 Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
|
|
|
Insights Newsletter January 2026 |
|
|
Join WMHCA in Olympia on Advocacy Day
|
|
|
WMHCA will head to Olympia to engage in the legislative process on February 10th, 2026. This will be an opportunity to meet with legislators and watch committee hearings. WMHCA members can share their collective voice about important bills and participate in the legislative process. RSVP: WMHCA's Advocacy Day
We will have our bill talking points available at our regular Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee Meeting on February 5, 2025. |
|
|
|
|
Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month Intersection of modern slavery and immigrants:
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, in the United States, victims of human trafficking are almost exclusively female immigrants, particularly vulnerable to promises of jobs and coercive tactics of traffickers. Stephen P. Wood, Visiting Researcher with Petrie-Flom Center at Harvard Law School from 2020-2024, explains the impact of harsh immigration policies on this vulnerable population. "The ever-looming threat of deportation has some substantial consequences. It can be a significant deterrent to victims reporting their traffickers, making them even more reliant on them for a perceived protection. Many traffickers use the threat of deportation to control their victims, and the widespread enforcement of immigration policy reinforces that fear." How can we can advocate, support, and provide counseling to victims of human trafficking?
|
|
|
Anti-racism is WMHCA's foundational commitment to confronting and dismantling racism, which sits at the root of many other forms of systemic oppression. We recognize that racism is interconnected with, and reinforces, other forms of discrimination—including sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and beyond. After our most recent survey, we noticed a need for more understanding of WMHCA's goals and how WMHCA is addressing these goals. Based on WMCHA's definition of anti-racism, we would love to hear how you would prioritize the following goal by taking our survey below. Thank you for your continued input as we examine systemic barriers, challenge biases, and ensure our work reflects and supports the people we serve.
JEDI Survey |
|
|
|
|
Personal Resilience in the Everyday:
Developing Core Competencies
presented by Dr. Kira Mauseth
January 21st, 2026 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Zoom
Registration closes January 19th, 2026
|
|
|
Resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s not a personality trait. It’s not toxic positivity. It’s something we can build, slowly and intentionally, through everyday practices. Personal resilience is a crucial skill for navigating life. It's the ability to endure difficulty, adapt when things change, and recover when life knocks you down. It’s how we protect our nervous system, our well-being, and our ability to show up-both personally and professionally. Under constant stress, the nervous system adapts to survive. Symptoms like brain fog, anger, and emotional reactivity are not weaknesses. They are expected neurological responses to prolonged pressure. And we can work with them. In our this webinar Dr. Kira Mauseth will walk you through practical, accessible strategies grounded in real life and discuss the core ingredients of resilience in-depth: Purpose, Connection, Adaptability, and Hope.
At the end of the session, you’ll notice more clarity around:
- What resilience looks like for you personally
- The values that help ground you in your work and relationships
- Where stress and risk factors show up, and how to meet them with greater awareness
|
|
|
Check out all of WMHCA's live webinars HERE. |
|
|
|
|
Finance Task Force Recruitment
WMHCA is looking for people to serve on this year's Finance Task Force. The Finance Task Force is chaired by the Treasurer. The task force is responsible for the financial well-being of the organization. They are the primary stakeholders in the creation of the budget. The task force will meet once a month from January to April. Please RSVP if you would like to join the team. It's a great way to get involved with WMHCA with a short time commitment. RSVP January 28th, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
WMHCA's 2026 Conference Weaving Connection: Building Inclusion & Connection in Therapy |
|
|
Kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with WMHCA's inaugural conference: Weaving Connection: Building Belonging and Inclusion in Therapy. The conference will bring together professionals committed to fostering deeper connections and inclusive healing spaces in therapy.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Excellence in Counseling Awards
WMHCA is excited to announce our inaugural Excellence in Counseling Awards to be presented at our conference this May 1st - 3rd, 2026. Please nominate candidates for the following categories:
Excellence in Service Award
Honors sustained leadership, advocacy, and mentoring efforts. Typical recognitions include those who have built DEI initiatives, accreditation teams, statewide committees, or volunteer training programs to name a few.
Excellence in Supervision Award
Bestowed on counselor educators or clinical supervisors who have advanced supervision theory, innovated practicum models, or curated mentoring approaches.
Excellence in Clinical Innovation Award
Recognizes novel counseling programs, leadership in clinical partnerships, or technological enhancement (e.g., tele-mental-health, mobile apps, hybrid supervision).
Excellence in Teaching Award
Acknowledges excellence in pedagogical design, experiential learning, or curriculum transformation.
Excellence in Research Impact Award
Celebrates peer-reviewed publications, data-driven supervision research, or grant-funded scholarship that shifts counselor education discourse.
Excellence in an Emerging Professional Award
Given to early-career educators or clinicians demonstrating leadership potential, advocacy, or scholarship.
Excellence in Volunteer Service Award
Awarded to volunteers who have significantly impacted the profession at the state or local level.
Requirements:
Both nominator and nominee must be WMHCA members. No self-nominations. WMHCA Board Members are not eligible for awards. Nominations close February 17th, 2026. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board Member Spotlight
Meet WMHCA Board President Carolyn Russo PhD, LMHC Alliant Therapy Group, PLLC Specialty: Personality Disorders
|
|
|
What inspired you to become a therapist?
My inspiration for becoming a therapist came from working at a family law firm while in undergrad. I would see families dissolving and children suffering as parents fought for parental rights. Often times clinicians were consulted with or referred to when there were familial struggles. These clinicians would provide their evaluation regarding the wellness of the children and to help facilitate some repair for continued partnership in co-parenting. This process intrigued me and felt like what mattered the most for the development of the children involved. With witnessing this process of dissolution of a family I found a calling to become part of the healing. Currently, I work mainly with adults and my focus is supporting the parents during a time of dissolution. The hope being that they can mend a relationship to co-parent amicably and support the growth and development of their children.
What is your favorite part of your work?
Being able to witness the journey and growth of clients from when they start to when they graduate from care.
What do you enjoy most about being a WMHCA member?
The continued advocacy work that WMHCA does on behalf of the profession is admirable. I enjoy being part of a community that continues to push for the rights of clinicians and clients and for mental health equity.
What advice would you give to a new WMHCA member?
Get involved! Attend a meeting, join a committee or task force, build your community.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Reading, watching a good movie or show, being with my family
What is your favorite snack?
Healthy snack: usually nuts or fruit, Unhealthy snack: chips or chocolate
What is your favorite book? Burnout by Emily Nagoski
Is there anything else you want us to know?
As the current WMHCA President, I hope to meet more members at the conference this year and at our board meetings.
|
|
|
|
|
WMHCA Members Spotlight
If you would like to be considered for the member spot light
please fill out this FORM. |
|
|
Upcoming Community Events
Free events for you to connect with peers, share insights, discuss current challenges in the field, and build a strong local support system. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, come share your experiences and expand your professional network.
- Ballard: February 7th, 2026 1 pm - 3 pm more info HERE
These events are organized by WMHCA members and not hosted or sponsored by WMHCA.
If you are interested in hosting events in your area email info@wmhca.org. |
|
|
|
|
WMHCA Supports Local Counselor Networking
WMHCA is excited to support connection and collaboration within our counseling community by offering sponsorship funding for local (WA state) counselor networking events. If you or your organization is planning an event and would like WMHCA to provide financial sponsorship, we invite you to apply for consideration.
Sponsorships are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible, please submit a completed Sponsorship Application at least 60 days prior to your event. Funding decisions are made by the Membership Engagement and Outreach Committee, which meets monthly, typically at noon on the first Tuesday.
We’re proud to invest in opportunities that bring counselors together, strengthen professional relationships, and support our statewide community. We encourage you to reach out and apply! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New On Demand Continuing Education Courses
Empowering Healing: 5 Trauma-Informed Treatment Stategies for Childbirth-Related PTSD Presented by Dr. S. Anandavalli LPC, NCC 1.5 CEs This webinar presents a comprehensive exploration of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) treatment, highlighting five trauma-informed approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for symptom management and cognitive restructuring; Solution-Focused Therapy for identifying strengths and building resilience; Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT) for fostering relational connections and community support; Ancestral and Collectivistic Healing Practices for integrating cultural heritage and community wisdom; and Narrative Therapy for reauthoring experiences and reclaiming personal narratives. By integrating these evidence-based and culturally sensitive modalities, mental health counselors can enhance their clinical practice, promoting holistic healing and empowerment for individuals affected by CB-PTSD.
Employement Law For Health Care Providers: What Employers and Employees Need to Know Presented by Dr. Eric Ström JD, LMHC6 CEs Expanding your clinical practice with employees can provide a range of opportunities and potential pit falls. In this workshop we will examine the legal, ethical, and practical standards regarding employment in health care. Among the topics we will discuss are, types of employment, the hiring process, employment contracts versus handbooks, wage and benefit requirements, employee termination, and Washington’s non-compete laws. This course is intended to meet ethics continuing education requirements.Through this two-part 6 hour workshop, participants will have the opportunity to discover the guidance provided by state law, federal law, and a range of applicable ethical codes. In addition to the provided case studies and scenarios, participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, questions and thoughts.
Check out all WMHCA's On Demand Offerings |
|
|
|
|
Announcing Sponsorship Opportunites for WMHCA's Newsletter Newsletter Sponsorship: WMHCA offers one (1) exclusive sponsorship spot per month, meaning your brand gets the full spotlight with no competing advertisers. Please read the sponsorship guidelines HERE before you submit a sponsorship request. Use this form to request a sponsorship spot. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED
LMHCA/LMFTA/LMHC/LMFT
Breathing Space Counseling - Oak Harbor, WA
Full-time
|
Posted: Dec 11, 2025
Salary: $45.00 - $75.00 Hourly
Application Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you would like to submit an article for the WMCHA Insights Newsletter, email info@wmhca.org.
|
|
|
|
