Integrating Basic Counseling Skills into Treatment for Nurses & Allied Health
DESCRIPTION
Patients in a medical or rehabilitation setting often experience new and unexpected losses related to their circumstances. Understandably, this can create significant emotional responses, which may leave those around them feeling unsure of how to respond or provide support. As nurses and allied health clinicians often work with patients in their most vulnerable moments of their recovery, it is important to feel equipped on how to best respond. This webinar will focus on how nurses and allied health clinicians can conduct emotional assessments and provide basic counseling to patients and family members without taking away from their clinical goals or creating barriers to their goals in treatment.
LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify common losses and coping techniques patients family members experience and utilize during a medical and/or rehabilitation encounter
- Define and differentiate empathy and sympathy
- Recognize and assess suicidal ideation
- Incorporate techniques into treatment to address emotional distress in patients without taking away from clinical goals
INSTRUCTOR
Katrina Myhra, MSW, LCSW
AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists, Nurses
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Nursing

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This CNE is being offered for 1.5 contact hours of continuing nursing education. Expiration Date: 3/31/2029.
The Illinois Physical Therapy Board has approved this course for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 2/6/2026.
Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.
Occupational Therapy

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 02492, This distance learning – independent and interactive webinar is offered at .15 CEUs [intermediate, OT service delivery/ Professional Issues]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
Speech-Language Pathology

DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP - Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT - Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L, BCP - Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN - Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC - Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists’ Disclosure Information:
Katrina Myhra, MSW, LCSW - Has nothing to disclose.
ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.
