LWA Academy is affiliated with LWA Discernment;
Both are business arms of Drs. Lapporte, Wright & Assoc., PC
The New DC Training Re-Launch is (finally) here!
Join a Learn-Along Group to support your learning
To support discernment counselors as they dive into the re-launched training, I am offering a number of learn-along groups at VERY low prices through the end of the year.
Choose what works best for you. Do you want:
3-sessions or 9-sessions?
A start-to-finish study group or a deep dive into a specific topic?
Fast pacing to get through the material or taking your time?
Brief & Focused Learn-Along Groups
These 3-session groups address the topics discernment counselors care about most. They run sequentially, so you can join one or join all!
DC Foundations Group:
Unpacking the "Why" Behind the Model
Group Description
Based on the first 3 hours of the new training, we review the core assumptions that provide the foundation for all of discernment counseling to help participants apply the protocol with fidelity and confidence.
Learning and remembering the protocol (and all its nuances) is SO much easier when you have a solid understanding of the WHYs behind it. This will be a group that fundamentally changes your confidence as a discernment counselor!
Who is this group for?
Course owners.
Any level of experience in discernment counseling
Clinicians who want to solidify their skills by fully understanding the foundations of the model
Structure and details
3 sessions
55 minutes each
Group limited to 8 participants
Cost $30 for the 3 sessions
Fridays, 2-3pm CT
Agenda
Week 1: (1.5 hours of material)
Foundational knowledge about divorce
Eligibility for discernment
Leaning In & Leaning Out (what to look for)
Importance of Interaction Patterns
Week 2: (1.5 hours of material)
Theories behind DC
Essential skills (individual conversations, summaries,etc)
Ethical decision making in DC
Week 3: (no additional material)
Problems that arise when we DON'T follow the protocol
Putting it all in action (case examples, role play)
First Group Starts September 5th!
Paving the Path with Precision:
Master the All-Important First Session
Group Description
The DC training includes almost seven hours specifically on mastering the 1st session!
That's because getting the first session right is critical for meaningful discernment counseling. This group reviews the related material and helps participants nail that first session!
Do you know what you're supposed to be looking for in the LI and LO during those first individual conversations? This group will prepare you completely.
Who is this group for?
Course owners.
Any level of experience in discernment counseling
Clinicians who want to master the first session
Clinicians who thrive on "deep dives" and practice-based learning
Structure and details
3 sessions
55 minutes each
Group limited to 8 participants
Cost $30 for the 3 sessions
Fridays, 2-3pm CT
Agenda
Week 1: (2-3 hours of material)
Session One Structure
The four required questions
First session with LI and LO
Closing moments of first session
Week 2: (3 hours of material)
Mindset of the discernment counselor
NOT using your "therapist hat"
Distracting issues (individual issues, pessimism)
Mindset and Narratives of the LI in session one
Mindset and Narratives of the LO in session one
Week 3: (Skills Demo Videos - 1 hour)
Problems that arise when we DON'T follow the protocol
Putting it all in action (case examples, role play)
First Group Starts September 26th!
Interaction Patterns: How we use a systemic lens at EVERY stage of DC
Group Description
We know that our goal is to help couples gain a deeper understanding of what's happened in the marriage and each person's contribution to the problems. We also know that it takes a real systemic lens to do this.
Join this three-session skills-based group that helps you identify and expertly discuss the observed patterns between couples in order to guide them toward a deeper understanding of what happened in the marriage and their own contributions to the problems.
NOTE: There is no specific course material we cover in this group. Completion of the first three hours of the training is recommended.
Who is this group for?
Any level of experience in discernment counseling
Clinicians who want actionable skills and strategies (and sample lines of communication) to identify and discuss the marital interaction patterns.
No previous training in applying a systemic lens? No problem. We'll start with a Primer.
Structure and details
3 sessions
55 minutes each
Group limited to 8 participants
Cost $30 for the 3 sessions
Fridays, 2-3pm CT
Agenda
Week 1:
What is a systemic lens?
Strategies for observing interaction patterns
Typical patterns in discernment counseling
Week 2:
Strategies for sharing your observations with spouses
Case examples
Week 3:
Problems that arise when we DON'T focus on patterns
Putting it all in action (case examples, role play)
First Group Starts October 17th!
Start-to-Finish and Ongoing Learn Along Groups
Choose one of these groups if you want a way to dive into the new training - start to finish - with the guidance of a Master Practitioner and a group of fellow discernment counselors
Insight into Action: A Learn-Along Group to help Discernment Counselor Master the Re-Launched Training
Group Description
At a shared pace, we will independently go through the new course material; the group meeting will then offer a collaborative space to reflect on the latest insights and refinements in the model, while also building actionable skills.
At times, we’ll step away from the formal material to engage in some (always voluntary) role-play exercises that bring clinical principles to life through dynamic, practice-based learning.
Join me for a fresh opportunity to explore, integrate, and apply the evolving wisdom of discernment counseling.
Who is this group for?
This intermediate-level group is designed for therapists who have a solid (not necessarily perfect!) grounding in the discernment counseling protocol.
Discernment counselors who feel most competent as a therapist when you know both the "how" AND the "why."
Therapists whose learning is helped by (soft) deadlines and group accountability.
Those who like to learn through watching or participating in role play. (You get to be the client!)
Clinician who like to have FUN while learning!
Structure and details
9 sessions
55 minutes each
Group limited to 8 participants
Cost $90 for the 9 sessions
Mondays, 2-3pm CT
Agenda
Each week, you will receive an email with the "assigned" course material and a plan for the following week's discussion. Three of the weeks, we will take a break from assigned material and simply hone skills through role play, case examples and other experiential learning exercises.
Next Group Starts TBD!
NEW Discernment Counselor
TRAINEES
I offer a number of FREE (and very low-cost) resources for those who are still in training:
FREE 16-week Learn-Along group to help as you go through the training
Unlimited drop-in consultation groups while you are first seeing couples
VERY low cost one-on-one consultations when you need extra support
First Group Starts: August 18th
LEARN MORE HERE
Potpourri:
A Once-a-Month Deep Dive Into Special Topics in DC - COMING THIS FALL
Group Description
We will have a once/month drop-in group for any one who wants to get more guidance on the new course. Participants will sign-up each time and will be encouraged to submit a topic or question in advance.
Who is this group for?
Any level of experience in discernment counseling
Those discernment counselor wanting more guidance on the new training course.
Structure and details
We will meet once/month to discuss participant-submitted questions/topics. Details to be determined!
Agenda
TBD
COMING THIS FALL!
Register Now!
FAQ
I can only make some of the sessions, can I do a "pay as you go?"
No - we are not able to offer the groups "a la carte"
Can I get a refund?
You can cancel your registration with full refund up until 1 week before the group starts. We ask for a week so that we have time to accommodate anyone on a wait list.
Will you record the group so I can see it if I miss a session?
Yes! By registering, you are agreeing to the recording of the group. The recording will be available ONLY to other group members and will be available until two weeks after the final session.
Can I bring my case questions to the group?
While we may use case examples in our work together, these are NOT case consultation groups.
Who do I contact for information about the groups, payments, replays, etc?
Contact Ginny directly at [email protected].
I'm a New Trainee. What if I pace my learning differently from the group? Can I go through the material faster and still be part of the group?
Yes! We will center our discussion on the material that is assigned for the week, so you may want to review that section. BUT ... many discernment counselors actually go through the material more than once. So, if you want, you can go through all of the training and then participate in the group meetings you are most interested in.
Who is Ginny?
Ginny is one of six Discernment Counseling Master Practitioners who studied directly under Bill Doherty for one year. Master Practitioners have not only trained to hone their own skills, but have been trained by Dr. Doherty to provide learning support and consultation to other discernment counselors.
For more information: www.lwadiscernment.com
LWA Academy is part of Drs. Lapporte, Wright & Assoc., P.C.
1580 N. Northwest Hwy Suite 121B ~ Park Ridge, IL 60068
www.lwapsych.com
www.lwadiscernment.com
www.lwaacademy.com
LWA Academy is committed to providing opportunities for all qualified students to participate fully in all continuing education activities. If you have a request, we will try to accommodate your ADA needs. Please email us at [email protected] to receive a Request for Accommodations form to complete.