CHARLESTON The Human Side of Human Services: Helping Without Controlling
Advertisement
Help Without Controlling: Power, Autonomy & Ethics in Human Service Work
Helping is our job—but helping doesn't always mean taking over.
Even with the best intentions, professionals can unintentionally limit autonomy, reinforce dependence, or make decisions for the people they're trying to support.
This engaging workshop explores how power, ethics, boundaries, and helping relationships influence outcomes while providing practical strategies for supporting people in ways that foster dignity, collaboration, and self-determination.
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to empower others without carrying responsibility that isn't theirs to hold.
Topics Include:
• Power and privilege in helping relationships
• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Autonomy and self-determination
• Helper dynamics and the rescuer role
• Harm reduction principles
• Shared decision-making
• Motivational approaches
• Accountability while preserving dignity
Ideal for professionals who want to strengthen ethical, person-centered practice while reducing burnout and power struggles.
Event Details
📅 Date: October 22, 2026
📍 Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Charleston WV
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)
💲 Pricing
• Early Bird: $125
• Regular Registration: $150
Registration includes:
✔ Full-day interactive workshop
✔ Participant workbook
✔ Coffee, water, and light refreshments
✔ Certificate of Completion
Lunch is on your own during the scheduled lunch break.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Building Communities Where Everyone Belongs.
Helping is our job—but helping doesn't always mean taking over.
Even with the best intentions, professionals can unintentionally limit autonomy, reinforce dependence, or make decisions for the people they're trying to support.
This engaging workshop explores how power, ethics, boundaries, and helping relationships influence outcomes while providing practical strategies for supporting people in ways that foster dignity, collaboration, and self-determination.
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to empower others without carrying responsibility that isn't theirs to hold.
Topics Include:
• Power and privilege in helping relationships
• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Autonomy and self-determination
• Helper dynamics and the rescuer role
• Harm reduction principles
• Shared decision-making
• Motivational approaches
• Accountability while preserving dignity
Ideal for professionals who want to strengthen ethical, person-centered practice while reducing burnout and power struggles.
Event Details
📅 Date: October 22, 2026
📍 Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Charleston WV
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)
💲 Pricing
• Early Bird: $125
• Regular Registration: $150
Registration includes:
✔ Full-day interactive workshop
✔ Participant workbook
✔ Coffee, water, and light refreshments
✔ Certificate of Completion
Lunch is on your own during the scheduled lunch break.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Building Communities Where Everyone Belongs.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charleston, WV, 520 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston, WV 25302-1921, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherSafer Spaces Collaborative
