Integrated Trauma Training Program

– Theoretical knowledge does not automatically translate into clinical skill when it comes to psychological trauma. Hands-on clinical experience is essential.
– Trauma training in academic settings is usually limited to a single course that, of necessity, can offer only a general overview of trauma theory and treatment.
– Rigorous training in treatment of psychological trauma has not reached the majority of U.S. hospitals and mental health programs.
– Although many powerful treatment modalities for treatment of trauma have been developed, no one modality works for all trauma survivors.
– Treating trauma survivors can be challenging. Becoming skilled requires facing one’s own limitations as a clinician and human being. Few of us can learn these skills in isolation without support.

The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy’s two year Integrated Trauma Training Program is the only comprehensive learning sequence in trauma New York Metropolitan area. At the completion of our program, you will have received:

• • A thorough grounding in the neurobiological principles that underlie psychological trauma
  • An integrative understanding of trauma theory, attachment theory as it relates to trauma, dissociation and developmental trauma
  • Instruction in how to apply trauma theory phase oriented treatment, and clinical interventions to your clinical practice
  • Intensive training in techniques to address symptoms of posttraumatic stress including hyper and hypo arousal using the most effective interventions from modalities focused on regulation and stabilization like hypnosis, schemas, mindfulness, etc.
  • Introduction to what we have found to be the four most effective techniques for processing trauma symptoms and memory reconsolidation: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (A.E.D.P.)
  • Training in Levels 1 & 2 of EMDR
  • A unique clinical opportunity to provide at least 120 hours of trauma-focused therapy to ICP clinic patients
  • At least 60 hours per year of individual supervision with seasoned trauma-trained supervisors
  • 90 hours of group case consultation, including EMDR group case consultation in the second year of trainingAt the completion of our program, you will have received:

Over 2 years, the Training Program offers a 4-semester sequence of coursework that moves the student from theory to treatment, with increasing emphasis on clinical application. Each theory course will provide the opportunity to learn concepts and practice skills. Semester 1 is an overview introducing the fundamental concepts and vocabulary of trauma theory and treatment, its history, its neurobiology, and the impact of systemic racism. In Semester 2 we introduce methods for stabilizing clients and in Semester 3 we study techniques for processing traumatic memories. During Semester 3 candidates will be trained in EMDR Levels 1 & 2 and will receive at least 10 hours of EMDR group case consultation as part of their training. In addition, Semester 4 offers a series of guest presentations that demonstrate how experienced clinicians integrate trauma theory with specialized client populations.

This introductory semester describes contemporary theories of posttraumatic stress, using findings from the fields of neurobiology, attachment and structural dissociation. It explains how trauma-induced changes in the brain manifest as posttraumatic stress symptoms, explores how childhood attachment influences the manifestation of psychological trauma, and examines dissociation and its role in the trauma disorders. Historical and intergenerational transmission of trauma is addressed and discussed as well as effects of oppression, racism, and privilege.

This course focuses on stabilization, the initial stage of Phase-Oriented treatment. Students are taught how to create and implement a trauma-informed treatment plan and learn a variety of different stabilization techniques. This includes but is not limited to psycho-education, use of language, affect regulation, resourcing, hypnosis, and an introduction to assisted interventions like: the value of medication, neurofeedback, FDA approved devices, diet, etc. Each theory class is followed by a “lab” in which students apply these techniques to their own work.

Over two weekends in this semester, candidates are offered Levels I and II of EMDR training. The didactic course provides an overview of three other trauma processing models – Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—while also deepening clinical understanding of how and when to apply EMDR and these models of treatment. Students learn the basics of each model, review the mechanisms by which that model addresses psychological trauma and discuss how to integrate these techniques clinically. Candidates will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate selected skills from these modalities.

The final semester introduces a variety of topics of special interest to trauma therapists: addiction, immigration and cultural issues, domestic violence, self-harm, combat veterans and LGBTQ issues. A series of guest lecturers are invited to present in their area of specialty.

In weekly group case consultation candidates share cases and work together to clarify core concepts and common themes that emerge in trauma treatment under the guidance of a faculty member.

In the Second Year, therapists who are certified EMDR consultants by EMDRIA will lead the group case consultation and assist candidates in introducing and implementing EMDR treatment. Candidates completing Level I and Level II EMDR Training with 10 or more hours of supervised EMDR group consultation at ICP will receive certificates of completion from the EMDR trainer.

• • Candidates are required to complete 30 hours of weekly individual supervision each academic year. Supervision is held at a mutually agreeable time in the supervisor’s office.
  • Candidates may choose from a list of Training Program supervisors who have been selected for their expertise in trauma treatment and in several of the modalities offered in the curriculum.
  • Individual supervision provides a place to follow cases assigned from the ICP clinic in depth and over time. With supervisory guidance, candidates have the opportunity to discuss dynamics, develop detailed treatment plans, explore transference and counter-transference, and integrate trauma treatment techniques.

Our program is unique in providing the opportunity to experience clinical practice and learn theory on site. Candidates are required to treat at least 2 ICP clinic trauma patients for a total of 120 hours over two years. Patients are seen at ICP, with some exceptions.