Foundations in Complex Trauma and Dissociation -- a 10 Month Course Series

Meets Monthly from 1PM - 3PM Eastern (1st Wednesdays), Starting September 6th, 2023

20 CEs requested from CE-Classes

Instructors: Reg Morrow Robinson & Bill Brislin

Skill Level: Intermediate

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About this Course:

Foundations in Complex Trauma and Dissociation is a 10-month course designed for any therapist who wants to develop more expertise in working with highly traumatized clients. Complex cases often pose significant clinical challenges: specialized education and consultation can help you overcome common obstacles while developing competence in this arena.

Foundations will be delivered in a hybrid format. We will mix on-demand lectures and assigned reading with monthly zoom meetings where you’ll engage with your colleagues in focused discussion, informal case consultation, and guided practice activities. Reg Morrow Robinson and Bill Brislin will provide structure and support while helping you integrate key concepts and implement best practices with clients. The 10 month schedule should allow you see a real evolution in your practice; giving ample time to test, refine, and "own" new skills.

While the course material is complementary to EMDR and other evidence-based trauma approaches, this course is not EMDR-focused and previous EMDR training is not required.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the role of non-realization in the experience of persons with dissociative disorders.

2. List three action systems around which dissociative parts may be organized.

3. Describe appropriate therapeutic boundaries.

4. Identify three characteristics of a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

5. Identify two instruments for the diagnosis of dissociative disorders.

6. Differentiate OSDD from DID.

7. List three characteristics of recovered memories.

8. List 3 phases of attachment-based intervention.

9. Explain the role of phobic avoidance in maintaining dissociative processes.

10. Explain the relationship of childhood disorganized attachment and maltreatment to the emergence of dissociation in adults.

11. Utilize the capacities of adult parts in mediating the problems associated with child parts.

12. Identify two approaches useful in relieving pathological shame.

13. Explain how hostile or angry parts can evolve into helpful co-therapists.

14. Describe how dissociative alters are created.

15. Identify two functions of unsafe behaviors.

16. Describe the relationship between shame and dissociation

17. Describe one method for desensitization of memories and fusion of parts with dissociative clients.

18. Explain the role of integrative capacity in posttraumatic growth vs. identification with preparator for childhood abuse survivors.

19. Explain the concept of synthesis in the treatment of dissociative disorders.

20. Identify three ways to increase integrative capacity.

How this Course Works:

Upon registration, you'll have access to our Learning Management System, where you'll enter your course and find "lessons" containing assignments, videos, and objectives for each month.

Prior to each class:

Introductory Video – Approximately 30-minutes in length, this video by Reg or Bill will provide an introduction to the concepts presented in this month’s reading. Watch the video anytime prior to the meeting.
Read Assigned Chapters – The text for the assigned readings will be “ Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Practical, Integrative Approach” by Kathy Steele, Suzette Boon, and Onno van see Hart. The assigned chapters are specified in each module and are to be read prior to the meeting. If you ever find yourself getting lost or overwhelmed, notice the “Core Concept” boxes strategically placed throughout every chapter. These will help you get your footing!
Discussion Board – Every module has its own topic so that you and your colleagues can share "lightbulb moments," ask questions, and discuss concepts in between meetings.

Monthly Zoom Meeting Structure:

Introductions/Announcements – The first meeting will include introductions. We’ll use a few minutes at the beginning for any inportant information sharing.
Discussion of video/reading – The bulk of the “class time” will be spent in conversation regarding concepts presented in the text and it’s applicability to your own cases. Think about your cases as you are reading to bring questions, insights, and seek clarification from the group.
Integration activity – We’ll try to allow about 30-minutes for some type of interactive activity – something to develop skills without stressing anyone out! Depending on the activity and the size of the group, we may divide into breakout groups for this portion.

Requirements for Participation:

This is a closed group with two instructors. The group members will currently be treating clients. Prior training in dissociation is not required. Members are committed to attending ten meetings, studying the required text, viewing on-demand lectures, and discussing cases.

Cost:

$1100 for the package of 10 sessions.

Partial Payment Option: Select "Deposit" option to pay $500 at time of registration, and the remainder two weeks prior to the first class.

One half-price scholarship is available to a minority therapist working in a primarily minority setting.

Optional CEs are available for an extra $45.

Meet Your Instructors:

Reg Morrow Robinson, Ed.S., LMHC, LMFT, NCC

During her 30+ years of practice, Reg has delighted in working with other therapists to create a more resilient and connected community.

Reg is expert trauma therapist and her teaching and publishing focuses on helping clinicians develop basic to advanced skills for working with all levels of trauma, including Complex PTSD and structural dissociation.

Reg trained in EMDR in 1995 and completed rigorous EMDR Trainer Training with Dr. Francine Shapiro in 2008. She went on to become an EMDR Institute Trainer before co-founding Connect Training + Consulting. Reg has helped healing professionals across the country master EMDR Therapy through her work as an EMDRIA Approved Basic Trainer, Recent & Group Traumatic Episode (R-TEP/G-TEP) Trainer, EMDRIA Consultant, and Greater Orlando EMDRIA Regional Network Co-Coordinator.

Reg has been active in AAMFT nationally and locally since graduate school, serving as president of both her student MFT group and the local Orlando, Florida chapter. She now maintains a virtual practice in Cape Canaveral, FL focusing on individuals and couples recovering from trauma and helping to strengthen relationships.

Bill Brislin, MA, LMHC, NCC

Originally from Pennsylvania, Bill has been a therapist in Orlando, Florida for over thirty years. He has a special interest in complex trauma and dissociation which began during his fifteen years as a therapist in an AIDS support agency. Along with Reg Morrow, he facilitates an advanced complex trauma consultation group which is open to distance learners. He offers advanced trainings in working with Anxiety and with Dissociation as an EMDR Therapist.

Bill is an EMDRIA-Approved Basic Trainer and Consultant as well as an EMDR R-TEP/G-TEP trainer. Philosophically grounded in the humanistic tradition, he focuses on teaching and delivering evidence-based trauma treatment with great attention to attachment injury and early life trauma.

ADA Assistance

Our in-person trainings are held in facilities that are in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Please contact Claire at Claire@ConnectEMDR.com or (407) 970-7915 if accommodation is required for this online training.

Statement of Proactive Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

Connect welcomes trainees and consultees from all cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual and gender orientations. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all trainees and consultees, including Black People, People of Color, Indigenous People, and LGBTQ People. We pledge to proactively address issues of cultural competence and culturally-based trauma during every phase of professional development.

Attendance Requirement

Participants must attend all live sessions and complete all course steps in order to receive a certificate of completion for their training. Those who attend this workshop in full and complete all the appropriate evaluation forms are eligible to receive CE credits if they have paid for them.

CE Provider Information:

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Grievances:

Connect seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to

info@ConnectEMDR.com Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.

There is no known conflict of interest nor commercial support for this program.

Foundations in Complex Trauma and Dissociation (September 2023 - June 2024)