Complex-PTSD: Perspective of a Clinician with Lived Experience
While Complex-PTSD as a presentation is widespread, there is no DSM-5 Complex-PTSD classification and most clinicians are not trained to recognise or treat it. As a result, Complex-PTSD survivors are generally not diagnosed at all or misdiagnosed with the symptoms of their condition (depression, anxiety, substance or process addictions, relationship problems, eating disorders, personality disorders etc.). The outcome is unnecessary suffering and opportunity for healing lost as Complex-PTSD survivors spend a lifetime treating surface symptoms with the underpinning aetiology left unaddressed. Even when Complex-PTSD is identified, treatment is often inappropriate, leading at best to minimal progress and at worst to further traumatisation.
The aim of this interactive webinar, based on research and the facilitator’s clinical and personal experience of recovery, is to unpack and differentiate the relational trauma of Complex-PTSD from single-event trauma (i.e. PTSD) and help clinicians to understand its unique aetiology, manifestations and appropriate treatment so that their clients’ recovery is supported. Areas covered include:
- Importance of appropriate diagnosis and psychoeducation
- Co-dependent and Counter-dependent adaptations
- Parentification and its impact
- Spiritual by-pass: taking the wrong turn on the road of recovery
- Important traits and symptoms not commonly associated with Complex-PTSD
- Complex-PTSD and BPD: similarities and differences
- Treatment modalities suited for different stages of the recovery process
- Contraindicated treatment modalities and approaches
- Specific treatment Do’s and Don’ts
- Recommended approach to working with Complex-PTSD in short-term treatment
- Important non-clinical supports
- Recommended reading and resources
- Small group discussion followed by Q&A session
Testimonials from course participants:
“What I liked best was the focus on family systems and in particular dysfunctional family roles.”
“This presentation was brilliant, articulate and concise, thank you.”
“So much information! It was very comprehensive and thought-provoking.”
“Really great insights to understanding [the] condition and treatment.”
“Excellent and useful information. Michael has a depth of experience and makes it easy to understand and absorb.”
“Thank you. Michael's presentation was very professionally presented, thorough, and helpful.”
“Wow - very clear info on a very complex subject. I appreciate the slide notes as needed to re-read to absorb.”
“Really informative, great slides. Michael is a great presenter.”
"I would definitely recommend. Great presentation with expert knowledge and well organised. Thank you ."
"I gained amazing insight and knowledge from this webinar, thank you! "
"I liked that it was so comprehensive and informative - demonstrated using a holistic approach to C-PTSD - Understandable i.e. not clinical - easily integratable into the support of clients."
About the facilitator
Michael is an addiction and interpersonal process group therapist as well as a psycho-education facilitator and clinical educator. His clinical background includes working for Royal North Shore Hospital Herbert Street Clinic and Northside Clinic as an addiction therapist, as well as teaching trauma-informed care and counselling skills at Diploma and Master level.
Michael is a member of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia, and his qualifications include Master of Adult Education (HR Development), Master of Ethics and Legal Studies (Managing Change) and Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. He has completed training in Gestalt and Psychodynamic counselling skills, among others.
Michael is a childhood trauma survivor and a recovering co-dependent who has completed extensive course of his own 1:1 and group psychotherapy. He is an active member of the Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families 12-step fellowship and has a deep commitment to raising awareness of, and facilitating recovery from, Complex-PTSD. Michael has 30 years of Complex-PTSD recovery experience, which has included various wrong-turns as well as breakthroughs, and is uniquely placed to speak on the topic of Complex-PTSD.
This course counts towards 3 hours of category A CPD.
Click here to register.