Cult Influence & Thought Radicalization in Clients – Practical Clinical Strategies

Date course created: December 2022

Today’s social climate is wrought with polarizing and divisive rhetoric inflamed by frequent and evolving conspiracy theories and analogous cult influence. This trend has had major negative impacts on individual and collective identities and beliefs. A common result? Strained relationships, family conflict, employment challenges, and a new normal that can be difficult to traverse. We see it translate into therapy quite often today, and many clinicians feel stumped about how to approach these sensitive topics!

This day long seminar will provide helpful case studies and interesting findings in counseling and communication research to increase participants’ understanding of how cults, conspiracy theories, and political radicalism takes root as well as how they impact individuals, their families, and engagement in therapy. This course will cover the real-world persuasive tactics used to influence public thought, the step-by-step process of how institutions and individuals cultivate a cult-like following, related ethical dilemmas for clinicians, and conversational strategies that clinicians can use to navigate these topics in session.

**This is a 5.5-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform**

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the psychology of social radicalization.

b). After completing this training, participants will be able to name the 4 stages of cult acquisition and the 9 primary traits.

c). After completing this training, participants will be able to define conspiracy theories and distinguish them from other unreliable thought patterns.

d). After completing this training, participants will be able to understand the influence of political and social identities in the therapeutic context.

e). After completing this training, participants will be able to discuss clinical strategies for working with clients affected by radicalization.

f). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify harmful communication practices that threaten clinical growth.

Target Audience:

The target audience for this event includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, MFT’s, and other clinical mental health professionals.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Corey Petersen, MS, LCMFT, MAPC

Material Author(s): Corey Petersen, MS, LCMFT, MAPC

Corey Petersen, LCMFT, is a Communication Specialist, and owner of Communication and Connection Therapy. She is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Communication Studies which is her third college degree in the communication field, and fifth degree in total. Before becoming a psychotherapist, Corey was pursuing a career in political strategy. She even interned as a speechwriter for a US senator where she earned her certification in speechwriting. Though her passions led her toward working in the mental health field, she has been teaching courses covering political rhetoric and persuasion collegiately for the past 8 years. When Corey is not teaching, she is likely working on her dissertation or meeting with clients in her private practice.

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

Course Materials & Delivery Method:

• Course materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
• Delivery Method – this course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.

CE Approvals:

Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not quality for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2024 – July 23, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive [see advertisement] asynchronous distance learning continuing education credits.

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