These frameworks and tools have been refined through thousands of hours working with men, couples, and families navigating narcissistic abuse, toxic family dynamics, and relational crisis. Use them to enhance your professional practice.
The Stronghold Assessment
A comprehensive relationship assessment tool built from 35,000+ hours of professional experience. Includes emotional intelligence indicators and pattern screening. Certification training available for licensed professionals and certified coaches.
- ✓ 8-Hour Certification Training
- ✓ 9 Assessment Domains
- ✓ EQ & Behavioral Pattern Screening
- ✓ Flag Alerts
- ✓ Certified Provider Directory Listing
Or refer clients directly to
drhinesinc.com/assessments
AF Assessment Frameworks
Scapegoat Identification Protocol
Clinical indicators for identifying scapegoat dynamics in family systems. Includes interview questions and observational markers.
Read ArticleCovert Vulnerability Screening
Screening questions and behavioral patterns for identifying vulnerable presentations in family systems. Includes case examples.
Read ArticleMale Passivity Assessment
Framework for assessing disengagement patterns in men. Identifies root causes and intervention points.
Read ArticleFamily System Mapping Template
Visual mapping tool for documenting family dynamics, alliances, and triangulation patterns.
Read ArticleCI Clinical Intervention Guides
Working with Scapegoated Clients
Treatment considerations, validation strategies, and common pitfalls when working with clients emerging from scapegoat roles.
Read ArticleNo Contact Decision Framework
Clinical criteria for when to support no contact decisions. Includes ethical considerations and documentation guidance.
Read ArticleSupporting Partners of Passive Men
Interventions for spouses experiencing the impact of male disengagement. Balances validation with appropriate challenge.
Read ArticleIntensive Format Best Practices
Structuring extended couples sessions for maximum impact. Pacing, breaks, and maintaining therapeutic momentum.
Read ArticleQR Quick Reference Tools
DARVO Response Protocol
In-session interventions when clients demonstrate or report DARVO dynamics. Includes de-escalation scripts.
Read ArticleFour Horsemen Intervention Guide
Real-time interventions for each of Gottman's Four Horsemen. When to interrupt, what to say, how to redirect.
Read ArticleFlooding De-escalation Protocol
Step-by-step protocol for managing physiological flooding in session. Includes grounding techniques and return-to-dialogue criteria.
Read ArticleManipulation Tactics Glossary
Quick-reference definitions of manipulation tactics: gaslighting, triangulation, DARVO, love bombing, hoovering, and more.
Read ArticleRC Referral & Consultation Criteria
When to Refer for Intensive
Clinical indicators that weekly therapy isn't sufficient. Criteria for intensive format referral.
Read ArticleComplex Family Systems Red Flags
Warning signs that a case involves dynamics beyond standard therapy scope. When to seek specialist consultation.
Read ArticleHigh-Conflict Documentation Guide
Documentation best practices for high-conflict cases. Protects both clinician and client.
Read ArticleComplex Case Consultation
Working with a difficult case involving narcissistic abuse, complex family dynamics, or entrenched relational patterns? Sometimes an outside perspective from someone who specializes in these dynamics can help you see what you're missing.
Schedule Consultation CallAbout These Resources
These frameworks emerged from over 35,000 coaching hours working with men, couples, and families navigating narcissistic abuse, toxic family systems, and relational crisis. They integrate Gottman Method research with clinical experience in complex trauma and family dynamics.
I developed these tools because I kept encountering the same patterns that standard training doesn't adequately address: the scapegoated adult child who can't understand why they feel crazy, the passive man whose wife is desperate for him to engage, the couple in crisis who've tried therapy that went nowhere.
Use them freely. Adapt them for your practice. If they help you help your clients, they've done their job.
Dr. Johnathan Hines, DCC
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma