Melissa Stricklin, MA, LPCC  (she/her/hers or they/them/theirs) is NeuroDivergent (autistic + ADHD), Queer, and has lived experience with disability and chronic illness.

Do. No. Harm.

As mental health professionals, one of our most important ethical mandates is to do no harm. Through ableist and unethical practices the disability community is being harmed by many mental health professionals in everyday practices. In this traiing we will learn about disability culture, providing ethical and affirming care as well as identifying our own ableist assumptions and practices. 

What is Ableism?

Ableism is any type of discrimination or bias against disability. While many of my lived experiences as a disabled mental health professional have been wonderful, I have also noticed that ableism is rampant in the mental health field. This discrimination is usually unintentional, but having good intentions does not undo the harm that is happening to the disability community. This ethics training will explain how ableism affects the mental health field and will provide practical interventions so providers can engage in allyship instead of microaggressions.

To learn more visit anti-ableist.com

Training Objectives

- Understand the ethical obligation mental health professionals have in learning and using anti-ableist language (and how to avoid ableist microagsressions in their language).

-  Understand the ethical obligation mental health professionals have to advocate for and be an ally to the disabled community.

-  Learn about the disabled community and discuss developing safe spaces for disabled colleagues and clients.

-  Learn ethical ways to engage in allyship for clients and colleagues with disabilities through interactive activities, information sharing, and reflective exercises.