Course Description

This continuing education course explores the intersection between attachment theory and intimate partner violence (IPV), emphasizing how attachment dynamics shape emotional regulation, trauma processing, and relational safety. Participants will examine current research linking insecure attachment styles to patterns of IPV perpetration and victimization through neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral pathways. The course integrates trauma-informed, ethical, and culturally responsive frameworks to guide assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. Mental health professionals will gain tools to recognize attachment-driven behaviors in clients, understand the neurobiological underpinnings of relational trauma, and apply evidence-based strategies that promote healing and resilience. Attention is also given to clinician self-awareness, supervision, and ethical boundaries to prevent vicarious trauma and ensure client safety. This is a NBCC and Florida Board Approved course for 2 CE hours.

Please review the course materials prior to purchasing the course. Often, individuals will print a copy of the course worksheet to complete while they view the course material. Once you are ready to complete the course, please enroll in the course and complete the course requirements, including the course post-test and course survey. You will receive your certificate automatically for printing or downloading after achieving an 80% or higher on the post-test and completing the course survey. 

Attachment Style and Intimate Partner Violence Course Text.pdf

Attachment Style and Intimate Partner Violence Course Worksheet.pdf

Course Author:  Bryan Glazier, PhD, LMFT, LMHC,, FL Qualified MHC/MFT Supervisor 

Course Time/Location: 2 CE Hours, Location: www.directceu.com (web-based, asynchronous/home study) 

Course Text: Attachment Style and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Course Board Approval Statement(s): NBCC, Florida Board Approved

Directceu, llc has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7411. directceu, llc maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

directceu, llc (BAP # 50-17578) is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. directceu, llc maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

 Financial Disclosure Statement

directceu, llc is committed to providing our professional colleagues with unbiased information. directceu does not accept commercial support and our course authors have no significant financial interests or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.

Learning Objectives:

Through the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain how attachment theory provides a framework for understanding IPV dynamics.
  2. Identify neurobiological mechanisms that link attachment insecurity, trauma, and affect regulation.
  3. Evaluate evidence-based assessment tools for identifying attachment and IPV patterns.
  4. Apply ethical and safety guidelines to clinical practice when working with IPV clients.
  5. Develop integrative, trauma-informed interventions to enhance client resilience and relational health.

 Course Syllabus:

Foundations of Attachment Theory and IPV

  • Overview of attachment theory and adult attachment styles
  • The role of attachment insecurity in IPV dynamics
  • Power, control, and relational dependency

Trauma, Neurobiology, and Emotional Regulation

  • Neurobiological correlates of attachment and trauma
  • Dysregulation, arousal systems, and the autonomic nervous system
  • Implications for emotional regulation and reactivity in relationships

Clinical Assessment and Case Conceptualization

  • Screening for IPV and attachment-related trauma
  • Integrating narrative, behavioral, and physiological data
  • Case vignettes and conceptualization exercises

Ethical, Legal, and Supervision Considerations

  • Duty to warn/protect and confidentiality limits
  • Ethical boundaries in couples and individual work
  • Vicarious trauma and supervision models

Intervention and Future Directions

  • Attachment-informed and trauma-focused treatment approaches
  • Safety planning and client empowerment strategies
  • Emerging research and best-practice integration