Complex Forms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Presenter: Christine Courtois, Ph.D.

Length: 90 Minutes

Price: $15

In this Webinar: 

Complex posttraumatic conditions often develop in the aftermath of chronic cumulative trauma, particularly severe child abuse and neglect. It can also develop over the course of adulthood. The aim of this webinar is to provide clinicians with an increased understanding of the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions, drawing upon recent clinical writings and empirical findings. Topics to be covered include: types of trauma and complex trauma, variable adaptations to trauma, description of the diagnostic criteria for complex forms of PTSD and the dissociative disorders, treatment philosophy and treatment frame issues, sequenced treatment, and specific strategies and approaches, especially those directed towards affect regulation, ego-enhancement, symptom stabilization, and the maintenance of the client’s functioning. Treatment of various durations and intensities will be discussed. Attendees will be apprised of current advances in treatment as well as controversial issues. The importance of the therapeutic relationship to the treatment will be stressed, as will self-care of the therapist.

Learning Objectives:
Registrants will be able to:
1. Identify the aftereffects of chronic cumulative trauma (particularly during childhood) as a complex posttraumatic condition and will be able to identify criteria of this condition.
2. Gain an understanding of the philosophy and sequencing of treatment for complex posttraumatic conditions.
3. Identify a variety of treatment strategies and techniques for complex posttraumatic conditions.

Continuing Education Information

Optional CEs (3) may be purchased through R. Cassidy Seminars. You can earn your CEs by watching the webinar and completing an accompanying reading assignment. A link to purchase CE Credits will be included in the email containing all your webinar resources. More Info Here

About the Presenter

Christine Courtois, Ph.D. Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP is a Psychologist in independent practice in Washington, DC where she is the principal of Courtois & Associates, PC. She received her PhD from the University of Maryland in College Park, in 1979. Dr. Courtois is immediate Past-President of Division 56 (Psychological Trauma) of the American Psychological Association and has recently published a revision of Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy (2010, 1988) and Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders: An Evidence-Based Guide (2009) co-edited with Dr. Julian Ford. Her new book, The Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach, co-authored with Dr. Ford, will be published by Guilford later this year. She is currently co-editing another book with him on the treatment of complex traumatic stress disorders in children (Guilford) and co-editing a book with Drs. Donald Walker and Jamie Aten on trauma and spirituality (American Psychological Association Books) to be published in 2013. She has authored two other books, Recollections of Sexual Abuse: Treatment Principles and Guidelines (1999) and Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: A Workshop Model (1993). Dr. Courtois has published numerous articles and chapters on related topics. She is a Founding Associate Editor of the new APA Division 56 journal, Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, & Policy. She is Co-Founder (in 1990, with Joan Turkus, MD) of The CENTER: Posttraumatic Disorders Program, Washington, DC where she served as Clinical and Training Director for 16 years.

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