Introduction
Date Course Created: September 2026
Therapists are trained to listen carefully to what clients say, but some of the most challenging moments in therapy arise from how clients communicate rather than the words themselves. Clients may guilt-trip, test boundaries, become defensive, threaten to quit therapy, or subtly shift the conversation in ways that leave clinicians feeling pulled into power struggles or uncertain how to respond. These moments can quickly derail sessions, strain the therapeutic alliance, and challenge even experienced clinicians.
In this engaging and practical training, manipulation is reframed not as malicious behavior, but as a form of indirect communication – often reflecting unmet needs, relational fears, or attempts to influence the therapeutic relationship when direct vulnerability feels unsafe. Understanding these behaviors through a communication lens allows clinicians to respond with both compassion and clinical clarity rather than frustration or reactivity.
Led by Dr. Corey Petersen, PhD, LCMFT, a psychotherapist and communication specialist who bridges psychology and communication science, this course integrates insights from several evidence-based communication frameworks to help clinicians decode difficult client interactions in real time. Participants will learn how to recognize common manipulation patterns in therapy, interpret the relational messages behind challenging behaviors, and intervene in ways that preserve the therapeutic alliance while maintaining clear professional boundaries. The training emphasizes practical clinical strategies, including therapist self-regulation tools, boundary-setting language, and specific therapist response scripts for navigating guilt-tripping, escalation, resistance, and other difficult therapy moments.
By the end of this training, clinicians will feel more confident navigating uncomfortable interactions, avoiding power struggles, and redirecting challenging dynamics into productive therapeutic work. Strengthen your clinical presence, expand your communication toolkit, and learn how to transform difficult therapy moments into opportunities for deeper therapeutic progress.
This is a 2.75-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform.
Agenda
00:00 – 00:35 → Introduction, Identity Dynamics, Face Work, Face Negotiation Theory
00:35 – 01:05 → Defining Manipulation, Common Manipulation Tactics, Therapist Vulnerabilities and Needs
01:05 – 01:30 → Managing Sexual Harassment and Coercion, Defensive Responses, Logical Fallacies
01:30 – 02:05 → Analyzing the Function of Manipulation, Lying as Regulation, Clinical Responses & Boundaries
02:05 – 02:45 → Transparency & Self-Disclosure, Clinical Co-Regulation, Repairing Therapeutic Ruptures, Takeaways
Objectives
This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:
After completing this training, participants will be able to understand and apply Face Negotiation Theory to reduce defensiveness in conflictual exchanges.- After completing this training, participants will be able to strategically maneuver lying, unexpected disclosure, and harmful language in the clinical setting.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to utilize verbal and nonverbal strategies to deescalate unhelpful reactivity in yourself and the client.
Target Audience:
Mental Health Clinicians & Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Counselors, School Personnel, and Healthcare Workers.
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Corey Petersen, PhD, LCMFT
Material Author(s): Corey Petersen, PhD, LCMFT
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:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
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, 2025 – July 23, 2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2.75 clinical continuing education credits.
Other Helpful Information:
Refund & Cancellation Policy – You may review this policy at any time by clicking here.- Accessibility Accommodations – If you require a reasonable accommodation for any reason, please email your request to cc@onlinececredits.com.
- Course Completion Requirements – 1.) View the entire Lesson module (accessible from the main course page), to include the embedded and/or linked presentation video(s), slide deck, additional materials, and/or links to any shared video clip(s) that may have been edited from the presentation video(s) to comply with copyright laws. 2.) Click into the Quiz module accessible from either the main course page or the Lesson page and complete the Quiz with an 80% or better pass rate. 3.) Complete the Course Evaluation – you’ll be sent to the Evaluation automatically once you successfully pass the Quiz.
- Posttest Requirements – You must answer 80% or more of the Quiz questions correctly to pass. If you fail to pass the first time, you may attempt the quiz again until you are able to pass with a score of 80% or better. Quizzes are graded instantly and automatically by the learning management system once your attempt is submitted.
- Certificate of Completion – Certificates of Completion are automatically generated – downloadable from your Dashboard and emailed to you – once you view the Lesson Materials and complete the Quiz and the Course Evaluation.
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