NASW-NY Continuing Education • Clinical Treatment • Hudson Valley Solution Focused Network
Important Information Before You Register: - This session is limited to 20 participants.
- All attendees must register, whether joining in person or online, and whether seeking CE credit or not.
- This is a highly interactive group discussion, not a lecture or formal presentation. Active participation is required to receive a CE certificate. Please ensure that your microphone and camera are working.
Hybrid • 3 CEU credits Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Dates and Locations
October 3, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Eastern Time, US & Canada)
University at Albany (In-Person Attendees Only)
135 Western Avenue
Room: Husted 210
Albany, NY 12222
Joining online instead? See the webinar registration link above — no physical location applies to the virtual session.
Workshop Description
Ever since Freud and Bauer invented the cathartic method of psychotherapy, emotions have been central to the therapeutic process. How important are feelings? What role do feelings play in solution-focused conversations? What do you do about them in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)? How do you feel about that? This will be the topic of discussion for our October Hudson Valley Solution Focused Network (HVSFN) meeting.
Since 2010 the Hudson Valley Solution Focused Network (HVSFN) has been facilitating solution-focused brief-therapy (SFBT) discussions, a model supported by evidence-based research. While this meeting is intended for participants who are familiar with SFBT and are currently using the model in their practice, all are welcome to share their curiosity. Listen to a podcast about HVSFN. For background on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, read more on Wikipedia.
Learning Objectives
Following this course, participants will be able to:
- Co-construct a conversation with clients about a better life.
- Discuss the application of solution-focused therapy.
- Use practice examples, demonstrate how solution focus can be applied.
- Navigate problem-saturated systems.
Continuing Education
3 CEU credits
This workshop is approved for licensed social workers.
Fees
For Credit
- $45.00NASW-NY Member
- $75.00Other Chapter Members (e.g., NASW-NJ, etc.)
- $90.00Non-Member
No Credit
- $0.00NASW-NY Student and Transitional Member (Non-CE Eligible)
Presenters
Joel K. Simon, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Worker
Joel Simon, LCSW, BCD, ACSW is a solution-focused therapist, trainer, supervisor, and author/co-author of four books on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and an organizational consultant with over 40 years of post-graduate experience and over 30 years as a solution-focused clinician, supervisor, and trainer. He is a frequent presenter of solution-focused practice at conferences and an author and co-author of articles on solution-focus published in professional journals including two with Insoo Kim Berg, a co-developer of the solution-focused approach. Joel is a founding member of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association (www.sfbta.org).
Mark E. Lane, LCSW-R
Mark E. Lane, LCSW-R is an experienced solution focused therapist with over 30 years of experience using and teaching solution focused therapy. He facilitates Hudson Valley Solution Focused quarterly meetings and has taught solution focused therapy at the Graduate School of Social Welfare at the State University of NY at Albany since 1996. He currently works in private practice specializing in group therapy and as a school social worker with Guilderland Schools, where he leans heavily on solution focused principles.
John W. O'Grady, LCSW
John W. O'Grady, LCSW, has been a therapist for 40 years. He practiced in a family counseling clinic for 18 years, gradually introducing Solution-Focused Therapy into his work with parents, youth, and families. In 2011 he opened a private practice in Albany, where he uses SF therapy to serve a wide range of clients.
Nelle Pattison Morehouse, LMSW
Janelle joins the HVSFN team helping out with tech and learning and practicing ways to integrate solution focused throughout her life and work. Janelle currently works for mobile crisis for the capital region, as well as the Employee Assistance Program for NYS. Before this, Janelle worked at the National Association of Social Workers-NYS chapter, coordinating trainings for social workers throughout the state. She also previously worked with the state at the SUNY Albany School of Social Welfare supporting their admissions and student services office. In her free time, Janelle enjoys dancing, music, playing frisbee, and spending time with friends and chosen family.
Sydney Madden, LCSW-R
Sydney earned her MSW from University at Albany in 1995, with post-masters training in attachment issues, trauma treatment, and solution-focused therapy. Sydney has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 30 years, in community-based programs, home-based programs, health care, and private practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE credits does this course offer?
This course offers 3 CEU credits and runs for 3 hours, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM ET on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Is this session in person, online, or both?
This session is hybrid. You can attend in person at the University at Albany Downtown Campus, 135 Western Avenue, Room Husted 210, Albany, NY 12222, or join the live webinar online. All attendees must register, whether joining in person or online, and whether seeking CE credit or not.
Who is this course appropriate for?
Clinicians at the Emerging (Beginner), Mid-Career (Intermediate), Advanced (Expert), and Student levels who are familiar with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and currently using the model in their practice — though all are welcome.
What will I learn?
You'll learn to co-construct conversations with clients about a better life, apply solution-focused therapy in practice, use practice examples to demonstrate how solution focus can be applied, and navigate problem-saturated systems.
How much does this course cost?
For CE credit: $45.00 for NASW-NY members, $75.00 for members of other NASW chapters (e.g., NASW-NJ), and $90.00 for non-members. NASW-NY Student and Transitional Members may attend for $0.00 without CE credit.
Is attendance required to receive a CE certificate?
Yes. This is a highly interactive group discussion, not a lecture or formal presentation. Active participation is required to receive a CE certificate, and attendees must ensure their microphone and camera are working. The session is also limited to 20 participants.