The essential features of psychological trauma are disempowerment and disconnection from others. The recovery process, therefore, is based on empowerment of the survivor and restoration of secure attachment and adult secure intimate relationships.

This seminar will review the long-term sequelae of: the combination of neglect and early childhood attachment disorganization; childhood trauma and abuse; later repeated trauma. To the core features of complex trauma in adults. The seminar will therefore delineate the complex symptoms frequently seen in patients with neglect and traumatic histories. We will then describe the principles upon which a collaborative therapeutic alliance may be established including a delineation of the three necessary components or “three pillars” for the treatment of the disorganized attachment component of complex trauma, three phases of phase-oriented trauma treatment for the trauma and abuse component of complex trauma.

The seminar will also address certain complication in the treatment of complex trauma, such as the contribution of sadistic abuse and factitious behavior to the overall response to treatment. Emphasis is given to learning step-by-step protocols for the treatment of complex trauma in adults. Teaching format includes didactic lectures, live demonstration of techniques, and audio-recorded case vignettes illustration to main treatment methods.

FACULTY
Daniel Brown, PhD, ABPH is an Associate Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Brown is one the country’s leading thinkers and teachers of psychological trauma and has taught workshops on psychological trauma both nationally and internationally. He is the author of 15 books including two on developmental psychopathology, Human Feelings and Transformation of Consciousness and Attachment Disturbances in Adults: Treatment for Comprehensive Repair, which is his latest book.