Session Three: Assessment for Trauma-based Disorders

February 28, 2023

Session Three: Assessment for Trauma-based Disorders 
Content Level: Beginning and Intermediate

Abstract: Complex trauma incorporates the symptoms of simple PTSD and additional symptomatology. In this session, we will review the complexities of the symptom profile of Complex PTSD and we will develop a conceptual understanding, including presenting symptoms often found in other diagnoses across the DSM-5. We will review various assessment tools and measures and discuss their uses. Discussion of the ACE Studies, which elucidates the impact of childhood adversity on the development of complex trauma symptoms, will include some updates and recommendations for use. Time will be given to discuss “The Case of Erica” and the development of an “index of suspicion.

Readings:

  1. Herman, JL (2015) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books, Chapter 6, pp. 115 – 129.
  2. Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD  (2013) Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. Chapter 2, pp. 28 – 42.
  3. Spinazzola, J. and Briere, J. (2020) Evidence-based psychological Assessment of the Sequelae of Complex Trauma, in Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD, eds. (2020) Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press, pp. 125-148.
  4. The ACE studies 
  5. Zyromski, B., Dollarhide, C.T., Aras, Y., Geiger, S, Oehrtman, J.P., and Halley Clarke, H. (2018) Beyond Complex Trauma: An Existential View of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Journal of Humanistic Counselling, Oct. 2018, Vol. 57,156-172.

Additional Materials

  • PTSD checklist-civilian (PCL-C) – public domain
  • PowerPoint presentation – Turkus on ACE studies
  • Pages from Trauma-Informed PA Plan Presentation CTIPP 4-21-21, ACEs (used with permission)
  • The Case of Erica: Part 1

Timed Outline:
45 minutes: Discussion of Readings 1, 2, 3 - complex trauma and the role of trauma in other disorders and symptoms
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 4, 5, 6 - the ACE studies and their use in understanding and treating complex trauma
60 minutes: Discussion of the Case of Erica, Part 1 and develop an “index of suspicion”

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD and the symptoms of trauma, including other disorders where trauma may be a major factor
  • Discuss evidence-based measures of complex trauma and sequelae of childhood abuse
  • Explain the ACE studies, and their implications in the understanding and treatment of complex trauma
  • Define “index of suspicion” and how it can be applied to clinical work, using “The Case of Erica”
     
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.
  • 2.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, 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. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 2.50 continuing education credits.
  • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.
Course opens: 
03/14/2022
Course expires: 
08/31/2023
Event starts: 
02/28/2023 - 12:00pm EST
Event ends: 
02/28/2023 - 2:30pm 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.
  • 2.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, 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. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 2.50 continuing education credits.
  • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.
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