Introduction to Complex Trauma: Symptoms, Diagnoses and Next Steps
$45.00
According to the National Institutes of Health “Complex PTSD’ was originally conceptualized in 1992 to describe complex behavioral conditions in survivors of prolonged or multiple trauma, and entails changes in affect regulation, consciousness, self-perception, and relationships with others, among other symptoms.” Complex trauma can result in many symptoms that are persistent, pervasive, and difficult to treat. Complex trauma has an impact on client’s social, work-related, and familial areas of functioning that can leave people without support and safety nets that are integral in recovery. This training will provide a closer examination of how CPTSD differs from PTSD and how to address those differences in therapy.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:
- Determine the symptoms that define CPTSD
- Educate clients about the impact of CPTSD on their lives
- Use skills to help clients with in-the-moment symptoms of CPTSD
- Provide information about resources that can help with the long-term symptoms of CPTSD
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Clinical and Trauma continuing education training.
Course Instructor: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW
Recording Date: 8/31/2024
Recorded Live Webinar with downloadable presentation slides and/or handouts, evaluation, and a required quiz. The learner is required to pass with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test until a satisfactory score is achieved. CE Training Workshops, LLC, provider #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/2/2022 – 8/2/2025. CE Training Workshops, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device. For more information about our policies and board approval statements, please visit our FAQS page.
Stacy Blankenship, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapist completing her training at The Linehan Institute in 2015.
Introduction to Complex Trauma: Symptoms, Diagnoses and Next Steps (3 HR)
I. Defining Trauma and PTSD
- Trauma involves overwhelming events threatening safety or wellbeing
- PTSD core symptoms: re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, negative cognition changes
- Types of PTSD: acute, chronic, delayed-onset, comorbid, dissociative, and uncomplicated
II. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Characteristics
- Results from prolonged interpersonal trauma (e.g., abuse, captivity)
- Includes all PTSD symptoms plus affective dysregulation and self-perception changes
- High psychiatric burden and reduced psychological well-being
- Not currently in DSM-5 but gaining clinical recognition
III. Symptom Profiles of C-PTSD
- Emotional: rage, shame, suicidal ideation, emotional numbness
- Cognitive: dissociation, negative self-image, distorted perpetrator perception
- Relational: distrust, relationship instability, loss of meaning or faith
- High comorbidity with BPD and overlapping symptoms
IV. Talking with Clients About C-PTSD
- Use assessments: CAPS-5, PCL-5, PHQ-9
- Normalize symptoms as adaptive survival responses
- Explain brain-body trauma impact using neuroscience-informed psychoeducation
- Validate client experiences and emotional states
V. In-the-Moment Coping Techniques
- Grounding tools: HALT, STOPP, TIPPS, self-EMDR, tapping, stretching, sensory input
- Havening Touch and soothing practices to activate the parasympathetic system
- Behavior chain analysis for identifying triggers, urges, and consequences
VI. Short-Term Skills for Managing Dysregulation
- Use emotion regulation tools to manage flashbacks and shutdowns
- Identify vulnerabilities and reinforce skills to reduce self-destructive behavior
- Encourage self-compassion and reflect on secondary gains of maladaptive patterns
VII. Long-Term Treatment Approaches
- TF-CBT, DBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems
- MBCT and mindfulness-based interventions for relapse prevention
- Art, music, and equine-assisted therapies for non-verbal processing
VIII. Medical and Emerging Interventions
- Ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin-assisted therapies in clinical trials
- Neurofeedback, TMS, vagus nerve stimulation, and stellate ganglion block
- CBD, oxytocin, and VR-enhanced therapy as future directions
IX. Holistic and Integrative Techniques
- Mind-body practices: yoga, Tai Chi, breathwork, craniosacral therapy
- Nature-based therapies and ecotherapy to reduce arousal
- Complementary supports: massage, acupuncture, somatic healing
X. Ongoing Resources and Support Tools
- Recommended apps: PTSD Coach, Calm, Insight Timer
- Peer communities: Reddit r/CPTSD, MyPTSD, NAMI, ISSTD
- Workbooks and literature: The Body Keeps the Score, Complex PTSD Workbook
- Educational hubs: Trauma Research Foundation, Sidran Institute
