Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals

After her own children went off to college, Dot Casper received her masters in counseling and education from Nova University in the 1970's. Her private practice was focused on marriage and family counseling, along with individual and group therapy. Affect Plus was initiated in the '70's as a CE provider for nurses. She and her good friend, Edie Stark, RN, provided on-site workshops in death sensitivity, grief work and communications training. In addition, Dottie volunteered many years in Miami leading groups for spouses of stroke victims and individuals with eating disorders.

In the '80's, Dot Casper, LMFT and LMHC in Miami, was one of many who took continuing education courses to meet Florida's licensing requirements. Then there were about 5,000 CSW's, MFT's and MHC's in Florida. She felt the quality of many courses she took was not what it should be for worthwhile learning. She called me and said, "I think we can do better." And with that aim, Affect Plus through Home Study for mental health professionals was launched in 1988, with Dottie and myself as co-founders.

In the early years, there was no Internet and those ordering spoke to Dottie. Her personal service and ethical standards were the highest. As a competent therapist herself, she knew the needs of those in the profession.

Dottie has always been one who would overcome obstacles she met. Through her tenacious spirit and efforts, doors opened to allow a home study option for continuing education where there had none. Affect Plus was one of the early home study providers approved by NBCC in 1990. In 1991, she appeared before the Florida Board of Psychology and the Board voted to approve a home study option. And in 1995 when Florida Board of CSW, MFT, and MHC had decided to limit home study to 10 of the 30 hours, Dottie and I questioned this before the Board. In 1996, Affect Plus and two of our participants filed a legal petition. Along with many letters from licensees and the support of mental health associations, this rule was overturned. In the '90's, Affect Plus expanded across the country, as more states allowed home study and distance learning.

In 1999, Dottie "retired" from Affect Plus after 12 years of devoted work. She was ready to travel with an old friend. As an award-winning photographer, she was able to bring home images from around the world. But when she was home, now in Tampa, she was my much-welcomed consultant to Affect Plus' work in Tennessee. Her business sense was always grounded and reliable. Her editing was careful and she continued to write in-depth responses to those taking our PhotoTherapy course. Dottie saw the need to go online before I did, and I was the younger!

At the age of 77, Dottie began a new career as a stand-up comedienne. She went on to win "Tampa's Funniest Person" contest in 2007, beating 140 other competitors. She was able to speak to what it was like to become older. When asked, "How did you sleep last night?", she replied, "I slept like a baby. I wet my bed."

Dottie Casper died September 28, 2010 at the age of 83. Mother of 5, grandmother of 11, friend to many, Dottie was a role model with her zest for life, creative adventure and bold spirit. Her ability to be present and listen was a gift.

Not only was Dottie my valued business partner and dear friend, she was also my mother. I would call her for my morning laugh. How grateful I am for her life. She will be missed.

-Karen Zabriskie

Tampa Tribune article Sept. 29, 2010