Session Three: Non-Verbal Treatments of Trauma and Other Modalities of Treatment (Individual, Couple, Group, Family)
Content Level: Beginning and Intermediate

Abstract: For some clients, more traditional individual talk therapies are not sufficient. Given that trauma is also experienced in the body, non-verbal therapies have been developed over the past few decades. In this session, we will explore Sensorimotor Therapy, one of the more researched “body-based” therapies for clients with complex trauma. In addition, couple and family therapies and group treatments for those with complex trauma, including the benefits and possible contraindications will be discussed. Time will be given to discuss case material as it relates to the readings.

Readings:

1. Ogden, P (2020) Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (pp. 509-532) in CA Courtois and JD Ford, eds. Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. 
2. Herman, JL (2015) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books pp. 214 – 236 (Chapter 11)
3. Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD  (2013) Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. pp. 190 – 231 (Chapter 7)

Timed Outline:

40 minutes: Discussion of Reading 1 - sensorimotor psychotherapy
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 3 - couple and family therapy approaches
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 2 and 3 - group treatment
50 minutes: Discussion of case materials applying the above readings to disguised cases