Duty to Report: Responsibilities and Pathways

Counsellors often face the tension between mandatory reporting and maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship—this workshop explores how to navigate both responsibly. Learn your legal obligations, clarify your role in the reporting process, and gain practical strategies to support client safety while preserving engagement in therapy.

Counsellors are often caught between the requirement to report to protective agencies and our desire to maintain therapeutic alliance and engagement in counselling. Navigating that tension will be explored and processes highlighted that may protect the client’s participation in therapy.

This workshop will give an overview of the legislative responsibilities for reporting when a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm. The counsellor’s role in the reporting process will be outlined, and practical tips provided that may increase the effectiveness of a report and enhance safety of vulnerable persons in the process of investigation.

This workshop is of particular relevance for counsellors working with children, youth and families

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Dr. Susie Lang-Gould is the Director of Peace Portal Counselling Centre, where she serves as a leader, counsellor, supervisor, parent consultant, and speaker. She holds a PhD and a Master’s of Arts in Psychology from Fielding University, as well as a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS) in good standing with BCACC. With over