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Rapport Building Skills
Presenter: Keeley Doyle, LCSW
Date: November 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM MST
Format: Live, synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Foundational/Introductory
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Certificates Available: ASWB/ACE, AASECT, THGI
Course Description
The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive treatment outcomes, making rapport-building an essential clinical skill for therapists at every stage of their careers. This training explores practical, evidence-informed strategies for establishing trust, fostering safety, and developing authentic therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds. Participants will examine the foundational elements of rapport, common barriers that can interfere with connection, and techniques for strengthening engagement throughout the therapeutic process. Attendees will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their clinical work to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the therapeutic alliance.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Identify at least three core components of effective rapport-building that contribute to a strong therapeutic alliance.
Demonstrate practical communication strategies — including empathy, active listening, and attunement — to foster trust and engagement with clients.
Apply rapport-building techniques to address common clinical challenges, including client ambivalence, resistance, and cultural differences, in order to strengthen the therapeutic relationship.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This training presents a limited amount of information; clinicians who desire additional depth are encouraged to seek out supplemental resources and peer-reviewed literature on this topic. Delivered via an online platform, there are no anticipated risks beyond those typically associated with online learning environments, though the format may not fully replicate the interactivity of in-person learning. Participants may encounter discomfort as they explore sensitive topics or are asked to challenge existing beliefs and practices, and role-play or interactive discussion components could feel vulnerable for some attendees. The evidence base for this training's content may have limitations in generalizability across diverse populations, cultures, or practice settings. Benefits include an increase in attendees' ability to understand and apply the subject matter in professional practice, foundational knowledge and practical skills that build upon existing training, and support for maintaining and developing professional competencies to improve services to the public. This training also promotes compassionate, inclusive care and reduces discomfort when addressing topics related to diversity, cultural differences, and individual role differences.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training explicitly addresses the influence of culture, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, language, and socioeconomic status on the topics discussed, and includes content that helps participants recognize and examine their own unconscious biases related to these identity factors. Strategies for providing culturally responsive and affirming care across diverse client populations are incorporated, drawing on the NASW Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice, including guidance on adapting evidence-based interventions to be culturally responsive and relevant. The training promotes the use of inclusive, affirming, and non-stigmatizing language, and encourages participants to reflect on how their own cultural background and professional training may influence their clinical practice, supporting the development of skills for culturally humble, ongoing self-reflective practice.
Course Content
This training presents foundational/introductory-level content, delivered through lecture and didactic instruction alongside large group discussion and facilitated dialogue, role-play and skills practice activities, video and multimedia presentations, experiential learning activities linked directly to professional skill development, and question-and-answer sessions and interactive polling with the presenter. The session covers evidence-based assessment, intervention, and treatment methods relevant to rapport-building, content related to trauma-informed approaches and their application in practice, and current research and peer-reviewed literature on the topic.
Relevance
This training addresses content directly applicable to social work clinical practice, including assessment, intervention, and treatment planning, and builds upon foundational knowledge gained through a completed graduate-level degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field. It addresses ethical responsibilities as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, as well as content related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and trauma-informed care and its application across practice settings. Reflecting current peer-reviewed research and best practices, this training is relevant to professionals across mental health disciplines, including licensed social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
About the Presenter
Keeley Doyle, LCSW, earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work and has been a therapist at The Healing Group for the past three years. In addition to her outpatient therapy work, she provides weekend hospital case management, where she supports patients in navigating care and discharge planning. Her clinical interests include trauma, perinatal mental health, and sex therapy. Keeley enjoys integrating self-compassion practices, the 4D Wheel, and trauma-informed and trauma-focused approaches into her work, with a focus on helping clients build resilience and lasting change. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, attending concerts, traveling, trying new restaurants and cuisines, and spending time with friends.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Lecture and didactic instruction with live Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
Registration
Register online at thehealinggroupinstitute.com. Refunds are not available. Full refund and cancellation policy is available on the website.
Commercial Support & Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No commercial entity has provided funding or support for this course. Keeley Doyle has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
ASWB ACE Statement
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA
A. Ethics and ethical behavior.
E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.
AASECT ST
C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.
Presenter: Keeley Doyle, LCSW
Date: November 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM MST
Format: Live, synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Foundational/Introductory
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Certificates Available: ASWB/ACE, AASECT, THGI
Course Description
The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive treatment outcomes, making rapport-building an essential clinical skill for therapists at every stage of their careers. This training explores practical, evidence-informed strategies for establishing trust, fostering safety, and developing authentic therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds. Participants will examine the foundational elements of rapport, common barriers that can interfere with connection, and techniques for strengthening engagement throughout the therapeutic process. Attendees will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their clinical work to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the therapeutic alliance.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Identify at least three core components of effective rapport-building that contribute to a strong therapeutic alliance.
Demonstrate practical communication strategies — including empathy, active listening, and attunement — to foster trust and engagement with clients.
Apply rapport-building techniques to address common clinical challenges, including client ambivalence, resistance, and cultural differences, in order to strengthen the therapeutic relationship.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This training presents a limited amount of information; clinicians who desire additional depth are encouraged to seek out supplemental resources and peer-reviewed literature on this topic. Delivered via an online platform, there are no anticipated risks beyond those typically associated with online learning environments, though the format may not fully replicate the interactivity of in-person learning. Participants may encounter discomfort as they explore sensitive topics or are asked to challenge existing beliefs and practices, and role-play or interactive discussion components could feel vulnerable for some attendees. The evidence base for this training's content may have limitations in generalizability across diverse populations, cultures, or practice settings. Benefits include an increase in attendees' ability to understand and apply the subject matter in professional practice, foundational knowledge and practical skills that build upon existing training, and support for maintaining and developing professional competencies to improve services to the public. This training also promotes compassionate, inclusive care and reduces discomfort when addressing topics related to diversity, cultural differences, and individual role differences.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training explicitly addresses the influence of culture, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, language, and socioeconomic status on the topics discussed, and includes content that helps participants recognize and examine their own unconscious biases related to these identity factors. Strategies for providing culturally responsive and affirming care across diverse client populations are incorporated, drawing on the NASW Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice, including guidance on adapting evidence-based interventions to be culturally responsive and relevant. The training promotes the use of inclusive, affirming, and non-stigmatizing language, and encourages participants to reflect on how their own cultural background and professional training may influence their clinical practice, supporting the development of skills for culturally humble, ongoing self-reflective practice.
Course Content
This training presents foundational/introductory-level content, delivered through lecture and didactic instruction alongside large group discussion and facilitated dialogue, role-play and skills practice activities, video and multimedia presentations, experiential learning activities linked directly to professional skill development, and question-and-answer sessions and interactive polling with the presenter. The session covers evidence-based assessment, intervention, and treatment methods relevant to rapport-building, content related to trauma-informed approaches and their application in practice, and current research and peer-reviewed literature on the topic.
Relevance
This training addresses content directly applicable to social work clinical practice, including assessment, intervention, and treatment planning, and builds upon foundational knowledge gained through a completed graduate-level degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field. It addresses ethical responsibilities as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, as well as content related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and trauma-informed care and its application across practice settings. Reflecting current peer-reviewed research and best practices, this training is relevant to professionals across mental health disciplines, including licensed social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
About the Presenter
Keeley Doyle, LCSW, earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work and has been a therapist at The Healing Group for the past three years. In addition to her outpatient therapy work, she provides weekend hospital case management, where she supports patients in navigating care and discharge planning. Her clinical interests include trauma, perinatal mental health, and sex therapy. Keeley enjoys integrating self-compassion practices, the 4D Wheel, and trauma-informed and trauma-focused approaches into her work, with a focus on helping clients build resilience and lasting change. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, attending concerts, traveling, trying new restaurants and cuisines, and spending time with friends.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Lecture and didactic instruction with live Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
Registration
Register online at thehealinggroupinstitute.com. Refunds are not available. Full refund and cancellation policy is available on the website.
Commercial Support & Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No commercial entity has provided funding or support for this course. Keeley Doyle has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
ASWB ACE Statement
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA
A. Ethics and ethical behavior.
E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.
AASECT ST
C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.
