Description
This 6-day training, intended for clinicians who provide ongoing support to traumatized children and youth, will provide a current and comprehensive understanding of trauma. This knowledge has the potential to dramatically alter how we work. Material covered applies to a variety of trauma experiences, including those who have experienced physical abuse and children who have witnessed violence. Participants will also be introduced to models of assessment and treatment.
Day 1 & 2: Understanding Trauma & Current Research
Participants will learn about attachment theory and basic brain development with a focus on early traumatic experiences and the resulting impact on attachment and personality development.
Day 3 & 4: Trauma Assessment: General/Sexual Trauma
Formal trauma assessment using a structured format and specific tools enables the clinician to understand the unique effects of a traumatic experience on an individual client. Trauma theory (Hindman, Vanderkolk, Janoff-Bullman) assists the clinician in identifying and responding to these key emotional belief systems.
Day 5 & 6: Directive Structured Approach to Resolving Unresolved Trauma
Directive structured methods with children tend to reduce anxiety and enable the child to focus on identified treatment issues. This training will specifically address the following treatment issues: cognitive distortions, sensorial reminders of trauma, sexual development disruption and persistent symptom presentation.
Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of neuroscience, brain development and attachment theory in the use of models of assessment and treatment of trauma.
- Utilize principles of T.A.G. (Trauma Assessment General), a practical data collection method.
- Use tools and strategies which address specific treatment issues such as cognitive distortions, sensorial reminders of trauma, sexual development disruption and persistent symptom presentation.
- Explore individual and group therapy approaches for working with children and adolescents.
