Complex trauma occurs as a result of repeated or chronic exposure to extremely threatening events from which escape is impossible. As a result of C-PTSD, clients are more likely to develop feelings of profound helplessness and powerlessness with little trust that their actions will make a difference in the outcome their lives. It is common to feel unsure about how to best support clients who feel immense shame or despair as a result of their interpersonal wounds. However, with the right training and skills you can build your confidence to effectively help clients through what may otherwise seem like a clinical impasse.
EMDR therapy is an instrumental tool that helps clients process disturbing memories through desensitizing related images, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. Clients with Complex PTSD and early childhood developmental trauma are at greater risk for dissociation or emotional flooding; both of which can lead to re-traumatization if not addressed by the therapist. Within this course, you will learn how to safely work with client’s emotions, sensations, and psychophysiological arousal associated with dissociative states. This requires the integration of mindful body-awareness within EMDR as well as an understanding of how to attend to client’s ego states through parts work.
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Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a clinical psychologist, internationally sought-out teacher, therapeutic yoga instructor, and leading voice in the healing of PTSD and complex trauma. She is the author of six books based upon her integrative, mind-body approach to trauma recovery: The Complex PTSD Workbook; The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook; A Practical Guide to Complex PTSD; EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology; The Complex PTSD Treatment Manual, and Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery. Her unique blend of spirituality and science can be found in her writings, guided trauma recovery programs, and applied Polyvagal Theory in yoga for trauma recovery.
Dr. Schwartz is an accomplished teacher who guides therapist in the application of EMDR, somatic psychology, parts work therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of trauma and complex trauma. She has a succinct way of speaking about very complex topics. She is a longtime meditation and yoga practitioner with a passion for the outdoors; all of which she incorporates into her work as founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy in Boulder, Colorado where she maintains a private practice providing psychotherapy, supervision, and consultation. Dr. Schwartz believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. Discover more at drarielleschwartz.com.
