Session Five - The first phase of treatment of complex trauma

December 3, 2021

Session Five – Content Level: Beginning and intermediate
The first phase of treatment of complex trauma

Abstract:
The first phase of treatment is essential in establishing safety, self-regulation, self-control and development of trust in the therapeutic relationship. This phase sets the stage for future processing of traumatic material giving the client the tools to cope with distressing traumatic material. The therapist is taxed with creating a stable and consistent environment for which the client can feel safe to learn self-regulating strategies. Common pitfalls of early stage treatment are identified and explored in this session. Time will be given to discuss “The Case of Erica” and clinical interventions and therapeutic modalities in phase one of therapy

Objectives: 
After the completion of this class, participants will be able to:
1.    Define the competencies to be achieved in the first phase of therapy
2.    Discuss the therapeutic alliance and frame in the first phase of therapy
3.    Describe the common pitfalls of early stage therapy with complex trauma
4.    Discuss, using “The Case of Erica”, clinical interventions in the phase one of treatment of complex trauma, utilizing various treatment modalities

Readings:
A.    Herman, JL (2015) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books, Chapter 8, pp. 155 – 174.
B.    Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD  (2013) Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. NY, NY: The Guilford Press, Chapter 5, pp. 120 – 143.
C.    Courtois, CA (2020), Therapeutic Alliance and Risk Management (pp. 99 – 124) in CA Courtois and JD Ford, eds. Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. 

Additional Materials:
The Case of Erica: Part 3

Timed Outline:
45 minutes:    Discussion of Readings A and B – competencies in phase one, including safety and stabilization
45 minutes:    Discussion of Reading C -  therapeutic relationship, and common pitfalls
60 minutes:    Discussion of the Case of Erica, Part 3 and clinical interventions and therapeutic modalities in phase one

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Course opens: 
07/22/2021
Course expires: 
08/31/2022
Event starts: 
12/03/2021 - 11:30am EST
Event ends: 
12/03/2021 - 2:00pm EST
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
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