The Power of Language in working with your clients

The words we use to describe ourselves are central to how we understand our identities and our experience; words shape how we see ourselves and how we wish to be seen. If our work as therapists and service providers is a means to empowering clients, we need to better understand ourselves and the work we do. In the context of therapy, the words we use matter, and shape how we relate to the world, and how others relate to us. We believe language can be transformative; as a therapist we have to be purposeful in how you use language to understand each other. This workshop will look at the many facets of language and how to use language to promote understanding and healing.

Participants in this workshop will be able to:

1. Explore how language is defined in various cultural and therapeutic settings

2. Describe the impact of words on empowerment

3. Explain how words can be a barrier to effective service provision

4. Explore how to use words to promote understanding and healing.

Presenter: Dr. Mita Johnson

Dr. Johnson has degrees in biology, counseling and counselor education and supervision. She has been a counselor for 30 years, consultant for 20 years, clinical supervisor for 15 years and higher learning educator for 10 years. She holds several credentials including licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed addiction counselor, master addiction counselor, and certified telemental health professional. Dr. Johnson is a core faculty member at Walden University’s School of Counseling MS program. She teaches, trains, and speaks nationally and internationally on numerous topics including ethics, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and substance use disorders. 

Eligible for 3-hour Certificate of Completion