Professional Ethics and the Treatment of Trauma

Medical ethics are the guiding principles that inform best practices for mental and physical health care providers. When working with trauma populations, such as within the veterans and military community, providers must be knowledgeable about ethics in regards to competence, informed consent, client safety, emotional boundaries, as well as privacy and confidentiality.

To help support RVP volunteer providers and their practice regarding professional ethics, we are proud to announce that Cynthia Sturm, Ph.D., will host a training titled “Professional Ethics and the Treatment of Trauma” on Friday, April 19, 2019 from 9AM - 4PM.

In this workshop, participants will be able to review ethical principles as they apply to working with trauma populations. There will be opportunities for discussion and application of ethical principles and decision-making models to cases. Additionally, discussions of the risks of vicarious traumatization and clinician burnout, with suggestions for self-reflection and self-care strategies for the trauma therapist, will be included in the program.

Cynthia Sturm, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. She works with adults and couples in her practice, and teaches and consults in areas of ethics and professional issues for mental health practitioners. She has held various leadership roles in the American Psychological Association and Oregon Psychological Association, including serving on both the OPA and APA Ethics Committees. Her areas of professional interest include psychotherapy, PTSD, ethics and decision-making, practice guidelines and models of continuing education for professionals.