đ September 19, 2025, 10am to 1:15pm PST đ
LIVE Online Course with CEUs available
(Recording available one week later)
Price goes up Sept 6!
3 CEUs included.
LIVE workshop September 19, 2025.
This workshop explores the complex legal and ethical landscape of providing mental health services to LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kinky communities. Drawing from current research, California legislation, and clinical best practices, participants will examine how traditional ethical frameworks applyâand sometimes fall shortâwhen working with marginalized sexual and gender communities.
These three hours will pass quickly!
Workshop Overview
Method: Live workshop over Zoom
Presenter: David F Khalili, LMFT
Organization: Rouse Relational Wellness & Rouse Academy
Continuing Education: 3 Law and Ethics units available for California LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs
When: Friday September 19, 10am to 1:15pm PST
Recording: Will be available one week after the workshop. CEUs are included in the recording.
"My small community is full of dual relationships!"
Presenter Bio:
David F Khalili is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco, and authored Mental Health Workbook for Men and Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide for Menâs Anxiety to Sex and Dating.
David pulls from many influences in the world of mental health and sexual wellness, as well as cultural and spiritual influences from his heritage from Iran. David aims to help those in the margins feel less lonely and more connected with their communities. Specializing in couples and sex therapy, David draws from his diverse background, which includes peer sex education, work in adult boutiques, and a Master's degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University. For more information about David's practice, visit rousetherapy.com.
Links:
Rouse Relational Wellness
Rouse Academy - Courses for solos, couples, polycules & therapists
Consultation and Writing
Description
This workshop explores the complex legal and ethical landscape of providing mental health services to LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kinky communities. Drawing from current research, California legislation, and clinical best practices, participants will examine how traditional ethical frameworks applyâand sometimes fall shortâwhen working with marginalized sexual and gender communities.
Through evidence-based content and interactive case studies, therapists will develop practical competencies for navigating unique challenges including confidentiality in complex relationship networks, documentation considerations for diverse identities, dual relationships in small communities, and the intersection of mandatory reporting with consensual adult behaviors. The workshop emphasizes creating genuinely affirming therapeutic environments while maintaining rigorous professional boundaries and legal compliance.
By the end of this training, participants will be equipped with concrete strategies for providing culturally competent, ethically sound care that honors client autonomy while meeting professional obligations under California law.
Educational Goals
This interactive workshop will enhance participants' ability to provide legally compliant, ethically sound clinical services when working with LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kinky clients. Participants will develop greater clinical sophistication in recognizing and addressing their own biases, implementing appropriate consent and documentation procedures, and maintaining therapeutic boundaries while creating genuinely affirming treatment environments.
The course will improve participants' professional competency in protecting vulnerable client populations from discrimination and harm while maximizing therapeutic effectiveness through culturally responsive, evidence-based approaches that respect diverse expressions of sexuality, gender identity, and relationship structures.
Course Evaluation Requirements
To meet continuing education standards, participants must complete a comprehensive evaluation assessing satisfaction with the following areas:
- Content relevance to professional practice and direct client care applications
- Presenter knowledge and presentation skills in legal/ethical frameworks for marginalized communities
- Quality of program materials including current research, case studies, and practical resources
- Workshop format and technical accommodations (online platform functionality and accessibility)
- Overall program effectiveness in meeting stated learning objectives and practical application needs
Participants will also provide written feedback on specific ways the program content will be integrated into their clinical practice, potential barriers to implementation, and recommendations for program enhancement based on their clinical setting and client population needs.
Measurable Learning Objectives
- Describe three unique confidentiality considerations when working with polyamorous clients in complex relationship networks.
- Identify four key legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals under California law and their implications for therapeutic practice.
- Explain five essential elements of informed consent when providing therapy to clients involved in BDSM/kink practices.
- List three specific documentation strategies for working with transgender and gender-diverse clients while protecting privacy and safety.
- Distinguish between boundary crossings and boundary violations in the context of dual relationships within small marginalized communities.
- Apply California mandated reporting requirements to two complex scenarios involving consensual adult BDSM activities.
- Summarize four evidence-based approaches for addressing therapist bias when working with non-traditional relationship structures.
- Identify three specific ethical dilemmas that arise when providing couples therapy to polyamorous clients and appropriate resolution strategies.
- Describe two intersectional considerations when working with clients who hold multiple marginalized identities (e.g., LGBTQ+ and kinky).
Outline with Main Points
I. Introduction & Course Overview (15 Minutes)
- Welcome & Introductions
- Workshop Objectives & Agenda
- Historical Context: Why Specialized Training Matters
- Evidence Base for Affirmative Practice with Marginalized Communities
II. Foundations of Legal and Ethical Practice (60 Minutes)
- Core Ethical Principles Applied to Specialized Populations
- Confidentiality considerations in complex relationship networks
- Informed consent elements for sexuality-related therapy
- Documentation best practices for diverse identities
- California Legal Framework
- Anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Professional licensing requirements and scope of practice
- Mandatory reporting considerations
- Case Study Exercise: Confidentiality dilemmas
10-minute break
III. Deep Dive: LGBTQIA+ Communities (40 Minutes)
- Gender Identity and Expression
- Legal protections and therapeutic considerations
- Documentation and pronoun usage
- Transition-related care ethics
- Sexual Orientation and Relationship Diversity
- Affirmative therapy principles
- Addressing internalized stigma
- Intersectionality and multiple marginalizations
- Interactive Exercise: Bias awareness and self-reflection
10-minute break
IV. Deep Dive: Polyamorous and Kinky Communities (40 Minutes)
- Polyamorous Relationships
- Understanding diverse relationship structures
- Confidentiality challenges in multi-partner systems
- Legal considerations for non-traditional families
- BDSM/Kink Communities
- Distinguishing consent from abuse
- Therapeutic boundaries with sexual content
- Mandatory reporting applications
- Case Studies: Complex ethical scenarios
V. Integration and Action Planning (20 Minutes)
- Practical Implementation Strategies
- Self-Assessment Tools for Ongoing Competency
- Resource Development for Continued Learning
VI. Q&A and Course Wrap-Up (20 Minutes)
Instructor Qualifications
David F. Khalili, LMFT #89087, brings exceptional expertise to law and ethics training for marginalized communities through his unique combination of specialized clinical practice, advanced academic training, and commitment to social justice in mental health care.
Clinical Specialization: With over a decade of experience serving LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kinky clients, David possesses comprehensive understanding of the unique legal and ethical challenges that arise when providing affirming care to marginalized sexual and gender communities. This specialized practice provides critical insight into real-world applications of ethical principles.
Academic Foundation: David's Master's in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University, combined with his Master's in Counseling Psychology from Golden Gate University, provides both theoretical grounding and research-based understanding of sexuality, gender identity, and relationship diversity. His thesis on sexual silence among Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ individuals demonstrates commitment to understanding intersectional identities.
Professional Credentials: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Board-Certified Sexologist, and CAMFT-Approved CE Provider, David meets the highest professional standards while specializing in areas often overlooked in traditional training programs.
Research and Writing: David's published work includes "Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide to Men's Anxiety Around Sex and Dating" and contributions to professional literature on marginalized populations, ensuring his training content reflects current evidence-based practices and emerging best practices.
David's integration of specialized clinical expertise, advanced academic training, and ongoing commitment to professional development uniquely positions him to guide therapists through complex legal and ethical considerations while maintaining unwavering focus on client welfare and therapeutic outcomes.
Professional Qualifications: Master's in Sexuality Studies (SFSU), Master's in Counseling Psychology (Golden Gate University), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #89087), Board-Certified Sexologist, CAMFT Approved CE Provider (#1000132).
Suggested Reading/Supported Readings (Optional)
LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Practice:
- Chan, A.S.W., Wu, D., Lo, I.P.Y., Ho, J.M.C., Yan, E. (2022). Diversity and inclusion: Impacts on psychological wellbeing among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 726343.
- Heck, N.C., Roselli, M., & Livingston, N.A. (2024). State of the science: LGBTQ-affirmative psychotherapy. Behavior Therapy, 55(2), 245-265.
- Russell, S.T., & Fish, J.N. (2016). Mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12, 465-487.
Polyamory and Consensual Non-Monogamy:
- Gupta, S., Smiler, A.P., & Ogolsky, B.G. (2024). A scoping review of research on polyamory and consensual nonâmonogamy: Implications for a more inclusive family science. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 16(1), 45-68.
- Schechinger, H.A., Sakaluk, J.K., Moors, A.C. (2018). Harmful and helpful therapy practices with consensually non-monogamous clients: Toward an inclusive framework. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(11), 879-891.
BDSM/Kink Communities:
- Wright, S., Stambaugh, B.M., Cox, D.W., Tompkins, K.A., Allsworth, J.E., Jozkowski, K.N., & McCormick, C.M. (2023). Clinical guidelines for working with clients involved in kink. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 38(4), 637-659.
- Lantto, R., Korhonen, J., & Santtila, P. (2021). (Un)desirable approaches in therapy with Swedish individuals practicing BDSM: client's perspectives and recommendations for affirmative clinical practices. Psychology & Sexuality, 12(4), 298-314.
Ethical and Legal Considerations:
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences. (2024). California Law and Ethics Examination Plan for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Roberts, J., Kaminski, P.L., & Makosky Daley, E. (2023). The ethics of overlapping relationships in rural and remote healthcare: A narrative review. Rural and Remote Health, 23(2), 7456.
CA BBS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM POLICIES
David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132. David F Khalili, LMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Contact him at www.rouseacademy.com, phone 415-448-6743, 4124 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or [email protected].
To receive your CE certificate: Watch the entire course with your camera on and complete the evaluation sent at the end of the course. You will receive the certificate automatically after submitting the evaluation.
Recording Viewers: Please note, you must complete both the quiz AND evaluation. A SCORE OF 70% OR MORE ON THE QUIZ IS REQUIRED FOR CE CREDIT. You will receive the certificate automatically after submitting the evaluation.
Grievance Policy
For this course, "Instructor" refers to David Khalili Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc.
- If there is a grievance, participants will be asked to put their concerns in writing to David Khalili at [email protected].
- If the grievance concerns the instructor, content presented, or style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put comments in written format. The participant will receive a written response in 1-2 business days. When necessary, the participant will receive a full refund.
- If the grievance concerns workshop offering, content, level of presentation, or facilities, the instructor will mediate and be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the instructor will: a. Attempt to move the participant to another workshop, or
b. Provide a credit for a subsequent workshop, or
c. Provide a full refund of the workshop fee.
Actions b and c will require a written note documenting the grievance for record keeping purposes. The grieved individual need not sign the note.
Refund Policy
Pricing:
- Regular Price: $79
- Early Bird Price: $69 (until September 5th, 2025)
- Student Price: $45 (with valid student ID)
Refunds are not available on all items, especially live webinars (see individual promotional materials). Refunds are always available if CE item was purchased in error. Full refunds for CE test payment will be granted when the request is submitted in writing and a post-test has not been submitted and graded. Refunds will be issued within 7 days of request to the payment method used for original purchase.
Disability Accommodations
Arrangements can be made for those with disabilities or special needs; please contact David F Khalili, LMFT at 415-448-6743, [email protected] or the address above.
Course Details
Continuing Education Units: Three Units (Law & Ethics)
Format and Length: Live Zoom meeting. Total running time 195 minutes of instructional content + breaks
Topic Area: Law & Ethics, Cultural Competency, Clinical Practice
Instructional Level: All levels
Completion Requirements: Live viewers must complete an online evaluation at the end of the course to obtain their CE certificate via email. Those viewing the recording must watch the entire workshop, complete an evaluation, and obtain a score of 70% or higher on a course completion quiz. You are allowed to take the quiz as many times as needed.
Who Should Attend: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Educational Psychologists, and graduate students in mental health programs.
Course Date: September 19, 2025
Conflict of Interest Statement: There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.
Contact Information: For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution please contact us at [email protected]
David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132.