This course will provide an overview of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with youth with complex trauma and common co-morbid conditions. Content will be drawn from evidence based treatments for youth trauma including: Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma for Adolescents (ITCT-A) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT).  In addition, evidence based interventions for common co-morbid conditions including depression, anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders, substance abuse and Borderline Personality Disorder (traits) will be covered. Training will involve didactic instruction, case study and small group discussion.  Content will cover: diagnosis and assessment of complex trauma & PTSD; therapeutic relationship development; psycho-education of PTSD, complex trauma and the “PRACTICE” Model; emotional processing theory of PTSD; stress inoculation therapy; distress reduction & affect regulation training; gradual exposure therapy; creating a “trauma narrative”; cognitive processing and restructuring of trauma distortions; parent, family & community involvement; integrating homework assignments; and personal & community safety enhancement.  Use of evidence based CBT with common co-morbid disorders including depression, anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder (traits) and substance abuse will be incorporated. In addition, innovative “Third Wave” interventions including methods to enhance resilience, positive emotions and personal growth will be reviewed. 

Learning Objectives:  

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify DSM-V diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
2. Identify associated symptoms/characteristics of “complex” trauma in youth
3. Identify the etiological factors of both discrete and “complex” trauma
4. Identify the fundamental principles and techniques of CBT with PTSD including social work values and ethics
5. Identify the fundamental principles of TF-CBT including: psycho-education, distress/affect regulation, cognitive processing/restructuring, exposure therapy and the use of the “trauma narrative”, in vivo exposure, and safety planning
6. Identify the fundamental principles and techniques of ITCT-A including: characteristics of “complex” trauma, Initial Trauma Review for Adolescents, Assessment Treatment Flowchart, Problems to Components Grid, safety intervention, Trigger Grid, titrated exposure, and written trauma homework
7. Identify the fundamental principles and techniques of CBT with common co-morbid disorders including mood, anxiety, disruptive behavioral disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder (traits) and substance abuse.
8. Learn advanced “Third Wave” CBT methods to promote resilience, positive emotions and personal growth
9. Gain an understanding of effective methods to involve family members and caretakers in treatment
10. Gain an understanding of effective community interventions

Research: CBT is a widely studied form of evidence-based psychotherapy. Select information can be found at The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses as well as numberous publications at National Institutes of Health. 

Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, and other interested individuals