When Home Isn’t Safe: Psychology, Dynamics & Treatment of Domestic Violence

Course Description

Domestic violence extends beyond physical abuse. It presents through subtle patterns of coercive control over time and can frequently go unrecognized in clinical settings. This workshop explores the psychology and relational dynamics of domestic violence through a trauma-informed lens. Participants will examine the Cycle of Violence, coercive control, trauma bonding, attachment, and the psychological impact of abuse on survivors. Without diminishing offender accountability, the function of abusive behavior will also be explored. Through psychoeducation, case vignettes, and interactive discussion, participants will strengthen their ability to recognize the invisible patterns of abuse, improve case conceptualization, avoid common clinical pitfalls, and respond more effectively to clients experiencing domestic violence.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify the dynamics of coercive control, the Cycle of Violence, and trauma bonding.
2. Analyze the psychological and relational dynamics that influence abuse relationships.
3. Apply trauma-informed principles to clinical assessment and case conceptualization.
4. Differentiate common clinical pitfalls from effective, survivor-centered clinical responses.

Target Audience:
Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Case Managers, Addictions Professionals

CE Hours: 2.0

Participants must remain in attendance for the duration of the training portion and complete the post-course evaluation in order to receive credits. Certificates will be issued by email within 2 weeks.

Fees: $0.00. This event is free.

Refunds: N/A

Please register by 11/4/2026. Cancellations are permitted until 9:00am on 11/6/2026.
CARE Institute may cancel this program if there are environmental or safety concerns.

About the Speaker:

Joy Singh, LPC
Site Director, Sandstone Care

Joy is a licensed professional counselor, certified trauma psychotherapist, and behavioral health leader with more than 20 years in clinical practice, program development, and behavioral health operations. Her background includes direct clinical work with survivors of domestic violence and complex PTSD, as well as the development and redesign of domestic violence programming.

Joy approaches domestic violence through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing the complexity of coercive control, survivor decision-making, safety, and the clinical challenges of supporting individuals experiencing intimate partner violence. Her trainings emphasize practical application, thoughtful assessment, and interventions that preserve survivor autonomy while promoting safety.

CARE Institute by Sandstone, [2712], 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: [5/22/2026 - 5/22/2027]. Social workers completing this course receive 2.0 Clinical continuing education credits.

CARE Institute by Sandstone has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8107. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CARE Institute by Sandstone is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

If you require accessibility accommodations or have any questions, please contact Deborah Lawton at [email protected].

For more information on the Care Institute by Sandstone, visit Continuing Education Events | Sandstone Care

Event venue & nearby stays

Sandstone Care Rockville Outpatient Center, 11820 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag