Mountain Plains Mental Heath Technology Transfer Center Logo
Integrating a trauma informed approach in behavioral health settings

Over the past 20 years, a growing understanding of the pervasive and harmful impact of traumatic events on individuals, families and communities has led to the emergence of research on the effects of trauma and treatment strategies to address mental health. According to SAMSHA, trauma is a widespread, harmful and costly public health problem, occurring as a result of violence, abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war and other emotionally harmful experiences. While many people who experience a traumatic event do not have lasting negative effects, others experience more difficulty with traumatic stress reactions. Emerging research has documented the relationships among exposure to traumatic events, impaired neurodevelopmental and immune systems responses and subsequent health risk behaviors resulting in chronic physical or behavioral health disorders. Studies in the criminal justice and child welfare systems reveal high rates of mental health. There are no boundaries when it comes to trauma with regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geography or sexual orientation.

This 7-week online learning series will increase the skill level of behavioral health professionals to define and recognize trauma in individuals. Practitioners who are able to help participants manage their symptoms using a strength-based approach minimize the retraumatization and provide supports that are trauma informed.

WHEN:

Every Tuesday, November 3 – December 15, 2020 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM Mountain/1:00 – 2:30 PM Central

OBJECTIVES:

  • Describe the core components of trauma
  • Identify initial and ongoing reactions to trauma
  • Describe the effects of trauma on learning
  • Outline the Polyvagal Theory to conceptualize trauma
  • Identify the key principles of a trauma informed approach for treating mental health disorders using DSM 5 criteria
  • Review common experiences that produce traumatic impact and posttraumatic growth
  • Review the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal Ideation
  • Discuss treatment planning for trauma using strength-based approaches

PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS:

  • Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on Tuesday, November 3 at 12:00 pm Mountain/11:00 pm Central
  • Commit to 6-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly on scheduled series days/times and complete 1-hour of weekly learning activities
  • Access to appropriate technology to utilize online videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, built-in or USB webcam, computer/tablet, built-in/USB/Bluetooth speakers and microphone)
  • Be prepared and actively engage while on camera during the scheduled series time

FACILITATOR:

  • Kate Speck, PhD, MAC, LADC

THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE

Registration for this series is limited to 35 providers who work in Region 8 states on a first come first served basis (Region 8 includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). Once the 35 spots have been filled, registration will be closed. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full requirements, please defer this opportunity to others.

Note: Registrants enrolled in this series are required to attend the orientation and Week 1 sessions. If you cannot attend these sessions, you will forfeit your attendance. In addition, it is expected that participants will have access to the appropriate technology by November 17 to be able fully participate and be on camera during the session. This is not a webinar series and active participation is required to gain/improve skills.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

The series has been approved for a total of 16 contact hours (15-hours content instruction and 1-hour orientation session). No credit will be awarded for non-attendance or partial attendance. The knowledge and skills learned should be applied within the framework of any applicable Operating and/or Credentialing regulations in your State of practice.

QUESTIONS:

Please contact MPMHTTC coordinator Trisha Dudkowski at tdudkowski@casat.org or by phone at 775-784-6265 or 866-617-2816 (toll-free).

ACCESSIBILITY:

If any accommodations are needed, please contact Trisha Dudkowski at tdudkowski@casat.org or by phone at 775-784-6265. Requests should be made as soon as possible and preferably at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event.