This training provides a comprehensive exploration of navigating conflict and implementing effective interventions for challenging couples, particularly those exhibiting hostile-dependent or passive-aggressive dynamics. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will learn assessment techniques and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of challenging couples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of conflict avoidance and passive-aggressive behavior. Practical guidance will be provided on facilitating positive interaction, setting behavioral agreements, and supporting partners’ emotional growth within the therapeutic process. By the end of the training, participants will have a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in working with hostile-dependent couples and will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate conflict and foster growth within these relationships effectively.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the underlying dynamics of hostile-dependent relationships and their impact on conflict resolution.
- Learn assessment techniques to identify signs of conflict avoidance and passive-aggressive behavior in couples.
- Explore intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of hostile-dependent couples, including disrupting symbiosis and increasing capacity for differentiation.
- Gain practical skills in facilitating positive interaction and setting behavioral agreements within the therapeutic context.
- Enhance awareness of the developmental stages outlined by Mahler and their relevance to hostile-dependent dynamics.
- Develop strategies to support partners’ emotional growth and foster healthy conflict resolution within the therapeutic process.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Hostile-Dependent Relationships
- Describe mutual or one-sided hostility maintained by emotional dependency
- Highlight key features including emotional reliance, fear of abandonment, and recurring blame
- Explain difficulty with differentiation and enmeshment
Objective #2: Common Couple Dynamics
- The Perpetual Fighters: express dissatisfaction through frequent conflict
- The Push-Pull Relationship: cycle of emotional demand and avoidance
- The Resentful Dependents: conflict over roles and perceived inequities
- The Passive-Aggressive Duo: indirect hostility and avoidance of direct confrontation
Objective #3: Assessment Tools for Couples Therapy
- Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)
- Conflict Tactics Scales – Short Form (CTS2S)
- Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI)
- Clinical interpretation of conflict intensity and relationship satisfaction
Objective #4: Developmental Approach to Anger (Joines)
- Rage: unmet early needs
- Frustration: misunderstood or denied needs
- Anger: boundary invasion
- Arguing: lack of clarity
- Resentment: unresolved wrongdoing
Objective #5: Intervention Strategies for Hostile-Dependent Couples
- Diffuse conflict with calming techniques and ground rules
- Establish limits through behavior contracts
- Support partners in identifying and managing triggers
- Reinforce positive behaviors, apologies, and cooperation
Objective #6: Behavioral Contract for Conflict Resolution
- Use of “I” statements and active listening
- Guidelines for taking breaks and staying on topic
- Agreements around respect, emotional support, and non-verbal cues
- Planning for future stress and supporting individual growth
Objective #7: Working with Passive-Aggressive Behavior
- Identify sarcasm, withholding, silent treatment, and procrastination
- Use structured confrontation and direct communication techniques
- Encourage ownership of emotions and expression of underlying needs
Objective #8: Addressing Passive Behaviors (Schiff)
- Doing Nothing: inertia in conflict
- Over-Adaptation: excessive compliance with others’ expectations
- Agitation: purposeless activity masking discomfort
- Incapacitation or Violence: reactive energy release and loss of control
Tools for Intervention and Differentiation
- Apply Karpman’s Drama Triangle to understand conflict roles
- Use Initiator–Inquirer Exercise to develop empathy and clarity
- Encourage curiosity, regulation, and direct communication
Social workers completing this course receive 3 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Zumrad Ahmedjanova, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Recording Date: 6/29/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com