Conference Overview

The National Center for Trauma-Informed Care reports that “knowledge about the prevalence of trauma has grown to the point that it is now universally understood that almost all of those seeking services in the public health system have trauma histories”. 

How can mental health practitioners best respond to this tremendous challenge of how to effectively assess and treat trauma exposed children, adolescents and young adults in our communities? 

This conference will feature noted trauma expert, Dr. John Briere, who will describe a growth-oriented, non-pathologizing, developmentally informed approach to treating trauma disorders, especially complex post-traumatic disorders.  Dr. Briere advocates for the integration of both cognitive-behavioral and relational principles into effective trauma therapy.   In addition, leading practitioners will share their experience and challenges in delivering a variety of evidence-based trauma interventions such as Trauma-focused CBT; Seeking Safety; and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (CBITS).

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of the conference, participants will:

• Be informed about latest trauma research and theory
• Be able to describe the major impacts of early, repetitive and interpersonal maltreatment on children, adolescents and young adults
• Become knowledgeable about current trauma assessment and screening tools
• Be able to list the essential components of effective trauma treatment
• Learn about at least two evidence-supported, trauma specific interventions

Featuring

John Briere, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California.  He is also Director of the Psychological Trauma Program at the Department of Psychiatry, Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.  He has authored numerous books, publications, and psychological tests on trauma and interpersonal violence. More information can be found on www.JohnBriere.com.

Conference Workshops

Incorporating a Family’s Culture into Trauma-Focused CBT Interventions

This workshop will address how familial culture can be integrated into the specific strategies and interventions of the TF-CBT model in order to better engage the client and family system and increase investment. The presentation will include a brief review of the TF-CBT approach and relevant components. Case vignettes will be used for small groups to practice developing cultural formulations in their trauma work.

 Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS)

This workshop will review evidence-supported model for working with repeatedly traumatized male and/or female teens who often continue to live with high levels of stress.  Several therapeutic interventions addressing emotional regulation, self-perception and relationship development will be shared.  Experiential, interactive activities will be demonstrated.

 Seeking Safety: A Present-Focused Approach to Treating Trauma and Substance Abuse

This workshop will help clinicians understand how to integrate this structured model into everyday practice with their clients.  Seeking Safety is a manualized approach consisting of 25 treatment topics to help alleviate client symptoms and functional impairments.  The training will include brief demonstration of a session and small group exercises.

 Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) for TAY

This workshop will provide an overview of Trauma Systems Therapy and how its stage specific interventions can be adapted to effectively serve Transition Age Youth (ages 18 to 25).  Participants will learn about the newly proposed diagnostic category of Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) and how it is manifested in many young adult clients.  The relationship between gang-involved TAY and trauma will also be explored.

 An Integrative Trauma Approach for Adolescents and TAY

This workshop will provide the participant an understanding of how trauma presents itself with those that have been neglected and abused for much of their childhoods.  Treatment goals and interventions that work with this population will be discussed and practiced.  The participant will walk away knowing how to use “mindfulness” exercises effectively, how to handle crisis situations and most importantly how to instill hope in the recovery process.

Recovery-based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Traumatized Youth

Psychiatrist Brooke Goldner, M.D. is the Medical Director for The Village’s TAY Academy in Long Beach.  She has designed a unique approach to helping traumatized youth recover, analyzing the delays in social and cognitive development caused by trauma.  She will be teaching her techniques that allow the treatment team to truly meet TAY clients where they are, helping them recover and achieve a productive and satisfying life.

Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)

This workshop will help agencies and clinicians discuss implementation of CBITS and provide successful ways to increase school buy-in and parental involvement.  This interactive workshop will allow participants to share what has worked and challenges of implementing CBITS.  Participants will be able to gain strategies for implementing CBITS and improving outcomes of students who participate in treatment. 

Implementing the ARC Model in an Adolescent Residential Treatment Center

This workshop explores how implementing the ARC Model in an adolescent residential treatment facility is transforming the way staff perceive, and respond to, the residents’ behaviors and how its changing the way staff perceive themselves.  ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency) is a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach designed to effectively treat Traumatic Stress and foster resilience with adolescent residents.  Workshop participations will learn core ARC principles such as Attunement, Affect Identification and Modulation, and Self-Regulation Strategies.

Utilizing a Trauma-Informed approach to engage and treat LGBTQ Youth in the Child Welfare System

This workshop will present a trauma-informed clinical perspective of working effectively with LGBTQ youth referred throughout the child welfare system.  The workshop will provide a clinical rationale for clinicians, case-managers and caregivers to develop tolerance, understanding and sensitivity to LGBTQ youth and adopt a strength-based approach towards LGBTQ Youth.

Lessons Learned in Implementing Trauma-Informed Evidence Based Practices in Child Welfare

This panel presentation will address the challenges to successful implementation of EBPs with families involved in the Child Welfare system. The presentation will highlight the clinical, training and organizational factors important to ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of trauma-informed clinical practices. Particular attention will be paid to challenges specific to interfacing with the Child Welfare system and to adapting EBPs to address trauma related symptoms. The workshop will include a moderated panel of supervisors experienced in implementing EBPs.

Conference Fee and Payments

Registration will be available at the door after online registration ends. Seating is limited.  Checks will be accepted. 

For payments made by check, registration will not be guaranteed until payment is received.

Submit check payments made to:  SBHG,  Attention: Debbie Smith, 1501 Hughes Way, Ste 150, Long Beach, CA 90810.

Continuing Education

This conference qualifies for 6 Continuing Education Credits.  CEUs are provided by Star View Adolescent Center.

LCSW and MFT: Courses meet the qualifications for CEUs as required by the CA State Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Provider PCE 2783.

RN: Courses meet the qualifications for CEUs through the Board of Registered Nursing.  Provider CEP 12223.

Cancellations received by February 11, 2011 will be refunded less a $20 administrative charge. No refunds will be issued after this date or made for non-attendance.

Special Needs Request: If you need this catalog in an alternate format or require other special arrangements during the conference, please submit your request by 2/18/11.