Ethics, Evidence, & Coercive Control

PLEASE NOTE:

This is an in person only workshop in Savannah, GA.

There is not a virtual or recording option available.

Agenda: 

8:30 ET – Sign In / Networking

8:55 ET – Welcome / Announcements / Introduction of Speakers

9:00 ET – Objectives 1-2

10:30 - BREAK

10:45 - Objectives 2-3

12:15 - LUNCH Provided

1:15 - Objectives 3-4

2:15 - BREAK

2:30 - Objective 4 / Q&A

3:30 – Evaluation / Certificates

Content Area: Intermediate

Intended Audience: Attorneys, Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist, Paraprofessionals, Law Enforcement and any other helping professionals who work in mental and behavioral health settings

Course Completion and CE Information:

To earn CE credit, participants must be on time, sign in and sign out, attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation. This is a 5 hour course. Partial credit is not permitted. Must be present the full 5 hours of presentation to receive CE certificate. Certificates of completion will be emailed same day of attendance.

CE Statements:

Summit BHC, provider #2057, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 07/31/2025 - 07/31/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 5 ethics continuing education credits.

Summit BHC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7161. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Summit BHC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Registration Deadline: Registration will remain open until 5:00 ET on the day prior to the start of the training. In the event the training reaches capacity prior to that day/time, registration will close automatically.

CANCELATION NOTICE: We understand that plans can change. Refunds are available for cancellations made at least 48 hours (2 days) prior to the scheduled event. Because food, beverages, and overall event costs are planned and paid for in advance based on registration numbers, we’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of the event. Please note that no refunds will be issued for no-shows or last-minute inability to attend.

PAYMENT NOTIFICATION: Payment will show as payable to Justitia Foundation on your payment statement

About the Presenters

TOMMY BLACK, PhD., LPC, LMHC

Tommy Black, Ph.D., LPC, LMHC boasts an illustrious career beginning in 1998 that intertwines his profound expertise in mental health, forensic behavioral health, and victim support. A vanguard in the behavioral health sector, Dr. Black is acclaimed for his unwavering commitment to enhancing accessibility to quality care through the portability of licensure and advocating for elevated standards, ethics, and accountability in mental health services.

He joined a private practice in 1998 and is a recognized authority in a spectrum of specialized areas, including PTSD, comprehensive testing and assessment, forensic and custody evaluations, and the treatment of sex offenders. Dr. Black’s exceptional skills in curriculum development and therapy, both individual and group, span across diverse demographics. His extensive proficiency is further evident in his contributions to professional development and his consultative roles with state and national counseling regulatory bodies.

Renowned for his clinical supervision acumen and program innovation, Dr. Black is frequently sought for expert legal testimony, illustrating his effectiveness in crisis management and forensic evaluations. His therapeutic approach is enriched by his training in Forensic Evaluations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT.

Dr. Black’s academic foundation is robust, holding a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tampa, followed by Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from Georgia Southern University. His scholarly pursuits led to a Ph.D. in Psychology from Northcentral University, with a dissertation exploring the psychological impacts of mobility on students.

As a leader and entrepreneur, Dr. Black has been at the helm of Darsey, Black & Associates since 1998, guiding a team of 50 and steering the company’s strategic direction. His leadership prowess expanded with the inception of Atlantic Counseling Services in 2012, where he serves as Owner and Clinical Director, and through his co-founding of Esteem Therapeutics, Inc.

Dr. Black has also made significant contributions to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, demonstrating his leadership through various roles, including Chair. His dedication to education is reflected in his previous adjunct professorships at South University and Brewton-Parker College, where he imparted his rich knowledge to the next generation of professionals.

His professional credentials are extensive, holding licensure across multiple states and national board certifications in counseling and forensic evaluation. Dr. Black’s military service in the US Army further highlights his discipline and dedication.

An active member of key professional organizations, Dr. Black’s involvement signifies his ongoing commitment to advancing the field of behavioral health. His leadership in ethics and advisory capacities underscores his influence in shaping forward-thinking behavioral health practices.

Megan H. Lane

Attorney At Law

Megan H. Lane is a Partner with Howard Barker Lane, P.C., where she concentrates her practice on complex family law litigation, including contested custody matters, high-conflict domestic disputes, parental rights issues, and relocation cases. She is recognized for her work in emotionally sensitive and legally complex matters involving the best interests of children and family systems. In addition to her family law practice, Mrs. Lane has experience representing businesses and individuals in a variety of civil litigation matters.

Licensed to practice in Georgia, Oklahoma, and Alabama, Mrs. Lane is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Oklahoma Bar Association, and the Alabama State Bar. She is highly regarded for her advocacy on behalf of children and families and was honored as the 2020 Stellar Advocate for Youth by the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire in recognition of her outstanding service as a Guardian ad Litem.

Mrs. Lane earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire and is committed to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and professional education among attorneys, judges, and mental health professionals working within the family court and forensic systems.

Gina Loretelli

Communications Coach | Coercive Control Specialist | Expert Witness in Family Court

Gina is a communications coach and nationally recognized expert in coercive control, working with individuals and families across the United States in high-conflict and court-involved cases. She is known for her ability to identify patterns of coercive and controlling behavior within family systems and translate complex relational dynamics into clear, actionable insights for both clinical and legal audiences.

Gina is frequently retained as an expert witness, where she provides consultation and testimony in cases involving family violence, coercive control, custody disputes, and parent-child relational disruption. Her work is particularly valued for its focus on communication patterns, behavioral analysis, and the real-world application of these dynamics within family court proceedings.

With a background in economics from California State University, Stanislaus, and a concentration in consumer behavior, Gina has long been drawn to understanding human behavior and decision-making. After years in sales and marketing, she transitioned into the mental health field in 2016, bringing with her a unique skill set in communication, pattern recognition, and behavioral insight.

While not a licensed therapist, Gina has completed extensive training in family violence, custody dynamics, supervised visitation, and court-involved family systems. Her expertise is grounded in both formal training and years of direct, experiential work with families navigating complex relational and legal challenges.

Gina is a strong advocate for survivors of abuse and is widely recognized for her work in helping professionals and courts better understand the subtle and often misunderstood dynamics of coercive control. Through her coaching, consultation, and training, she is committed to promoting ethical, informed decision-making that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children and families.

She resides in Northern California with her two daughters.

Sponsoring Hosts:

Located in

Monroe, GA

Twin Lakes provides quality, affordable treatment for adults struggling with substance use and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. We regard addiction as a disease and use a multi-disciplinary model to address problems affecting the body, mind and spirit. Twin Lakes has a continuum of care that includes detox, inpatient residential treatment services, and intensive outpatient programming. These levels of care provide clients and their families with the structure and support needed to begin to restore their lives.

Located in

Cameron, SC

Waypoint Recovery Center is a leading addiction treatment facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Waypoint Recovery Center offers a range of programs designed to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. Waypoint Recovery Center’s mission is to empower individuals to overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. The center emphasizes a personalized approach to treatment, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique. The philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practices and holistic therapies that cater to the diverse needs of clients.

Located in

Statesboro, GA



For 50 years, our mission has been to deliver the highest-quality addiction treatment to clients and their families. We treat them with dignity, compassion, and respect. Willingway has been licensed as a specialty hospital in addiction medicine since 1974 and is accredited by the Joint Commission. 

As a nationally-recognized, privately-owned alcohol and drug addiction treatment program, we practice evidence-based medicine to promote continuing recovery so that our clients may enjoy a life of sobriety and success. 

Summit BHC’s primary focus is on the provision of psychiatric services and substance use disorder treatment within a flexible and dynamic continuum of care.

Our treatment facilities are specialized in helping adults, adolescents, and families suffering from mental health challenges and addiction while offering a solution to the stressors that drive these issues, providing a path to change and ensuring ongoing support for a restored life.

Our Services Include:

Residential Chemical Dependency Programs

Acute Psychiatric Care

Detoxification Programs

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Health and Wellness Programs

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Learn more about our treatment facilities here.