Description
The diagnostic criterion for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) used in Canada does not clearly identify how the effects of very early trauma can shape trauma symptoms. It does not account for the potential impact of abuse and neglect experienced between birth and age six on identity, emotion regulation and on how relationships may be formed and maintained.
This workshop explores a new way of understanding Complex PTSD that encompasses early and repeated exposures to abuse and neglect particularly by caregivers, how traumatic stress symptoms may be expressed given these circumstances and how early trauma also referred to as developmental trauma, can shape identity, emotion dysregulation and relationship instability. Participants will compare the symptom clusters of PTSD and Specified Trauma and Stress Related Disorder symptoms according to the DSM 5, to the ICD-11 diagnostic criterion for Complex PTSD and consider why these distinctions in diagnoses is important. There will be an opportunity for the application of current research on the assessment of Complex PTSD versus Borderline Personality traits, discuss evidence- based treatments best suited for these clients and how to sequence treatment that targets the needs of each client.
Learning Outcomes
- Define disorganization of self and describe its 3 components as defined in Complex PTSD.
- Describe 2 characteristics of each of these types of traumatic stress: Intergenerational stress, Paediatric Medical Traumatic Stress & Traumatic Grief in Children and Youth. Consider how these may contribute to disorganization of self-symptoms.
- Name 4 key components of Borderline Personality Traits and discuss why individuals with these traits are so challenging to work with.
- Define a trauma-informed framework for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
- Identify the types of interventions from Integrative Treatment for Complex Trauma for Adolescents.
Who Should Attend
This training is suitable for anyone working with youth identified as having borderline traits, cluster B traits, Borderline Personality Disorder with known or suspected early trauma. This may include: Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Group Home Workers, Child and Youth Workers, Clinical Supervisors.
Course Dates & Format
Dates: June 4 & 5, 2026; 1:00pm – 4:00pm ET
This is a 6-hour training. This course consists of two 3-hour interactive virtual sessions using Zoom.
Instructor: Stephanie Rabenstein, M.Sc., RMFT, RP
Stephanie Rabenstein is the senior clinician on the trauma team in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Program at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University where she trains medical students and Resident Physicians, social workers and family therapists in trauma informed therapies, as well as in play and family therapy. She is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. Her areas of clinical specialization include complex trauma in children, adolescents and families; persistent complex bereavement disorder in children; working with chronically suicidal adolescents and families of suicide survivors and suicide loss survivors; integration of Indigenous healing and western mental health practices in collaboration with Indigenous clinicians and has published in many of these areas.
Training Fee
Member Fee: $195.00 + $25.35 (HST) = $220.35
Non-Member Fee: $235.00 + $30.55 (HST) = $265.55
Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.
Continuing Education Information
6 CECs with OAMHP
Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate.
In-Service
This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs.
