Coping Skills Are Not Enough (0.5 CE Hour)

3 Points on Integration of Trauma and Grief

*0.5 continuing education (CE) hour included with mini-course (Home-Study Format)

For many of us trained as mental health professionals, you might think back on a courses you took in grad school that focused on "interventions." And many of the interventions that we were taught most likely focused on helping clients learn how to "cope" in their emotions, relationships, and in the general ways that they have experienced difficulties and destress in their lives.

And though teaching effective coping skills is necessary to helping clients heal from painful experiences of grief, and even trauma, coping skills on their own do not go far enough to promote healing.
For long-term healing and growth to take place, clients must learn how to integrate those experiences they find distressing and/or unwanted.
In going through this process, it will help them discover the strength to determine how they want to function in their lives despite those events.

Join Dr. Brandon Shurn for this 3-part automated mini-course to learn about why "coping skills" are not enough.

Learning Objectives

In completing this training, Learners will be able to do the following:

  • Identify the strengths and limitations of employing coping skills teaching in a counseling setting
  • Assess the ways that overuse of coping skill may encourage avoidant behaviors in clients
  • Analyze the effectiveness of integrated approaches mental health as an alternative to overreliance on coping skills


*Continuing Education Approvals

PsychMaven is responsible for all aspects for this program.

*PsychMaven has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP)- ACEP No.6624. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. PsychMaven is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. PsychMaven is approved for both Live/Real Time and Home Study continuing education (CE) programs. This program is designed to meet the standards of NBCC content areas No.1 (Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship).


*Note for Georgia licensed clinicians (LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and Psychologists).
  • For Georgia LPCs/LAPCs, PsychMaven's NBCC approval means the continuing education (CE) hours for this training meet criteria for core hours for continuing education under Georgia Rule 135-9-.01
  • For Georgia licensed social workers, PsychMaven's Texas Social Work Board approval means the continuing education (CE) hours for this training meet criteria for core hours for continuing education under Georgia Rule 135-9-.01.(5)(c).
  • For Georgia LMFTs/LAMFTs, PsychMaven's NBCC approval means the continuing education (CE) hours for this training meet criteria related hours for continuing education under Georgia Rule 135-9-.01
  • For Georgia licensed Psychologists, PsychMaven's NBCC approval means the continuing education (CE) hours for this training meet Area V hours under Georgia rules. Contact the Georgia psychology board if you have questions.
*Note for Florida licensed clinicians (LMHCs, LMFTs, and LCSWs). PsychMaven's approval with NBCC is approved automatically for continuing education (CE) credit by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, pursuant to the rule 64B4-6.002(1)(e)1. However, PsychMaven is not registered with the systems of CE broker. Therefore, CE hours need to be self-reported by following the instructions found at the bottom of each CE certificate.

*Note for Ohio licensed counselors. PsychMaven's approval with NBCC is approved automatically for continuing education (CE) credit by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for counselors. However, PsychMaven is not registered with the systems of CE broker. Therefore, CE hours need to be self-reported by following the instructions found at the bottom of each CE certificate.

For the latest on the the CE Approvals of PsychMaven, as well as guidance on CE requirements for different disciplines, visit us at www.psychmaven.org/ce-approval

Your Instructor


Brandon Shurn, PhD
Brandon Shurn, PhD

Dr. Brandon Shurn (Ph.D., LCPC, LMHC, NCC) is a licensed profession/mental health counselor (Maryland and Florida licensure) and is the principle of EmPower Me Holistic Counseling in Maryland. Having been deeply affected by his early career work in law enforcement/corrections, Dr. Shurn advocates for a holistic approach as a behavioral health educator and therapist, one that emphasizes the importance of teaching individuals to “swim in the ocean” of their trauma rather than simply holding their breath and surviving. This approach involves empowering individuals to understand and process their trauma in a way that allows them to move forward and live fulfilling lives. Dr. Shurn holds master's degrees in both Forensic Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. In his spare time, Dr. Shurn likes to hang out with his family, watch movies, exercise, and recharge with a good book.


Course Curriculum


  Mini-Course Lectures & Material
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
As free course, you have full access to the videos and material for 14 days once you enroll. During that time, you will be able to have access across all of your devices, and you can complete the course whenever it works with your schedule during that time.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Does this course offer continuing education (CE) credit?
Yes! The course offers one (1) approved continuing education (CE) clock hour in ethics under multiple CE approval organizations (as listed in the course description) and can cover the approval needs of many mental health/professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, addiction professionals, and psychologists. However, all students are responsible for confirming if the CE approval of this course meets their CE needs. We can offer you further information about PsychMaven's CE approvals and resources, by visiting us at www.psychmaven.org/ce-approval
Does it cost extra for me to receive continuing education (CE) when I complete this course?
It does "not" cost anything more to awarded the continuing education for this course. Getting your CE certificate on successfully finishing the program is completely included in your enrollment.

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