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Joanna the complex trauma trainer
Knowledge is power.
CPTSD is derived from a complexity of reasons and backgrounds, and yet, the impacts are tremendously profound to a person, a family, and the cost to society.
Joanna partners with the Complex Trauma Training Consortium (CTTC) to provide 20 modules of complex trauma training. Topics range from Complex Trauma 101, Pharmacotherapy to complex trauma in different populations and evidence-based interventions. All the content will be tailored to the needs of the audiences, organizations, or institutions. Reach out to Joanna or CTTC to find trainers near you for the customized workshops.
Joanna strives to bring the power of transformation to the world. Deeplyetched.com will slowly publish information about complex traumas on the platform. You can use donations to support Joanna's work or invite her to speak to your team!
Complex Trauma 101
This course is designed to be an introduction to complex trauma and will cover types of trauma, the physiology of trauma, ways complex trauma impact development, and basic strategies to help people feel safer. This training will help participants think about behaviors in a different way, learn how to create safe places for people who have experienced complex trauma, and learn ways to explain to parents and kids what is going on. Developed by Alaska Behavioral Health Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe the overall goal of trauma assistance ・Define trauma according to DSM5 ・Define complex trauma ・Describe the risk factors for complex trauma ・Describe the increased risk for subsequent trauma exposure if the initial exposure is unmitigated by early intervention ・Describe complex trauma adaption ・Describe factors determining the impact of trauma ・Describe trauma effects on the brain, body, and behavior ・Describe factors protecting children from the impact of trauma ・Describe the ACES Study ・Describe common sequelae of trauma for adults ・Describe domains of impairment for a child who has experienced complex trauma ・Describe safety needs and describing factors that contribute to feelings of safety ・Describe trauma-informed care
Systemic Racism & Community Violence
This module explores community violence as a form of continuous traumatic stress. Participants will discuss the effects of chronic community violence exposures, the intersection with complex trauma and systemic racism, and culturally-specific approaches for working with Black and Latinx youth and families. Developed by Sonya Mathies Dinizulu, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe effects of community violence exposure, particularly chronic exposures ・Identify theories to advance knowledge of how community violence impacts Black and Latinx populations affected by complex trauma, systemic racism, and structural barriers ・Identify socio-political-historical, and cultural factors affecting Black and Latinx populations exposed to community violence and/or trauma ・Identify and demonstrate trauma-informed strategies to use with Black and Latinx populations affected by community violence
Domains of Impact
This module explores the types of chronic trauma, diagnoses, and outcomes, including the effects of complex trauma exposure in children. Eight domains of complex trauma will be discussed in depth: affect regulation, behavioral control, physical health, cognition, dissociation, self-concept, attachment, and future orientation. Developed by Angel Knoverek, PhD, LCPC, ACS Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe types of complex trauma ・Describe the prevalence of childhood and complex trauma ・Describe diagnoses, comorbidities and diagnostic issues relevant to complex trauma ・Define Developmental Trauma Disorder and Complex PTSD ・Describe 8 domains of complex trauma ・Describe the long-term consequences of childhood exposure to complex trauma
LGBTQ+ Youth
This module covers contributing factors that may negatively and positively impact the overall health and well-being of LGBTQ youth, including sociological-intersectionality-focused considerations to form a more nuanced understanding of the unique needs that LGBTQ+ youth have. The session includes practice-based recommendations regarding approaches that may be helpful when providing care to LGBTQ youth. Developed by Moises Rodriguez, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe terminology related to LGBTQ+ affirmative care ・Discuss how agencies can provide better LGBTQ+ affirmative care. ・Identify LGBTQ+ youth risk factors and protective factors. ・Identify LGBTQ+ youth specific trauma exposures. ・Explain sociological/intersectionality-focused considerations. ・Articulate practice-based recommendations and trauma-informed treatment modalities for LGBTQ+ affirmative care.
Assessment
This module focuses on trauma-informed screening and assessment through a complex trauma lens, providing a comprehensive framework and tools to ultimately support treatment and service planning. Developed by Cassandra Kisiel, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Distinguish between trauma-informed screening and assessment. ・Understand the importance of using trauma-informed screening and assessment with children and families impacted by complex trauma. ・Describe how this screening and assessment framework is an essential part of services/intervention delivery with youth and families impacted by complex trauma. ・Outline key strategies and practice applications of trauma-informed assessment processes with youth, families, and providers.
Substance Use
There is a growing body of evidence indicating that exposure to traumatic events contributes to the development and perpetuation of addiction and substance use disorders. According to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, adolescents with PTSD are 4 times more likely than adolescents without PTSD to experience alcohol dependence, 6 times more likely to experience marijuana dependence, and 9 times more likely to experience hard drug dependence. As mental health professionals, it is imperative that we adopt an integrated, trauma-informed approach to uncover the root causes of substance use. Developed by Debra Ruisard, DSW Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe how trauma creates a vulnerability to addiction ・Be able to use case examples to illustrate trauma responses and survival strategies in clients with substance use disorders ・Articulate a broader understanding of addiction. ・Define substance use through a trauma lens. ・Describe the impact of trauma and substances on the nervous system. ・Differentiate between treatment that re-traumatizes vs. trauma-informed treatment. ・Describe integrated trauma/substance use treatment.
Provider Bias, Implicit Racism, White Privilege
This module covers how unconscious attitudes and various forms of social privilege can impact care. The course includes self-reflection opportunities and techniques for mitigating implicit bias in provider-client interactions. Developed by Nancy Nealious, Psy.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe the legacy of harm in healthcare. ・Define implicit bias and privilege. ・Define interpersonal, internalized and institutional racism ・Describe the revised social determinants of health framework ・Describe how implicit bias can show in our practice ・Differentiate between cultural competence and cultural humility ・Describe how to mitigate implicit bias in provider-client interactions
Treatment Model Selection
This training's purpose is to provide an overview of treatment models which are effective in the treatment of complex trauma for youth and adults. In addition to introducing various treatment models, the module will touch upon considerations for selecting treatment that is the best fit for a client and/or their family. Developed by Kaitlyn Wilson, LISCW Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe the importance or need of EBP for complex trauma survivors ・Describe caretaker and youth interventions (ARC, DDP, Real Life Heroes, SMART) ・Describe youth interventions (SPARCS, ITCT-C, ITCT-A) ・Describe interventions for youth and adults (EMDR-RDI, Seeking Safety, TARGET) ・Describe interventions for adults (AEDP, CBP, IFS, STAIR, MPE) ・Describe evidence-based models adapted for complex trauma (EMDR, TF-CBT) ・Describe emerging models (Biofeedback, TC TSY, MBSR, SE, SP) ・Describe complimentary models (Trauma Drama, Equine Facilitated) ・Describe considerations when selecting treatment (individual, cultural)
Schools and Learning
This module illustrates considerations specific to supporting students who have been impacted by complex trauma. Discussion will include how complex trauma can impact students’ ability to learn and manage triggers throughout the school day. Participants will then review the building-blocks of trauma-informed classrooms and practical strategies for reframing and effectively responding to challenging behaviors in the moment. Developed by Megan Prahin, LCSW, and Emily Neal, LCSW Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Understand a trauma-informed perspective of student behaviors. ・Recognize student trauma triggers. ・Explain effective interventions with challenging student behaviors.
Historical Trauma & Indigenous Healing
This module emphasizes the importance of culture on well-being and quality of life, and how history and context are part of the whole person and should be taken into account when looking to understand someone’s experience and behavior. The training describes historical trauma and its cumulative impact, and includes lessons that can be learned from indigenous communities about healing and resilience. Developed by LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff, Ph.D Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe land acknowledgement ・Describe being a good relative (stress response/trauma triggers, self-regulation/co-regulation/community care) ・Define historical and ancestral trauma ・Describe historical and ancestral wellness and cultural healing ・Describe healing-centered engagement
Parenting Strategies for Impacted Children
Exposure to traumatic events during a child’s formative years is associated with lifelong problems that not only disrupt their emotional, cognitive, and social development, but also puts them at risk for revictimization and chronic health issues. Early intervention is critical to mitigating these effects, and therefore parent/caregiver involvement is one of the most important components of complex trauma treatment. Caregivers play a central role in providing a safe context for child development by teaching children how to trust others, regulate their emotions, and develop positive self-concept. Supporting caregivers equips them with tools to effectively respond to a child’s distress, creating a path towards promoting the child’s developmental capacities. Developed by Margaret Blaustein, Ph.D., and Kristine Kinniburgh, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe how support for caregivers impacts child development. ・Explain the influence of trauma on family engagement. ・Describe the ongoing process of engagement. ・Identify the key targets of working with caregivers, including supporting caregiver regulation ・Cultivating positive relationships between caregivers and youth, and building effective responses to youth behavior
Intervention in Residential Settings
This module illustrates considerations specific to residential caregiving. Discussion will include complex trauma shows up in our milieus, how it impacts our philosophy of care, and how we can build shared language among staff and youth. Participants will then apply their understanding into an active practice model – the Safe Relational Container, and explore trauma-informed strategies guided by an action sequence of Calm, Connect, and Respond. Developed by Jeremy Karpen & Emily Neal, Mercy Home Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe how complex trauma manifests in the residential context ・Describe team-based therapeutic residential care ・Describe how complex trauma can interfere with youth development ・Describe how relational harm requires relational healing (well regulated/calm, connected and responsive/effective staff) ・Describe how effective staff responses can promote youth safety, emotional regulation, wellness, and resilience
Intervention in Juvenile Justice Settings
This module, designed specifically for non-clinicians, reviews the prevalence of complex trauma among justice-involved youth, and applies a trauma lens to “maladaptive” coping strategies such as aggression, substance use, and self-harm. The module includes a focus on identifying and addressing trauma triggers, as well as ways in which direct care staff can create a more trauma-informed environment for youth, and build upon youths' strengths. Developed by Mandy Habib, Psy.D. & Victor Labruna, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Define Complex Trauma and discuss the prevalence and impact of Complex Trauma on Youth who are Justice-Involved ・Apply a Complex Trauma Lens to understanding “maladaptive” (e.g. violent, criminal) behavior as “survival coping”, borne out of extensive exposure to ongoing and/or multiple types of trauma. ・Identify common trauma triggers for youth in juvenile justice settings, and assist youth in identifying and addressing their triggers ・Discuss characteristics of trauma-informed environments, including qualities and approaches needed to create trauma-informed programs, practices, and people.
Supporting Parents with Their Unresolved Trauma
This training addresses why past personal trauma and intergenerational trauma matter in parenting; we repeat that which is familiar. The module covers potential caregiving challenges for individuals who have had their own past trauma, and provides strategies for self-care and enhancing the parent-child connection. Developed by Jana Pressley, Psy.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe intergenerational and historical trauma and their effects. ・Discuss a range of functional and emotional challenges for caregivers with past complex trauma, including self-awareness, recognizing triggers and trauma reactions. ・Describe the role of self-regulation and co-regulation. ・Identify caregiver self-care approaches. ・Describe strategies caregivers can use to enhance connection with their children. ・Discuss behavior as a form of communication.
Youth Experiencing Homelessness
This module reviews common ACE's that often impact Young People Experiencing Homelessness and how these aggregate experiences frequently culminate in a Complex Trauma (CT) Profile. How social-cultural intersectional dynamics and an extensive history of oppressive structural inequalities factor into how young people may respond to the multiple systems (housing, education, vocation, American Legal System) and providers, is explored through the Social Ecological Model. The session includes an overview of how to incorporate the ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency) Framework for practice-based recommendations that may be helpful when providing care to this vulnerable but tremendously resilient population. There is a strong emphasis on unorthodox, low-barrier approaches that resonate with the spirit of "Personhood" rather than diagnostic labels and prescriptive treatment. Developed by Moises Rodriguez, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Identify enhanced trauma exposure risk factors and those impacting youth experiencing homelessness. ・Describe socio-cultural factors and their impact on homelessness. ・Explain the intersecting axes of privilege, domination, and oppression. ・Describe how numerous pathways lead to homelessness. ・Apply the Social Ecological Model for youth experiencing homelessness. ・Describe the relationship between youth system involvement and homelessness.
Immigrants and Refugees
This training explores the nature of complex traumatic stress disorders for immigrant and refugee families as they go through the process of migration. The module covers possible presentations in clinical settings as well as approaches for working with this population. Developed by Diya Kallivayalil, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Define and describe data on migration. ・Explain complex trauma exposure and its impact on immigrant and refugee families along with migration related stressors and the impact of prejudice and minority status. ・Describe best practices when working with immigrant and refugee families, including special considerations for working with children and adolescents ・Discuss secondary/vicarious trauma in working with this population.
Pharmacotherapy
This module discusses why diagnosis is important since the clinical presentation of complex trauma can lead to differential diagnoses. The management of those diagnoses may include different classes of psychotropic medications. Developed by Seeba Anam, MD Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe the clinical presentation of complex trauma and how it could lead to differential diagnoses ・Discuss why diagnosis is important ・Describe comorbidity in pediatric trauma ・Describe different classes of psychotropic medications and their uses, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, stimulants, antiadrenergic medications, antipsychotics, and sedatives/hypnotics
Early Intervention
This module addresses what complex trauma looks like in young children and how trauma can change the course of early childhood development. The training also covers treatment targets for young children and caregivers, and intervention strategies. Developed by y Kristin Mortenson, MS, LPC-S Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe complex trauma adaptation unique to young children, including developmental regression, sensory impact, and the impact on learning and/or social skill development. ・Discuss the importance of addressing relational safety. ・Address the importance of reflective practice in early childhood work. ・Discuss examples of trauma integration for a young child with the use of books, media, or play. ・Share engagement strategies to use with caregivers.
Neurobiology
This module establishes a foundational understanding of what is happening in the brain and body in response to a perceived threat. The way the brain and body respond to trauma is universal. This module helps participants identify when a neurobiological response has been activated, so we can better match our intervention approach in the moment. Developed by Hilary Hodgdon, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Describe basic information on brain circuits. ・Explain brain and body functioning during a traumatic event or when someone is triggered. ・Apply neurobiology to understand emotional and behavioral responses.
Clinical Decision-Making
This module explores the challenges that face providers during critical moments with clients who have experienced complex trauma. Key principles and tactics for handling these crises and preserving clients’ safety is explored in detail. Developed by Julian Ford, Ph.D. Participants who complete this module should be able to: ・Demonstrate appropriate treatment principles to a variety of challenging situations. ・Describe how to restore co-regulation when the client experiences extreme emotional/ behavioral dysregulation. ・Describe how to restore attachment security and integrated self-awareness when dissociative fragmentation occurs. ・Explain how to recognize and handle one’s own reactions, such as countertransference, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress.