Preparing for the Retirement, Illness, and Death of the Therapist: Clinical, Legal, Ethical, and Practical Considerations

"The Unthinkable Known"

Robert Galatzer-Levy, MD

and

Professional Wills

James S. Wulach, PhD, JD

Sunday, September 27, 2026

10:00am-2:15pm EST (includes 15-minute break)

Live Interactive via Zoom

Zoom Invite Will be Sent to Registrants on September 25, 2026

4 CEs offered for Counselors, Psychologists and Social Workers

Counts Toward NASW Ethics Requirement

CEs accepted by many states - check with your local boards.

Robert Galatzer-Levy, MD

Robert Galatzer-Levy, MD, serves as Faculty, Training and Supervising Analyst at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association’s Colleague Assistance Committee which provides support around the end of therapists’ practices, and the author of “The Death of the Therapist” (JAPA). 

James S. Wulach, PhD, JD

James Wulach, PhD, JD, a practicing psychologist and attorney in Edison, NJ, is Professor of Psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he served as Coordinator of the Postgraduate Certificate Program in forensic psychology, coordinator of the Masters/JD dual degree program with CUNY School of Law, and a faculty member of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program. Dr. Wulach is the author of Law and Mental Health Professionals, and over 50 articles published in scientific and professional journals. 

Workshop Description

Thinking and planning for therapists’ retirement, illness, or death can spare patients, colleagues, families, and psychoanalytic communities enormous pain and disruption. This preparation is best done while the therapist is well, long before any emergency arises. In Part One of this workshop, Robert Galatzer-Levy, MD will draw on decades of work to lead an interactive discussion of the psychological, ethical, and pragmatic dimensions of this often-neglected professional responsibility. In Part Two, James Wulach, PhD, JD will offer guidelines and resources to create a legally-effective Professional Will as well as address ways to prepare for the interruption or end of one’s practice. 

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe the importance of planning for incapacity, illness, or death among therapists in clinical practice.
• Identify two common reasons for therapist reluctance in addressing advanced planning, including creation of a Professional Will.
• Demonstrate at least one way advanced planning on the part of therapists can spare patients potential pain, confusion and suffering.
• Recognize the main steps necessary to creating a legally-effective Professional Will. 
• Outline an actionable contingency plan that suits the therapist's practice and needs. 
•  Identify the legal, ethical and practical elements required in developing a Professional Will for a psychotherapy practice. 

Target Audience:  Suitable for Psychologists, Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychiatrists, Advanced Practice Nurses, Graduate Students, Marriage and Family Therapists.

Level of Sophistication: This is an introductory level post-graduate continuing education program suitable for all levels of training.

ADA accommodations available upon request (Required at least 14 days prior to course start date).

4 Continuing Education Credits

Counselors: CPPNJ has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6863. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CPPNJ is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Psychologists: CPPNJ is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CPPNJ maintains responsibility for this program and its contents.

NY Psychologists: Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New Jersey is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0165. 

Social Workers: Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New Jersey is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0757.

The New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners, and some other state boards, recognize CEs approved by the New York State Education Department.

COST: Members $140/$160 pre-registration by September 13; CPPNJ Candidates: $60; Students with ID: $25; Non-Members $200/$220 pre-registration by September 13.

Cancellations made prior to three days (72 hours) before the event will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee.  Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the event will be given a refund of half of the registration fees. Refunds will NOT be granted for cancellation requests made on the day of the event.

There is no potential conflict of interest and/or commercial support for this CE event.



For more information or registration, please call 973-912-4432, visit us online at www.cppnj.org, contact us by email at cppnj@cppnj.org or at CPPNJ 235 Main St, Madison, NJ 07940