Attention Catholic Therapists

I’m excited to reintroduce myself as a Catholic Therapist, returning to clinical counseling after serving as a School Social Work Consultant. During my time in schools, I regularly presented on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—helping school social workers understand what AI is and how to use it ethically and responsibly in practice.

🚀 Now, I’m bringing this work to Catholic Therapy. I’m pleased to announce a new 2‑hour educational session designed specifically for Catholic Therapists, integrating faith, ethics, mental health, and emerging technology.

📚 In this session, we will explore:

✝️ Catholic anthropology applied to AI

🤖 What AI really is—and whether it’s truly “intelligence”

✅ Benefits of AI within Catholic counseling practice

⚠️ Risks and ethical concerns of AI in the mental health field

📜 The “10 Commandments” of Using AI in Your Catholic Counseling Practice

💡 Practical tips and prompts to help you get started right away

🌟 Participants have especially valued:

💬 Practical dialogue and interactive discussion

🙏 A balanced, faith‑driven perspective

🧠 New knowledge with greater ethical clarity

🔁 Opportunities for questions, reflection, and feedback

📢 You’re invited!
Please look below for additional details about the class and upcoming session dates. I hope you’ll consider joining us for this thoughtful and practical conversation.

📝 Continuing Education Note:

Licensed Social Workers can earn 2 ethics continuing education hours, approved by NASW‑Michigan.

Thank you for your time.

Steve Whitmore

Ethical Challenges and Integration of Faith, Practice, and Professional Standards

This two-hour session will explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), counseling practices from a Catholic lens, and ethical considerations for practitioners. We will examine how AI tools may be utilized in mental health counseling, while respecting human dignity, spiritual formation, and professional integrity. Drawing from the NASW, ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice, the Catholic Psychotherapy Association’s ethical guidelines, and Vatican DDF/DCE Antiqua Et Nova (Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence), participants will critically engage the promises and limitations of AI for therapeutic practice. Ethical reflections will center on anthropological views of the person, confidentiality, professional responsibility, and the safeguarding of the counselor-client relationship in light of both secular and faith traditions.

Great question! Even if you never plan to implement AI directly, here’s why this presentation is still valuable:

1. Understand What’s Coming
   AI is shaping the mental health landscape. Your clients, colleagues, and even diocesan leaders may ask about it. Being informed helps you respond confidently.

2. Protect Your Practice
   Learn the ethical and privacy implications of AI so you can safeguard your counseling approach and advise others wisely.

3. Serve as a Trusted Resource
   Clients may encounter AI-driven tools or apps. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses allows you to guide them from a faith-based perspective.

4. Stay Relevant in Professional Circles
   AI is becoming part of continuing education and professional discussions. Attending keeps you connected and credible.

5. Faith-Based Perspective on Technology
   This isn’t just tech talk—it’s about how Christian values intersect with innovation. You’ll gain insights that help you uphold your mission in a changing world.

Dates:

3/9/26- 8:30-10:15amET

3/20/26- 12:00-2:15amET

4/16/26- 1:00-3:15pmET

Cost?

Presentation: $20.00

Presentation plus Social Work Credit Hours (Approval through NASW-Michigan): $30.00

Objectives

• Identify the potential benefits and risks of integrating AI into Catholic counseling, particularly with respect to client confidentiality, objectivity, and therapeutic boundaries.
• Compare and contrast ethical standards from the NASW Code of Ethics, the Catholic Psychotherapy Association’s guidelines, and the Catholic principles from Antiqua et Nova as applied to digital and AI-based interventions.
• Evaluate practical strategies to use AI tools responsibly in alignment with Catholic anthropology and values that safeguard human dignity and spiritual growth.

Steve Whitmore, LMSW

Steve Whitmore recently retired as a School Social Work Consultant for Oakland Schools, where he partnered with school social workers and educators to strengthen practices in social skill development, mental health support, student engagement, technology and social media use, time study, and IEP development. Over the course of 35 years, Steve has served in a wide range of mental health settings, most recently as a Catholic counselor with Beverly Hills Therapy Group and Compassionate Christ Centered Counseling in Troy.

In addition to his clinical and educational work, Steve has spent the past two years exploring the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in mental health and school environments. He has been actively studying and presenting on how AI can enhance support for students and professionals, bridging his decades of practice with emerging technologies to shape the future of care and education.

Presented by Whitmore Consulting and Counseling, LLC

Other Catholic Counseling professionals are welcome.

Contact us at Whitmore4Consulting@gmail.com