Building community 

one CE hour at a time!

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 CE event that was 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 have 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 the Better Together Connection and Referral Guide, welcoming venues, dynamic speakers, and fun touches like the “Favorite Things Lunch,” Better Together aims to make professional community building both enriching and enjoyable.

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!

Our first event was held at the Garrett Park Town Hall in Garrett Park, MD. 

DBT expert Britt Rathbone led 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 also featured our signature Favorite Things Lunch and the Better Together Connection and Referral Guide—designed to help participants build meaningful professional connections and expand their network with ease.