Harm reduction psychotherapy is a collaborative, empowering approach to helping clients reduce harm in their lives. Practitioners use a nuanced, compassionate perspective to explore the behaviors causing a client harm, without a focus on abstinence. This approach is rooted in deep respect for client self-determination and choice.  In this interactive training, participants will learn clinical applications of harm reduction psychotherapy. We will investigate the difficulties that often accompany using this non “black and white” approach, and explore how to develop a deeper level of practice.

Sheila Ciminera, LCSW is a social worker and owner of To Bear Witness Therapy.  She began her career working in syringe exchange and has been a proud harm reductionist ever since. Over the past 16 years, she has had the privilege of being a case manager, program developer, individual and group therapist, clinical supervisor, acudetox specialist, professor, and trainer. Her primary focus is supporting helping professionals with compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. She also specializes in working with individuals dealing with trauma, addictions, and justice involvement- all through the lens of trauma-informed care.