In this training, participants will learn the main reasons couples seek therapy, understand and apply therapeutic techniques in the context of relationships, and explore the intricacies of relationship dynamics at play offering a nuanced perspective on the factors influencing them. The course will teach how to educate and support clients in developing healthy relationship skills. During the course, participants will learn the fundamental principles and theories, and recognize and respect cultural diversity in relationships.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understanding Relationship Dynamics
- Teach Effective Communication skills
- Identify and implement Intervention strategies
- Develop Cultural Competence in Working with Diverse Couples
Syllabus:
Objectives #1: Common Challenges in Modern Relationships
- High divorce rates in first, second, and third marriages
- Communication breakdowns and emotional disconnection
- Impact of technology and social media
- Life-work balance and financial stress
- Mental health issues and long-distance stressors
- Evolving societal norms and expectations
Objectives #2: Goals of Couples Therapy
- Understand core relationship dynamics and recurring patterns
- Create a safe therapeutic space for partners
- Identify effective intervention strategies for healing and connection
- Develop cultural competence in working with diverse couples
Objectives #3: The Number One Presenting Problem in Couples Therapy
- Communication issues as the most frequent complaint
- Misalignment in perspectives and lived experiences
- Emotional flooding and survival-mode reactions
- Attachment fears disguised as conflict
- Misinterpreting requests as personal criticism
Objectives #4: Neurobiological Influences on Relationships
- Brain responses: neocortex (slow, logical) vs. limbic brain (fast, reactive)
- Autonomic responses to perceived threats: fight, flight, freeze
- How mood, memory, and neurobiology shape relational responses
Objectives #5: Embracing Conflict as a Path to Growth
- Avoiding conflict is a greater threat than conflict itself
- Conflict is necessary for healthy connection and differentiation
- Conscious vs. unconscious conflict and fear-based reactions
- Emotional safety as essential to relational sustainability
Objectives #6: Relationship Safety and Intimacy Agreements
- Mutual contracts to protect the relationship
- Commitments to no violence, no escape hatches, and honest communication
- Agreements to take responsibility and safeguard each other’s vulnerabilities
- Practicing truthfulness, mutual enjoyment, and problem-solving
Objectives #7: Attachment and Emotional Regulation in Relationships
- Attachment as a survival mechanism and secure base
- Secure dependency fosters autonomy and exploration
- Emotional safety enables vulnerability and growth
- Addressing distress from perceived inaccessibility of a partner
Objectives #8: Stages of Relationship Development
- Stage 1: Honeymoon – merging into a “we,” idealization
- Stage 2: Differentiation – reclaiming individuality, power struggles
- Stage 3: Mature Love – mutual respect, deep intimacy, shared purpose
Objectives #9: Cultural Considerations in Couples Therapy
- Cultivating cultural sensitivity and humility
- Understanding diverse communication styles and conflict norms
- Navigating family dynamics, gender roles, and cultural trauma
- Committing to continuous learning and honoring identity
Clinical Tools and Relational Tips
- Use face-to-face engagement to regulate emotional states
- Eye contact and posture as regulatory mechanisms
- Prioritize emotional safety and protect the partnership
- Use humor and realistic expectations to reduce pressure
- Normalize loneliness and individual complexity in relationships
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Zumrad Ahmedjanova, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Recording Date: 1/19/2024
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 1.5hrs 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