stat. ch. 457, including:
Social Worker
Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW)
Independent Social Worker (ISW)
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Professional Counselor (LPC)
See Wis. Stat. §§ 457.08–457.13.
What is required?
Winsconsin Licensees must complete:
30 total CE hours every 2-year renewal cycle
At least 4 CE hours in Ethics and Professional Boundaries
The 4 hours count toward the 30-hour total.
Authority: SPS 168.01(2); Wis. Stat. ch. 457.
What qualifies as Ethics and Professional Boundaries CE?
Courses must address professional ethics and boundary standards relevant to the license held, including:
Ethical decision-making
Professional conduct
Confidentiality
Dual relationships
Scope of practice
CE must relate directly to regulated practice under Chapter 457.
Are APA- and NBCC-approved courses accepted in Wisconsin?
Yes.
Wisconsin recognizes continuing education approved by nationally accredited providers, including:
APA-approved continuing education
NBCC-approved continuing education
Spring Advisory APA- and NBCC-approved ethics courses meet Wisconsin CE standards when content aligns with the license scope.
Authority: Wis. Stat. ch. 457; DSPS CE recognition standards.
How often is the 4-hour Ethics CE required in Wisconsin?
Every 2-year renewal period.
Hours cannot be carried forward.
Authority: SPS 168.01(2).
Are new licensees in Wisconsin required to complete the 4 hours?
New credential holders are generally exempt during their first renewal period.
Full CE requirements apply thereafter.
Authority: Wis. Stat. ch. 457; DSPS renewal rules.
