Trauma Response & Recovery:
Principles and Techniques

"Trauma Response and Recovery: Principles and Techniques" training package consists of four day-long presentations by distinguished speakers Robyn Anderson-Turner, (Title) ADRC/Coventry House in Hartford, Julian Ford, Ph.D. of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Ken Hardy, Ph.D. at Syracuse University, and Ellen Nasper, Ph.D. of Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center.

This training provides mental health and substance abuse counselors and case managers with an advanced introduction to the clinical and scientific knowledge base essential to effective care. The goals are:

• To prepare clinicians to address the effects of acute and long-term traumatic stress
• To provide an understanding of effective psychosocial care for survivors of psychological trauma - in the context of mental health or addictions services
• To explain the nature and impact of trauma, including biological and psychosocial aspects
• To prepare clinicians to do screening, diagnosis, education, and support for men and women with severe mental illness, addictions, and co-occurring disorders
• To consider the issues of culture and gender in treatment

The first part of the package -- "Foundations of Trauma" -- focuses on the effects of trauma on body, mind, and spirit. Topics include the relationship of trauma to psychiatric and addiction disorders, myths, misconceptions and common questions about treatment and recovery, the effects of trauma on the brain, and the provider's role in trauma-informed services.

Next in the package is "Therapeutic Relationship: Trauma and Culture" which provides parameters of a multicultural, systematic approach to trauma-sensitive services. Issues of class, race, and gender and how they shape the provision of behavioral health care are addressed, as well as culturally competent ways of relating to clients.

Lastly, "Trauma Education Intervention" offers a 3-session model for brief treatment of survivors/bereaved persons in the first three months following exposure to trauma. The purpose of this training is to prepare clinicians to safely and effectively educate clients about the impact of trauma and to help clients begin to apply a set of 7 practical skills for coping with and reducing the adverse impact of acute post-traumatic stress reactions.

For those who complete this training, there is an additional opportunity for ongoing consultation: Online interactive case discussion and supervision provided by a clinical supervisor with expertise in treating trauma. Without leaving the agency, eligible staff can participate via the Internet in case conferences focused on trauma-related questions and concerns.

Copyright © 2007 CT Trauma Initiative.