Identifying and Understanding Trauma Defense Mechanisms as one of the Root Cause of Substance Abuse and Relapse
Identifying and Understanding Trauma Defense Mechanisms as one of the Root Cause of Substance Abuse and Relapse
Presented By
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Elisa Hallerman, Ph.D., J.D.More Info
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Dates and Times
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-In-Person
Location
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Southern Hemisphere IIIWalt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The interplay between trauma defense systems and dissociation and freeze responses significantly contributes to the perpetuation of substance abuse and increases the risk of relapse. Neuroimaging research has revealed valuable insights into the impact of these defense mechanisms on successful psychotherapy or psychoeducation interventions. Without a proper trauma assessment, a thorough understanding of the differences between top trauma modalities and knowledge of what not to do with clients caught in a trauma defense response, we inadvertently fail to practice trauma-focused care.
Trauma treatment should be tailored to individual needs, preferences, and learning styles. After assessing a client’s complete narrative, a skilled therapist and mental-health practitioner will be able to determine the appropriate treatment modality. With respect to working with clients experiencing trauma-related freeze and dissociation, several evidence-based modalities will be explored, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, and others.
The five areas we will focus on are: slowing down treatment to observe for trauma defense mechanisms; learning to do a proper trauma-focused assessment utilizing case studies of collecting a narrative without triggering a client; understanding the do’s and don’ts of working with clients who are currently activated by freeze or dissociation; avoiding hasty misdiagnosis of both axis I and axis II; and building a referral resource of competent trauma-focused practitioners.
Scientific Basis or Research
In this presentation, attendees will be presented with research and resources that support the perspective emphasizing the importance of treating trauma and addiction concurrently. The following experts’ work, among others, will be highlighted: Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Judith Herman, MD, Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, Peter Levine, Richard Schwartz, PhD, Stephen Porges, PhD, and Pat Ogden, PhD.
A specific focus will be given to empirical evidence on trauma defense mechanisms, including dissociation, freeze response, feigning, and attachment cry for help. Dissociation, for example, disconnects individuals from their emotions, leading to an increased reliance on substances for temporary relief. Experts such as Colin A. Ross, MD, Onno van der Hart, PhD, Ellert R.S. Nijenhuis, PhD, Janina Fisher, PhD, and Christine A. Courtois, PhD, have written extensively on trauma-related disorders, including dissociative disorders, and their connection to substance abuse.
- • Counselor
- • Nurses
- • Physicians
- • Marriage & Family Therapist
- • Social Worker
- • Substance Use Disorder Professionals
- • Psychologist
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Explain how to properly refer clients to trauma focused practitioners or treatment facilities.
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List at least 3 key signs to assess if someone is in freeze or dissociating.
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Identify multiple symptoms that may appear including axis I and axis II mood and personality disorders, active addiction symptoms, and trauma symptoms.
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Bozzatello, P., Rocca, P., Baldassarri, L., Bosia, M., & Bellino, S. (2021). The role of trauma in early onset borderline personality disorder: A biopsychosocial perspective. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 721361. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.721361
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Brady, K. T., Back, S. E., & Coffey, S. F. (2004). Substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13(5), 206-209. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0963-7214.2004.00296.x
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Fellinger, M., Knasmüller, P., Kocsis-Bogar, K., Wippel, A., Fragner, L., Mairhofer, D., Hochgatterer, P., & Aigner, M. (2022). Adverse childhood experiences as risk factors for recurrent admissions in young psychiatric inpatients. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 988695. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.988695
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Najavits, L. M., Weiss, R. D., & Shaw, S. R. (1997). The link between substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder in women. The American Journal on Addictions, 6(4), 273-283. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.1997.tb00387.x
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Trusted Provider Network, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0220.
TPN.health is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #1000101) to sponsor continuing education for LPCCs. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LPCCs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and TPN.health. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 ANCC contact hours.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and TPN.health. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Professions in scope for this activity are listed below. Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163. Amedco LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Trusted Provider Network, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0097.
TPN.health is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #1000101) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
TPN.health, #1766, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 03/31/2022 – 03/31/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical continuing education credits. ASWB ACE Credit is not available in NY and NJ.
This course has been approved by TPN.health, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #198061, TPN.health is responsible for all aspects of the programming.This course has been approved by TPN.health, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #198061, TPN.health is responsible for all aspects of the programing. Counselor Skill Group: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Development
Trusted Provider Network is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Trusted Provider Network maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Trusted Provider Network, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0125.
TPN.health is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #1000101) to sponsor continuing education for LEPs. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
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Workshop Begins
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Workshop Ends