Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents Course

Course Description:

This course explores the impact of emotionally immature parenting on adult development, relationships, and emotional well-being, based on the framework presented in Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Participants will learn how emotionally immature caregivers influence attachment patterns, emotional regulation, self-concept, and interpersonal functioning. The course also examines common coping strategies used by adult children, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and provides strategies for helping clients develop healthier boundaries, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. Practical applications for counseling and clinical practice will be emphasized.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify characteristics of emotionally immature parenting styles and their impact on child development.
2. Describe common emotional and relational patterns experienced by adult children of emotionally immature parents.
3. Recognize coping mechanisms such as emotional withdrawal, people-pleasing, and over-functioning.
4. Apply strategies for helping clients establish healthy emotional boundaries with family members.
5. Integrate concepts from the course into therapeutic interventions aimed at improving emotional autonomy and self-understanding.

Audience:

This course is designed for licensed mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other behavioral health professionals. Graduate students and professionals interested in emotional intelligence and relational development may also benefit.

Delivery Method:

Home study/self-paced online course consisting of assigned reading, reflective learning activities, and a post-course knowledge assessment.

Completion Requirements:

To receive continuing education credit, participants must:

• Purchase the book
• Complete the required reading or review of course materials
• Successfully complete the post-course assessment quiz with a passing score of 70% or higher
• Submit the course evaluation form

A certificate of completion will be issued upon successful completion of all course requirements.

Number of CE Hours:

10 CEs

Fees / Cancellations:

$130 for non-members, $100 for MaMHCA members

Course Creation Date:

1/1/26

Contact:

jweeks@mamhca.org

Continuing Education Info:

MCEAP No.19-0861