Session Four: Overview of Psychotherapy for Complex Trauma

Session Four: Overview of Psychotherapy for Complex Trauma
Content Level: Beginning and Intermediate

Abstract: A phase-oriented approach is the cornerstone of complex trauma treatment. In this session, we will review the three phases of the phase oriented approach including phase one - symptom management and safety/stabilization; phase two - trauma memory and processing; and phase three - consolidation/integration of therapeutic gains. We will develop an understanding for the use of this approach. We will discuss both the goals and the challenges that often occur during the early phase of treatment. Time will be given to discuss “The Case of Erica” and clinical interventions in the beginning stage of therapy for complex trauma.

Readings:

  1. Herman, JL (2022) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books, Chapter 7, pp. 191 – 222.
  2. Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD (2013) Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. Chapter 3, pp. 53 – 87.
  3. Courtois, CA, and Ford, JD (2013) Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. Chapter 4, pp. 88 – 119.
  4. Classen, C.C., Muller, R.T., Field, N.P, Clark, C.S. & Stern, E.M. (2017) A naturalistic study of a brief treatment program for survivors of complex trauma, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 18:5, 720-734.

Additional Materials:
The Case of Erica: Part 2

Timed Outline:
45 minutes: Discussion of Readings 1, 2, 3 - phase oriented therapy for trauma and its rationale
30 minutes: Discussion of Readings 1, 2, 3 - the early stage of phase one therapy
15 minutes: Discussion of Reading 4 - a specific treatment program
60 minutes: Discussion of the Case of Erica, Part 2 and clinical interventions in the beginning stage of treatment of complex trauma
 

Learning Objectives

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

  • Outline phase-oriented (or sequenced) therapy
  • Discuss the rationale behind phase-oriented (or sequenced) therapy
  • Describe the early stage of the first phase of therapy
  • Discuss, using “The Case of Erica”, clinical interventions in the beginning stage of treatment of complex 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.
  • 2.50 ASWB ACE
    The 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 Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
02/01/2022
Course expires: 
12/31/2023
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 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 Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
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