Announcing:  Better Together Events by JoJo Gaul

I am excited to announce that this past year, I became an approved provider of social work continuing education through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. I also created a fall event that is approved by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists for Category A continuing education credits.

I pursued CE provider approval to offer high-quality, thoughtfully curated trainings for busy mental health professionals—events designed to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful connections.

As a private practice owner, I value the flexibility of running my own business, seeing clients virtually, and attending CE trainings online. But even with a full schedule of work, family, and self-care, I’ve often felt a lack of professional community.

After researching loneliness and social connection, I developed and presented the training "Utilizing Research to Strategically Tackle the Pressing Health Crisis of Loneliness and Increase Social Connection" at several conferences. The response confirmed what many therapists quietly feel: we’re doing deeply emotional work, often in isolation.

Research consistently demonstrates that strong social ties positively impact both mental and physical health. Yet, while we urge our clients to build support systems, we frequently lack one ourselves.

Better Together trainings are here to change that. Rooted in the science of connection, our events are intentionally designed to help therapists efficiently network, gain fresh ideas, access valuable resources, and grow their practices—all in a warm, engaging environment. 

With tools like our Connection and Referral Guide, welcoming venues, dynamic speakers, and fun touches like the “Favorite Things Lunch,” we make professional community building both enriching and enjoyable.

Our first event will be held at the Garrett Park Town Hall in Garrett Park, MD. We’ll have exclusive use of the entire space—including the backyard, weather permitting.

We’re excited to welcome DBT expert Britt Rathbone, who will lead a 3-hour CE training focused on applying DBT techniques to help mental health professionals address some of their most challenging clinical cases.

The event will also feature our signature Favorite Things Lunch and the Better Together Connection and Referral Guide—designed to help you build meaningful professional connections and expand your network with ease.

Participants should bring an item that they’re currently loving—it could be work-related or non-work related.  Some examples include: a favorite book, a therapeutic tool that you are finding to be effective, a self-care item, a planner, soft pants, tea, a resource, a relaxing hobby, a website (just print out a page), or anything that inspires you, rejuvenates you, or simply brings you joy. 

We’ll enjoy a catered buffet lunch, walk around to explore what colleagues are excited about, and make meaningful connections with new peers.

In other words, networking without the awkward parts.

One week prior to the event, you will receive a PDF booklet via email containing contact information for all attending professionals, along with their specialties and referral details. This guide will help you connect with colleagues in advance (if you choose) and make it easier to identify and follow up with the professionals you meet during the event for potential referrals and networking opportunities.  

For those of you who cringe at the thought of “marketing”, this will do it for you!