The Invisible Scars of Emotional Abuse: Clinical Conceptualization, Assessment, and Empirically-Supported Treatment Strategie

Course overview

Emotional abuse often leaves hidden wounds that impact mood, self-worth, relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. This workshop is designed for licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders to build confidence in assessing psychological maltreatment and identifying emotional abuse linked to conditions such as PTSD, depression, and complex trauma. Participants will understand how to use validated assessment tools and screening methods to recognize patterns of abuse and trauma symptoms. Evidence-based, trauma-informed treatments, including Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, ACT, and Emotion-Focused Therapy, will be presented with an emphasis on adaptable, person-centered interventions. The workshop will also explore characteristics of abusers and common comorbid mental health disorders (e.g., narcissism, PTSD, mood disorders). Attendees will develop practical frameworks for case conceptualization, measurement, and treatment planning, alongside strategies for integrating faith-informed hope for willing Chrisitan clients to support holistic healing and flourishing for survivors.