Outline
This course offers an in-depth exploration of trauma bonding, a psychological pattern where individuals form intense attachments to manipulative and abusive relationships. Utilizing a psychodynamic framework, this course examines the roots of trauma bonding as a defense mechanism against early emotional voids and unprocessed losses, which lead to pathological mourning and perpetuate cycles of abuse. Participants will learn through a combination of a recorded lecture, clinical examples, and interactive assessments designed to enhance understanding and application of the material in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives
- Understand trauma bonding as a psychological defense mechanism and its role in maintaining abusive relationships.
- Identify signs of complicated pathological mourning and its effects on patients’ ability to disengage from toxic relationships.
- Develop strategies to address and treat underlying emotional needs that contribute to trauma bonding, utilizing psychodynamic techniques.
- Apply learned concepts to clinical practice through reflective exercises and case study analyses provided in the course materials.
Course Format
This 1-hour, self-study, audio-only course is presented by Dr. Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D., LCSW. To earn credit, participants must listen to the entire audio session, complete a survey evaluation, and achieve a passing score on the final quiz. Successful completion awards a 1-hour CE certificate recognized by the New York State Education Department. Dr. Mazzella is an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers, as designated by the State Board of Social Work.
