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Counselors Association





                           

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Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC)

Committee Mission Statement


We believe that education needs to be rooted in decolonized and liberative principles. The education committee seeks to sponsor high-caliber and timely educative presentations to increase competency, provoke critical consciousness, and challenge oppressive practices. We offer continuing education opportunities which are accessible and further the embodiment of ethical clinical practice. We support counselors in developing cultural humility and strategies to reduce suffering. WMHCA and the committee actively seek to recruit presenters with diverse and intersectional identities, philosophies, and content.

Contact information


Chair: TBD

Vice-Chair: Heidi Ehrilch LMHC, NCC


Committee Purpose

The Professional Development and Education Committee is inviting all WMHCA members to join the committee. The goal of the Professional Development and Education Committee is to vet presenters for workshops, select topics that best serve members, plan and host workshops, and stay updated on all continuing education requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Health. The committee also explores and makes decisions regarding curriculum development.

Continuing Education Courses

Current Live Professional Development Offerings

Current On Demand Professional Development Offerings

WMCHA is always accepting professional development proposals for continuing education.  Click here for more information.

WMHCA also approves continuing education for other organizations or providers.  Click here for more information.

HELMS Update

Attention Washington State Counselors: HELMS Is Now Required for Licensure Renewals and strongly encouraged for all Applications. 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently launched the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) modernizing and replacing the outdated ILRS system.

All counselors must now use HELMS for licensure applications and renewals. HELMS provides:

  • Faster processing and electronic notifications

  • Easy online access to license status, renewals, and updates

  • Secure digital certificates and renewal notices (no more paper mailings)

  • Streamlined tools for managing your professional credential

Where to Renew: Log in through your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account and add the HELMS service to manage your license.

To Make the Transition Easier: the Professional Development & Education Committee created a step-by-step How to Create Your HELMS Account guide.

Continuing Education Requirements

All WA State providers (LMHCAs & LMHCs) must complete the following Continuing Education (CE) requirements: 

  • 6 CEs of Ethics and Law every 2 years
  • 2 CEs of Professional Roles and Boundaries every 2 years
  • 2 CEs of Health Equity every 4 years

LMHCs only must also complete:

  • 6 CEs of Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management (1st time within the first year of obtaining the LMHC; 2nd time must be an advanced course)
What are the Health Equity Training Standards?

As of January 1, 2024 all providers licensed under Title 18 must take two (2) continuing education credits of health equity training every four (4) years.  This includes associates.

 

The training must:

  • Include implicit bias training to identify strategies to reduce bias during assessment and diagnosis and may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the topics below

  • Instruction on skills to address the structural factors, such as bias, racism, and poverty, that manifest as health inequities.

  • Self-reflection to assess how the licensee's social position can influence their relationship with clients and their communities.

  • Strategies for recognizing patterns of health care disparities on an individual, institutional, and structural level and eliminating factors that influence them.

  • Intercultural communication skills training, including how to work effectively with an interpreter and how communication styles differ across cultures.

  • Have trainers with demonstrated knowledge and experience related to health equity. Research referenced in the training must be based on current empirical research and known best practices.

  • The courses must assess the licensee's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice

  • An assessment at the end of an in-person or virtual continuing education training to determine knowledge gained during that training or

  • A document provided at the end of an in-person or virtual continuing education training that attests to attendance at the training.


Other topics that meet the requirements are:

  • Methods for addressing the emotional well-being of children and youth of diverse backgrounds.

  • Ensuring equity and anti-racism in care delivery pertaining to medical developments and emerging therapies.

  • Structural competency training addressing five core competencies:

  • Recognizing the structures that shape clinical interactions.

  • Developing an extra-clinical language of structure.

  • Re-articulating "cultural" formulations in structural terms.

  • Observing and imagining structural interventions; and

  • Developing structural humility.

  • Cultural safety training.

October 1, 2025 CE Updates

Call for Proposals

2025-2026 Meeting Minutes

2024-2025 Meeting Minutes


2023-2024 Meeting Minutes

Only met every other month

Meeting Information

  • The PDEC committee meets the 1st Monday of every month at 12:00 PM. 
  • Meeting registration is below

Upcoming PDEC Meetings and other Events

  • Professional Development and Education Committee

    • 03/02/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

    Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.

    Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.

    As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

    • Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
    • Plan and host continuing education events
    • Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
    • Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

    Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 03/06/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Get ready for "Weaving Connections: Building Inclusion and Connection in Therapy," our upcoming conference designed to foster vital connections within our therapeutic community! To make this event a resounding success, we need your help. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various aspects of getting the conference up and running. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful event, connect with fellow members, and gain valuable experience. If you're eager to lend a hand and help us weave an unforgettable experience, please sign up to join us! We can't wait to see you there.

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 04/03/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Get ready for "Weaving Connections: Building Inclusion and Connection in Therapy," our upcoming conference designed to foster vital connections within our therapeutic community! To make this event a resounding success, we need your help. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various aspects of getting the conference up and running. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful event, connect with fellow members, and gain valuable experience. If you're eager to lend a hand and help us weave an unforgettable experience, please sign up to join us! We can't wait to see you there.

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee

    • 04/06/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

    Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.

    Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.

    As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

    • Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
    • Plan and host continuing education events
    • Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
    • Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

    Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

    Show details

  • Weaving Connection: Building Inclusion and Connection In Therapy

    • 05/02/2026
    • 7:30 AM
    • 05/03/2026
    • 5:00 PM
    • Hilton Seatac 17620 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188
    • 86
    Register
    Mental Health Awareness Month invites reflection on how care is shaped by knowledge, lived experience, and connection.

    This conference brings clinicians and advocates together to strengthen inclusive, ethical mental health practice. Sessions are led by speakers whose work is grounded in professional expertise and lived experience, representing a wide range of identities, cultures, and disciplines. Through practical learning and shared dialogue, participants engage perspectives that deepen understanding, support professional sustainability, and strengthen care for the individuals and communities we serve.

    The Conference will be May 1st-3rd, 2026 at the Seatac Hilton near Seatac Airport.  May 1st will be an evening Welcome Reception and the 2nd & 3rd will be full days of continuing education. 


    The full presenter list with session information can be found using this LINK.  (Session days and times are subject to change.)


    The complete agenda can be found HERE.  You can earn up to 12.5 CE's.  


    The Room Block is currently open, as well as the discounted airfare. Book your room early as space is limited.  You can also find our accessibility information HERE. 


    WMHCA is also excited to announce we have secured the keynote speaker for our upcoming conference.  The Cost of Healing in Silence — Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care

    Ashley McGirt, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed therapist, author, and Founder & CEO of Therapy Fund Foundation, a nonprofit eliminating barriers to healing in Black communities. A TEDx speaker and NAACP Health Chair, she specializes in trauma and culturally responsive care. Her forthcoming book, "The Cost of Healing in Silence", explores racial trauma and the call for inclusive, equitable mental health practices.

    Get your tickets in advance as it is likely to sell out. 

    You will be invited to the Whova app within 72 hours of your completed registration so you can pick your sessions. 


     Registrations Early Bird Dec. 1, 2025 March 15, 2026
     Student Members $249 $249 $349
     Members $299 $399 $499
     Non-Members $499 $499 $599


    Become a WMHCA Member

    No refunds will be given.

    Washington Mental Health Association (WMHCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2079. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee

    • 05/04/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

    Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.

    Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.

    As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

    • Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
    • Plan and host continuing education events
    • Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
    • Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

    Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee

    • 06/01/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

    Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.

    Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.

    As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

    • Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
    • Plan and host continuing education events
    • Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
    • Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

    Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

    Show details

Past events

02/25/2026 Beyond Self-Care: What Actually Sustains Clinicians Presented by Dr. Kira Mauseth
02/10/2026 Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) Psychotherapy: Best Practices & Current Trends Presented by Dr. Peter Addy, LMHC
02/06/2026 Conference Task Force Meeting
02/02/2026 Cancelled: Professional Development and Education Committee
01/30/2026 We Carry It All: Unpacking Systemic Trauma Through the Body and Beyond Words-Presented by Danielle McDowell LPC
01/29/2026 Cancelled: Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
01/21/2026 Personal Resilience in the Everyday: Developing Core Competencies Presented by Kira Mauseth, Ph.D.
01/15/2026 Law and Ethics of Professional Roles and Boundaries in the Clinical Setting Presented by Eric Ström JD, PhD, LMHC
01/09/2026 Conference Task Force Meeting
01/05/2026 Professional Development and Education Committee
12/15/2025 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
12/09/2025 CANCELED: Scholarship Task Force
12/05/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
12/01/2025 CANCELLED: Professional Development and Education Committee
11/18/2025 Scholarship Task Force
11/13/2025 Helping Clients Heal from Toxic Relationships Presented by Kate Mageau, MS, LMHC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, CIMHP, C-DBT
11/07/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
11/04/2025 Advanced Clinical Applications of Movement Techniques with Jayden Aubryn LICSW, NCSF-CPT
11/03/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee
10/30/2025 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
10/09/2025 Employment Laws for Health Care Providers: What Employers and Employees Need to Know Presented by Eric Ström JD, PhD, LMHC
10/06/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee
10/03/2025 Skills for Facilitating Guided Meditation for Therapists Presented By Tony Rella, LMHC
10/03/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
09/24/2025 Law and Ethics of Interacting With the Legal System: Confidentiality, Subpoenas, Depositions, and Testifying, Presented by Eric Ström JD, PhD, LMHC
09/17/2025 Learn about HEALWA
09/12/2025 Empowering Healing: 5 Trauma-Informed Treatment Strategies for Childbirth-Related PTSD, Presented by S. Anandavalli, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCTP
09/08/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee
09/05/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
08/28/2025 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
08/28/2025 Suicide Assessment, Management, and Treatment Presented by Emily Hughs LMFT CMHS, SUDP
08/26/2025 Law & Ethics of Washington State Mandatory Reporting, Presented by Eric Ström JD, PhD, LMHC
08/14/2025 Suicide Assessment, Management, and Treatment Presented by Emily Hughs LMFT CMHS, SUDP
08/04/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee
08/01/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
07/25/2025 Navigating Washington’s New Confidentiality Standards for LMHCs, LMFTs, and Social Workers: a 2025 Update-Presented by Eric Ström JD, PhD, LMHC
06/06/2025 CANCELED: Conference Task Force Meeting
06/05/2025 CANCELED: Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
06/02/2025 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/27/2025 Social Connection Program Information Session
05/17/2025 Intro to Understanding Law Enforcement: Culture, Challenges, and Family Dynamics with Susie Kroll, LMHC
05/07/2025 Law and Ethics: Understanding Process, Risks, and Safeguards Related to Disciplinary Board Actions with Frances Schopick JD, MSW
05/02/2025 Unveiling Transgenerational Birth Trauma (TBT): A Hidden Legacy of Psychopathology and Distress with Dr. Anadavalli, LPC
05/02/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
05/01/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
04/29/2025 Legal and Ethical Implications of Sexual Misconduct with Clients with Frances Schopick JD, MSW
04/21/2025 White Trauma, Vulnerability and Dismantling Systemic Racism with Sherronda Jamerson MA, SUDP
04/09/2025 Are We OK? Potential Impacts of Telehealth Structural Changes on Clinician Wellness – a Research Update-with Eric Strom JD, Ph.D, LMHC & Doug Shirley Ed.D, LMHC
04/07/2025 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
04/04/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
04/03/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
03/27/2025 Washington Law & Ethics of Abandonment, Termination, and Referrals-with Eric Strom, JD, PhD, LMHC
03/17/2025 Unconscious Bias Training and Cultural Considerations for Healthcare Professionals with Samanth Edu, LPC
03/07/2025 The Art of Supervision with Sarah Weber, LMHC
03/07/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
03/06/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
02/28/2025 DATE & TIME CHANGE: Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
02/25/2025 Vicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue: Recognize, Mitigate, & Thrive-With Alexa Alberts, LICSW
02/12/2025 Decolonizing Somatic Therapy with Movement, Food, and Art-With Jayden Aubryn, LICSW
02/11/2025 Clinical Documentation Considerations of Changing Federal and State Laws-with Eric Strom, JD, PhD, LMHC
02/07/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
02/06/2025 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
01/10/2025 Law and Ethics of Relationships in the Clinical Setting With Eric Strom JD, Ph.D, LMHC
01/09/2025 CANCELLED: Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
01/03/2025 Conference Task Force Meeting
12/18/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
12/06/2024 Conference Task Force Meeting
12/05/2024 CANCELLED: Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
11/19/2024 Neuroplasticity, Poetry & Mental Health
11/18/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
11/09/2024 Introduction to becoming a First Responder Therapist Curriculum (Live In Person Event)
11/07/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
10/19/2024 WMHCA Member Networking Event
10/19/2024 Introduction to Becoming a First Responder Therapist Curriculum (Live In Person Event)
10/18/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
10/17/2024 Law and Ethics: Let Your Disclosure, Documentation, and Record keeping Work for You
10/16/2024 Here Comes an Election… Law and Ethics of Personal Beliefs in the Clinical Relationship
10/03/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
09/19/2024 Law and Ethics of DOH Investigations: Process, Risks and Safeguards That Influence Clinical Practice
09/06/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
09/05/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
08/17/2024 Introduction to becoming a First Responder Therapist Curriculum (Live In Person Event)
08/15/2024 Legally and Ethically Launching your Private Practice
08/14/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
08/08/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
07/23/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
07/11/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
06/28/2024 Canceled-Law and Ethics of DOH Investigations: Process, Risks and Safeguards That Influence Clinical Practice
06/20/2024 Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Clients
06/10/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/22/2024 Law and Ethics: Let Your Disclosure, Documentation, and Record keeping Work for You
05/17/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/16/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/15/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/15/2024 Are We OK? Potential Impacts of Telehealth Structural Changes on Clinician Wellness
05/14/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/13/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/09/2024 Law & Ethics of the Clinical Use of Artificial Intelligence
05/02/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
04/26/2024 Self-Compassion as Exposure
04/18/2024 Healing Trauma Through Movement
04/16/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
04/15/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
04/05/2024 Generational Trauma and Generational Healing

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