Essentials of Trauma-informed Practice: What Every Therapist Should Know

3 CEUs

Traumatic experiences have a pervasive effect on our nervous systems, relationships, and sense of self in the world. They disrupt our capacity to experience a sense of safety, integrity and connection. Though advances in neurobiology have taught us a great deal and led to the development of many useful treatment approaches, the fact remains that as therapists, we are not simply treating “sexual abuse” or “an eating disorder” or “distorted thoughts”. We are treating human beings, and there is no one model that can address all of human experience and suffering.  

In this workshop, we will focus on some of the fundamental building blocks of trauma-informed treatment (including the Window of Tolerance, working with the body, Polyvagal Theory, working in the present moment, attachment wounding and using an anti-oppressive lens).  We will explore how to integrate these concepts into our work regardless of theoretical orientation.

This workshop will be interactive, allowing for exploration of the clinical material of our clients and our own experience as therapists. Therapists will leave with new ideas for how to translate their existing strengths, knowledge, and training into effective interventions with clients.  

In this workshop we will:

• Explore the neurological basics of a trauma informed approach.
• Discuss polyvagal theory and a Window of Tolerance
• Identify what it means to work in the present moment
• Introduce working with body-centered approaches.