Course Outline
Part I: Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD) Clinical Treatment
Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT
Module 1 | Assessment & Diagnosis
Module 2 | Neurobiology of C-PTSD
Module 3 | The Damage of C-PTSD
Module 4 | Interventions From the Most Effective Approaches
- Hallmark must-know symptoms
- Diagnostic clarification and differential diagnosis
- Key contributing factors of C-PTSD
Module 2 | Neurobiology of C-PTSD
- Functional Polyvagal Theory
- 6 Stages of trauma response
- Heart Rate Variability and the Social Nervous System
- Utilizing Interpersonal Neurobiology
- Psychobiological regulation
- Implications of ACES
- Neuroplasticity & Trauma
Module 3 | The Damage of C-PTSD
- Intrusive symptoms and anxiety
- Counter emotional dysregulation
- Avoidance symptoms and phobic reactions
- Recover clients from dissociation
- Dispute cognitive distortions
- Link to physical health & somatic problems
- Deactivate preverbal and nonverbal memories
- Resolve shame-driven pain
Module 4 | Interventions From the Most Effective Approaches
- Psychodynamic and Relational Theories
- Polyvagal Theory
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR
- Somatic Psychology
- Parts Work
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Module 5 | Best Integrative Interventions
Module 6 | Best Experiential Interventions
Module 7 | Create Post-Traumatic Growth
Module 8 | Self-Care for Improved Outcomes
- Use a biopsychosocial approach
- Recognize attachment injuries
- Facilitate the healing of transgenerational trauma
- Identify parts, ego states & defenses
- Mutual regulation and relational repair
- Prepare for trauma processing
- Integrate grief work into treatment
- Make long-lasting positive change
Module 6 | Best Experiential Interventions
- Conscious breathing for self-regulation
- Grounding and sensory awareness
- Containment: Reclaim choice & control
- Build imaginal allies
- Cultivate mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion
- Somatic interventions: Titration, sequencing, and somatic re-patterning
- Bilateral stimulation and dual attention
Module 7 | Create Post-Traumatic Growth
- The 6 Pillars of Resilience
- Resilience as a process and outcome
- Move clients from learned helplessness to optimism
- Encourage Post-Traumatic Growth
Module 8 | Self-Care for Improved Outcomes
- Identify resources that improve your clinical skills
- In-session self-care to improve focus
- Burnout prevention techniques
Part II: EMDR and Parts Work for Trauma
Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT
Module 1 | Neurobiology of PTSD
Module 2 | Assessment and Case Conceptualization
- Nuances of stress, trauma, and complex PTSD
- Impact of dissociation
- Interpersonal neurobiology, somatic psychology, and social engagement
- Polyvagal theory
- Skills: Spacious, Relational Awareness & Co-Regulation
Module 2 | Assessment and Case Conceptualization
- Identify chronic, repeated, developmental and sociocultural trauma
- Overcoming betrayal trauma
- Assess for dissociation ("fragmentation")
- How parts, ego states and defenses create walls to change
- Compassionate strategies for "Resistant" clients
- Move from shame to empowerment
- Skills: Understand emotional dysregulation as a 'part,' connect to the adult self, differentiating from a part
Module 3 | Modified EMDR and Parts Work for Complex PTSD
- The 8 phases of EMDR therapy
- Neural networks and “encapsulated” ego states
- Bilateral stimulation and dual attention in EMDR therapy
- Modified EMDR therapy protocols
- Preparation for trauma reprocessing
- Cultivate mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion
- Skills: Choice and containment, build allies for a part of self, facilitate repair scenarios, reprocess a traumatic memory, positive state installation
- Cultivate Post-Traumatic Growth and Healing
- Trauma recovery and the bell curve
- Resilience as a process and an outcome
- Move from learned helplessness to learned optimism
- Skills: Create your resilience recipe
Part III: CPT, Pharmacology & Advanced Dissociation Treatment
The Keys Behind How Cognitive Processing Heals PTSD
Kathleen M. Chard, PhD
- Apply the most effective elements of CPT
- Break myths about PTSD recovery & treatment
- Take the 3 keys that help clients overcome stuck points
A Therapist's Guide to the Pharmacology of Trauma and Dissociation
Frank Anderson, MD
- Integrate new research on neurotransmitters, medications, and side effects
- Explore the complex relationship between hormones and PTSD
- Understand how and why atypical anti-psychotics can help with dissociation, and more!
Advances in Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation
Kathy Steele, MN, CS
- Break dissociative attachment cycles
- Identify and dismantle phobias that maintain trauma-related dissociation
- Use parts work to improve therapeutic relationship for client stability
