Challenging Common Myths about Domestic Violence

Clinicians who work in the field of domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence or domestic abuse, understand how confusing and controversial it can be. Practitioners who refer out or have limited knowledge and experience in this area may not understand the myths and misinformation that often impede treatment. Decades of research and clinical experience have uncovered information that has led to new interventions and improved professionals' abilities to address this difficult subject.

In this two-hour continuing education web conference, Dr. David Wexler will debunk common myths surrounding domestic violence and share innovative approaches for treating both offenders and victims. Dr. Wexler is the executive director of the non-profit Relationship Training Institute and has over 30 years of experience in the field of domestic violence. He will help attendees understand research that discredits four of the most common domestic violence myths, including:

• Myth #1: “One size fits all.” - This approach does not apply to domestic violence and it is essential for clinicians to understand the wide range of motivations and contexts. 
• Myth #2: “Women only abuse in self-defense.” - This is the belief that aggressive females are always reacting to male violence and this is now known not to be true. 
• Myth #3: “Because it’s not that bad..." or "It’s their fault too.” - These are common statements made about victims and a misconception, even among some clinicians who have difficulty making sense of counter-intuitive victim behavior.
• Myth #4: “You can only change men by shaming them.” - Shame is a common treatment approach historically, but the most significant impact on behavior change in difficult and abusive men is to offer respect and genuine connection. 

Attendees will learn more about these myths as well as how to challenge them. Dr. Wexler will explain innovative treatment approaches and how clinicians can use reality-based perspectives to better serve offenders, victims, couples, and the children who experience domestic violence.  

This intermediate instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Recognize the range of types and motivations for partner abuse. 
2. Summarize contemporary perspectives about female abusers.
3. Describe aspects of counter-intuitive victim behavior.
4. Apply effective interventions with both male and female victims of abuse.
5. Utilize therapeutic strategies to treat difficult and abusive men more effectively.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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