Adult Survivors of Developmental Trauma: A Group Treatment Intervention
Presenter(s)
Certified Professional Counselling Centre
The International Society for Traumatic Stress (ISTSS) has developed best practice guidelines to treat the complexity of challenges and symptoms of adults who have been exposed to prolonged and repeated trauma such as childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, emotional and physical abuse, and severe neglect. Primary among the treatment interventions is the recommendation of a “phase-based or sequenced approach as a first line treatment for trauma” (ISTSS, 2012). Traditionally we have used talk therapy to address trauma, a process that is considered to be a “top-down” approach as it engages the “thinking” part of the brain. Research in the last 20 years, specifically in the area of brain scan technology, has indicated that a “bottom up” approach which engages the limbic region of the brain is more effective in addressing trauma. This bottom up approach calms the hyper aroused deeper parts of the brain and aids in reducing distress and prevents traumatic memory from further imprinting on the limbic system.
The Group Treatment Intervention presented in this workshop is a 3 module “bottom up” approach to repairing the impact of trauma. It has been designed to address the symptoms associated with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder /Developmental Trauma.
The three modules presented include: 1.Stabilization/Safety/ Window of Tolerance, 2. Trauma Processing (Triggers), and 3. Individuation /Integration “Consolidating the Gains” (ISTSS, 2012)