This course is based on the content of the author’s book, Money And Psychotherapy: A Guide For Mental Health Professionals (NASW Press; 112 pages). It discusses the money taboo, what it is and how it has resulted in a dearth of teaching, writing and supervision regarding the relationship of money to intrapsychic and interpersonal development and adaptation, as well as inhibiting individual clients and clinicians from addressing money related concerns. It discusses ways to overcome the effects of this taboo and provides information and guidance in the following areas: fee setting and management; acceptable and unacceptable gifts; benefits and risks involved in talking about money; techniques for opening up discussion of money related topics; money identity and personality; money and meaning; money and psychopathology; class, gender, race and ethnicity; and, money and family relationships. It also includes a chapter discussing the effects of the recent recession on emotional well-being. If you complete this course, contact Dr. Trachtman to be included in a geographical referral list.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the concept of the ‘Money Taboo’ and how it affects clients, clinicians and the mental health professions
• Debate the pro’s and con’s of a strict payment policy and an awareness for whom such a policy may be counter productive
• Identify the risks and benefits of asking clients questions about their history, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors with money
• Diagnose several pathological conditions and types of behavior associated with a primary focus on money and materialism
• Utilize four specific techniques to assist clients in beginning to talk about the impact of money in the intrapsychic and interpersonal realms of their lives
• Articulate how beliefs and attitudes about money affect identities, personalities and behaviors; also identify fours common meanings people attach to the word ‘money’
• Describe Trachtman’s Psychological Definition of Money and apply it to cases you are treating.

Syllabus / Course Instructions

• This course is appropriate for CE for beginning, intermediate and advanced level clinicians.
• The Course consists of reading the selected book, successfully completing an online posttest and filling out a course evaluation.
• The book is not included. It must be purchased separately. We have supplied a link to Amazon.com for your convenience.
• Purchasing your course will give you access to both a printable copy of the test and an online version. Print the test to use as a companion as you read the book and answer the questions.
• You cannot exit the online test once you begin, so have your answers ready.

Additional Resources On This Site for CE

• Addiction and Grace
  by Gerald G. May, M.D.: 8 CE Credits
• The Optimistic Child
  by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman: 11 CE Credits
• Flourish: A New Understanding of Well-being
  by Martin E.P. Seligman: 13 CE Credits
• Learned Optimism
  by Martin E.P. Seligman, PhD: 9 CE Credits
• Boundaries: When to Say Yes and When to Say No
  by Henry Cloud and John Townsend: 12 CE Credits
• Treating Patients With Alcohol And Other Drug Problems: An Integrated Approach
  by Robert D. Margolis, PhD and Joan E. Zweben, PhD: 10 CE Credits
• Authentic Happiness
  by Martin E. P. Seligman: 10 CE Credits

Additional Resources Not On This Site

• Richard Trachtman, PhD, Money Work and Love www.moneyworkandlove.com
• American Psychological Association www.apa.org
• Association of Social Work Boards www.aswb.org
• National Association of Certified Counselors www.nacc.org
• National Association of Addiction Professionals www.naadac.org

Bio: Richard Trachtman, PhD

Richard Trachtman, Ph.D., L.C.S.W. specializes in what he calls Money and Relationships Psychotherapy, Marriage Counseling, and Life Coaching. His focus is on how money relates to intrapsychic and interpersonal development and adaptation. He is President of MORE Services for MOney & RElationships which provides treatment, workshops, consultations and other services both for the general public and for other mental health professionals. In addition to being the author of Money And Psychotherapy: A Guide For Mental Health Professionals, Dr. Trachtman has written MONEY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: In Good Times And Bad (a book for the general public as well as for professionals) and has published articles, made presentations and run workshops having to do with money and relationships and money and happiness for professional and lay audiences.

Dr Trachtman practices in New York City and Columbia County New York. More information about his services and writings can be found at www.moneyworkandlove.com (If you pass this course Dr. Trachtman would like to put you on a geographical referral list. Contact him at richardtrachtman@aol.com after completing the exam).