Session Two: Developmental Implications of Childhood Abuse, Neglect, Betrayal
Session Two: Developmental Implications of Childhood Abuse, Neglect, Betrayal
Content Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Abstract: By definition, complex trauma begins in childhood and continues over time. In this session, we will explore the outcomes of trauma at different developmental stages of childhood. Often, adults seeking therapy will not volunteer that they had a history of childhood abuse, but there are a number of symptoms that indicate a history of childhood trauma, which will be explored. The theory of betrayal trauma, as defined by Freyd, and its implications memory and dissociation will be discussed. Time will be given to discuss case material as it relates to the readings.
Readings:
- Herman, JL (2015) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books, Chapter 5, pp. 96 – 114.
- Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD (2013) Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. Chapter 1, pp. 3 – 27.
- Nagar, M., Nakash, O., and Westen, D. (2021) Unpacking childhood experiences of abuse: Can clinicians identify their patients’ History of Abuse? Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21:3, 396-408
- Freyd, JJ (1994) Betrayal Trauma: Traumatic Amnesia as an Adaptive Response to Childhood Abuse, Ethics and Behavior, 4(4), 307 – 329.
- Gagnon, K.L., Lee, M.S. & DePrince, A.P. (2017) Victim–perpetrator dynamics through the lens of betrayal trauma theory, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 18:3, 373-382.
Timed Outline:
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 1 and 2 - outcomes of childhood trauma
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 3 - indicators of childhood trauma in adult patients
45 minutes: Discussion of Reading 4 - impact of betrayal on memory and amnesia
45 minutes: Discussion of Reading 5 - how victim-perpetrator dynamics impact childhood psychological development.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the outcomes of trauma at different developmental stages during childhood
- Describe the symptoms in adults that indicate a further exploration for childhood trauma
- Define and discuss the impact of betrayal trauma on children, and especially memory and the development of dissociative symptoms, including amnesia
- Discuss the role of betrayal trauma and victim-perpetrator dynamics within betrayal trauma theory
Available Credit
- 2.50 APAThe 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 ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2.50 continuing education credits.
- 2.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.