Choice vs. Condition: Why Abuse is Not a Mental Illness

The "Choice vs. Condition: Why Abuse is Not a Mental Illness" workshop is designed to help attendees distinguish real, diagnosable medical conditions from voluntary patterns of abuse. Attendees will hear from local experts including a licensed professional counselor, forensic psychologist, and members of local law enforcement while gaining insight into how to change their perspective on domestic abuse. This in-person workshop is aimed at students, mental health professionals, first responders, local leaders, caregivers, and members of the community looking to broaden their understanding of abuse and how it relates to–and differs from–mental health conditions. 

Event Details

Theme: Naming the Pattern, Restoring the Peace
Date: May 30
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: University Center Ballroom, LSU Shreveport Campus, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115

Register for the Choice vs. Condition Workshop

Workshop Agenda

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Session 1: The Foundation of Control

• Presentation by Kesha M. Simmons, M.Ed., LPC: A clinical deep dive into distinguishing internal mental health struggles from external patterns of dominance.
• Defining the "Contagion": Addressing the recent surge in domestic incidents in Shreveport and why we must move beyond "sugarcoating" dangerous behaviors to find a secure base for the community.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Session 2: Clinical Perspectives on Accountability

• Presentation by Dr. Jennifer Russell: An in-depth analysis expanding on the clinical boundaries between psychopathology and behavioral control.

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Session 3: The Tactical Response Roundtable

• Community Advocacy Panel: Featuring leaders from Project Celebration, Inc., Caddo Parish Sherriff Office, and Clinical Forensic Psychology Shreveport
• Lethality Awareness: Practical training on using the Power and Control Wheel to identify "red flags" before they escalate into "overkill" violence.

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM | The Partner & Resource Hub

• Action & Networking: An open forum for participants to connect directly with experts from MOMS on a Mission, Families Helping Families, and The Family Connection Center, LLC.
• Volunteer & Support Matching: A designated space for community members to sign up for advocacy roles or learn how to support local domestic violence initiatives.

Event Partners

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
The Family Connection Center, LLC
Families Helping Families - Region 7
Clinical & Forensic Psychology of Shreveport
Project Celebration, Inc.
Moms on a Mission