Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, is a psychologist and expert in the field of trauma. Dr. Courtois has authored numerous books including Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders: An Evidence-Based Guide (2009), Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy (2010, 1988), and The Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach (2012). She is Co-Founder of The CENTER: Posttraumatic Disorders Program, Washington, DC where she served as Clinical and Training Director for 16 years and Past-President of Division 56 (Psychological Trauma) of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Courtois has an independent practice in Washington, DC where she is the principal of Courtois & Associates, PC.
Dr. Christine Courtois draws upon her expertise in the field of trauma to discuss a variety of trauma related topics. She begins by talking about her work with survivors of childhood trauma, including the roles of attachment and dissociation. Dr. Courtois discusses the concept of the ‘Critical Inner Voice’ and Voice Therapy. She addresses how families can be a source of trauma, citing that statistically speaking “the most dangerous people to children are their intimates.” Dr. Courtois places an important emphasis on the extent to which individuals often minimize complex trauma, essentially saying of their abuse “Aw, it wasn’t so bad.” She discusses trauma bonding, repetition of trauma, and the treatment of violent individuals. Finally, Dr. Courtois offers some optimal parenting strategies “to promote the child’s self esteem” including building resilience and repairing negative experiences so that the child feels responded to and cared about.
