Relationships impact our lives in every aspect. Part of having healthy relationships is to be able to understand and identify unhealthy patterns in ourselves and others. Patterns in abusive relationships and codependency go far beyond someone who suffers from an addiction. The focus of the workshop is to break down these patterns within the relationship including self-esteem, trust, boundaries, risk-taking, and conflict resolution. Over the course of a day, you will be introduced to how scientific research has changed our understanding of these patterns and the treatment models for codependency.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the definition of dependency and codependency & diagnostic criteria of DPD and one common impact of symptoms
- Identify and define typical behavioral and emotional patterns in healthy relationships.
- Use objectifiable measurements in unhealthy dependent emotional needs and behaviors
- Identify interventions for addressing feelings and behaviors of unhealthy dependency
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship Patterns
- Defining healthy vs. toxic relational dynamics
- The role of emotional interdependence and autonomy
- Psychological frameworks for evaluating relationship roles
- Common myths about love, control, and dependency
Objective #2: Codependency: Traits, Patterns, and Clinical Implications
- Definition and behavioral characteristics of codependency
- Impact of enabling, rescuing, and controlling behaviors
- Differentiating codependency from trauma responses
- The role of family systems and intergenerational patterns
- The Five Roles in dysfunctional families: Enabler, Hero, Scapegoat, Lost Child, Mascot
Objective #3: Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)
- DSM diagnostic criteria and clinical features
- Patterns of self-sacrifice, fear of abandonment, and submissiveness
- Cultural and gender considerations in diagnosing DPD
- Differences between emotional dependency and dependent personality traits
- Statistical data on heritability, nature vs. nurture, and clinical significance
Objective #4: The Cycle of Abuse and Power Dynamics
- The Wheel of Power and Control: forms of emotional, intellectual, and physical abuse
- The Cycle of Abuse: tension building, incident, reconciliation, and calm
- Psychological predictors of abusive relationship patterns
- The “Four Horsemen” of poor relationships: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling
- Patterns of emotional manipulation, threats, and withdrawal
Objective #5: Exploring Relationship Styles and Love Attitudes
- Primary and secondary love styles: eros, ludus, storge, mania, pragma, agape
- Impact of love myths and unrealistic expectations
- The Love Attitudes Scale and Gottman’s “Sound Relationship House” model
- Love languages, emotional needs, and miscommunication
Objective #6: Clinical Assessment and Intervention
- Use of screeners, surveys, and case conceptualization tools
- Recognizing trauma-based reactions vs. personality disorders
- Clinical discussion prompts on control vs. caring and codependence vs. interdependence
- Trauma-informed therapy strategies for addressing relational wounds
Objective #7: Case Study and Application
- Detailed case analysis of a client experiencing relational coercion and emotional abuse
- Identifying patterns of dependency, coercive control, and relational trauma
- Clinical discussion: ethical considerations in working with couples and families
- Supporting survivors while addressing dependency and safety planning
Objective #8: Rebuilding Healthy Relationships
- Characteristics of equitable and mutually respectful partnerships
- The Wheel of Equality and emotional boundaries
- Supporting self-advocacy, self-worth, and independence in therapy
- The role of psychoeducation and guided reflection on relationship values
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Leo DeBroeck, MS, LMHC, CMHS, MHP, CBT+
Recording Date: 7/08/2024
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 Clinical 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