Workshops on Psychological Manipulation & Recovery

Workshops

Counter offers specialized workshops for mental health professionals, community leaders, and the general public. Each workshop is designed to deepen understanding of psychological manipulation (PM) and coercive control (CC), providing actionable strategies for identification, intervention, and prevention. Our workshops are based on Counter’s comprehensive toolkits, and all participants receive access to PDF resources and case studies, making these workshops an essential learning experience.

Continuing Education Credits Available

Our workshops provide continuing education credits in social work, psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, and human resources.

If you want to book a workshop, please contact us at star@thecounterproject.org.

“The Counter Workshop provided a thorough overview of what psychological manipulation and coercive control can look like in many different types of relationships, dynamics, and platforms. It also offered accessible and effective tools for mental health workers to support clients and guide them towards safety. Star's candor and ability to share her lived experiences made this workshop all the more powerful and meaningful. I felt informed, equipped, and moved after completing this workshop.”

Jessica Diener, M.Ed, RP, CCC

Identification, Countering and Red Flags of Psychological Manipulation and Coercive Control

This workshop takes a deep dive into identification, countering and the red flags of psychological manipulation and coercive control. Through this workshop, participants will explore topics around identifying common signs, stages of involvement, understanding motivations, steps to intervention, and prevention. An in-depth case study accompanies each topic and offers the chance to ask questions and dig deeper with a former member of a high-control group. This workshop also includes a comprehensive overview of the red flags of PM and CC and explores various manipulative groups and relationships with both contemporary and historical examples.

Recommended for: Coaches, human resources professionals, guidance counsellors, faith leaders, and community leaders.

Learning Outcomes

Define and differentiate psychological manipulation and coercive control.
Learn to identify the common signs and behavioural patterns of people under the influence of psychological manipulation and coercive control.
Understand the stages of involvement in PM and CC.
Gain insights into people's motivations for community, connection and purpose within manipulative environments.
Develop a comprehensive toolkit of intervention strategies tailored to various stages of manipulation.
Learn to take a proactive stance against PM and CC by exploring the pillars of prevention: Community, Connection, Purpose, and Education.
Learn to identify common red flags of PM and CC and learn about groups and relationships that use manipulative tactics.

Identification, Countering, Recovery, Red Flags and Helping Youth and Loved Ones affected by Psychological Manipulation and Coercive Control

This workshop covers identification, countering, and recovery from psychological manipulation and coercive control. Through this workshop, participants will explore topics related to identifying common signs, stages of involvement, understanding and addressing motivations, steps to intervention, and prevention. It also involves the exploration of reasons for exit and steps to recovery, including practical considerations and mental wellness recovery, which includes physiological, cognitive and emotional recovery. Additional topics to be explored include ideology, storytelling, advocacy and whistleblowing, cultural awareness, false memories and the challenges of being born into a manipulative environment. An in-depth case study accompanies each topic and offers the chance to ask questions and dig deeper with a former member of a high-control group. This workshop also includes a comprehensive overview of the red flags of PM and CC and explores various manipulative groups and relationships with contemporary and historical examples. Additionally, participants will examine the importance of supporting youth influenced by psychological manipulation and coercive control, as well as the loved ones of those affected by these issues.

Recommended for: Therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, coaches, faith leaders, and community leaders.

Learning Outcomes

Define and differentiate psychological manipulation and coercive control.
Learn to identify the common signs and behavioural patterns of people under the influence of psychological manipulation and coercive control.
Understand the stages of involvement in PM and CC.
Gain insights into people's motivations for community, connection and purpose within manipulative environments.
Develop a comprehensive toolkit of intervention strategies tailored to various stages of manipulation.
Learn to take a proactive stance against PM and CC by exploring the pillars of prevention: Community, Connection, Purpose, and Education.
Understand various reasons for exiting a manipulative group, relationship or situation.
Learn about practical considerations around the exit from a manipulative situation, including the need for housing and various types of support.
Understand multiple pathways to recovery from trauma and other issues associated with involvement with PM and CC.
Gain insight into complex factors relating to PM and CC, including ideology, sexual recovery, being born-in, false memories advocacy and whistleblowing, and diagnoses.
Learn to identify common red flags of PM and CC and learn about groups and relationships that use manipulative tactics.
Understand how youth are affected by PM and CC and additional strategies for identification and countering.
Learn about how to support the loved ones of those affected by PM and CC, as well as the importance of their role in countering.

Safe Seeking & Avoiding Manipulative Situations

The Safe Seeking Workshop is designed to equip participants with essential skills for identifying and nurturing healthy relationships while effectively navigating potentially manipulative environments. Drawing from our comprehensive Safe Seeking Toolkit, this workshop offers practical strategies and insights to foster personal safety, connection, and community.

The Safe Seeking Workshop focuses on:

Understanding Healthy Relationships: Learn the core attributes of healthy relationships, including trust, respect, and open communication. Participants will explore the differences between healthy and unhealthy dynamics, enabling them to make informed choices about their connections.
Recognizing Manipulative Behaviours: Develop the ability to identify red flags and manipulative tactics that may be present in personal, professional, or community relationships. Participants will gain insights into the psychological strategies used by high-control groups and individuals, empowering them to protect themselves.
Building Resilience: Understand the importance of community, connection, and personal purpose in fostering resilience. This workshop encourages participants to reflect on their own values and how to cultivate relationships that support their well-being.
Practical Strategies for Safe Seeking: Participants will learn actionable strategies for seeking out and maintaining healthy connections. This includes setting boundaries, improving communication skills, and utilizing support systems effectively.

Recommended for: Youth, students, adults in transitional times, those looking to develop their interpersonal skills, community leaders, educators and those looking to support others in safe seeking.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

Have a clear understanding of the characteristics of healthy relationships and the potential dangers of manipulative environments.
Be equipped with tools to identify and address unhealthy dynamics in their lives and the lives of those they care about.
Develop a personalized plan for seeking out and nurturing safe, supportive connections in their community.