3/18/21a - I’m Not Biased, You’re Biased! Are We More Biased Now since Pivoting to Telehealth Therapy Sessions?

I’m Not Biased, You’re Biased! Are We More Biased Now since Pivoting to Telehealth Therapy Sessions?
Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online via Zoom
3.0 CE Hours for Social Work (MICEC) and MCBAP (RELATED)
Course fee: $54
Presenter: Mark McMillan, LMSW, CAADC
We all know the popular internet meme about crying, so that we feel safe showing emotion in a public setting: “I’m not crying, you're crying.” We also know about human bias, also known as implicit bias, and how we as clinicians should remain “culturally competent” no matter the client. Now that most mental health services have pivoted to Telehealth therapy, however, more clinicians are feeling “more comfortable” and “more shielded” while conducting video-based counseling in the safety of their own homes. But what if you were a clinician or Social Worker who truly struggles working with some populations or certain “kinds” of client? Or what if now, since the onset of the pandemic, you have noticed yourself struggling to connect with some clients since working remotely? Join us as we create a safer place to discuss and explore the concepts of implicit bias, the truth about stereotypes, and self-shaming due to our own cognitions. This presentation will define bias/implicit bias, delve into where our biases begin; and how to manage bias during Telehealth video sessions. The presentation will also discuss possible current struggles for some therapists, including bias against religion, sex, gender/gender identity, and culture (race, ethnicity). There will be ample time for case study discussions and small group actives, while learning in a safe and trusting space.