Navigating Conflict: Assessment and Interventions for Challenging Couples (3HR)

This training provides a comprehensive exploration of navigating conflict and implementing effective interventions for challenging couples, particularly those exhibiting hostile-dependent or passive-aggressive dynamics. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will learn assessment techniques and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of challenging couples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of conflict avoidance and passive-aggressive behavior. Practical guidance will be provided on facilitating positive interaction, setting behavioral agreements, and supporting partners’ emotional growth within the therapeutic process. By the end of the training, participants will have a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in working with hostile-dependent couples and will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate conflict and foster growth within these relationships effectively.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the underlying dynamics of hostile-dependent relationships and their impact on conflict resolution.
• Learn assessment techniques to identify signs of conflict avoidance and passive-aggressive behavior in couples.
• Explore intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of hostile-dependent couples, including disrupting symbiosis and increasing capacity for differentiation.
• Gain practical skills in facilitating positive interaction and setting behavioral agreements within the therapeutic context.
• Enhance awareness of the developmental stages outlined by Mahler and their relevance to hostile-dependent dynamics.
• Develop strategies to support partners’ emotional growth and foster healthy conflict resolution within the therapeutic process.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Clinical, Evidence-Based Practices, and General Skill Building continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Zumrad Ahmedjanova, LCSW-S, LCAS, CCS (she/her)