Workshop: Treating complex PTSD

 

Presentation/workshop training title

Treatment of Complex PTSD

From a clinical point of view, there are a number of challenges when treating patients with Complex PTSD including client fears in confronting their memories and emotions, the possibility of severe abreactions, dissociative reactions that may limit access to trauma memories, the possibility that SUD levels do not decline, and that cognitive distortions (e.g. guilt) do not shift. In addition, other issues (e.g., regarding self-concept and improvement of relationships) often need concurrent clinical work.

Both scientific research and clinical experiences of the presenters with almost 6000 patients who received intensive immediate trauma-focused treatment for severe PTSD in their treatment clinics have contributed to the development of a wide array of powerful treatment strategies for individuals of this target group.

The purpose of this this engaging workshop is to teach the participants effective approaches and treatment techniques to deal with individuals with Complex PTSD, including dissociation. This will be illustrated by video segments of treatment sessions using trauma-focused treatment with patients suffering from Complex PTSD. The workshop contains various case presentations while many video segments of treatment sessions with a wide range of individuals suffering from Complex PTSD will be shown. Some techniques will be demonstrated live and participants will be given opportunities and guidance to practice with the new material.

 

2. Learning objectives

- Making use of state-of-the-art knowledge about Complex PTSD

- Being capable of using evidence based, trauma-focused treatment strategies for individuals with severe and complex PTSD

- Being able to deal with dissociation (i.e., preventing dissociation by treating affect phobia and dealing with dissociation during the session)

 

3. Content

Participants will be informed about Complex PTSD and the treatment of this condition using trauma-focused therapy and will watch a variety of video clips showing parts of the treatment, potential complications and examples as to how to deal with this type of difficulties.

 

4. Time schedule (optional)

• 09:00 am – 10:00 am: What is Complex PTSD
• 10:00 am - 10:30 am: Overview of scientific research and implications for treatment
• 10:30 am - 10:40 am: Break
• 10:40 am - 11:30 am: An intensive treatment program
• 11:30 am – 12:30 am: Case conceptualization
• 12:30 am - 12:45 pm: Dissociation
• 12:45 pm - 13:30 pm: Lunchbreak
• 13:30 pm - 14:30 pm: Treatment strategies #1
• 14:30 pm - 14:50 pm: Break
• 14:50 pm - 15:30 pm: Practicum
• 15:30 pm - 16:00 pm: The use of cognitive interweaves