The Complexity of Adaptation to Trauma

Workshop 1: 90-minutes

Joseph Spinazzola, Ph.D.

This workshop, led by an internationally recognized researcher and treatment model developer in the area of psychological trauma, will guide participants through a high-level exploration of impact of maltreatment, neglect, community violence, and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on human development. Synthesizing leading research from neuroscience, psychiatry, and clinical psychology, Dr. Spinazzola will reveal the shared and unique effects of various forms of overwhelming life experiences on mind, body, and behavior across the lifespan. He will then consider a number of youth and adult risk behaviors from the vantage point of complex trauma-driven, survival-based coping. Finally, Dr. Spinazzola will describe Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), two emerging diagnostic constructs designed to capture the complexity of adaptation to trauma and guide intervention with children and adults.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to define “complex trauma,” and describe the interconnection between exposure to overwhelming life experiences and subsequent emergence of psychiatric, behavioral, and relational difficulties and associated health issues.

2. Participants will be able to describe Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and differentiate it from classic PTSD.

3. Participants will be able to describe Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) and identify specific trauma and life adversity risk factors for emergence of this disorder.

4. Participants will be able to identify components of psychotherapeutic and psychosocial intervention for complexly traumatized youth and adults.

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Joseph Spinazzola, Ph.D.

Joseph Spinazzola is an internationally recognized traumatic stress clinical researcher and trainer, and one of the most prolific scholars in the area of complex trauma. Dr. Spinazzola is Managing Director of the Complex Trauma Training Institute; Senior Clinician at the Complex Trauma Treatment Center Boston; Executive Director of the Foundation Trust; and Adjunct Professor at Richmont Graduate University. He is the Principal Investigator of the Developmental Trauma Disorder Field Trials, and a member of the Forensic Panel.

Dr. Spinazzola has led regional and statewide trauma-informed care initiatives across the United States; directed complex trauma conferences and institutes in the US, Canada, and Hong Kong; co-authored trauma treatment guidelines; developed evidence-based intervention manuals, and designed and overseen randomized controlled PTSD treatment outcome trials.

Dr. Spinazzola is a national trainer and organizational consultant for the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency) model complex trauma intervention model for children, families and systems; lead developer of Trauma Drama; and co-developer of Component-Based Psychotherapy (CBP), a relationally based complex PTSD and dissociation treatment model for adults. Dr. Spinazzola is the creator of complextrauma.org, a comprehensive consumer resource website for individuals, families, and providers.