Child Witnesses to IPV: For Florida Behavioral Health Professionals, 2nd Edition

Course overview

Recent studies on intrafamilial violence indicate that a significant percentage of American children are exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and family violence, and as a result, experience negative outcomes well into adulthood and are in need of mental health services. Helping professionals are likely to encounter clients who have experienced IPV and children who have been exposed to family violence. This intermediate-level course is designed for Florida mental health professionals and discusses the detrimental effects of IPV on child witnesses, the complex issues and negative sequelae that accompany exposure to IPV, and their impact on the mental health needs of children. The course reviews treatment protocols and then describes therapeutic modalities, including trauma-focused play therapy and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral treatment. The importance of working with the caregiver or parent is highlighted. Clinicians will also learn about countertransferential reactions, vicarious traumatization, and clinician self-care. The course is designed for Florida social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists working with children and families in various settings.