Ethics

registration deadline 1/9/2026

Virtual/Zoom

Trainer:

Heather Gagnon, MSW, LICSW, LADC, holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. She has extensive experience in developing and leading trainings across the country, with a focus on counselor ethics, group skills and risk reduction programming for criminal offender rehabilitation programs. In addition to her training expertise, Ms. Gagnon has provided clinical and administrative supervision throughout her career.
Her experience includes working with both male and female incarcerated populations, as well as with offenders on probation. Ms. Gagnon has also served as a school counselor for middle school boys and is currently the Wellness Coordinator at a boarding school for middle school boys. In addition to her work in education, she continues to provide clinical supervision for a programs that offers risk reduction services and regularly
conducts trainings for corrections programs and Vermont addiction professionals

Description:

This 6-hour Ethics Training provides professionals with essential tools to navigate ethical challenges in their practice. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will explore key topics such as:
● The Professional Code of Ethics and Five Pillars of Ethics
● Confidentiality, 42 CFR, and HIPAA regulations
● The role and risks of self-disclosure in client relationships
● Addressing common ethical dilemmas
Ideal for professionals looking to enhance ethical decision-making, this course offers practical insights to uphold integrity in any work setting.

Agenda:

9:00 am- Module 1: Introduction to Ethics & Professional Standards (1 hr 15
min)
● 9:00- 9:15 am: Introduction & Purpose (15 min)– Overview of
training, ethics significance, and historical context.
● 9:15- 9:35 am: Professional Code, Core Principles & Common
Dilemmas (20 min)– Key ethical components, application, and examples
of dilemmas.
● 9:35- 9:55 am: Group Activity: Define Ethics (20 min)– Break into
groups to define ethics and discuss insights.
9:55 am- Module 2: NAADACCodeof Ethics & Confidentiality (1 hr 10 min)
● 9:55- 10:15 am: Overview of NAADAC Ethics (20 min)– Review
NAADACethical standards and principles.
● 10:15- 10:35 am: Confidentiality: 42 CFR & HIPAA (20 min)– Key
confidentiality regulations and implications.
● 10:35- 10:50 am: Group Activity & Discussion (15 min)– Discuss
confidentiality scenarios in groups.
10:50- 11:00 am: Break (10 min)
11:00 am- Module 3: Boundaries & Self-Disclosure (1 hr 25 min)
● 11:00- 11:25 am: Boundaries Overview (25 min)– Defining therapeutic
boundaries, including sexual boundaries, and analyzing case studies.
● 11:25- 11:45 am: Self-Disclosure & Boundaries (20 min)– Definition,
guidelines, and challenges of self-disclosure.
● 11:45 am-12:10 pm: Group Discussion: Boundary Scenarios (25 min)
Explore self-disclosure and boundary challenges in small groups.
12:10- 1:10 pm: Lunch Break (1 hr)
1:10 pm- Module 4: Ethical Decision-Making & Boundary Violations (1 hr 15
min)
● 1:10- 1:30 pm: Ethical Decision-Making Models (20 min)– Structured
thinking in ethical decisions.
● 1:30- 1:55 pm: Boundary Violations (25 min)– Discuss examples,
consequences, and prevention strategies.
● 1:55- 2:25 pm: Group Activity & Q&A (30 min)– Discuss case
scenarios and answer questions on boundary violations.
2:25- 2:35 pm: Break (10 min)
2:35 pm- Module 5: Application & Wrap-Up (1 hr 55 min)
● 2:35- 3:05 pm: Applied Ethics & Scenarios (30 min)– Review key
principles and apply them to real-world examples.
● 3:05- 3:35 pm: Group Reflection & Key Takeaways (30 min)– Small
group reflection on training takeaways and insights.
● 3:35- 4:00 pm: Summary of Major Concepts (25 min)– Recap of ethics,
confidentiality, and boundary principles.
● 4:00- 4:30 pm: Final Q&A and Reflections (30 min)– Open floor for
remaining questions and closing remarks.
4:30 pm- End of Training

Learning Objectives:

Understand the history of ethics and why we practice and follow an ethical code.
Review and develop an enhanced awareness around being an ethical
practitioner.
Review and understand changes to 42 CFR part 2 and NAADAC code of ethics.
Provide a reminder and guide to ethical decision making during times where a situation may not be clear.
Engage in discussion to help develop a deeper understanding of how to make ethical decisions
Discuss how boundaries and Ethics intersect