This course will provide an overview of perspectives and approaches in the delivery of trauma treatment. Research findings and theories on traumatic stress will be presented from comprehensive neurobiological, sociocultural, and ecological perspectives. The roles of mental health clinicians in evaluating and treating disorders of traumatic stress will be examined, as well as approaches to address common challenges related to working with traumatized clients. Various types of trauma and common presentations and issues among trauma survivors will be covered, with attention to special considerations in treating specific trauma populations, including immigrants and homicide survivors. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from a trauma perspective will also be discussed, including the effects on individuals who contracted the virus, those who have lost loved ones, and mental health and health professionals, and approaches for working with these groups will be presented. Attendees will not only gain a deeper understanding of the etiology and correlates of traumatic stress, but will leave with essential skills to integrate into their clinical practice. A range of treatment approaches for traumatic stress will be reviewed, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), mindfulness, and group modalities. This course will also explore the phenomena of attachment/relational experiences and shame, as related to trauma. In addition, the impact on practitioners of treating patients who have experienced trauma (including COVID-related trauma) on practitioners will also be examined, with strategies provided to promote clinicians’ effective clinical practice and resilience, and reduce the likelihood and impact of secondary traumatic stress. This course is intended for mental health and health practitioners, as well as healthcare administrators, policy creators, and others interested in the treatment of traumatic stress. We will use live streaming, electronic Q & A, and other remote learning technologies.

Hosted by Cambridge Health Alliance Physicians Organization/Continuing Education Division for 14 CEs online. For more info, visit CME's website.