Understanding and Treating Domestic and Interpersonal Violence: Modifications for Stockholm Syndrome

Presented by Sage Breslin, PhD on 03-13-2020 at 9 a.m. Pacific (noon Eastern) to 11 a.m. Pacific (2 p.m. Eastern)

While every state is different, most require mental health professionals to achieve at least minimal education and training in the understanding, identification, evaluation, and treatment of interpersonal violence. Few states, if any, require clinicians to gain an understanding in the identification and treatment of what is currently known as Stockholm Syndrome, despite that it is more pernicious than other sequelae of interpersonal violence. If we are to liberate people from the bondage of Stockholm Syndrome, it is necessary that clinicians can easily identify, manage, and eventually treat this symptom complex.

Historically associated with the response to being physically held in captivity, we now understand that Stockholm Syndrome may be present in millions of abuse victims who remain stuck in emotionally and physically violent relationships and circumstances. In these cases, victims endure near constant gaslighting by their perpetrators and can lose their ability to accurately discern and respond to their previous realities. In order to survive in these conditions and minimize harm for themselves and oftentimes for others (ex: children, family members), victims develop a form of Reality Dysmorphia as their perception is slowly but surely modified and distorted to match the perpetrator’s version of reality.

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

  1. Identify the sequelae of domestic violence and the symptom profile associated with Stockholm Syndrome.
  2. Compare strategies used in treatment when a victim has exited a violent relationship with those that are used with the victim who remains in the violent relationship.
  3. Design an exit plan for a victim who remains in a violent relationship.
  4. Describe the four tiers of treatment for those who have endured domestic violence.
  5. Explain the factors and symptoms which are unique to Stockholm Syndrome.

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Statement of program material's accuracy, utility, and risks: This program presents a clinical review of the techniques used to identify, manage, and treat the sequelae of domestic and interpersonal violence. Additionally, the phenomenon of Stockholm Syndrome will be explained so that clinicians can easily discern between traditional symptoms associated with domestic violence and the symptom profile that results following long-term exposure to being held in captivity, being exposed to gaslighting, and experiencing trauma-based perceptual distortion. It is consistent with the ethics code of the American Psychological Association and also has its own established code of ethics as developed by the Association of Comprehensive Psychology. Statements about approval or denial of services are according to presenter’s understanding of medical necessity and clinical documentation standards at the time of the program. This program discusses strategies for applying the methods taught in a clinically responsible manner, although the presenter may not know how to apply all principles discussed to every situation or person. A body of research surveyed in the program suggests that the methods are effective and safe. As always, however, misapplication of psychotherapeutic interventions with mentally vulnerable populations can lead to harmful outcomes.

Declaration of conflicts of interest and commercial support: The presenter conducts trainings, provides clinical services, and has written books related to the content of this program.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. To receive CE credit hours for an archived recording, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events are generally considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

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

GoodTherapy, LLC 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 #SW-0395. GoodTherapy, 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.

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Meet the Presenter

Sage Breslin, PhD

Sage Breslin, PhD

Born with a passion for all things mathematical, Dr. Breslin’s professional career started at age seventeen at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. A year later, she was encouraged to spread her wings and headed to Revelle College at UCSD. While enrolled in pre-med studies, Dr. Breslin continued to expand her knowledge of math and physics. But, an auto accident during her sophomore year left her with a brain injury and only limited capacity to comprehend the complexities of math and physics. Trying to utilize her remaining skills, she changed her major to Psychology and graduated a year later with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

At Northwestern University, Dr. Breslin earned a Masters and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She is now licensed as a psychologist in Tennessee, Georgia, and California. In addition, after 5 years of working as a psychologist, Dr. Breslin enrolled in training as an Intuitive Consultant. She has trained for 20 years in Energy and Vibrational Medicine, Aromatherapy, and Toltec wisdom, and is also a Reiki Master.

In 2004, Dr. Breslin earned her certificate in Integrative Medicine from Harvard Medical Center, and in 2010, she became an Ordained Minister. Dr. Breslin is a highly-respected psychologist known nationwide for her innovative approach to trauma recovery, focusing on the integration of mind, body, and spirit for the resolution of painful experiences. Additionally, her work as a Transformation Coach and Breakthrough Specialist has facilitated thousands of breakthroughs resulting in deeply enhanced personal and professional experience and performance.

Dr. Breslin is an avid speaker and a prolific writer. She has authored many online continuing education courses and hundreds of articles and chapters. She is also a contributing author for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Dr. Breslin is the author of the following books:

  • Lovers & Survivors: Living with and Loving a Sexual Abuse Survivor
  • Daily Pearls: 365 Days of Sage Wisdom
  • Breaking Through: A Conscious Leader’s and Entrepreneur’s Guide to Amplify Intuition, Clarity, Vision, Motivation and Productivity
  • The Secret to Conception
  • The Secret to Conception Workbook

Continuing Education Provider Approvals

  • aceGoodTherapy.org is Approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Logo GoodTherapy.org has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6380. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. GoodTherapy.org is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
  • Logo This course has been approved by GoodTherapy.org, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #135463. GoodTherapy.org is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
  • GoodTherapy.org, LLC 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 #SW-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.

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