First Friday Forum: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Therapeutic Setting

Friday, December 6, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker: Shannon Goecke-Watson, Psy.D., LP. 

This program will be held virtually via Zoom. Details with instruction on how to view the webinar will be sent to all registrants the day before the program (12/5).

This program qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits.
Level: Introductory: Assumes post-doctoral education status and limited familiarity with topic.
Audience: Designed for psychologists and other mental health professionals.
Location: Registrants will receive a Zoom link to access the session online.

This session will be recorded for future use in our online MPA CE21 catalog.

About the Program:
Domestic Violence (DV) is repeated boundary violations perpetrated against individuals within the home for the purpose of taking their power and control. The reality is that some people who experience DV do not realize they experience DV. In addition, some mental health professionals are unaware of the entire spectrum of DV acts and miss that their clients are experiencing DV. This 3-hour training is designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity needed to effectively and ethically support survivors of domestic violence in the therapeutic setting, whether their clients are aware that they are experiencing DV or not. After the training, attendees will be able to identify the spectrum of abusive behaviors domestic violence survivors endure, have an increased awareness of the aftereffects of enduring domestic violence, feel more prepared when working with clients who are seeking protection orders, and ascertain which evidence-based treatment methods are appropriate to employ with clients who have experienced DV.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the expert panelist during the program. This program qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits. Attendees must attend the entire session to gain credit. Registration fee includes access to live webinar, program agenda, program PowerPoint, and continuing education certificate.

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest to report.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe clear definitions of domestic violence and provide examples to increase knowledge about the spectrum of abusive acts survivors endure.
2. Explain short-term and long-term aftereffects of enduring domestic violence.
3. Describe the overlap between the therapy and the legal system, including what protection orders are and how to support clients going through active court cases.
4. Identify appropriate evidence-based therapies to employ when treating domestic violence survivors.

About the Presenter:
Shannon Goecke-Watson, Psy.D., LP is the owner of SGW Psychological Services LLC located in Eagan, MN. She exclusively treats survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence using evidence-based methods in group and individual psychotherapy. Her background includes previous work as a domestic violence advocate, completion of trauma-focused training and coursework while obtaining her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Counseling at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and more than six years spent treating trauma survivors in numerous settings since completing her degree. Dr. Goecke-Watson had presented more than 25 trainings on domestic violence to audiences including mental health professionals, lawyers, and domestic violence shelter advocates. She has also taught classes at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is an adjunct instructor for the People Incorporated Training Institute. Outside of her psychotherapeutic and training work, Dr. Goecke-Watson is actively engaged in the MPA Legislative Committee, and she also is the current Minnesota representative on the APA Council of Representatives.

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

Accessibility Accommodations: If you need disability-related accommodations to make this event accessible, please contact the Metropolitan State University Center for Accessibility Resources, 651-793-1549, or [email protected].  

CONFIRMATION/CANCELLATION: You will receive an emailed confirmation of your registration. You will be notified by mail, e-mail or telephone if your selection is filled or cancelled.