Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7431. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Searight PACE is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Spring 2025

Friday, April 25, 2025

This PACE class will equip mental health clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate ethical and legal challenges in their work with clients. Case scenarios and discussions will be utilized for the following objectives. 

  1. Review the core ethical principles and professional codes of conduct relevant to mental health practice.
  2. Be able to distinguish between ethical guidelines and legal requirements and how they can intersect in clinical practice.
  3. Gain an understanding of the principles of confidentiality and when it can be breached.
  4. Recognize the importance of obtaining informed consent and how to effectively communicate it to clients.
  5. Identify and manage potential boundary crossings and violations to maintain a professional therapeutic relationship.
  6. Understand the ethical considerations related to the use of technology in therapy such as teletherapy and electronic records.

Instructor Dr. Lorell Gordon
Location: Teams
Time: 9AM-12PM(3 CE hours)
Cost: $60

Understanding Substance Use Disorders and Addictions (PACE 214)

Friday, June 13, 2025

In this PACE class, mental health professionals will gain an understanding of substance use disorders with a focus on the addiction process and treatment modalities. The objectives are as follows.

  1. Be able to identify the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder or addiction and the protective factors that protect against it.
  2. Be able to analyze the biopsychosocial model of addiction to include how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the development and maintenance of addiction.
  3. Understand the stages of addiction from initial use to dependence and addiction.
  4. Examine the impact of addiction on individuals and families.
  5. Understand how to apply evidence-based practices and provide effective care for individuals with substance use disorders and addictions.
  6. Learn techniques for helping individuals maintain recovery and prevent relapse.

Instructor Dr. Lorell Gordon
Location: Teams
Time: 9AM-12PM(3 CE hours)
Cost: $60

Disaster Response for Clinical Mental Health Counselors (PACE 216)

Friday, March 28, 2025

Many disasters are unpredictable, which may elevate the level of fear and anxiety as reoccurrence is anticipated. The presenter will share some unique developmental considerations and counseling approaches for working with clients in crisis who have experienced large-scale disasters, including the importance for integrating spirituality. Participants will also receive several post-disaster recovery resources.

  • Learning objective 1: Differentiate concepts of equilibrium/disequilibrium & mobility/immobility 
  • Learning objective 2: Integrate spirituality with therapeutic approach
  • Learning objective 3: Distinguish between long-term therapy & crisis intervention strategies
  • Learning objective 4: Associate developmental considerations for applying interventions
  • Learning objective 5: Ascertain triage assessment for real-time assessments
  • Learning objective 6: Acquire post-disaster healing & recovery resources

Instructor Dr. Sharon Webb
Location: Teams
Time: 9AM-11PM(2 CE hours)
Cost: $40

Instructor Bios

Dr. Cathy Sparks is the Director of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling at Erskine College.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.  She has 37 years of experience as a therapist.  She is the Director of Counseling Education at Middle Tyger Community Center in Lyman, SC specializing in play therapy for children.  Dr. Sparks educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wofford College, Master of Education in Elementary School Counseling from the University of South Carolina, Educational Specialist in Counseling from the University of South Carolina, Educational Specialist in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College, and an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

Dr. Lorell Gordon is an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences and Counselor Education at Gardner-Webb University. Dr. Gordon’s background includes working with various agencies to include group and solo practice, behavioral health facilities, and military settings; she is also a veteran of the Naval Reserves. Dr. Gordon holds several credentials in South Carolina such as Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Supervisor, and Licensed Addictions Counselor. She currently teaches in the Clinical Mental Health Counselor graduate program. Dr. Gordon earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in Counselor Education, an Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College, and a M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Winthrop University. 

Dr. Simone McIntyre (PhD, NCC, LCAS, LCMHC, LAC, LPC, CCM, MAC) is a dually licensed mental health and addictions therapist in North and South Carolina.  She has worked in the field in various capacities since 2002 and strives to improve lives and strengthen communities through education and empowerment.  She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision where her dissertation focused on the collaboration experiences between professional counselors and African American pastors. Dr. McIntyre is a wife and mother of four. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and her favorite quote is by Audrey Hepburn, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible”.

Dr. Sharon Webb is Professor and Program Coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs in the Department of Counselor Education at Gardner-Webb University. She has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, with a Specialization in Trauma and Crisis. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, a National Board-Certified Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.  Dr. Webb has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross for over 25 years, to include serving as a National Disaster Mental Health Manager, Disaster Mental Health Trainer, and Service to the Armed Forces Resiliency Lead and facilitator for NC and 4 SC counties.  

Susan Tankersley has had a passion for families for thirty years. She began working in her local church with the children and youth ministries at the age of 18. In order to better help families, Susan returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Greenville University and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College. Susan also earned a two-year Fellowship with WestGate Training and Consultation Network after graduating from Converse. In 2010 Susan began teaching in the Psychology Department of North Greenville University and opened her first private practice. As Susan continued to learn and grow as a Marriage and Family Therapist, she had a strong desire to help train other mental health professionals. In 2013 Susan began taking on graduate student interns and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associates to mentor and supervise. In 2019 Susan created the non-profit teaching clinic, Heritage Institute, where she serves as a Supervisor and the Executive Director. Currently, with the private practice, Susan Tankersley Family Therapy, Susan works with high conflict couples and high conflict families involved with the family court system.

Terrance Dawkins is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) from Spartanburg, South Carolina. He holds dual licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Carolina and North Carolina and operates his own private practice, Missing Pieces Counseling Services. He also works at the Counseling Center at Furman University. Mr. Dawkins holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Winthrop University.

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