Thursday, July 9, 2026

Personal Change Plan: Gotta Get Her Done!

Comprehensive Personal Change Plan (By Dr. Beverly, Dec. 2013)
Definiciones para un cambio personal integral

  The DVOMB Core Competencies say that The offender’s Personal Change Plan is a written plan for preventing abusive behaviors and developing healthy thoughts and behaviors. The offender shall design and implement this plan during treatment and utilize it after discharge. 
  The Personal Change Plan primarily encourages a person to really think about:


    --> Identifying triggers.

    --> Identifying cycles of abusive thoughts and behaviors.

    --> Creating A plan for preventing or interrupting the triggers and cycles. 

The Commitment / My Commitment: 
  “I hereby commit to eliminate abusive behavior; which includes the use of physical intimidation or violence, coercion, emotional, verbal or economic abuse, or psychological cruelty toward my spouse, partner and/or children.  If I do behave abusively in the future, I consider it my responsibility to report or discuss these behaviors honestly to my friends, relatives, probation officer or other interested party who will hold me accountable.

Then we are asked to think about and list the following: 
  • The ways I am going to prevent abusive behavior of any kind are by?
  • The ways I am going to change my thinking so my thoughts and behaviors will be healthy is by?
  • If I realize I am in danger of becoming abusive I will do the following?
Some questions to ask yourself as you do this include:
  1. The first question is, Am I ready to make some changes?
  2. Think about It at this point, what kinds of changes have I already made since the DV Offense
  3. If I have already made some changes in my life that impact how I hold my Relationships; Are the changes I made working for me?
  4. Do you need to make more changes?
Think about it NOW -- Given what I have already learned and I've already changed:   What kinds of changes do I need to make now in order to avoid DV in the future?    For Example, are there more things that you should do; or have you already done everything that you should -- or that you can at this point?
For example here are some ideas that might inspire some more good changes for you to make.
  • Learn how to take Time Outs when you need them.
  • Learn how to use Stop, Breathe and Focus when needed.
  • Respect yourself and others always.
  • Plan Ahead so as to prevent problems -- This includes communication.
  • Don't spy on your partner.  Learn how to Trust your partner.
  • Avoid Competing with your partner.  
  • Don't be afraid to question yourself and your motives some.
  • Always be willing to take your time.
  • Be Sober.
  • Watch out for Red Flags?
  • If something in your relationship is Wonderful -- then Please Tell Your Partner About It.
  • Always remember to give yourself positive affirmations.
  • Be aware of, and be mindful of your Cognitive Distortions.
  • Apply what you know about Relationships in order to have healthy relationships
  • Listen to, and pay close attention to your Partner. (Put down the phone, Turn off the TV etc..) when it's time to communicate about important things.
  • Learn How to Argue Respectfully -- To avoid fights -- Always be Respectful.
  • Learn to always disagree in a Respectful manner.
  • Find things about the Relationship that make you feel Grateful.
  • Are you willing to do things differently this time?
  • If you feel a need for Treatment or could benefit from Treatment, then go get it.
  • Be Careful.  Be Courteous.  Be Patient.  Be Kind.  Be Humble.  Play nice.
  • Be aware of your Triggers.  Keep your eye on the Ball.
  • Learn how to Negotiate and Compromise and to Navigate with Patience.
  • Get in the habit of Road-mapping potentially difficult situations.
  • Use Fairness in Decision-Making (means everyone agrees or it is not yet fair).
  • Be careful never to Fight and never to be Disrespectful.
  • Act with Prevention in Mind.  Prevent problems.  Get ahead of the Curve.
  • Learn how to appreciate the differences between you and your partner.
  • Never be afraid to look at your partner honestly in terms of what they are contributing to the Relationship.  (But the secret is -- try not to compare what you contribute to what they contribute).
  • Learn some good rules for Argument: One thing at a time.  Listen.  Be Flexible.  The objective is to solve the problem; not to win.
  • Don't ever try to make your Partner feel Ashamed.
  • Stop Keeping Score of things that you do Good for your Partner.
  • Stop Keeping Score of things that your Partner did Badly.
  • Never be afraid to look at yourself honestly in terms of what you are contributing to the Relationship.
  • Wake up every morning and try to think of some things that you feel grateful for.
  • Believe in Your Self -- Increase Your Self-Esteem.  Do things that make you feel good.
  • Strive to have lots of FUN with your partner.
  • Look for Positive Solutions -- even in Negative Situations
  • Always find different ways to tell your partner that you love her/him when you feel that way.
  • Always try to be Patient with your Partner.
  • Don't ever Humiliate your Partner. 
  • Trying to find Win-Win Solutions. 
  • Never be Afraid to Make Positive Changes (Sometimes the Devil you know is safer than the Devil you don't know.  But all the time, the Devil you know is the Devil.)
  • Learn how to give without expecting anything in return.
  • Always be Patient with yourself.  No one is Perfect.
  • Never threaten your Partner in any way.
  • Always help your Partner feel safe.
  • Don't ever call your Partner a Name other than a nice Name.
  • And there are many many more ideas on how to have a Healthy Relationship......
Below are some Definitions related to the Personal Change Plan.

What do all these words mean -- and how do they relate to my Personal Change Plan? (Qué significa todo esto?)

Commitment – “A promise to do or give something. : a promise to be loyal to someone or something. : the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something.”

Eliminate – To do away with. To end something.

Abusive behavior – Characterized by wrong or improper use or action; corrupt <abusive financial practices>; using harsh insulting language <an angry and abusive husband>; or physically injurious.

Physical intimidation -- Encroachment into your physical space (usually defined as approximately three feet away from you) in a manner that is threatening, even without contact.  Purposeful acts designed to make your physical environment uncomfortable.

Verbal Intimidation -- This can include: shouting, especially from a near distance; use of cursing or other abusive language;  use of demeaning language.  This form of intimidation may also include repeated telling of insulting or demeaning jokes, references to your person, or physical gestures designed to insult or demean you as a person.

Physical violence – Physical actions that are designed to harm another person, animal or object.

Coercion – “The intimidation of a victim to compel the individual to do some act against his or her will by the use of psychological pressure, physical force, or threats. The crime of intentionally and unlawfully restraining another's freedom by threatening to commit a crime, accusing the victim of a crime, disclosing any secret that would seriously impair the victim's reputation in the community, or by performing or refusing to perform an official action lawfully requested by the victim, or by causing an official to do so.”  See also: Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying.

Emotional abuse – “Emotional abuse is any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical in nature. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased.  Mostly use by insecure people who feel the need to undermine people's feelings to the point where it is absolutely unbearable and action must be taken.  Emotional abuse is not a joke. People say it’s not abuse because there's not physical harm being done, but that is not true at all. In case you might of not known before, words do in fact hurt, and they leave marks inside our brains as well.”

Verbal abuse – “Verbal Abuse is use of words to attack or injure an individual, to cause one to believe an untrue statement, or to speak falsely of an individual.”

Economic abuse --  “Economic abuse is a form of abuse when one intimate partner has control over the other partner's access to economic resources,[1] which diminishes the victim's capacity to support him/herself and forces him/her to depend on the perpetrator financially.”

Psychological cruelty – The systematic destruction of a person’s self-esteem, self-image, psychological well-being, reputation, or cognitive abilities typically through the use of violence, intimidation, coercion or verbal abuse.

Social Support -- "Social support is the perception and actuality that one is cared for, has assistance available from other people, and that one is part of a supportive social network. These supportive resources can be emotional (e.g., nurturance), tangible (e.g., financial assistance), informational (e.g., advice), or companionship (e.g., sense of belonging)and intangible (e.g. personal advice).”

Accountability – “The state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.” Or “"A personal choice to rise above one's circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results—to See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It." This definition includes a mindset or attitude of continually asking, "What else can I do to rise above my circumstances and achieve the results I desire?" It requires a level of ownership that includes making, keeping and answering for personal commitments.”

Prevention -- “The act or practice of stopping something bad from happening : the act of preventing something.”


  (El Plan de cambio personal del delincuente es un plan escrito para prevenir comportamientos abusivos y desarrollar pensamientos y comportamientos saludables. El infractor deberá diseñar e implementar este plan durante el tratamiento y utilizarlo después del alta.)   (El compromiso / Mi compromiso:
“Por la presente me comprometo a eliminar el comportamiento abusivo; que incluye el uso de intimidación física o violencia, coerción, abuso emocional, verbal o económico, o crueldad psicológica hacia mi cónyuge, pareja y / o hijos. Si me comporto de manera abusiva en el futuro, considero que es mi responsabilidad informar los comportamientos de manera honesta a mis amigos, parientes, agente de libertad condicional u otra parte interesada que me 
responsabilizará ”.)

Compromiso - “Una promesa de hacer o dar algo. : una promesa de ser fiel a alguien o algo. : la actitud de alguien que trabaja muy duro para hacer o apoyar algo ".

Eliminar: eliminar. Para terminar algo.

Comportamiento abusivo: caracterizado por un uso o acción incorrecto o incorrecto; corruptas <prácticas financieras abusivas>; usando un lenguaje ofensivo y duro <un esposo enojado y abusivo>; o físicamente perjudicial.

Intimidación física: invasión en su espacio físico (generalmente definido como aproximadamente a tres pies de distancia de usted) de una manera amenazante, incluso sin contacto. Actos intencionales diseñados para incomodar su entorno físico.

Intimidación verbal: esto puede incluir: gritos, especialmente desde una distancia cercana; uso de maldiciones u otro lenguaje abusivo; uso de lenguaje degradante. Esta forma de intimidación también puede incluir contar repetidamente chistes insultantes o degradantes, referencias a su persona o gestos físicos diseñados para insultarlo o degradarlo como persona.

Violencia física: acciones físicas que están diseñadas para dañar a otra persona, animal u objeto.

Coerción: “La intimidación de una víctima para obligar al individuo a realizar algún acto contra su voluntad mediante el uso de presión psicológica, fuerza física o amenazas. El delito de restringir intencional e ilegalmente la libertad de otra persona al amenazar con cometer un delito, acusar a la víctima de un delito, revelar cualquier secreto que perjudique seriamente la reputación de la víctima en la comunidad, o al realizar o negarse a realizar una acción oficial legalmente solicitada por la víctima, o haciendo que un funcionario lo haga ”. Ver también: Acoso, intimidación e intimidación.

Abuso emocional: “El abuso emocional es cualquier tipo de abuso que es de naturaleza emocional más que física. Puede incluir cualquier cosa, desde el abuso verbal y la crítica constante hasta tácticas más sutiles, como la intimidación, la manipulación y la negativa a sentirse complacido. Principalmente lo utilizan personas inseguras que sienten la necesidad de socavar los sentimientos de las personas hasta el punto de que es absolutamente insoportable y se deben tomar medidas. El abuso emocional no es una broma. La gente dice que no es abuso porque no se está haciendo daño físico, pero eso no es cierto en absoluto. En caso de que no lo hayas conocido antes, las palabras de hecho duelen, y también dejan marcas dentro de nuestros cerebros ”.

Abuso verbal: "Abuso verbal es el uso de palabras para atacar o herir a un individuo, para hacer que uno crea una declaración falsa o para hablar falsamente de un individuo".

Abuso económico: “El abuso económico es una forma de abuso cuando una pareja íntima tiene control sobre el acceso de la otra pareja a los recursos económicos, [1] lo que disminuye la capacidad de la víctima para sostenerse y lo obliga a depender del perpetrador financialmente."

Crueldad psicológica: la destrucción sistemática de la autoestima, la autoimagen, el bienestar psicológico, la reputación o las habilidades cognitivas de una persona, generalmente mediante el uso de violencia, intimidación, coerción o abuso verbal.
Apoyo social: “El apoyo social es la percepción y la actualidad de que uno se cuida, tiene asistencia disponible de otras personas y que forma parte de una red social de apoyo. Estos recursos de apoyo pueden ser emocionales (p. Ej., Cuidados), tangibles (p. Ej., Asistencia financiera), informativos (p. Ej., Asesoramiento) o compañía (p. Ej., Sentido de pertenencia) e intangibles (p. Ej., Asesoramiento personal) ".

Rendición de cuentas: "El estado de rendir cuentas, ser responsable o responder". O "" Una elección personal para superar las circunstancias y demostrar la propiedad necesaria para lograr los resultados deseados: verlo, poseerlo, resolverlo y hacerlo. " Esta definición incluye una mentalidad o actitud de preguntar continuamente: "¿Qué más puedo hacer para superar mis circunstancias y lograr los resultados que deseo?" Requiere un nivel de propiedad que incluye hacer, mantener y responder a los compromisos personales ".

Prevención: "El acto o práctica de evitar que algo malo suceda: el acto de prevenir algo".


and

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(First Posted, 7/6/2020)

Sources: Some Definitions from online sources including: Merriam Webster Dictionary, the Legal Dictionary, Ladybug Books, The Urban Dictionary,  Ask.com, Wikipedia, and ASME.

 (c. 2020, William T. Beverly, Ph.D., LCSW, All information on the Blog (Except where otherwise noted); are the intellectual and/or photographic and/or digital property of Dr. William T. Beverly, L.C.S.W., DVOMB Approved Offender Treatment Provider.).

Potential Risk Factors for DV: Help Prevent DV, by Identifying Risk Factors that Might Be Relevant to Your DV Troubles

  We know from research that certain things in our lives and things that we think and do can put as at risk of a DV Offense, or even a DV Re-Offense.  Yes, hopefully we are making progress in our DV Treatment.  One can click here to get an idea of what one has learned thus far in DV Treatment.  So it's good to learn about these things now:  Many things can put us at risk of a DV Offense or a Re-Offense.  Trying to be in control of another person is a big one.  It can be really educative and helpful to ponder what puts us at risk of DV.  Click Here!.
  A Risk factor in Domestic Violence is Something that increases a person's chances of committing Domestic Violence. For example, alcohol abuse is a risk factor for Domestic Violence.  If one drinks more alcohol under certain circumstances, he or she might be more likely to commit Domestic Violence than if he or she were not drinking alcohol

  According to the Standards for Domestic Violence Offender Treatment (2020) by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board of Colorado (D V O M B), "the literature demonstrates that there are significant risk factors that should be considered in working with people  who have domestic violence offenses."  And, "the following are some of the risk factors identified in the literature that shall be considered in treatment planning and ongoing Treatment Plan Review. These risk factors may not be present at the initial evaluation, but may become evident during treatment resulting in a need for a change in treatment planning and intensity of treatment." (Colorado D V O M B Standards, 2020, p. 24-26

  As also noted on the Domestic Violence Risk Needs Assessment (D V R N A), a General List of Risk Factors for DV includes.  (Some of the Risk Factors below even have links to substantive articles about them): 
  • Violence / or Threatened Violence against the Family of the Victim, 
  • Unemployment, and
  • Involvement with Pro-Criminal Influences.
  There are different ways of looking for and/or measuring Risk Factors in DV.

  This is important because if we can better measure and understand a person's Risk Factors, we can start to help prevent DV.  By learning about who is at risk of what and under which conditions; we can then more readily address those items with that individual.

  We each should learn about what our potential Risk Factors are.  It is good for us humans to know about our weak spots, right?

  We also should learn about our Strengths -- particularly the Strengths that might help us prevent or eliminate the negative influence(s) of our Risk Factors in the future.

and

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(Originally Posted, 4/27/2020).

PLANS – PLANS – PLANS !!! Don't GET CAUGHT WITHOUT Your PLAN!!!

  A wise person once said, “Those who fail to plan; plan to fail.”  Or "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!"  Benjamin Franklin

  Hence it's a wise assumption, that Successful DV Treatment has a lot of Planning to it.  Right?


  What do we mean by Successful DV Treatment?  Is basically to end DV -- To get through DV Treatment and never again have DV in your life -- As a Perpetrator as a Victim..

  This takes some planning... and a lot of effort... and a little bit of luck.  But we can do it.

  These plans need to be done in order successfully complete DV Treatment:  In other words, IF I AM MISSING ANY ONE of the items below, then I might be falling behind in MY DV TREATMENT!!!

    In order to get caught up on my DV Treatment; I need to look over each of the Links below and then complete the Worksheet that can be found by clicking on the LINK at the end of each one.  

  And if you need help, Dr. B. will be glad to help you with this important task:  

Start HERE: 

>>> What are my Risk Factors? So What is a Risk Factor?

  A Risk Factors is: “Something that increases a person's chances of developing a disease. For example, cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, and obesity is a risk factor for heart disease" (Source).”  Just like Alcohol can be a Risk Factor for Domestic Violence.   

Please Click her to Complete the assigned 

Potential Risk Factors for DV Worksheet


Another kind of Plan is a Treatment Plan:

  A Treatment helps me guide my treatment from the beginning so that my Treatment will be Successful -- which might even make me feel like a better person. 

>>> When was the last time I completed a Treatment Plan.  Read about it right here: Treatment Plan?


    *** Please Click Here to Complete 

Your Treatment Planning WorkSheet. ***


  This is about ME doing MY BEST to get the MOST out of my DV Treatment so that I will have healthier relationships and then I will be happier and so will my Partner(s).

  So now, let's talk about Personal Change Plans.  During a person's DV Treatment, they should do at least 3.  Personal Change Plans tend to be about 4-5 questions and they tend to take about 10 minutes each.  

 Is it Worth It to you???  I hope so.


>>> How many Personal Change Plans have I completed?

    

*** Click on this Link to 

Complete Your Personal Change Plan. *** 


Everyone should complete at least One Aftercare Plan draft before finishing DV Treatment: 

>>> How many revisions have I made to my AfterCare Plan?


                 *** Please CLICK HERE to Complete

               your Aftercare Planning Worksheet *** 


  In order to successfully complete DV Treatment, a person much complete all of the Mandatory Core Competencies.  Click below to read them and you will will see why.

>>> How am I doing on my Mandatory DVOMB CoreCompetencies?  

                        Click Here to Complete the 

             CORE COMPETENCIES WORKSHEET *


  The DVTPA (Domestic Violence Treatment Progress Assessment) kind of helps us know where we are in our DV Treatment -- That is if we answer it honestly.  This instrument contains a number of skills and bits of info that every DV Client is supposed to have mastered by the time they finish DV Treatment:


    >>> Have I completed a DVTPA Lately?  If not; It's TIME!!!

-------     

            *** Please CLICK HERE to 

Complete your Adapted DVTPA Worksheet ***


Session Feedback Form!         


(Originally Published 5/3/2021)

Risk Factors for DV Re-Offense or DV Recidivism

 Everyone who is participating in this Domestic Violence Offender Treatment has had at least one DV-Related Offense.  Unfortunately, the fact from the Research is that once a person has one DV-Related Offense; they are quite possibly at a higher Risk of Re-Offending than a person who has never had a DV-Related Offense.
 So, What's worse than one DV Offense?  
 Another DV Offense.  This is not a joke!  Right?
  It is the mission of your DV Offender Treatment Provider to try and help make sure that you never Re-Offend.
  We take this mission very seriously. 
  One way to avoid a problem is to fully understand the problem.  Therefore, we are going to talk about some of the problems that the Research indicates are often present when a person with a prior DV Offense, ends up catching another DV Offense.  These are called, "Risk Factors".
  Below are Some possible Risk Factors that are specifically indicated as potentially putting a person who already has a DV Offense at risk of a DV Re-Offense or Recidivism.  If I were you, I would take a long, serious and sincere look at this list and think critically -- "Does this potential Risk Factor relate to me, to my life, to my relationships?"  
  And then I would start thinking about good ways that I can make sure that this Risk Factor can no longer put me at a Higher Risk of having any Domestic Violence -Type Thinking, DV-Type Behaviors, or Re-Offenses.
  These Potential Risk Factors for Re-Offense Include the following: 
  •       Dropping out of treatment before treatment is completed,

  •       Fewer sessions completed,

  •       Younger in age,

  •       Unemployed,

  •       Less education,

  •       History of More psychological Abuse,

  •       History of More anger,

  •       History of More depression,

  •       Unchanged attitudes about women,

  •       Lower sense of respect,

  •       History of Using more discussion (Unable or Unwilling to Take Time Outs or to use Stop, Breathe, and Focus when a conversation is becoming Disrespectful),

  •       Failure to complete treatment,

  •       Lower social support (Not enough Emotional, Tangible or Instrumental Social Supports in one's life),

  •       Lower internal locus of control (Less ability to own my own thoughts and/or actions)

  •       Higher perceived stress,

  •       Poor problem solving skills,

  •       Poor communication skills (Difficulty Communicating Respectfully when Angry, Upset, Insecure or Unhappy),

  •       Lower feminist awareness (Lower Awareness about Sexism or the Impact of Oppression on Victims),

  •       Lower awareness of ones psycho-dynamics (Ego, Id, Super-Ego + Social),

  •       Poor alliance with therapist, (Unable or Unwilling to Trust or Be Genuine with the Therapist)

  •       Personality disorders including: Borderline, Avoidant, Antisocial, Self-Defeating, Schizoid, Aggressive/Sadistic, and Passive-Aggressive; Increased psychopathic traits or tendencies, or Narcissistic.

  •       Substance Abuse difficulties,

  •       Poor family relations,

  •       Child behavior problems (Having a Child with serious problems; and/or having a History of serious behavior problems as a child),

  •       Having a child with the victim,

  •       Lower Social Economic Status in Community,

  •       Lower Socio-Economic Status,

  •       Having been abused as a child, and

  •       History of Trauma.

  For each of the Risk Factors Above, one should be able to make a suggestion as to what a person could or should do to help make sure that this Risk Factor will not contribute to them having any more Domestic Violent-type Thinking or Behaviors as well as Re-offending.

  *** Please CLICK HERE to Complete your 

  Also!  Be sure to complete your Session Feedback Form (below), as well as an Absence Attestation Form for each one of your Absences.




Sources: 
(Retrieved 1/6/2020 from: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1084&context=psychfacpub
Domestic violence treatment response and recidivism: A review and implications for the study of family violence
Robert M. Sartin; University of Nebraska–Lincoln, rmsartin@syr.edu
David J. Hansen; University of Nebraska-Lincoln, dhansen1@unl.edu
Matthew T. Huss; Creighton University, mhuss@creighton.edu
University of Nebraska – Lincoln; DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Faculty Publications, Department of Psychology, Department of Psychology).

 (c. 2020, William T. Beverly, Ph.D., LCSW, All information on the Blog (Except where otherwise noted); are the intellectual and/or photographic and/or digital property of Dr. William T. Beverly, L.C.S.W., DVOMB Approved Offender Treatment Provider.).