Coercive Control Training

All services are available virtually to clients throughout Canada and the United States.

Who is the Training For?

Legal / Mental Health /
Child Protection

Lawyers

Mediators

Arbitrators

Parent Coordinators

Parenting Experts

Psychologists

Social Workers

Police Officers

Parole Officers

Correctional Staff

Sports / Workplace /
Schools

Coaches

Athletic Trainers

Sports Admin & Execs

Sports Board Members

Athletes

Employees

Managers

Executives

Board Members

Teachers

Training on Coercive Control for Legal and Justice Professionals

Professionals across legal, justice, child protection, health, and social service systems are increasingly encountering situations where the primary harm is psychological, emotional, and relational rather than physical. This training focuses on recognizing and responding to coercive control from the standpoint of the victim survivor so professionals can support safety and avoid unintentionally causing further harm.

The approach integrates:

• Graduate level education in the psychology of coercive control
• Research with victim survivors and family lawyers
• Direct practice supporting clients and lawyers in live files
• Experience preparing expert reports and analysis in coercive control cases

Participants learn to identify patterns rather than isolated incidents, understand the lived impact on children and caregivers, and intervene in ways that support both safety and credibility.

My Research and Perspective

My graduate research examined the gap between what victim survivors expect when they seek legal help and what they actually experience. It also explored what family lawyers wish they could provide compared to what they realistically feel able to offer within the limits of current systems.

This research informs strategies that help:

• Improve safety focused practice
• Strengthen advocacy and case framing
• Reduce system driven harm
• Align professional practice with real client needs

Alberta Justice Training

I was contracted by Alberta Justice to develop and deliver a province wide training program on coercive control. More than one hundred and sixty professionals participated, including:

• Family Violence Court Liaisons
• Family Court Counsellors
• Family Lawyers
• Social Workers
• Family Mediators
• Civil Mediators
• Alberta Justice Information Coordinators
• Court support staff

This initiative aligns with Alberta Justice’s growing priority to support victim survivors of coercive control from the first point of system contact. The creation of the Family Violence Court Liaison role reflects a systemic recognition that safety centered knowledge and practice is essential.

Continuing Legal Education and Law Firm Training

I have provided specialized training for:

• Lawyers Education Society of Alberta (LESA), through a webinar on identifying coercive control and responding without creating further harm
• Private family law firms through Lunch and Learn sessions
• Full day training programs for law firms seeking deeper team-wide competency

Demand continues to grow as coercive control becomes recognized as a core skill for family law, court services, and child protection professionals.

What Will We Learn?

Trauma based coercive control training provides essential knowledge to identify, understand, and address patterns of psychological, emotional, and relational abuse.

Topics include:

Risk Factors

What to look for across different stages of separation and co parenting.

Effects on Victims

Short and long term impacts on adults and children.

Victimology

How victims present when they are abused or traumatized.

Institutional Betrayal

How systems can unintentionally contribute to harm and how to prevent it.

Vicarious Trauma

What it is, why it occurs, and how professionals can address and prevent it.

Training Formats Offered

Training is available in multiple formats depending on the needs of your team or organization.

Options include:

• Full day in person workshops
• Half day sessions
• Two part virtual training
• Keynote or conference presentations
• Guest speaking and guest lecturing
• Lunch and Learn programs
• Customized firm or agency specific training
• Continuing education courses
• Certification programs
• Refresher courses

Common Training Topics

• Recognizing coercive control across separation and co parenting
• Distinguishing conflict from abuse in family law matters
• Presenting patterns of behavior in structured, court ready formats
• Supporting client credibility and emotional safety
• Understanding impacts on children and caregivers
• Reducing unintended harm caused by professional processes

Participant Feedback

“When I go back to work tomorrow I am going to do things very differently. This changed how I see everything.”

“You have helped me understand what victim survivors actually experience. I’m going to have a different approach now.”

“I finally feel more equipped to help the clients I work with every day.”

“Thank you for acknowledging how emotionally demanding this work can be. I feel supported and re energized.”

“You made a difficult topic engaging and clear. The time went by quickly.”

“We need you to provide a full day training for our entire firm.”

Get in Touch Today

The moral and legal duty to ensure the safety of clients, athletes, and employees becomes manageable with coercive control training. This program equips participants with the ability to recognize covert signs of coercive control, assess risk factors, and take effective action to address and prevent abuse.

Coercive control is a complex issue, but it can be understood, taught, and learned. Contact Trish today to discuss your coercive control training needs and create a safer environment for everyone.

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