Ethical Competence in Addressing Race, Racism, Trauma, and the Brain in Clinical Practice

                                               About the Course

Ethical Competence in Addressing Race, Racism, Trauma, and the Brain in Clinical Practice is an ASWB ACE approved continuing education course offering 3.25 credits, including 1.25 ethics credits, 1 clinical credit, and 1 general credit. Developed and instructed by Dr. Brian Sutton, PhD, LPC, Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor, this course integrates neurocounseling, racial trauma, and ethical practice frameworks to equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to competently address race and racism in clinical settings. Available in both synchronous and asynchronous distance learning formats. ASWB Course ID: 6775. Approval valid through 6/24/2028. This course explores the psychological and neurobiological impact of race-based stress, discrimination, and racial trauma within clinical practice. Participants will examine how chronic exposure to racism affects emotional regulation, threat processing, stress physiology, and long-term mental health outcomes through systems such as the HPA axis and brain regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The training also reviews the conceptual foundations of racism, prejudice, discrimination, and racial trauma while distinguishing racial trauma from traditional trauma frameworks. In addition, clinicians will learn culturally responsive and trauma-informed intervention strategies designed to support clients experiencing racial stress and discrimination. Ethical and professional considerations related to anti-racist clinical practice, assessment, treatment, research, and counselor self-awareness are also discussed throughout the course.                                                                                                                                  Target Audience  Licensed mental health professionals Licensed Professional Counselors Licensed Clinical Social Workers  Psychologists                                                                                                                               Learning Objectives  By the end of this course, participants will be able to: • Define racial trauma and differentiate it from traditional trauma frameworks. • Explain neurobiological mechanisms associated with racism-related stress, including HPA-axis activation and allostatic load. • Identify key brain systems involved in racial trauma research, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. • Apply culturally responsive assessment and intervention strategies for clients experiencing racial trauma.