Substance Abuse CE Courses Mental Health CE Courses Healthcare CE Courses

Identity, External Validation, and Control: Clinical Strategies for Assessment and Treatment

Leesa M. Robertson

2 hours

Updated March 26, 2026

This course examines the development and maintenance of externally anchored identity structures, in which self-worth is derived primarily from image, social perception, and controllable external variables (e.g., partner success, social standing, material indicators, and family behavior). Participants will explore underlying psychological mechanisms, including attachment dynamics, narcissistic adaptations, shame-based identity formation, and cognitive distortions, and will learn evidence-based interventions to support clients in developing a stable, internally grounded sense of self.

Course Creation Date: 3/25/2026

Differentiate between internally vs. externally anchored identity structures.
Identify clinical presentations associated with image-based self-worth and validation dependence.
Analyze the role of attachment, shame, and early relational experiences in identity externalization.
Apply evidence-based interventions (CBT, schema therapy, ACT, psychodynamic approaches) to reduce reliance on external validation.
Implement strategies to address control behaviors tied to identity preservation.
Facilitate development of internalized self-concept and intrinsic value systems.

Leesa M. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC

Ms. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. She is credentialed in alcohol and other drug counseling.

Beginning her career in the hospital setting, working in admissions, on the 24-hour unit, inpatient and IOP for both adults and adolescents, she went on to supervise a group of clinicians that went into medical-surgical hospitals to assess and place patients. She went into the outpatient setting, working with adults and families. Throughout her career, Ms. Robertson has focused on training and education through presenting live and authored coursework.

Board Approvals

National Approvals

Approval for this course applies only to the national boards listed below.

American Psychological Association (APA)

BaysideCEU is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Bayside Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)

BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/4/2026-2/4/2029. This course is offered in the self-paced/distance learning format.
The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC

Bayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC

Bayside Continuing Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bayside Continuing Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State Approvals

Information

Relevance: This course is designed for licensed mental health professionals and advanced trainees, including psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. It is particularly relevant for clinicians working with high-functioning clients presenting with anxiety, relational strain, perfectionism, and control-related concerns.
Content Level: Intermediate
Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
CEBroker Course ID: 1367508
Credit Hours: 2
Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Leesa M. Robertson

2 hours

Updated March 26, 2026

This course is designed for licensed mental health professionals and advanced trainees, including psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. It is particularly relevant for clinicians working with high-functioning clients presenting with anxiety, relational strain, perfectionism, and control-related concerns.

CE Hours 2 hours
National Board Approvals American Psychological Association (APA), Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE), The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC, The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC
CEBroker Course ID 1367508

Identity, External Validation, and Control: Clinical Strategies for Assessment and Treatment

Course Objectives