Relationship Interrupted: Clinical Insights into Intimate Partner Abuse

Speaker

Mercedes A. McCormick (Pace University)

Most people believe that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant physical and mental health problem around the world, yet few concur on its magnitude. Recognizing the need to better understand IPV, this presentation will focus on helping audience participants: 1. To understand the meaning of IPV; 2. To gain insight into the risk factors for IPV; 3. To identify estimated incidence, prevalence, and costs; 4. To become familiar with screening and assessing for IPV; 5. To identify prevention strategies and clinical treatments for your clients/patients; and 6. To discuss future research needs. By the end of the lecture one will acquire clinical insights into understanding this problem and learn both preventive and secondary interventions to help to ameliorate the problem and to improve interpersonal relationships. This presentation will be delivered in a lecture format with an accompanying power point to emphasize key points. Time will be allotted for a discussion at the conclusion of the lecture.

About the speaker:

Mercedes A. McCormick, Ph. D. is a licensed psychologist, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Pace University (New York), individual, family and couple therapist, consultant to family businesses, developer of an informational tool about International Psychology for APA: Div. 52-International Psychology and a retired school psychologist. She teaches courses to graduate and undergraduate students in Social Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Child and Youth Global Perspective, and Human Learning. She works in private practice in NYC helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families deal with lifestyle issues. These issues include improving interpersonal and work relationships, intimidate partner violence, overcoming internet use and misuse, compulsions, phobias, abuse, and eating issues. She often works clinically with multi-cultural couples to resolve issues in their relationship. She combines a family systems approach, cognitive-behavioral approach, and time management techniques to help couples and individual manage their issues. Dr. McCormick is an active member of APA and NYSPA. She is the current Co Chair of NYAS: Psychology Section, Co Chair of the APA's Division 52 International Psychology OutReach Committee, Member of Division 46-Media Psychology, and Division 2: Teaching of Psychology. She is the President of NYSAP Academic Division, a member of DOWI, and Independent Practice Division of NYPSA. She is the Coordinator of the Annual Pace University Psychology Conference to be held on May 09, 2009, Co-Editor of Pace Eye Newsletter, and Psi Chi Advisor. She has presented both nationally and internationally on internationalizing the psychology curriculum, psychological issues concerning trauma and adjustment to serious health stressors such as spinal cord injuries and surviving a serious health condition, a stroke. At the NYSPA conventions in 2007 she presented on the DOWI sponsored panel-"Violence in the World around You: In Your Personal Life, in the Media, and in the Workplace." At the 2008 NYSPA Convention she presented on a Academic Division sponsored program on NYSPA' History: A Lens for Viewing the Future of Psychology: Talking Point-Clinical Practice and also joined a DOWI panel on When Illness Strikes: Stepping Stones to Health. These presentations appear in NYSPA Notebook volumes. One more point- Mercedes is trained and certified in Mindfulness Mediation and Yoga. She often uses these mind-body techniques in working with her clients and presenting to groups on wellness issues. Current research interests include: Multimedia Learning, Intimate Partner Violence and Dating Violence. Dr. McCormick is here today to speak further to you about Intimidate Partner Abuse-Relationship Interrupted: Clinical Insights into Intimate Partner Abuse (IPV).