Training

Over the past 30 years there have been major breakthroughs in our understanding of the human brain. We now know that psychological trauma profoundly affects the neurobiology of the brain. This knowledge has led to the development of powerful new models of treatment. People suffering from seemingly intractable symptoms are getting better.

Despite the hope and enthusiasm generated by the new treatment approaches, good clinical skill in treating trauma has proved daunting to obtain.

The Challenges to Becoming a Trauma Therapist

  • 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 traumatized people is challenging and humbling. Becoming skilled requires facing one’s own limitations as a clinician and human being.

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

    • A thorough grounding in the theory and treatment of psychological trauma that is integrated with psychodynamic understanding,
    • Intensive training in methods for reducing hyper and hypo arousal in trauma survivors,
    • Introduction to what we have found to be the four most effective techniques for processing trauma symptoms: EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and A.E.D.P.,
    • A unique clinical opportunity to provide 120 hours of trauma focused therapy to ICP clinic patients,
    • 60 hours of individual supervision tailored to each trainee’s experience and interests,
    • 90 hours of group consultation which will parallel the material of the theory courses and deepen understanding of that theory that is being taught
    • A weekly process group helps you to develop self awareness and encourages you to address the concerns, confusion and anxieties generated by working with this difficult population.

The Specific Elements of our Program

The Integrated Trauma Training Program of the Trauma Studies Center is designed for licensed mental health professionals who seek a specialization in trauma treatment. It offers a two-year sequence of learning.

Our Program will provide you with a thorough grounding in contemporary trauma theory and practice, including the latest contributions from neurobiology, attachment theory and the importance of seeing each client as a whole person. You will be taught to assess and treat trauma, and will be introduced to a range of new and effective trauma therapies including, among others, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and IFS.

To deepen the learning and the personal experience of each trainee, an individual supervision component is also included in the Trauma Studies Program.

Who is eligible for our Program?

To be eligible for our program, you will need to have a masters in social work, mental health counseling or another related mental health field. In addition we usually require at least two years of post degree clinical experience. If you are not fully licensed, you can accrue hours towards your license in I.C.P.’s distinguished adult treatment clinic.

Copyright 2013. The Trauma Studies Center. All rights reserved.