Care for Clients with Complex PTSD - 32 hours in-person (summer school)
- Neurobiology and neuroscience of complex trauma and dissociation.
- Advanced knowledge of scientific findings and applicability of the Polyvagal Theory according to Porges.
- Neuroplasticity and neuronal networks
- Psychopharmacology - specific to trauma.
- Traumatic or disorganized attachments.
- Styles/strategies/phases of attachment formation.
- Symptoms of attachment-related trauma.
- Insecure primary attachment.
- Neglect.
- Dissociation ("fragmentation") and working with parts of the self.
- Adaptation to complex trauma and/or management of comorbidities including extreme symptoms: self-harm, suicide, dissociation, numbing, addictions, eating disorders, chronic, unresolved depression, hyper/hypo sexuality, rage attacks.
- Reframing symptoms (sources for survival; appreciating the protective function of trauma symptoms).
- Therapist's reactions and management of the therapeutic process.
- Redefinition of countertransference (exploring parts of the therapist that may be activated when working with clients with complex trauma).
- Therapeutic boundaries.
- Self-care for the therapist.
- Phase-oriented rehabilitation:
- Phase I: Safety and stabilization (development of therapeutic relationship), skill-building (mindfulness, emotional regulation,...) to bring the client back into the window of tolerance.
- Phase II: Remembrance and mourning.
- Phase III: Reconnection and integration.
- Options for reimbursement of rehabilitation from health insurance funds - psychiatric nurse procedures.
- Homeostatic Rehabilitation from Stress and Trauma (HRST).
- Overview of complex PTSD treatment studies and comorbid populations (Randomized controlled studies in patients with PTSD after childhood trauma and patients with PTSD and comorbid disorders such as psychosis, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder).
- Integration of trauma-focused treatment into a comprehensive care plan, also considering common difficulties in patients with complex PTSD (e.g., emotional dysregulation, relationships with others, dissociation, self-concept, vulnerability).
- Methodology of HRST:
- Homeostatic model of mental health.
- Homeostatic system, allostatic imbalance, and impact on the neurobiological effects of stress and trauma.
- Techniques and skills aimed at reducing stress levels and improving sleep.
- The importance of interpersonal relationships in stress and trauma rehabilitation.
- The role of nutrition in restoring and maintaining homeostasis.
- Physical activity as a modulator of homeostasis.
- Special methods to support rehabilitation (dietary supplements, medicinal cannabis, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, neurofeedback, transcutaneous vagal stimulation, rTMS...).