The Colors of Trauma and Shame

Recorded video-based online activity.

Description:
This online course offers the training in a video format. All course handouts can be viewed online, saved to your computer or printed.

Working with trauma survivors requires a core understanding of trauma, the nature of shame, relationship with trauma, its impact on individuals, and how it can be addressed in trauma treatment. Shame is an elusive issue for clinicians to grasp in their work with people. It slices to the core of one’s being for those who live with it. People know shame when they feel it, but often do not have the words to express it or even identify what this painful feeling is. This is because shame is learned within the first 1-2 years of life. It’s thus important for clinicians to understand the role of attachment in the development of shame. In addition, people sometimes experience shame for feeling shame and try to hide it. Shame and guilt are often erroneously merged conceptually and verbally but they are very different. Shame is fundamentally about exposure of a flawed self and is different from healthy shame. This exposure does not have to occur in the presence of others; it can be experienced within the individual alone- the feeling of “who I am” defined as bad, incompetent, and/or worthless.

Shame can be a component of a single traumatic event as well as part of complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Individuals will not heal if treatment does not resolve the shame. Variations in awareness and use of shame exist across cultures and theorists disagree on shame vs. guilt as it relates to self vs. behavior.

This course will provide an essential overview of trauma, shame, its relationship to trauma, neurobiological aspects and strategies for addressing it in treatment.

Learning Objectives:
1.    Discuss the meaning of trauma, how trauma happens, and resulting symptoms and behaviors
2.    Define shame and distinguish between other emotions such as guilt
3.    Discuss the role of attachment in the development of shame
4.    State at least three categories / situations that can promote shame
5.    Distinguish the relationship between trauma and shame
6.    Express at least three things a therapist can do to create safety in sessions
7.    Name at least three physical postures / verbal signs people who have shame demonstrate 
8.    List at least three activities to address trauma and shame 
9.    List at least three things a therapist should explore for themselves when working with trauma and shame  

Outline:

• Defining and describing trauma.
• List factors contributing to trauma and resulting symptoms and behaviors
• Exploring the neurobiology of trauma and shame   
• Examine the relationship between shame and trauma and the critical need to incorporate addressing shame feelings into the healing process;
• Identify strategies and treatment approaches to work with shame both physically and emotionally.

Handouts: If it's easier to follow the course videos, we recommend you print the handouts by clicking on the blue handouts button under this course and have them available as you watch the video modules. 

We are happy to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. Please contact us at by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.

ADA Accommodations: If you require any support for your ADA needs in the United States, please contact us by email at least 3 weeks prior to the event by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.