Professional Education Programs
Programs
Certificate Programs
ASSESSMENT & Treatment of Psychological Trauma
This semester long certificate program is designed to provide social workers and other mental health clinicians with an in-depth knowledge of the impact of psychological trauma on brain structure and function, as well as its effects on development, attachment and emotion regulation.
In addition to presenting recent research findings on how the mind and body respond to traumatic experiences, we will look at different theoretical approaches to treatment. Participants will learn about cutting edge treatment interventions for the various trauma disorders.
The emphasis of the program will be on acquiring the skills needed for effective treatment. The program will present a strengths based approach, incorporating phase oriented treatment and evidence based practice.
The curriculum includes an exploration of:
- The influences of childhood trauma on adult memory, affect regulation, and attachments
- Assessment of traumatic stress in adults and children
- The phase-oriented treatment model
- Understanding and treating complex trauma and dissociation
- Treating traumatic stress in children living in challenging social environments.
- Treatment of substance abuse and trauma
- Responding to urban and community violence.
- Skills for disaster response interventions
- Cross-cultural considerations in the treatment of refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.
- Vicarious traumatization in professional caretakers and strategies for self-care
Faculty:
Lorna McKenzie-Pollock, LICSW, Assistant Clinical Professor, BU School of Social Work, clinician in multi-cultural practice
Ellen DeVoe, PhD, Assistant Professor, BU School of Social Work
Luz Marilis Lopez, PhD, Assistant Professor, BU School of Social Work
Guest lecturers:
Heidi Ellis, PhD, Instructor in Psychiatry and Assistant in Psychology at Harvard Medical School/Children’s Hospital,co-author of Collaborative Treatment of Traumatized Children and Teens: The Trauma Systems Therapy Approach
Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine; clinical psychologist at the National Center for PTSD, author of Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse.
Format:
Classes meet on Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30 p.m. from September through December 2008.
Tuition: $850; 30 CECs
Deadline to apply: August 8, 2008
For those applying, please submit: (1) A completed application form; (2) A written statement from you that describes your current work and your personal goals and objectives as they relate to this program; (3) Your current resume including current required voluntary or paid work; and, (4) The $25 application fee (non-refundable).
