Working with individuals in therapy during a period of illness or loss is complicated. It can be made more difficult when a clinician has their own unanswered questions about these issues or they have not done enough of their own personal work to understand their own inner landscape. It is not uncommon for therapists seeking answers to ask questions such as: “how is suffering truly relieved?” and “what is the best way to help another through serious illness and beyond?” 



When individuals in therapy experience chronic or acute illness and loss, either directly or indirectly, they and their therapist may seek spiritual answers as well. To function most effectively when spirituality and psychology intersect, a therapist may need to broaden their perspective and include new ways of understanding themselves and the people they are trying to help. 



In this two-hour continuing education web conference, Brenda Shoshanna, PhD will share her experience of how she has found answers to many of the common questions that are asked in therapy. Dr. Shoshanna will share strategies to help clinicians address their own painful emotions. She will also provide specific guidelines for working with illness and loss while discussing new ways of counseling that support dignity and strength.



Dr. Shoshanna’s work is based upon an integration of Eastern and Western psychology and philosophy. She will explore the emotional and spiritual journey that takes place throughout the process of illness and loss. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the true nature of communication, giving, receiving, and how to be there for others in a way that invites a healing response. 



This intermediate instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:




  1. Develop a better understanding of the nature of suffering and how it can be lessened.     

  2. Use “straight talk” when addressing psychological and spiritual questions in therapy. 

  3. Recognize transference and countertransference when working with individuals experiencing illness and loss.

  4. Apply strategies that help individuals relinquish blame by letting go of manipulation and control. 

  5. Outline new counseling skills that build dignity and self-respect in individuals experiencing illness or loss.



If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy.org with specific instructions on how to log in to the web conference center, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable. 



To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the web conference center using a computer or device (smartphone or tablet with internet access) and calling in to the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to ask live audio questions via phone and/or submit text chat questions via their computer or device. Attendees who are logged in to the event center will be able to see live streaming video and/or document sharing. Alternatively, attendees may dial in to the teleconference line only, though attendees dialing in by phone only will be unable to ask questions. 



At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in the GoodTherapy.org Member's Area. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start and end codes announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate instantly. 



For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here.


Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within Counseling Services. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

Meet the Presenter

Brenda Shoshanna, PhD

Brenda Shoshanna, PhD is a licensed psychologist in New York. Dr. Shoshanna is long term Zen practitioner, author, and speaker. She has been in private practice for over thirty-five years and has offered over five hundred talks and workshops on aspects of personal and spiritual development. 

Dr. Shoshanna’s work focuses upon integrating Eastern and Western psychology and philosophy. She believes in applying timeless wisdom when helping others discover authentic peace of mind. Dr. Shoshanna is an original student of Lester Levenson, the creator of The Sedona Releasing Method.

Dr. Shoshanna has written numerous books including:

For more information about Dr. Shoshanna, please visit www.brendashoshanna.com.

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