What We'll Cover

Module 1

• Introduction & Overview of Domestic Abuse/Coercive Control Dynamics
• Terminology & Definitions
• Case Examples
• Experiential Breakouts
• Triage Model of Care
• Introduction to Trauma as it Relates to Coercive Control
• Victim Impacts
• Victim Presentation / Recognition
• Post-separation/Post-divorce Abuse/Coercive Control
• Secondary Trauma
• Spiritual Considerations for Victims/Survivors
• Therapeutic Pacing
• Advocacy Mindset
• Male Victims
• Couples Counseling
• Coercive Control & Family Systems
• Clinical How-tos, Including Specific Interventions for Victims/Survivors
• Therapist Countertransferrence

Module 2

• Refresh from Module 1
• Q&A
• Victim/Survivor Safety When Working with Perpetrators
• Perpetrator Core Identity
• The Role of Deception in Perpetrators
• Experiential Breakout Groups
• Perpetrator Intake Considerations
• Team-based Approach
• Risk Assessment Process
• Spiritual Considerations for Perpetrators
• Perpetrator Case Conceptualization
• Neurodivergence-informed approach
• Addressing Personality Disorders
• Working with Perpetrators in Groups
• Clinical How-tos, Including Specific Interventions for Perpetrators
• What does repentance/change look like?
• Assessing Readiness for Marriage/Relationship Counseling
• Coercive Control/Compulsive Sexual Behavior Overlap
• Traumatic Brain Injury & Perpetrator Risk
• Putting it all together
• Addressing Therapist Bias
• Next Steps

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Define domestic abuse, coercive control, and related terminology, including patterns of power, control, and oppression in intimate partner relationships.
2. Differentiate between difficult, disappointing, and destructive relationship dynamics using coercive control frameworks and case conceptualization principles.
3. Identify common victim/survivor presentations, trauma responses.
4. Explain the neurobiological and psychological impacts of chronic trauma on victims of coercive control.
5. Assess post-separation and post-divorce abuse dynamics.
6. Apply trauma-informed and survivor-centered therapeutic pacing strategies that prioritize emotional safety, stabilization, and client autonomy.
7. Demonstrate an advocacy-oriented clinical mindset that integrates safety planning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ethical decision-making.
8. Recognize the unique experiences and presentation patterns of male victims of domestic abuse and coercive control.
9. Evaluate the appropriateness and risks of couples counseling in relationships involving coercive control.
10. Analyze the impact of coercive control within family systems.
11. Implement evidence-informed clinical interventions and therapeutic strategies for survivors of coercive control.
12. Identify signs of therapist countertransference, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout when working with abuse-related cases.
13. Describe perpetrator patterns of deception, entitlement, manipulation, DARVO behaviors, and coercive control tactics.
14. Assess perpetrator presentation, intake considerations, and readiness for accountability-oriented treatment using risk-informed clinical frameworks.
15. Evaluate risk indicators associated with escalation, including strangulation, traumatic brain injury, sexual violence, stalking, and lethality concerns.
16. Develop perpetrator case conceptualizations that incorporate personality features, attachment dynamics, neurodivergence considerations, compulsive sexual behavior overlap, and accountability-based interventions.
17. Apply evidence-informed group and individual interventions for perpetrators while maintaining survivor safety as the primary clinical priority.
18. Differentiate between performative remorse and meaningful behavioral change, including markers of repentance, accountability, and sustained transformation in abusive individuals.
19. Assess readiness and contraindications for marriage or relationship counseling in cases involving current or historical coercive control dynamics.
20. Integrate spiritual, cultural, and faith-related considerations into treatment planning for both survivors and perpetrators in clinically and ethically appropriate ways.
21. Examine the overlap between coercive control, compulsive sexual behaviors, and intimate partner sexual violence within clinical assessment and treatment contexts.
22. Identify and address therapist bias, cultural assumptions, and victim-blaming myths that may interfere with accurate assessment and ethical care.
23. Synthesize course concepts into integrated clinical decision-making processes that support survivor safety, perpetrator accountability, and long-term trauma recovery outcomes.

Continuing Education

Please check your state's requirements for continuing education providers.

Continuing education is approved in the following states:

• Texas (all license types)
• Iowa (all license types)
• North Carolina - LMFT

Note: We are working to get NBCC approval; however, that may not be in place at the time of the first training.