5002: Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them: Breaking the Cycle of Physical and Emotional Abuse

About the Course:

Through a fascinating, yet thorough examination of the psychological components of various types of abuse, along with true examples from his own life and others, Hegstrom points the way back to wholeness and freedom. An invaluable aid for the man who batters, the woman who feels trapped, and the pastor, counselor, or friend who desperately wants to help them both, Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them offers straight answers for those willing to overcome the cycle of violence.

Author

Paul Hegstrom

About the Authors:

Paul Hegstrom lived the first 40 years of his life not understanding the driving force that caused him to self-destruct again and again. A failed marriage that was full of violence, a second relationship that was even more violent, $20,000 worth of therapy that could not bring change – and still the rage continued. Violence, drugs, and alcohol became a way of life until the threat of a long-term jail sentence brought him to the reality that he needed help. Facing severe consequences, Paul was motivated to discover the roots of his problems and begin the healing process.

The dramatic change of outlook in his life led Paul to take steps to help thousands of families facing the same jeopardy he suffered. Over 16,000 hours of research and 28,000 of facilitating domestic violence groups for men and women and developing a teen program were all a part of the development of the Life Skills program. In over 135 centers all around the world, the “Learning to Live, Learning to Love” program now brings help to hurting men, women, and children. The program teaches life skills to individuals with unacceptable behaviors and enhances family relationships through nurturing character and maturity.

Paul holds a bachelor of science degree in pastoral counseling, is a candidate for a master of science degree in marriage and family therapy, and holds an honorary doctorate from Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is a certified cognitive behavioral therapist with the National Board of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists and has been featured by such national media as USA Today, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, Montel Williams, Sally Jessy Raphael, and the Coral Ridge Hour. Paul and Judy Hegstrom’s story was featured in the 1995 CBS movie Unforgivable: The Life Story of Paul Hegstrom, which starred John Ritter.

Course Objectives:

1. To define abuse and recognize characteristics of abusers and victims

2. To understand the dynamics of the cycle of violence and the escalation of anger

3. To identify the sources of arrested development and reactive behavior

4. To define traits of a healthy relationship and steps to conflict resolution