Somatization of Trauma: Helping our Body Heal from Trauma (2HR)

Somatic symptoms are common for clients who have PTSD, depression, and anxiety  They are common physical manifestations of traumatic symptoms and can include physical pain, gastrointestinal complaints, and sexual dysfunction. For clinicians, treating clients for somatic symptoms can be challenging. Firstly, clients experience genuine physical discomfort, creating a therapeutic alliance while somatization is a delicate balance. Secondly, because of the mind-body connection, traumatized, depressed, and anxious people are more vulnerable to physical illness, and differentiating between chronic illness and somatic symptoms is challenging. Strategies to understand, engage, and treat clients will be provided to understand clients with somatic complaints better.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify what somatization is, how it manifests itself in clients across their lifespans, how it relates to the mind-body connection, and how it manifests itself in clients with psychological stressors.
• Determine the various disorders that result in somatization, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety (especially illness-related anxiety), somatization disorder, and conversion disorder.
• Identify psychotherapeutic strategies to work with clients who have somatic complaints that help preserve the therapeutic relationship and advance the well-being of clients.

Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Trauma, Evidence-Based Practices, Clinical, and General Skill Building continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Dr. Jillian Graves, LCSW, Ph.D.