Conditions for Healing: Uses of the Therapy Frame in Treating Complex Trauma Disorders
Thursday, April 13, 2023
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM US Eastern Time
Location: Olmsted 6
Learning Level: Advanced
This session is available for 6.00 APA and ASWB credits.
Abstract To describe practical applications of the psychotherapeutic frame, this presentation will (1) review frame theory from both conventional and neuroscientific perspectives, (2) review concepts and clinical significance of frame departures of various forms, (3) develop a systematic approach for frame surveillance, (4) illustrate advantages that active frame surveillance can offer in treating traumatized clients, (4) demonstrate how frame interventions can be used to resolve problematic acting out behaviors (e.g., enactments) and promote the development of a strong therapeutic alliance in the treatment of difficult and/or highly traumatized patients. We will then (5) explore applications of frame theory in approaching challenges arising in institutional settings such as team dynamics and systemic processes such as racism.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
Differentiate between the “static” and “adaptive” therapy frames both in practical terms and with respect to the basic functioning of human memory systems
Describe “technique-out” and “frame-in” approaches to psychotherapy, and one potential advantage and disadvantage of each approach
Identify three important ways in which the therapeutic alliance and psychotherapeutic ways interact
Characterize three ways in which projective identification, acting out behaviors (enactment, re-enactment), and the therapy frame may interact
Describe three ways in which frame surveillance and frame interventions can help promote healing in the face of unremitting relational processes within a traumatized patient (e.g., posttraumatic shame) or external forces (e.g., systemic racism)
