TWO LEVELS of CERTIFICATION
- The CDVS-I credential is for providing Domestic Violence Education services ONLY
- The CDVS-II credential is for providing Domestic Violence Treatment services
NAMA provides two levels of certification (Education services ONLY and Treatment services). Some certificate seekers primarily want to utilize their skills and credential by providing educational programs (such as in school or community organization programs) or short-term informational intervention programs. Participants who complete CDVS-I receive essential conceptual and practical training in this field.
However, the standard in the field for treating domestic violence offenders is a minimum of 40 hours of training. Anyone planning to offer extended or intensive treatment (such as court ordered 26- or 52- week programs) should take both CDVS-I and CDVS-II training. The CDVS-II training adds material on ethical aspects of DV counseling, treating female DV offenders, and integration of anger management counseling. Participants will also be provided with materials to conduct a 52 session treatment program. NOTE: ALL CDVS-II PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE CDVS-I BEFORE BEGINNING CDVS-II TRAINING.
* * * * *
CDVS CERTIFICATION OPTIONS – Certified Domestic Violence Specialist (CDVS) Course(s) – 2 Treatment Options (1) Brain Change Approach, OR (2) Cognitive-Behavioral ApproachGROWTH CENTRAL has partnered with renowned domestic violence counselors Dr. Ron and Pat Potter- Efron to provide treatments for domestic violence by offering two (2) different approaches for obtaining Certified Domestic Violence Specialist (CDVS-I or CDVS-II) certification and Offender Treatment training courses endorsed by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA).
OPTION (1) BRAIN CHANGE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER CURRICULUM. This innovative Brain Change course offers an in-depth look at the relationship between the brain and DV as well as a way to reconsider the connection between DV and anger management. this is a new and revolutionary way to think about helping domestic violence offenders change their thinking and actions, in addition to the Brain Change training course, there are workbooks and curriculum available to help support and guide you through the process with your clients.
OPTION (2): COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER CURRICULUM. The Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Curriculum: Cognitive-Behavioral course offers a more traditional approach to DV treatment as well as to reconsider the connection between DV and anger management. This treatment approach to domestic violence focuses upon achieving ‘safety for all’ and also includes anger management skills and techniques for individuals’ future relationships. In addition to the Cognitive-Behavioral DV training course, there are workbooks and curriculum available to help support and guide you through the process with your clients.
WHICH CERTIFICATION OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU? We recommend the cognitive-behavioral option if you are a relative newcomer to the field who has not had much training in this approach. In addition, many states and treatment providers expect counselors to be proficient in cognitive-behavioral intervention. However, if you are already well-versed in this approach you may well wish to expand your treatment options by learning how to implement an effective brain-change oriented program. Note that the brain change concept does not contradict the key elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Rather, the brain change approach focuses clients more immediately upon selecting and carrying out behaviors that will engender long-term changes in their brain.
Note: Both the Brain Change and the Cognitive-Behavioral treatment courses are endorsed by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA), but are not necessarily recognized by every court. Many states have guidelines or specific requirements regarding becoming a certified domestic violence counselor and/or creating a DV program. It is in your best interest to consult these guidelines directly yourself or by consulting with practitioners in your area. NAMA cannot guarantee that our training meets the requirements in every state since these requirements are quite varied.You must check with your local court to determine if the CDVS-I, II certification is acceptable for court mandated clients.
* * * * *
HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED
NAMA Requirements for Domestic Violence Specialist-I Certification – CDVS-I
This certification requires a minimum of a BA degree or significant community service experience. Certifies trained individuals to provide community domestic violence educational services including Domestic Violence Classes and a 13 week Domestic Violence Educational Program.
Participants for this certification are required to complete of a minimum of 12 hours NAMA authorized live or distance learning training. It trains individuals to provide community Domestic Violence educational programs and services including Domestic Violence Classes and Domestic Violence Educational Programs for individuals, couples and groups.
1. Basic Domestic Violence Content Component – Completion of a 12 hour live or distance learning Basic Domestic Violence course sponsored by NAMA. Approved programs include (at minimum) an understanding of the nature of Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence skills & concepts, an understanding of brain functioning and brain change, cognitive distortion, the role of communication and assertiveness, the role of empathy, the role of stress, and the role of consequences.
2. Supervision Component – One (1) hour of supervision (phone) with Dr Ron Potter-Efron – arrange by emailing – pttrefrn@triwest.net
3. Application Component – Complete Application (include processing fee $125) and provide Resume for NAMA Review.
* * * * *
Suggestion – Level One/Two Combination (Best Value)
We highly recommend this option because you will save time and money by making an initial commitment to completing the entire Level One/Level Two certification process. By doing so you will:
a) Need only four supervision sessions instead of five;
b) Only pay one administrative fee instead of two;
c) Develop a clear, personalized learning agenda from the beginning of training.
When you select this option, first you will receive all the material in Level One, then complete the Level One test, and have one supervision session with Dr. Potter-Efron. Next you will immediately proceed to Level Two and receive all the materials listed under Level Two training above. You will bypass the Level One administrative fee (unless you need immediate certification at that level for career purposes) and go immediately to Level Two. You will only need to schedule 3 more supervision sessions with Dr. Potter-Efron instead of four because you will have already completed one session. When you have completed all the training materials you will pay only one administrative fee and receive Level Two certification.
Certification Process and Fees for CDVS-I
Here are the ways to become certified:
Distance Learning Option – You purchase our Domestic Violence Specialist-I Certification Distance Learning Course. Remember that there are two versions to choose from – (1) Brain Change approach – OR – (2) Cognitive-Behavioral approach. There are also two ways to receive our materials: by taking an online course or by receiving a three disk DVD version of the same course. That gives you four options:
- Online brain change focused course.
- DVD brain change-focused course.
- Online cognitive-behavioral focused course.
- DVD cognitive-behavioral course.
Brain Change Approach – Option #1 – Online Course
Materials cost for this program is $199.00 (not including supervision cost). One phone/Skype supervision call is a required component of this training ($100). Once you have successfully completed the course, Quiz, and supervision session you may apply directly for NAMA certification ($125 application fee). Total cost: $424.
Note: When you have viewed all of the course material and passed the Basic Content Quiz – you will then contact Dr Ron Potter-Efron (pttrefrn@triwest.net) to arrange for your supervision session.
You will receive your Certificate in 7 to 10 days and be listed in the NAMA Specialist Online Directory (for referrals and credential check) and automatically become a Member of NAMA.
Brain Change Approach – Option #2 – DVD (3 disc) Course (click here)
Cost of this program is $225 (not including supervision cost). The DVD course will be shipped to you with a complimentary copy of the Brain Change Curriculum for Domestic Violence (leader manual), Basic Content Quiz, and CDVS-I application. The course fulfills ALL the NAMA (1) basic content material and (2) supervision requirements (1 – 45-60 min. phone or Skype session ($100 fee). When you have viewed all of the course material and passed the Basic Content Quiz – you will then contact Dr Ron Potter-Efron (pttrefrn@triwest.net) to arrange for your supervision session. Once you have successfully completed the course, Quiz, and supervision session you may apply directly for NAMA certification ($125 application fee). You will receive your Certificate in 7 to 10 days and be listed in the NAMA Specialist Online Directory (for referrals and credential check) and automatically become a Member of NAMA.
The total cost to you – 225 + 100 + 125 = $450
Cognitive-Behavioral Approach – Option #1 – Online Cours(click here)
Cost of this program is $199.00 (not including supervision cost) This Online course is an approved Domestic Violence Specialist Certification training by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA). The course fulfills ALL the NAMA (1) basic content material and (2) supervision requirements (1 – 45-60 min. phone or Skype session ($100 fee). When you have viewed all of the course material and passed the Basic Content Quiz – you will then contact Dr Ron Potter-Efron (pttrefrn@triwest.net) to arrange for your supervision session. Once you have successfully completed the course, Quiz, and supervision session you may apply directly for NAMA certification ($125 application fee)
The total cost to you – 199 + 100 + 125 = $424
Cognitive-Behavioral Approach – Option #2 – DVD (3 disc) Cours (click here)
Cost of this program is $225 (not including supervision cost). DVD course will be shipped to you with a complimentary copy of the Domestic Violence Curriculum Cognitive Behavioral Approach (leader manual), Basic Content Quiz, and CDVS-I application. The course fulfills ALL the NAMA (1) basic content material and (2) supervision requirements (1 – 45-60 min. phone or Skype session ($100 fee). When you have viewed all of the course material and passed the Basic Content Quiz – you will then contact Dr Ron Potter-Efron (pttrefrn@triwest.net) to arrange for your supervision session. Once you have successfully completed the course, Quiz, and supervision session you may apply directly for NAMA certification ($125 application fee). You will receive you Certificate in 7 to 10 days and be listed in the NAMA Specialist Online Directory (for referrals and credential check) and automatically become a Member of NAMA.
The total cost to you – 225 + 100 + 125 = $450
* * * * *
PURCHASING INFORMATION for CDVS-I BRAIN CHANGE APPROACH
Click the (Brain Change Approach) item below for more information or to Order:
Brain Change 3-disc DVD Certification Course
Brain Change Online Certification Course
Leader’s Manual): Brain Change Curriculum for Domestic Violence – 13, 26 or 52 Sessions (provided at no extra charge with the certification course)
Participant Workbook Brain Change For Domestic Violence – 13 Sessions
Duplication License for (1) workbook or curriculum
* * * * *
PURCHASING INFORMATION for CDVS-I COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL APPROACH
Click the Cognitive-Behavioral Approach item below for more information or to Order:
Domestic Violence Offender Treatment (Cognitive-Behavioral) 3-disc DVD Certification Course
Domestic Violence Offender Treatment (Cognitive-Behavioral) Online Certification Course
Leader’s Manual): Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Curriculum (Cognitive-Behavioral) – 13, 26 or 52 Sessions (provided at no extra charge with the certification course)
Ethics Course Required for CDVS-II
Participant Workbook (Cognitive-Behavioral) For Domestic Violence – 13 Sessions
Duplication License for (1) workbook or curriculum
* * * * *
NAMA Requirements for Domestic Violence Specialist-II Certification – CDVS-II
This certification requires successful completion of the NAMA CDVS-I requirements.
CDVS-II (Certified Domestic Violence Specialist-II) – certifies individuals to provide full Domestic Violence professional services including 26 and 52 week Domestic Violence Treatment Programs.
1. Candidates must possess a mental health state license and professional liability insurance.
2. Completion of 40 hours of NAMA authorized domestic violence training as provided by a NAMA authorized Domestic Violence specialist-Level Three provider. See below for options to obtain these hours.
3. Required: Completion of Domestic Violence Level One training. 12 hours.
4. Required: Four one hour (4) supervisory sessions provided by a NAMA approved Domestic Violence Specialist provider. These sessions may be face to face or by telephone/Skype. 4 credit hours.
5. Required Components of training in addition to supervision:
Completion of six-hour DVD (or download): Ethical Concerns and Moral Neuroscience Considerations in Anger Management and Domestic Violence Offender Counseling. Note: Test of material will be administered. 6 credit hours.
6. Completion of Level One NAMA anger management certification program or completion of Handbook of Anger Management and Domestic Violence Offender Treatment (second edition). Note: If Handbook option is selected, a test of material will be administered. 8 credit hours.
7. Completion of: Domestic Violence Treatment for Abusive Women (Ellen Bowen; Routledge.) 4 credit hours. AND ALSO Treating the Trauma Survivor: An Essential Guide to Trauma-Informed Care. (Carrie Clark et al. Routledge.) 4 credit hours. Available through Amazon and bookstores.
8. Completion of any one of the following books: Letting Go of Shame (Ron and Pat Potter-Efron, Hazelden Publications); Rage (Ron Potter-Efron, New Harbinger); Healing the Angry Brain (Ron Potter-Efron). 2 hours.
Note: Participants may, with approval from their supervisor, substitute another book or learning experience instead of the books listed in item #8. Such a substitution would reflect the participant’s particular learning objectives.
Fees for CDVS-II
- $400 fee for Supervision (4 sessions @ $100)
- $100 approximate cost of required books
- $89.95 Ethics course
- $150 – NAMA application fee which includes CDVS-II certificate and one year NAMA Active Status and Profile listed in Directory.
*For further CDVS-II credential information contact: Dr. Ron Potter-Efron at pttrefrn@triwest.net
