050. Providing Trauma-informed Care in the Shadow of a Global Pandemic

Summary 

The COVID-19 pandemic and the cumulative trauma of the last few years have created a mental health crisis. The next wave of the pandemic will be one of mental health. Licensed mental health professionals will need to be prepared to provide specialized trauma-informed care for those they serve. During this intensive, a participant will be able to identify symptoms of trauma and how they manifest in a therapeutic setting. The participant will be able to learn how to assess and diagnose correctly for trauma and then apply appropriate treatment models. Furthermore, participants will obtain practical tools with creating a safe environment for a client who has experienced trauma and be introduced to “Story-informed Trauma Therapy” and how to implement a “Trauma Stewardship” plan. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Analyze the vast traumatic impact of the pandemic on children, adolescents, and adults 
2. Outline how trauma presents in the therapeutic setting 
3. Identify various types of trauma that impact individuals 
4. Develop assessment tools and expanded knowledge to appropriately diagnose PTSD 
5. Contrast different treatment concerns for trauma clients versus non-trauma clients 
6. Recognize specific ways to establish a safe therapeutic healing environment 
7. Outline administrative issues specific to trauma treatment 
8. Develop practical therapeutic tools for engaging clients around trauma 
9. Describe the “Story-informed Trauma Therapy” as an effective therapeutic model for trauma treatment 
10. Utilize a “Trauma Stewardship” plan to encourage therapeutic self-care for licensed mental health professionals