Inland Empire Chapter of CAMFT

Help Me Help Her: A Presentation Supporting Providers Working with Survivors of Domestic Violence

Jessica Yaffa

Jessica began this powerful presentation by sharing her personal story, including parts of her own therapeutic experiences that were both helpful and hurtful in her healing process. She then transitioned into discussing the work she does today, and how her interactions with thousands of survivors around the globe has shaped presentations such as these. Ms.Yaffa shared her expertise surrounding appropriate and thorough assessment, cultural considerations, creating safe spaces, effective approaches in treatment pertaining to this particular population, and building our resources. Ms.Yaffa created a presentation that ensured all participants left feeling inspired, encouraged, motivated, and eager to join the movement targeting the elimination of stigma related to domestic violence worldwide.

Objectives:

• Participants learned important assessment tools to incorporate into their practice in order to identify the presence of trauma related to domestic violence
• Participants learned how their clients' cultural/religious beliefs and experiences affect the way risk assessment, safety planning, relationship goals, and her overall therapeutic experience progress are conducted
  
• Participants were offered ways that they can make their office/practice a safer and more compassionate space for those clients who are survivors of domestic violence

Jessica Yaffa is a survivor of extreme domestic violence who has transformed a set of very traumatic circumstances into a triumphant story. Ms. Yaffa is the founder and leader of H.E.A.L.I.N.G., the first domestic violence ministry in San Diego, which has served over 6,000 men, women, and children since its inception over seven years ago. In addition, Jessica has also co-founded a non-profit organization titled No Silence No Violence, Inc. committed to providing education, training, resources, and community development in order to eliminate stigma surrounding relationship abuse and sexual assault, while creating awareness, shifting perspectives, and creating change around the way we talk about domestic violence, as well as addressing the needs of those affected by this epidemic. Ms. Yaffa recently published her memoir "Mine Until:  My Journey Into and Out of the Arms of an Abuser" and a workbook for therapists’ entitled: "Help Me, Help Her; A Therapist’s Guide to Treating Survivors of Domestic Violence." Ms. Yaffa travels the country speaking at universities, hospitals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations sharing her commitment to ultimately inspire a movement to end abuse globally.

Domestic Violence Therapist PP .pptx

Training Evaluation – Summary Scores and Comments

Date:         January 22, 2016                N=43

Title:         Help me Help Her: A presentation supporting providers working with survivors of Domestic Violence

Presenter(s):      Jessica Yaffa

Learning Objectives:

After each item, please rate the statement with the score that best fits your experience:

 1 not at all;   2 somewhat;   3 average;   4 mostly; or   5 very much:

                       

1.         I learned important assessment tools related to domestic violence                            5.0__

2.         Skills to identify the presence of trauma were explained                                           5.0___

3.         My knowledge increased regarding influences of clients' cultural/religious beliefs 5.0___

4.         New possible strategies and interventions for domestic violence were presented    5.0___

5.         New ways to make office/practice a safer and more compassionate space for those clients who are survivors of domestic violence were discussed                                                                                                                                               4.7__

6.         Your knowledge & understanding of the topic prior to the training                       3.3__

7.         Your knowledge & understanding of the topic after the training                            4.7__

8.         How appropriate was the level of material for your education\experience status? 4.9__

 

Instructor:                                                                                                                   Yes      No

1.         The instructor was knowledgeable and responsive                                         42__    ____

2.         The instructor used technology and other appropriate (handouts)

             materials for the course                                                                                  35__    6___

3.         There was time for questions and useful information was provided              40__    ____

Program:

3.         This course will help me in my practice                                                          42__    ____

4.         Information provided in this course seemed accurate and up-to-date            39__    2___

5.         The materials were useful and suitable for this training                                26__    12__

6.         Ethical issues in practice were identified and options provided                     39__    2__

7.         Cultural competency issues were addressed                                                   40__    ____

 

8   The facilities were adequate and appropriate?                                                       38__    ____

9.  The Program Administration was effective?                                                         41__    ____

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Comments/Suggestions           (3)  The presenter was Excellent! Very engaging.

                                                (4)  Presenter was Wonderful!  Courageous.

                                                (2)  Expand or bring her back for more

                                                (10) Great Presentation.

                                                (3)  Valuable information.

                                                (4) Thank you for sharing your personal experiences!

Ideas for other trainings/presentations

• 1.      Training on working with LGBT
• 2.      Cultural \ Interracial couples
• 3.      Personal therapy…Good or Bad requirement \ experiences