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ForwardTrauma Model Therapy. A Treatment Approach for Trauma, Dissociation and Complex Comorbidity
Abstract
In this talk, Dr. Colin Ross will explain the principles and techniques of his Trauma Model Therapy (TMT). TMT was developed for treatment of people with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders, including their extensive comorbidity. This often includes depression, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, panic disorder, OCD, eating disorders and somatic symptom disorders. TMT can be adapted for people with less severe trauma and less complex mental health problems and is suitable for all practice settings. It is based on Dr. Ross’ Trauma Model, which is a comprehensive, scientifically testable theory of the relationship between psychological trauma and a wide range of different disorders, addictions and self-defeating behaviors.
Dr. Ross will explain the principles of TMT including: the problem of attachment to the perpetrator; the locus of control shift; the problem is not the problem; just say ‘no’ to drugs; addiction is the opposite of desensitization; and the victim-rescuer-perpetrator triangle. The two core features of the therapy are a focus on conflicted, ambivalent attachment and the self-blame and self-hatred arising from the locus of control shift. These two aspects of the model are based on the biology of mammalian attachment and developmental psychology. The techniques of TMT will be illustrated through case examples. The therapy involves a blend of cognitive, systems, behavioral, experiential and psychodynamic techniques within a unified theory.
Potential to Distress: No
Target Audience
Those seeking to participate in this seminar must be licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, accredited psychotherapists, etc.). ISSTD staff will audit license information prior to the start of the course and may request additional documentation for your license.
We do accept students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. Students must submit proof of student status such as a transcript or registration record. For those who have completed their degree and are currently in the pre-licensure stage practicing under the license of another clinician, you must provide the name and license information for the person you are working with. Documentation should be sent to ISSTD staff at [email protected] before registering.
This webinar is at the intermediate learning level.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core principles of Trauma Model Therapy
- Describe the problem of attachment to the perpetrator and the locus of control shift in detail
- Describe specific treatment strategies through case examples
- Explain an approach to the problem of comorbidity in psychiatry
- Describe additional core principles of Trauma Model Therapy
Course summary
- 6.00 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.
- 6.00 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 6.00 continuing education credits.
- 6.00 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 6.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Colin A. Ross, MD
Colin A. Ross, MD completed medical school at the University of Alberta in 1981 and his psychiatry training at the University of Manitoba in Canada in 1985. He is a Past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, and is the author of 300 peer-reviewed papers and 36 books. He has spoken widely throughout North America and Europe, and in China, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. He has been a keynote speaker at many different conferences, and has reviewed for over 30 different professional journals.
Dr. Ross was the Director of hospital-based Trauma Programs in Texas, California and Michigan for over 20 years in Michigan and California, and over 30 years in Texas.
Dr. Ross’ books cover a wide range of topics. His clinical books focus on trauma and dissociation and include: Dissociative Identity Disorder. Diagnosis, Clinical Features and Treatment of Multiple Personality, Second Edition (1997); Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment (2004); The Trauma Model: A Solution to the Problem of Comorbidity in Psychiatry (2007); Trauma Model Therapy: A Treatment Approach for Trauma Dissociation and Complex Comorbidity (2009); Structural Dissociation: A Proposed Modification of the Theory (2013); and Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder: Techniques and Strategies for Stabilization (2018).
Dr. Ross has published a series of treatment outcome studies in peer-reviewed journals, which provide evidence for the effectiveness of Trauma Model Therapy. Many of his papers involve large series of cases, with original research data and statistical analyses, including a paper entitled ‘Trauma and Dissociation in China’ in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Available Credit
- 6.00 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.
- 6.00 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 6.00 continuing education credits.
- 6.00 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 6.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Price
"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level.
- ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation.
- ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
- If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired.
These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at [email protected] to receive the appropriate discount code.
Registration Policies
Cancellations prior to the seminar are subject to a $45 cancellation fee. No refunds are provided for no shows. The deadline for cancellations with a refund is December 7, 2026 at 5:00pm US Eastern Time. Requests for cancellation should be sent to [email protected].
Early bird registration pricing will be available until November 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM US Eastern Time. At this time, registration fees will increase by $50.00 for Emerging Professionals and Professionals.
For additional seminar policies including completion requirements, filing grievances, requesting a disability accommodation, and awarding of certificates of credits, please visit our Seminar Policies page.