Exploring Phases of the Therapeutic Relationship

DATE: Saturday, November 14, 2026

TIME: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET // 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT  // 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT // 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MT

PLATFORM: Via Zoom Webinar

COST: $69

FEATURES:

  • Live & Interactive Webinar
  • Presentation Slides PDF & Additional Resources Included
  • Provides for 3 CE hours of Clinical

This webinar explores the key phases of the therapeutic relationship, including Orientation & Engagement, Assessment & Formulation, Intervention & Working, and Termination & Closure. Participants will examine the core clinical tasks, therapist roles, and evidence-informed practices associated with each phase and consider how the therapist’s responsibilities evolve across the continuum of care. Emphasis will be placed on applying phase-specific strategies to establish a strong therapeutic alliance, engage clients effectively, develop meaningful case formulations, and implement targeted interventions. Participants will also explore methods for evaluating therapeutic progress and the strength of the therapeutic alliance to inform ongoing clinical decision-making. Attention will be given to recognizing when treatment strategies require adjustment and using client feedback and clinical observations to optimize outcomes. The course concludes by examining intentional termination and closure practices that support reflection, consolidate client gains, address the meaning of ending the therapeutic relationship, and promote continuity of progress beyond treatment.

Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the core tasks, therapist roles, and evidence-informed best practices associated with each phase of the therapeutic relationship (Orientation & Engagement, Assessment & Formulation, Intervention & Working, and Termination & Closure).
  • Apply phase-specific clinical strategies to effectively engage clients, develop accurate case formulations, implement targeted interventions, and facilitate meaningful termination across the continuum of care.
  • Evaluate therapeutic progress and alliance across each phase to make informed clinical decisions, adjust interventions, and optimize client outcomes.

$69.00

Categories: ,

3 CE Hours of Clinical Continuing Education
NBCC #7091 & ASWB #1770 Approved Provider

Target Audience: Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialists, Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists

Course Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

NBCC ACEP # 7091, CE Training Workshops has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP #7091. Programs that do not qualify are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. CE Training Workshops designates this continuing education activity for 3 continuing education hours.

CE Training Workshops, LLC, #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/02/2025 to 08/02/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

Purchase Instructions

Registration Deadline: Register up until the start time!

Cost Includes: A PDF of the presentation slides and any supplemental training materials and a certificate of completion.

Evaluation / Certificate: Within 4 hours of the completion of the webinar, participants will receive an email with a link to complete an evaluation. Once completed, the participant will be able to download/print the certificate.

System Requirements: Internet and the ability to log into Zoom webinars when provided a meeting link which will be sent upon registration.

Interactive Webinar: This is a live & interactive webinar which means that participants can interact with other participants and the instructor in live time.

Additional information can be found in the FAQs webpage AND on the Company & Approving Boards Policies webpage.

Meet Your Facilitator

Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She has held clinical positions as an outpatient and in-home therapist, and clinical supervisor. Diane was an Adjunct Professor of Social Work for 10 years at The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare, and a Field Liaison and Field Instructor. She has also held administrative positions as a Program Director and Coordinator.

Diane is a popular local and national trainer on a wide variety of mental health and workplace development topics for clinicians and corporations. Diane is most passionate about providing quality professional development to clinicians, employees, and leaders. For fun, Diane loves to spoil her four Dachshunds and rock out to 80’s music.