OVERVIEW

The course focuses on the psychophysiology of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and strategies for healing. Establishing a broad definition of trauma and shock and how they impact on the body, we will look at trauma first as a common human experience in which our resources are “overwhelmed“. 

To varying degrees, this causes us to lose connection with the natural and spontaneous flow of life in us and around us. Secondly, we will look at trauma in its more acute form, as caused by a life-threatening (or perceived-as-life-threatening) event such as a road traffic accident (RTA).

Thirdly, the effects of prolonged trauma such as childhood abuse. You will become acquainted with the theories of Peter Levine and Babette Rothschild and the psychophysiological base of trauma: fight/flight and freeze reactions, how trauma stored in the body can lead to the symptoms of PTSD as defined in the DSM-IV, and the theory and practice of working with it.

Developing a working knowledge of the Psychophysiology of Trauma and Shock: the phenomena of dissociation and re-association, divisions of the brain, Autonomous Nervous System, and why humans are traumatised where animals are able to return to their natural (pre-trauma) state.

The Relational Aspect of working with trauma: (early) childhood trauma, in particular, is caused by damaged or fragmented relationships, and can only be healed within the context of a safe relationship.  For this reason, there will be a strong emphasis on learning the skills of establishing a safe working relationship.

Working with the Body: deepening our therapy skills of working with our own body in relationship to the client and developing awareness of body sensations as a source of information for both client and therapist.

Energy Psychology: using the tools of TFT (Thought Field Therapy) and EFT (Emotional Freedom Therapy), this section focuses on the energetic aspect of Trauma. Working with energy meridians, and clearing neural pathways in the brain, these are very helpful tools that often produce immediate and long-lasting relief of trauma symptoms.

In addition there will be a fourth module for case discussion and supervision to integrate theory and practice this will take place two months after the third module.

TUTORS

Julie Hewson Director of the Iron Mill Institute, BA (Hons) Post Graduate, Cert Ed Dip SW, CQSW, TSTA, CTA, BACP Registered Supervisor, registered with UKCP. Trainer and Supervisor for the European Association of Supervision.

Romeck van Zeijl Adv Dip Int Psychotherapy Cert Sup. Dip Holistic Bodywork

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Completion of Advanced Diploma in Counselling and / or completion of 3 years Psychotherapy training.

COURSE DURATION / FORMAT

4 weekends. 10am to 5pm both days

CONTENT

The first module will include an introduction to the etiology of trauma and an introduction to the work of Levine, Rothschilds and the whole sphere of mindfulness in the process of returning home to oneself after being shattered/ dissociated by a traumatic events or series of events.
This will also include some work on Logosynthesis, a new methodology developed by Willem Lammers.

The second module will primarily focus on a series of techniques and exercises calling on mindfulness practice and other ways of enabling the client to recover their resourced states of being.

The Third module will introduce meridian based therapies and techniques, This will also include some work on Logosynthesis, a new methodology developed by Willem Lammers.

The fourth module will be a based on reflective practice.

COURSE AIMS

• To enable candidates to understand the nature of PTSD
• To assess the actual elements of the PTSD
• To develop a range of effective interventions to treat PTSD

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course it is intended that candidates will have:

• An understanding of the nature and causes of PTSD and how it differs from other kinds of distress.
• A series of skills and techniques  to allieviate symptoms and help in the healing of this seriously debilitating disorder.

COURSEWORK

Learning journal plus 1 case study.

AWARD

Post Qualifying Certficate in PTSD

FEES

From £904.75 (inc VAT). 2 instalment options available.

Option 1 (Total Payable £904.75)

A deposit of £235 followed by ONE instalment of £669.75 due on 5th January 2009

Option 2 (Total Payable £940)

A deposit of £235 followed by THREE instalments of £235

Due on 5 January 2009, 1 February 2009, 1 March 2009

INTAKE

January

DATES

17th & 18th January 2009

14th & 15th February 2009

14th & 15th March 2009

16th & 17th May 2009