Understanding the Impact of Trauma

Course Description

This course is vital for therapists and healthcare providers. As our field advances, we are learning more and more how trauma affects the brain and contributes to poor health, violent relationships, substance abuse, and the self-defeating behaviors many of our clients engage in. As a psychotherapist, assessor, or healthcare provider, you encounter individuals every day who are struggling to overcome trauma of some type or another. For many, alcohol and drugs are the method of coping. And while it is easy to be judgmental, understanding the horrific trauma endured by these individuals and the ultimate effect on their lives can make us much more understanding, much less judgmental, and much more equipped to render the help they need … and deserve.

Note to Students:  This course was written with mutual collaboration between Matt McMillan, JD,CCJAS and Susan McMillan, LMHC, CAP. Unless otherwise noted, sections which discuss societal trends and areas of major societal concern were primarily written by Matt McMillan, and sections which concern diagnostic assessment, counseling, and treatment were written by Susan McMillan and appear in dark blue. If you purchased Traumatic Soul Injury, please be advised that this course is essentially the same material; however, the number of applicable CEs is 2.5 as opposed to 4 in order to meet national standards which use the formula of 6000 words or text per CE. You may contact us for more information.

Reviews

"After doing mandatory courses for renewal of my License I saw this course on your web page and it excited me and the cost was so affordable and Wow!!!!!! This was the greatest exposure of my therapeutic life. It not only confirmed my approach to therapy to explore the possibility of early childhood trauma more importantly I discovered Appendix 1 that blew me away. This is exactly what I needed!!!!! Thanks a million."     ~Sonia Galimore, LMFT, Broward Co., FL  

“I have been working in the fields of psychiatry and substance abuse for more than 25 yrs. This course presented material I was not familiar with, often siting informative studies that I believe will be valuable in my practice. Thank You!”  ~Elizabeth Rose, LMHC, Dade Co, FL

“Reader friendly, presenters/educators have a lot of experience in the field, cost effective, relevant information.”  ~Janice Del Pilar, LMHC, FL  

“This course had a lot of good material I will keep and refer to.  It’s great how you both share your thoughts and experience in courses.  They have all been very good.”  ~Dawn Dascher, LMHC, Pinellas Co. 

Course Objectives

By the end of the course students will:

• Learn the history behind the ACE test and its ground-breaking therapeutic implications. (Matt McMillan)
• Understand the physical, psychological, and neurological effects of trauma on the brain, body and nervous system. (Susan McMillan)
• Recognize the reactions to trauma and the role of self-defeating behavior as a copying mechanism in traumatized clients. (Susan McMillan)
• Understand the Trauma Drug Loop. (Susan McMillan)
• Review and evaluate the various treatment approaches. (Susan McMillan)
• Be prepared to recognize and counter the possible negative effects of working with traumatized clients as a therapist. (Susan McMillan)