The Ackerman Core < Seminar Courses < The Self of the Therapist in Clinical Practice
Course Overview
Join renowned clinician, author, and educator Dr. Kenneth V. Hardy for a 14-week seminar exploring the “Self of the Therapist” (SOTT) as a powerful framework for strengthening clinical practice.
This course examines how therapists’ personal histories, identities, and sociocultural experiences influence therapeutic relationships and clinical decision-making. Grounded in a multicultural relational perspective, participants will explore how race, culture, and systemic dynamics shape both the therapist and the therapeutic process.
Through discussion and experiential learning, participants will deepen self-awareness and develop strategies to enhance clinical engagement, effectiveness, and relational impact.
Course Details
Format: Fully Online
Duration: 14 Weeks
Schedule: Tuesdays | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
Start Date: September 15
Level: Open / No prerequisites*
Tuition: $2,500
Flexible Payment Options: Payment plans and financial aid available
* We are committed to building a diverse community of learners. While relevant professional experience in behavioral health, mental health services, or human services is valued, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for these courses.
About the Instructor
Kenneth V. Hardy, Ph.D. is Director of the Eikenberg Institute for Relationships and a nationally recognized clinician, author, and consultant specializing in racially focused, trauma-informed practice.
He is a former Professor of Family Therapy at Drexel University and Syracuse University and has authored several influential works, including On Becoming a Racially Sensitive Therapist and Racial Trauma: Clinical Strategies and Techniques for Healing Invisible Wounds.
Dr. Hardy has been featured on national media platforms including ABC’s 20/20, Dateline NBC, PBS, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
What You’ll Gain
- A deeper understanding of the Self of the Therapist (SOTT) framework
- Practical strategies to enhance clinical effectiveness through use of self
- Tools to navigate therapeutic ruptures, defensiveness, and escalation
- Greater confidence in engaging race, identity, and culture in clinical work
- Advanced skills for facilitating difficult and meaningful conversations
Who This Course Is For
- Therapists and clinicians seeking to deepen relational practice
- Social workers and counselors
- Psychologists and mental health professionals
- Graduate students and emerging clinicians
- Professionals working with individuals, couples, and families across diverse contexts
The Course Experience
This course combines:
- Didactic teaching
- Experiential exercises
- Reflective discussion
- Real-world application
Participants will engage in a learning environment designed to challenge, support, and expand their clinical thinking and relational capacity.
Attend an Information Session
-
Ackerman Core: Training Overview
July 7, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
-
Clinical Fellowship Information Session
July 15, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
-
Live Clinical Information Session
July 23, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
Take the Next Step.
Secure Your Spot
Getting started is simple:
1. Submit Your Application
Complete our online form to begin the process.
2. Receive Your Admissions Decision
Our team will review your credentials and notify you of your status.
3. Confirm Your Enrollment
Secure your placement with a deposit.
Deposit Amount: $500
(Note: This deposit is applied directly toward your tuition balance.)
Flexible payment options and institutional scholarships are available to support your enrollment.
Tuition Payment Schedule
| Payment Option | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Payment in Full | 100% of Tuition | August 15 |
| Payment Plan (Installment 1) | 50% of Tuition | August 15 |
| Payment Plan (Installment 2) | Remaining Balance | October 15 |