Power, Control, and Safety in Relationships (3 CEU's)

COUPLES, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Power, Control, and Safety in Relationships 3 CEUs

Overview:

Power and control dynamics are present in all relationships; however, when power is used to dominate, manipulate, intimidate, or restrict another person's autonomy, significant emotional, psychological, financial, and physical harm can occur. Many individuals experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships do not initially identify their experiences as abuse, often presenting instead with symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, relationship conflict, or emotional distress. Clinicians must be prepared to recognize both overt and subtle forms of control, assess for safety concerns, and support clients in navigating complex decisions while maintaining a trauma-informed and empowerment-based approach.

In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, will examine the role of power, control, and safety within intimate, familial, and interpersonal relationships. Participants will learn to recognize common forms of abuse and coercive control, including emotional abuse, isolation, financial control, manipulation, intimidation, and trauma bonding. The training will explore the Cycle of Abuse, risk factors associated with escalating danger, and the impact of power imbalances on mental health and overall functioning. Through case vignettes, clinical discussion, and practical application, attendees will develop skills in safety assessment, safety planning, trauma-informed intervention, and supporting client autonomy while prioritizing safety. The course will also address ethical and legal considerations, cultural influences, community resources, therapist self-care, and strategies for effectively responding to clients experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationship dynamics.

Objectives:

• Identify common patterns of power, control, coercive control, and abuse, including emotional, psychological, financial, and non-physical forms of abuse within relationships.

• Explain the impact of power imbalances, trauma bonding, and the Cycle of Abuse on client functioning, decision-making, and help-seeking behaviors.

• Apply trauma-informed assessment, safety planning, and intervention strategies to support client safety, autonomy, empowerment, and connection to appropriate resources.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This course provides licensed mental health professionals with an overview of power, control, and safety dynamics in relationships, with a focus on clinical assessment and response. Participants will learn to identify patterns of abuse and apply safety-focused, trauma-informed strategies in their work with clients. While practical tools and frameworks are introduced, this training does not replace specialized certification in domestic violence intervention or crisis response. Attendees are expected to apply the material within their professional scope of practice, ethical guidelines, and local legal requirements.

Financial and Commercial Disclosure

The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic models, interventions, or resources are provided solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Pre-Recorded (Self-Study) CE Courses

All purchases of pre-recorded (self-study) CE courses are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, you agree to these terms. Participants who have not accessed any portion of the course may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once a course has been accessed, streamed, or downloaded, refunds are no longer available due to immediate access to course materials. Refunds will also not be issued to participants who do not complete the course, fail the required post-test, or do not meet participation requirements, as certificates are only awarded upon successful completion. If you experience verified technical issues that prevent access, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem; if it cannot be resolved, a full or partial refund may be issued. If you believe the course did not meet its stated learning objectives, you may submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion for review, and a partial or full refund may be granted at our discretion. All course purchases are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or assigned to another individual.