Practical Tools for Treating Trauma

Presenter: Barbara Melton, M.Ed., LPC, LAC, NCC, MAC, CS

This workshop will begin by focusing on defining trauma and examining the section of the DSM-5 on Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders, with some attention to differential diagnosis and the different criterion for diagnosing children vs. adults with PTSD. Assessment instruments which are in public domain will also be provided. We will discuss prevalence and etiology and practical evidence-based methods for treating trauma, including in crisis situations. We will discuss strategies such as anchoring/grounding techniques, systematic desensitization, The Counting Method, de-mystification and identification of triggers, guided imagery, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring in dreamwork, cognitive behavior therapy, and interoceptive exercises. We will also cover how to offer trauma-informed care in a clinical atmosphere and how to tailor treatment modalities to different populations with an emphasis on crisis management/crisis situations, rape victims, military and their families, accident victims, survivors of childhood physical/sexual abuse, and…