Description
Complex trauma survivors (e.g., adult survivors of child abuse, intimate partner violence,
torture, kidnapping, sex trafficking victims) present unique counseling challenges. In this
workshop, the following will be discussed: three-phased treatment, safety, therapeutic
boundaries, symptom management, trauma processing, spiritual issues, and working with the
local church. Special attention will be given to using clients?۪ dissociative abilities for symptom
containment throughout the process.
Presented by: Heather Gingrich, Ph.D.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Distinguish between PTSD and more complex trauma reactions
- Clinically manage post-traumatic and dissociative symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, terror, memory gaps, and physical pain
- Identify common spiritual issues for survivors of complex trauma, and learn how to utilize spiritual resources, church support, and lay helpers in the healing process
