NEW! V-STEP TRAUMA INTEGRATED ADDICTION, AND COMPASSION FATIGUE Part II

DATE and TIME:

Friday January 23, 2026 ~ 9:00AM - 12:00PM EST

SUMMARY:

Session II: Key Components of Trauma-Integrated Addiction Treatment

DESCRIPTION:

Join Dr. Michael Barnes for an enlightening presentation on the intricate relationship between trauma and addiction. Participants will delve into the statistical significance of their co-occurrence and learn to identify and apply critical techniques for trauma-informed and trauma-integrated treatment. The session will explore the biology of trauma, highlighting its impact on memory, behavior, and addiction treatment. Attendees will engage in discussions on the pros and cons of gender-specific addiction treatment and gain a comprehensive understanding of various forms of trauma, including PTSD, developmental, and systemic/secondary trauma. Additionally, the presentation will cover interventions for both top-down and bottom-up processing in addiction treatment. This session aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address the complexities of trauma and addiction in their practice.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Participants will understand the statistical significance of the co-occurrence of trauma and addiction.

2. Participants will be able to identify and utilize techniques that are critical, yet individual to trauma-informed and trauma-integrated treatment.

3. Participants will discuss the biology of trauma and its implications for memory, behavior, and addiction treatment.

4. Participants will be able to recognize and discuss the pros and cons of gender-specific addiction treatment.

5. Participants will understand and identify different trauma forms across the trauma continuum (i.e., PTSD, Developmental, Systemic/Secondary, etc.)

6. Participants will be able to understand and utilize interventions for top-down and bottom-up processing in addiction treatment.

PRESENTER: Dr. Michael Barnes

Dr. Michael Barnes is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He is the Senior Clinical Advisor for NRT Behavioral Health, Founder/Director of the Michael Barnes Family Institute, and owner of Barnes Education and Consulting, LLC. In the past 40 + years, Dr. Barnes has worked at numerous addiction treatment centers and psychiatric hospitals, and he spent 10 years as a full-time faculty member at various university counselor and marriage and family therapist educator programs. Dr. Barnes speaks nationally on Families, Trauma, and Addiction, Trauma Integrated Addiction Treatment, and Compassion Fatigue. He received his BA in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. He published his first book, “When the Solution Becomes the Problem: Helping Families Who Struggle with Addiction and Trauma” in 2023.

TRAINING CONTACTS:

Anne Milun (Litecky), VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu; Cherie Peay, Program Coordinator at 443-600-1621, cpeay@ubalt.edu; and Nicole Feldhaus, Technician, 410-274-4655, nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu

Certificate of Training, Social Work CEUs and Academic Credits:

RVAAM selected curriculum has been approved for specific professions (e.g. social work, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Upon completion of an online evaluation form, participants are welcome to request a Certificate of Training; Social Work Category I Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and/or academic credits. All participants are eligible to receive a Certificate of Training (1 credit per training hour).

2025 V-STEP

Regional Victim Services Advanced Trainings are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.