Why you should start attending self-help workshops

And how they can make you a better therapist

I'm not sure if this is a controversial opinion, but self-help workshops can be just as beneficial to your counseling skills as traditional trainings. But because this is a blog post, I'm going to operate like it is a controversial opinion so it makes me sound smart.

What's the difference?

In general, trainings help existing professionals increase their expertise in a particular area. Many offer continuing education credits and can take place online, in-person, individually, or as a group. Not only do trainings (sometimes) enhance a person's counseling abilities, but they also look great on a resume.

Self-help workshops target the general population rather than professionals, and they encourage participants to learn more about themselves. Workshops can occur in person or online and often encourage group participation. Typically, self-help workshops aren't put on resumes, but give you bragging rights among your friends.

Why self-help workshops matter

Self-help workshops can be a cost-effective way for us therapists to work on our own shit if traditional therapy is too expensive. Many local practices in my area offer workshops starting at $20 and offer sliding scales.

They're also a great way to connect with others (you probably won't be the only therapist there) and get you in touch with the local community.

What many people don't realize is that self-help workshops provide useful clinical tools.

Basic psychoeducational workshops teach you how to explain complex concepts with accessible language. More interactive workshops provide you with tools to recommend to your own clients.

A broken (but fixable) system

To be clear, professional trainings are super important, and self-help workshops don't replace them. BUT we need to start questioning why they're more valued than self-help workshops.

We live in a culture that prioritizes "scientific" knowledge over "experiential" knowledge - if it isn't measurable, it isn't valid. Just look at how the profession views mindfulness! Even the language "training" versus "workshop" reinforces a hierarchy. And as with many other things, this hierarchy is rooted in whiteness and patriarchy.

As counselors, it is our duty to disrupt and abolish oppressive systems. As a white counselor, this is doubly true for me.

While we can't force people to change their minds, we can begin to validate self-help as valuable clinical experience. List your self-help experiences alongside your professional ones. Encourage your colleagues to attend them with you. And educate the next person who says you shouldn't.

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What's the best self-help workshop you've attended? Let me know in the comments!