Back in the World, But Not Quite Home: Working with Trauma and Dissociation Among Veterans

This session is available for 6.00 APA and ASWB credits.

When a veteran comes in for therapy, they are coming from a different culture than civilian life. The nature of their trauma is embedded in a different set of norms, vocabulary and even values, than what they had previous to their military experiences. The therapist must work with some understanding of this other way of living, as well as to attend to the trauma itself.

This full-day seminar will draw on several areas of knowledge, in order to furnish a well-rounded set of knowledge and skills necessary for approaching work with this specific population. From taking an appropriate history and gaining an understanding of the client’s military life, to spotlights on psychodynamic, attachment and other issues which are often seen in therapy with veterans, we will cover many topics which will add to your toolbox as the therapist. Our discussions will include Assessment, Theoretical Underpinnings and Treatment Modalities, Relational and Attachment Issues, Traumatic Brain Injury, Self-Injury and the complexity of suicidal ideation.