Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults
For the experienced clinician, the Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults provides a deep exploration of the cutting-edge theoretical perspectives of attachment, trauma informed care, and neuroscience, as they relate to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adults. In addition, participants select three electives in evidence-based treatment modalities for adults, and two electives in treatment focuses for adults, to gain advanced knowledge and deepen their practice in their particular area of expertise.
Target Audience: Intended for the experienced clinician.
Each course is 6 hours in length, offered in one full-day session, and offers 6 CEUs for students who complete the entire course. Qualified students may complete the courses in any order they choose, and may take any course(s) without committing to completing the certificate.
To receive the certificate, students must complete the 3 required courses and 5 electives within 3 years.
Theoretical Perspectives (3 required)
1. Attachment Theory (Course CORE-1)
2. Trauma Informed Care (Course CORE-2)
3. Neuroscience (Course CORE-3)
Adult Treatment Modalities (choose 3)
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM1)
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM2)
3. Motivational Interviewing for Adults (Course ADULT-TM3)
4. Narrative Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM4)
5. Psychodynamic Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM5)
6. Solution Focused Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM6)
Adult Treatment Focuses (choose 2)
1. Sexuality and Gender Across the Lifespan (Course ADULT-TF1)
2. Substance Use Disorders for Adults (Course ADULT-TF2)
3. Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan (Course ADULT-TF 3)
4. Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Adults (Course ADULT-TF4)
5. Issues Facing Older Adults (Course ADULT-TF5)
Adult
Certificate Information
To receive a certificate, students must complete the three core courses and five electives (three Treatment Modality courses and two Treatment Focus courses), for a total of eight courses. Each certificate program offers 14 course options. The core courses are the same for both certificate programs. A student who completes the core courses for one certificate program need not retake them to complete the other certificate program.
Each core course will be offered at least once per year. In addition, several Treatment Modalities and Treatment Focuses electives for each certificate program will be offered each semester. Students may take up to 3 years to complete the certificate.
Full-day courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Spring 2025
Social Work Certificate Courses in
Advanced Clinical Practice - Online
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Registration deadline: Course registration will close on Thursday at midnight prior to each Tuesday course
and Tuesday at midnight prior to each Friday course.
- Online participants are required to have a computer with video and audio capability.
- Participants must create a Zoom account in advance according to Boston College security requirements.
- All programs offered online via Zoom will be delivered live and will not be recorded unless stated otherwise.
- These programs have a maximum capacity to allow for participant engagement. Register early to avoid disappointment!
Spring Semester Savings!
1 Course = $150
2 Courses = 10% Discount Each
3 Courses = 15% Discount Each
4 Courses = 20% Discount Each
Register
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Chitra Gopalan, LMHC
Motivational Interviewing for Children, Youth, and Families
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that is broadly used by practitioners. This approach can be used with clients with a variety of mental health, substance use, or physical health disorders. MI interventions involve empathically collaborating with the client to enhance intrinsic motivation for change while understanding, addressing, and resolving ambivalence. This course will review the fundamental principles of MI, highlight the techniques for facilitating change that are associated with this approach, and consider how to most effectively employ MI skills in working with children and their caregivers. The Transtheoretical Model of Change will also be reviewed, as will MI interventions that guide progress through the stage of change. This course includes multiple opportunities to practice skills and techniques that are reviewed, heavily incorporating practice exercises for participants to complete in breakout rooms.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to define motivational interviewing (MI).
- Participants will be able to describe the spirit and the principles of MI.
- Participants will identify the Stages of Change.
- Participants will recognize and elicit change talk in clients.
- Participants will identify MI core skills and tools.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kelsey Taylor, MS, LMHC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they are interconnected. CBT is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma in children and adolescents. This course provides an orientation and overview of CBT. Learn practical skills for individual, group, and family therapy. Explore interventions focused on problem solving, cognitive restructuring, self-regulation, affect identification, and relaxation. Through case studies, interactive discussions, role-plays, and worksheets, you will take away practical CBT strategies to use immediately with any client.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn to define Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Participants will learn to recognize the Cognitive Triangle and Thinking Errors/Cognitive Distortions.
- Participants will identify interventions to target feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Participants will identify problem solving techniques.
- Participants will practice skills for relaxation.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kenna Sullivan, LCSW
Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan
One of the most challenging issues a clinician can face is a client’s suicidal crisis. This course will address the psychological, medical, and mental health factors that contribute to suicide and the specific challenges faced by clients at different phases of life. We will review the multi-dimensional aspects of suicide including biological, psychological, interpersonal, sociological, cultural, ethical, and philosophical/existential elements in the suicide event. We will address the management of suicidality and the unique challenges facing clients at different ages. We will identify and examine risk factors as well as treatment interventions and best practices in dealing with the suicidal and the bereaved of all ages. Information and resources will be shared on local and national suicide prevention efforts specific to children, adults, and older adults.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the terminology, incidence, prevalence, and epidemiology of suicide behavior.
- Examine three high risk factors for suicide in each of these age groups.
- Review best practices in suicide assessment and strategies for managing both acute and chronic suicidal clients.
- Describe various treatment approaches (CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy) for suicidality and therapeutic risk management.
- Review the most current national and local efforts on suicide prevention and how strategies vary according to the targeted age group.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Focus Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW
Sexuality and Gender Across the Lifespan
This course provides an overview of gender and sexuality development across the lifespan, focusing on key concepts, influential factors, and implications for social work practice by exploring the complex interplay between gender and sexuality across different stages of human development. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine various theoretical perspectives, research findings, and societal influences on gender identity and sexual orientation from infancy to late adulthood. Topics include biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of gender and sexuality, as well as the implications for individual development, relationships, and society as a whole.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand gender and sexuality concepts in human development.
- Explore biological and environmental influences on gender and sexuality.
- Examine gender identity and sexual orientation development.
- Analyze societal influences on gender roles and sexual behaviors.
- Discuss challenges faced by sexual and gender minority individuals.
- Address ethical and legal considerations in social work practice regarding gender and sexuality.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Daniel Morehead, MD
Neuroscience
Neuroscience constitutes an exciting though vast and disorienting field. This course will synthesize information from primary neuroscience into a coherent and usable form for clinical social work, human social life, and everyday life. We will review brain structure and function, then discuss illuminating aspects of brain science in human development, adversity, resilience, and health. Finally, we will connect specific mental health disorders and treatments to neuropathology, as well as social challenges and inequities. Throughout the course, we will emphasize the brain as one aspect of human nature, a level of dynamic organization that both reflects and influences social and psychological experience, and ultimately cannot be separated from them. No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, and the class format will be interactive.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn brain anatomy and function for the purposes of understanding relevant clinical literature and neuroscience-based theories.
- Participants will learn the neuroscience and physiology of normal stress and its relation to the development of mental illness.
- Participants will learn the neuroscience of fear and trauma, including the developmental consequences of early life adversity.
- Participants will explore the neuroscience of major depression, PTSD, anxiety, and their treatment.
- Participants will be exposed to the complex and mutual interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Julia Rydin, LICSW
Psychodynamic Therapy for Adults
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an empirically validated form of treatment that produces lasting change via a collaborative effort between client and therapist. Psychodynamic therapy is a highly developed model that not only recognizes external and visible symptomatic manifestations of one’s struggles but also the often unconscious forces behind various behavioral and interpersonal patterns. Originally derived from Freud’s psychoanalysis, the psychodynamic model offers a contemporary perspective resulting from decades of subsequent growth and development with theoretical and clinical contributions from ego psychology, object relations, self-psychology, attachment theory, and relational theory. This course will review some fundamental assumptions of the psychodynamic approach, familiarize participants with the work of a few of the key contributors, and apply theory to clinical situations that arise in a variety of social work settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to describe fundamental concepts from Drive Theory, Object Relations Theory, Self Psychology, and Relational Theory that underlie contemporary practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy.
- Participants will be able to articulate how dynamic factors interact with biological predispositions and societal forces to inform their understanding of individuals’ clinical presentation.
- Participants will be able to identify a set of clinical techniques utilized in psychodynamic therapy to promote formation of insight, development of agency, and greater integration within a relational context.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW
Attachment Theory
Understanding attachment, both practically and theoretically, is critical to understanding development, relationships, and interactions in the social environment. Caregiving systems are the foundation for healthy development. Secure attachment allows for safe exploration of the world; provides a healthy model of self and others; teaches how to communicate and how to read others; teaches to understand, tolerate, and cope with emotional experiences; and provides structure and limits. When attachment systems are challenged or disrupted, the impact on development throughout the lifespan can be significant. This training offers an overview of the critical importance of attachment, discussion of theory, and exploration of practical application of concepts, utilizing a dynamic and multimedia approach.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will review and explore several theories of attachment and development and weigh the pros and cons of each.
- Participants will explore early childhood attachment systems and the impact on development and adult relationships.
- Participants will explore their own experiences in personal and professional settings of attachment styles on interpersonal interaction and relationships.
- Participants will consider and discuss implications of attachment style and orientation in clinical practice.
- Participants will be challenged to consider whether attachment styles are inherently set, or whether they are subject to influence and change.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane Fitzgerald, MSW, LICSW
Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Children, Youth, and Families
Trauma and traumatic stress can stem from a diverse array of experiences, can impact individuals in various ways, and can often occur in the context of interpersonal interactions. Trauma and traumatic stress resulting from interpersonal violence can be particularly impactful. This course will examine various types of interpersonal violence including war, terrorism and civil unrest, community violence, school violence, and violence in the home (including domestic violence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse). Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of the impact of interpersonal violence on children, youth, and families, and explore intervention and support strategies to promote hope, healing, and resilience. Materials will be presented through lecture, audio and visual vignettes, group activities, and discussion.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will explore the impact of traumatic stress inflicted on children, youth, and families by others.
- Participants will explore various forms of interpersonal violence, and the possible array of impacts of each.
- Participants will consider trauma responses, symptoms, and diagnostic impressions, including mis-diagnosis and differential diagnostic considerations.
- Drawing on personal and professional experience, participants will engage in discussion of possible responses to different types of interpersonal violence that occur in a variety of settings.
- Participants will engage in exploration of a variety of intervention strategies to promote healing and resilience for children, youth, and families.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Angela Belleville, LMHC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based, short-term therapy shown to decrease symptomology and improve mood and daily functioning by teaching clients self-coaching skills to identify, evaluate, and modify unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns. This course will provide Master's level clinicians with an understanding of the Cognitive Behavioral model that will include a brief history, populations most commonly treated, basic empirical research, essential components and structure, and commonly used techniques. Participants will learn some essential skills that can be integrated into a CBT treatment plan or used as standalone interventions that they can immediately incorporate into their practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to articulate basic theory and key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Participants will learn effective ways to socialize clients to the model and gain "buy in".
- Participants will be able to describe the functions of collaborative case conceptualization.
- Participants will be familiarized with skills to manage anxiety and worry.
- Participants will learn the steps to Behavioral Activation, an effective stand-alone intervention for adult clients presenting with depression.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Certificate Program Instructors
Angela Belleville Angela Belleville
Angela Belleville
Angela L. Belleville, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Bella Health, which offers an array of gold standard PTSD treatments as well as supervision, consultation, and training services for providers. Prior to Bella Health, she had two decades of rich and wide-ranging experience in behavioral health including inpatient psychiatric trauma care, DBT day treatment, clinical consulting, community-based wraparound supervision and management, program development, CIT police training, community fundraising, and more.
In addition to her extensive experience as a trainer and consultant, Ms. Belleville is a provider-status Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) clinician, certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), train-the-trainer status in CBT for PTSD, and proficient in Prolonged Exposure (PE), Written Exposure Therapy, and other forms of trauma treatment.
Zane FitzGerald Zane FitzGerald
Zane FitzGerald
Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW, received an MSW from Fordham University with a concentration in Client Centered Management and a specialization in Social Work and the Law. Zane has worked in child welfare settings; child and adolescent residential treatment programs; community based child, youth, and family services; community based and residential services with adults with severe and persistent mental illness; and other settings. The past 15 years have been spent with Eliot Community Human Services, a large and diverse human services non-profit in Massachusetts.
The past eight years have included adjunct teaching in the Boston College School of Social Social Work, and facilitating workshops with BC Continuing Education. Zane has been trained in, and trained others in, evidence based treatments and has integrated components and interventions into a variety of settings.
Chitra Gopalan Chitra Gopalan
Chitra Gopalan
Chitra Gopalan, LMHC, has over 15 years of clinical experience working with a diverse population of youth and families with involvement in the juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health, and school systems of Massachusetts. Chitra is also a licensed School Adjustment Counselor and currently the Clinical Specialist at a therapeutic day school within Boston Public Schools. In this role she supports the provision of counseling services and social/emotional learning for students (K-12) who attend the school. Chitra is also an independent clinical supervisor and maintains an ongoing role as a Consultant for Eliot Community Human Services.
Chitra is an experienced clinician, supervisor, and consultant with expertise in supporting others in providing effective services for clients with a wide range of social, cultural, mental health, and behavioral struggles.
Daniel Morehead Daniel Morehead
Daniel Morehead
Daniel Morehead, MD, is Director of the General Psychiatry Residency Program at Tufts Medical Center. He speaks regularly for mental health advocacy and teaches psychiatry at Tufts University Medical Center. He is also a former Assistant Residency Director at the Menninger Clinic, where he received the William C. Menninger Teaching Award. He is board certified in General Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, and maintains interests in brain science, psychotherapy, and spirituality.
In his leisure time, he is a student of kung fu, and has managed to attain black belt level without seriously injuring himself. He and his wife Carol are parents of three sons, and Carol serves as priest and rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Medford, Massachusetts.
Sara Rodrigues Sara Rodrigues
Sara Rodrigues
Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW (she, her, hers), has 20 years of experience working with children and families in outpatient clinics, private schools, community mental health, home-based treatment programs, and residential facilities. The principles of wraparound are a major component of her work as she believes that families are the experts on their own experiences, strengths, and needs.
Understanding that navigating the system can be a challenge, Sara focuses on building an integrated team of both natural and professional support that can help a family meet its goals for the family in a way that is sustainable. Sara specializes in working with individuals facing anxiety and depression, and also in children presenting with developmental issues.
Julia Rydin Julia Rydin
Julia Rydin
Julia Rydin, LICSW, is a Boston-based clinical social worker providing psychotherapy for young adults, adults, and couples. She received her MSW from the BCSSW in 2021. Julia pursued post-graduate training in adult inpatient services through McLean Hospital and advanced clinical education in outpatient psychodynamic therapy through the Psychotherapy Institute of Back Bay (PIBB) and the Psychodynamic Couple and Family Institute of New England (PCFINE).
Her research background includes assistance in the development of community needs assessments and program evaluations. In addition to her private practice, Julia serves as a faculty member and associate clinical director for PIBB.
Kenna Sullivan Kenna Sullivan
Kenna Sullivan
Kenna Sullivan, LICSW, is the Assistant Director of Field Education at the Boston College School of Social Work and has been an academic advisor here since 2005. She is a graduate of the Boston University School of Social Work. Kenna has 30 years of experience in Disaster Mental Health and Emergency Room Social Work and continues to practice at both Beth Israel Lahey Health and Mass General Brigham hospitals.
She has worked previously as psychiatric triage clinician through the Boston College Counseling Services and is currently the primary after hours psychiatric triage clinician at Berklee College of Music. Kenna began her work in trauma response and suicide prevention in 1980 and has worked in the areas of suicide prevention, disaster mental health and higher education since that time.
Kelsey Taylor Kelsey Taylor
Kelsey Taylor
Kelsey Taylor, MS, LMHC, is an experienced child and family therapist, supervisor, and administrator working in community based, school, and residential settings with knowledge of behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems. She is passionate about providing effective and creative interventions to help children, youth, and families build resilience to move beyond complex trauma and address mental health needs.
Kelsey’s clinical practice, supervision, and training approach is informed by her graduate studies at Northeastern University in Ecological Systems Theory and Feminist Psychology. She enjoys developing the knowledge and skill of direct care staff, paraprofessionals, educators, and clinicians through training, consultation, and supervision. and also teaches CBT and DBT courses at Boston College School of Social Work.
General Admission
General Admission for each certificate course is $150.
Spring Semester Savings!
1 Course = $150
2 Courses = 10% Discount Each
3 Courses = 15% Discount Each
4 Courses = 20% Discount Each
General Information:
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Advanced Clinical Practice courses. All sales are final; we are not able to offer refunds. Registrations may not be transferred to another person or to another course, workshop, or program.
Online registration is required to participate in a course. Tuition for each certificate course is to be paid by debit or credit card. Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Payment is due in full in order to enroll.
These courses are approved for CEUs for Social Workers in MA, CT, RI, and VT. They meet the requirements for Continuing Education Hours established by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure in ME. If your state is not listed, please check with your local state licensing board to ensure the course meets state requirements prior to registering.
Boston College Continuing Education is required to ensure attendance to award CEUs. Participants must attend the complete program(s) they register for to receive CEUs; we are not able to award partial CEUs. Those who arrive late, leave early, or do not attend the entire program will be unable to receive CEUs.
Getting to Campus
Parking is available at the nearby Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue Garages. Discounted parking passes are available upon registration.
Boston College is also accessible via public transportation (MBTA B Line - Boston College).