Good Intention, Unethical Impact

Presenter: Stephanie Hall, DSW, LCSW, CCTP

In the helping professions, compassion can sometimes lead to over functioning—crossing ethical lines and inadvertently undermining client autonomy. This engaging workshop examines how overextending on behalf of clients, though well-intentioned, can create dependency, clinician burnout, and blurred boundaries. Through real-world case scenarios and peer dialogue, participants will learn to recognize over functioning, re-center client empowerment, and implement sustainable strategies that align with ethical standards and long-term client well-being.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define over functioning in clinical practice and discuss its ethical risks.

• Evaluate scenarios where helping behaviors may disempower clients or foster dependency.

• Apply at least three actionable strategies to reduce over functioning while promoting client growth and autonomy.

1.5 Category 1 CEU's (Ethics)