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GROW YOUR COMMUNITY & ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Upcoming events

    • Tuesday, September 16, 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • ONLINE ZOOM
    Register

    Guest Facilitator: Malika Spencer

    "Real Talk", a clinical consultation/support group developed with the oversight of the CSCSW's Diversity, Equity and Transformation (DET) Committee, the purpose of which is to provide a space for clinical social workers who identify as being Black, Indigenous, Mixed Race, or Person of Color (BIPOC) to meet on a monthly basis. The focus of this group is to provide an opportunity for networking, building solidarity, exploring intersectionality and decolonizing our practice. 

    This group is a closed group for individuals who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or Person of Color (BIPOC). The group's objective is to provide a brave space for those in the field to process the ongoing violence against and politicizing of minority groups' lives.

    This email reminder is sent out widely to all contacts and is not filtered by how individuals self-identify; therefore, if you have received this email but do not identify as BIPOC, we ask that you respect the intention of this group by not logging in to the meeting. However, we invite you to participate in our monthly CSCSW Diversity, Equity and Transformation (DET) Committee meetings as an ally. As a member of CSCSW, you are invited to attend a variety of open groups such as the Telehealth Consultation/Support Group, Support Group for Social Work Students and ASWs, and Ethics Consultation Group.

    Malika Spencer

    I am a Master of Social Work student at Arizona State University Online, with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. As an African American woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve often found myself navigating spaces where I have not always been valued or respected. These moments have fueled my commitment to advocacy, integrity, and holding space for those who are too often dismissed. I hold myself to high standards, which has opened doors, but also brought the weight of constantly having to prove my worth.

    Over the past three years, I’ve volunteered with several community-based organizations and previously served as Chair of the Western Region Social Action Committee for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where I hosted webinars focused on social issues, education, and advocacy. I am currently completing my generalist practicum with the Association of Black Social Workers in Greater Los Angeles, supporting culturally responsive programming and healing-centered initiatives.

    With a background in supporting system-impacted youth, families involved in child welfare, and currently, unhoused individuals living with mental illness, I am deeply committed to justice, healing centered care, and creating spaces where BIPOC individuals can feel seen, supported, and empowered.



    This group is FREE; however, donations to CSCSW or the JAF Scholarship Fund are welcome.

    Please note that this group does NOT provide supervision to its members and no CEU’s are offered.

    "Real Talk" will be held via Zoom on a monthly basis. Those who register for the group will be sent a link to participate.

    Cost:

    Members – FREE
    Non-Members - FREE

    • Wednesday, September 17, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Online WEBINAR
    Register

    Presenter: Natalie Moore, LMFT

    ONLINE ZOOM MEETING -  WILL NOT BE RECORDED

    Costs: CSCSW Member: $39 | Students: $19 | Nonmember (with CEUs): $59  

    This workshop will not offer CEUs.


    Description:

    Starting a private practice is exciting—but navigating the business side can feel overwhelming, especially for therapists who weren’t taught how to think like entrepreneurs. In this presentation, Natalie Moore, LMFT shares practical and values-driven strategies to help clinicians build a sustainable, full-fee practice without burning out or selling out.

    With a trauma-informed, anti-hustle approach, Natalie will walk participants through key elements of private practice success, including niche development, authentic marketing and systems that support both income and impact.

    This talk is ideal for associate and licensed clinicians who want to grow a practice that’s ethical, aligned and built to last.


    Learning Objectives:

    At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

    1. Identify three foundational elements for launching or growing a values-aligned private practice.
    2. Describe how niche development supports ethical marketing and client fit.
    3. Name at least two sustainable strategies for attracting full-fee clients without relying on insurance panels.

    ABOUT THE PRESENTER

    Natalie Moore, LMFT is a licensed therapist and founder of Space for Growth Therapy & Coaching in Los Angeles. She specializes in helping millennial women break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism and burnout. In addition to her clinical work, Natalie provides SEO consulting and business coaching to therapists who want to build thriving, values-aligned private practices. Her approach to practice-building is warm, trauma-informed and grounded in real-world experience. Learn more at yourspaceforgrowth.com.

    This workshop MEETING meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

    Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours.


      Cancellation Policy

      • 14 days or more before event date: Full refund
      • 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund
      • 6 days or less before event date: No refund

      Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

      • Thursday, September 18, 2025
      • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
      • ONLINE ZOOM Meeting
      Register

      Please join us at our next support group for Social work students and ASWs.

      Feeling lost, stressed, excited? Don't have time for the self care everyone keeps talking about? You are not alone! 

      Bring your questions and concerns, share your journey and connect with others, through this open group for any social work student or ASW in need of support.  The group will meet with members once a month to discuss topics related to being a social work student or graduate in pursuit of a clinical license.

      The forum will provide a semi-structured discussion in a safe and encouraging space. Topics are expected to be broad in range but may include: internships, managing hours and licensing exams, supervisors and supervision.  The goal of this group is to meet with other aspiring clinical social workers and share successes, challenges, stressors and ethical issues.

      Group will meet on Zoom the third Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 6:00.  Cost is free to members and non-members.

      If you have any questions about the support group, please contact Emily Plain, MSW |   cscswgla@gmail.com

      If you are not a member join today - click here to learn more

      This Consultation/Support Group does not award CEUs.

      Hosted and moderated by Emily Plain

      Emily-Tamara Plain, LCSW, earned her MSW from the University of Southern California and has specialized training and certifications in Clinical Supervision, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Trauma Informed Yoga, Yoga and Mindfulness for PTSD, Yoga for Veterans, and Yoga for Military Sexual Trauma. She has worked in the public and private sector specializing in substance use, schizophrenia / schizoaffective, bi-polar, depression, anxiety, PTSD and collective trauma.  For any questions, she can be reached at: cscswgla@gmail.com


      • Saturday, September 20, 2025
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • ONLINE ZOOM Meeting
      Register

      After five years, our Telehealth Consultation and Support Group will be evolving to the "Clinical Practice Peer Support Group" in which members will be able to provide mutual support to one another in addressing non-clinical practice topics in a broader manner, such as, telehealth, professional boundaries, insurance or fees, ethical or legal considerations, and compliance with regulations, etc.

      Whether you work in an agency or private practice, you are welcome to participate in this group. Members have an opportunity to network and make connections with other practitioners across the state. All CSCSW members are welcome!

      PLEASE REGISTER AND A ZOOM LINK WILL BE FORWARDED TO YOUR EMAIL.

      If you are not a member join today - click here to learn more

      MEMBER'S ONLY EVENT - FREE FOR ALL MEMBERS

      This Consultation/Support Group does not award CEUs.


      • Tuesday, September 23, 2025
      • 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
      • Online ZOOM
      Register

      Retirement! Is it on the horizon for you? The California Society for Clinical Social Work (CSCSW) invites you to join its Retirement Discussion Group (RDG). 

      Free group for CSCSW Members who are thinking about retiring

      The group will provide a mutually supportive space for participants to explore how it's done, logistics, tapering down, clinical issues with clients, and our feelings about it. As we benefit from consultation and assistance at the beginning and middle phases of our careers, it is no different when it comes to closing out a fulfilling career in a way that we feel is ethically and practically sound. 

      Make a cup of coffee and join us 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 


      • Saturday, September 27, 2025
      • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Pico Robertson area
      Register


      Let’s Get Together, Greater LA!
      CSCSW District Gathering – Saturday, September 27, 2025

      Please join the Greater Los Angeles District for an in-person gathering of fellow clinical social workers and other mental health therapists.  Learn about the benefits of the California Society for Clinical Social Work membership, network with your peers, and get to know new colleagues and friends. Please bring your business cards, brochures, flyers, or any other materials related to your practice and professional activities.  Video meetings have been helpful, but seeing each other in person is great.  We will meet in Monica Blauner’s Rec Room and light snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring a colleague.

      Our meeting will be in the Pico Robertson area. You’ll receive the address and parking information with your registration confirmation.  We look forward to seeing you.

      • Saturday, September 27, 2025
      • 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
      • Sports Basement – Community Room 202 Walnut Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 (Easy access from Hwy 101, with ample parking)
      Register

      Reconnect. Recharge. Reinvigorate your clinical work.    

      Why Attend?  This is more than a CEU event—it's a chance to build relationships, share resources, and connect with other clinical social workers and mental health professionals in your community. Whether you're in private practice, agency work, or something in between, networking is essential to staying inspired, supported, and informed in our field.

      Come enjoy an afternoon of connection, conversation, and professional growth. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

      Event Schedule:

      • 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Networking & Social Hour – Mingle with local colleagues and expand your professional network (Please bring business cards/information about your practice)

      • 3:00 – 4:30 PM | CEU Presentation
        “Seven Tools to Liven Up Your Couple/Family Sessions”
        Presented by David Mineau, PhD, LMFT     

      Presentation Overview:

      Feeling stuck in the middle of couple or family dynamics? This engaging and experiential presentation introduces seven practical tools (or “experiments”) that bring clients face-to-face and help them engage more directly with one another. You'll learn how to structure, guide, and debrief these tools—designed to foster insight and connection while reducing therapist over-functioning.   

      About the Presenter:  David Mineau, PhD, LMFT, has specialized in couples work for over 35 years. He’s taught Marriage and Family Therapy and Human Sexuality at Sophia University and co-developed the Couples Communication curriculum at Kaiser. Outside of the therapy room, David enjoys studying California native plants and local owls—and brings warmth and creativity to all he does.

      1.5 CEUs
      Free for CSCSW Members | $65 for Non-Members

      • Thursday, October 23, 2025
      • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
      • Online WEBINAR
      Register

      Presenter: Kathryn Ford, MD. Presenter

      ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR

      Costs:  CSCSW Member: FREE | Students: FREE
      Nonmember: $65 

      CEUs: 1.5


      Description:

      The most important thing I've learned in over 20 years of working with couples is this: all of our attempts to listen, talk, understand and care need openness to succeed. Everything we want, and try to do, with each other depends on our openness in each moment and our ability to sense that openness–something I call the "aperture effect."

      I have developed a mindfulness-based approach that is a synthesis of my training as a psychiatrist, the neuroscience of relationships and my experiences with meditation. I teach couples to develop in-the-moment awareness of their openness as they interact.

      At some point in teaching colleagues about aperture, I realized that our own aperture awareness is the foundation for all our work. Underneath all our models, techniques, procedures, and words—when we are most effective—we are being guided by our awareness of openness, our own and our clients’. This aspect of our work is often in the background, largely unconscious. By giving it a name, aperture awareness, and putting it in the foreground, we may be able to use this power even more effectively. This is not a model to replace others but a way enhance our current models and skills. This approach can add simplicity and clarity to make your work more effective and more fun.

      - Kathryn Ford, MD. Presenter


      Learning Objectives:

      At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

      1. Learn the meaning and importance of aperture awareness as a special application of mindfulness.
      2. Learn the basic neuroscience related to openness.
      3. Learn the relationship of openness and aperture awareness to dialogue.
      4. Learn how to use aperture awareness to increase your effectiveness as a therapist.
      5. Learn exercises to cultivate: mindfulness, aperture awareness, dialogue.

          Workshop Logistics: After registering you will receive a link to the ZOOM WEBINAR.  

          • Closed Captioning available

          ABOUT THE PRESENTER

          Kathryn Ford, M.D. is a psychiatrist, couples therapist and author. Her transformative method integrates mindfulness, psychology and neuroscience to help couples quickly shift their dynamics when in distress, and turn their difficulties into stronger, lasting connection. After more than 20 years of helping couples, she has written The Aperture Effect. With this book she teaches couples to use Aperture Awareness to create lasting love.

          After receiving her M.D. degree from Brown Medical School, Dr. Ford completed a residency in psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her meditation practice and training at centers like Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California developed her understanding of the power of mindfulness for building deeper, more resilient, relationships.

          This is a District Meeting coordinated by the Mid-Peninsula District

          This DISTRICT MEETING meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

          Note: With supervisor approval, registered ASWs may use CEs toward LCSW hours.


            Cancellation Policy

            • 14 days or more before event date: Full refund
            • 13-7 days before event date: 75% refund
            • 6 days or less before event date: No refund

            Note:  Registration will be canceled if payment is not made at least 7 days prior to the event.

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