Session One - Trauma and its History from simple to complex trauma

Session One – Content Level: Beginning
Trauma and its History from simple to complex trauma

Abstract:
Complex trauma, now more widely acknowledged, has a history of being “known and not known” over several centuries. This contributes to the difficulties that those suffering from complex trauma encounter when seeking to be understood and treated. What are the differences between “simple” and “complex” trauma and what are the antecedents of trauma from “simple to complex”. These issues, as well as the impact of adult onset trauma will be covered in this session. Time will be given to discuss case material as it relates to the readings.

Objectives
After the completion of this class, participants will be able to:
1.    Summarize the history of the understanding of trauma and the resistance to recognizing trauma in its many forms
2.    Define simple vs. complex trauma
3.    Describe the antecedents of trauma – from simple to complex
4.    Discuss the impact of various forms of adult-onset trauma

Readings
A.    Herman, JL (2015) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books, Introduction and Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, pp. 1 – 95. 
B.    Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD (2020), Defining and Understanding Complex Trauma and Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders, (pp. 3 – 34) in CA Courtois and JD Ford, eds. Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. 
C.    van Dijke, A., Ford, J.D., Frank, L.E. & van der Hart, O. (2015) Association of Childhood Complex Trauma and Dissociation With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Adulthood, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 16:4, 428-441.

Timed Outline: 
30 minutes:     Introductions of instructors, students and discussion of class process
45 minutes:     Discussion of Reading A – history of trauma 
15 minutes:     Discussion of Reading B - difference between simple and complex trauma
45 minutes:     Discussion of Reading B - antecedents of simple to complex trauma
45 minutes:     Discussion of Reading C - impact of trauma in adult life as compared to childhood trauma
 

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: 
05/31/2022
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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