Working with the Long Limbs of Trauma: Tamworth NSW, 27th & 28th February 2019

CLINICAL TRAINING

Understanding the long limbs of trauma and its pervasive impact on brain function, impulsivity and behavioural dysfunction

Day One: How to work effectively with traumatised clients whilst minimizing Vicarious Traumatisation

CPD: 6 hours

Clinicians frequently find themselves working with clients who have histories of trauma. Experiences of developmental and recent trauma can make these clients challenging, unpredictable, and reactive to work with. Clinicians can find themselves surprised and overwhelmed at uncovering histories of trauma in “straightforward” clients, and can be unsure of a road map to guide assessment and treatment.

In addition, hearing traumatic stories often leads to burn out, stress and vicarious traumatisation in the health profession. Early stress and maltreatment results in structural and functional changes in brain development, and plays a significant role in impulsivity, and the emergence of psychiatric disorders and behavioural dysfunction.

Cutting edge research suggests that trauma primes the brain to be hypervigilant for threat, shuts down the area responsible for social engagement and leads to distinct neuroanatomical changes in perception. Research on mirror neurons suggests that the neurobiology of traumatised clients can trigger the same neurological processes within the professionals working with them, ergo vicarious trauma.

This workshop will outline recent research on the impact of trauma on brain function, social engagement and the neurobiology of trauma victims, as well as the triggering of neurological processes in professionals. The presenters aim to equip psychology and social work professionals to utilise a trauma lens when assessing clients, as well as through the development of strategies to work effectively in this arena.

Outcomes of the workshop: The Clinician will…

• Understand the impact of trauma on the brain and social engagement systems, and the way it interferes with professional and personal relationships.
• Be aware of the concept of neuroplasticity and its relationship to recovery from complex trauma
• Be equipped to detect trauma in clients and understand the need for provision of safety in all interactions
• Recognise trauma related behaviours in clients, and learn the skills to best manage these proactively.
• Understand vicarious trauma – recognise the effects of work with trauma victims on health professionals and organisations.
• Demonstrate skills to assist with stepping back, maintaining perspective, and containing the trauma.

Day 2: How to get past the trauma victim’s sense of shame and guilt and begin to reintegrate them into the world

CPD: 6 hours

During the day, the workshop will explore topics including :

• How to work with the trauma survivor’s pervasive sense of shame and guilt
• Managing self harm and tension reduction behaviours
• Dissociation, depersonalisation and derealisation – emergence, managing and resolution
• Reconnection and reintegration into the world post trauma

Refreshments

To reduce costs, there will be refreshments served at morning tea, but patrons are asked to provide their own lunch.

Before booking, please see our Terms & Conditions.

If your institution requires an invoice to be raised before booking, please email bookings@birchtreecentre.com.au.

If your institution requires an invoice to be raised before booking, please email bookings@birchtreecentre.com.au.