Understanding Abusive Relationships

An eye-opening look at abuse from a licensed mental health professional who specializes in abusive relationships.

Created by: Amanda Somberg, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (CA #41275)

What Will I Learn?

• Learn why abusive relationships are so common
• Understand the tools abusers use which makes it difficult to leave the relationship
• Grasp how a target's strengths and "super traits" may actually work against them and keep them in abusive relationships
• Choose better partners by understanding the dynamics and red flags of abusive relationships
• Understand why emotional, financial, and verbal abuse is more prevalent -- and damaging in some ways -- than physical abuse
• Distinguish between dysfunctional and abusive relationships and help determine if the target's growth and empowerment can effect any change
• Learn the differences and similarities between male and female abusers and male and female targets
• Determine if an abusive individual has the capacity to change
• Recognize an abuser's skewed reality, and comprehend why this is so destructive to the mental health of the target

Requirements

• This course is appropriate for men and women ages 16 and older. No prior knowledge of intimate partner violence or abusive relationships is necessary.

Target audience

• This course is best suited for men and women ages 16 and older. Because abuse is so common and affects every age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and sexual orientation, it is prudent for all of us to learn how to spot and stay away from abusive individuals.