Trauma Talks

Concurrent Session #2

What Queer Folks Want Trauma Therapists to Know

Integrating Neurofeedback into Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma

Movement for Embodied Resilience

An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Drama Therapy with Early Adolescents

An Inside Look at a Peer Led, Relational Based Model of Clinical Supervision in the Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) at Women’s College Hospital

What Queer Folks Want Trauma Therapists to Know 
Presenters: Leah Keating, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Supervised Practice), Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychology, York University; Jenna MacKay, M.S.W. 
Collaborators: Robert T. Muller, Ph.D., C.Psych.; Greta R. Bauer, Ph.D.; Margaret Robinson, Ph.D.; Paul Frewen, Ph.D., C.Psych.; Lori E. Ross, Ph.D. 
Presentation Format: Workshop 
Skill Level: All 
Abstract: This workshop aims to improve mental health care for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced trauma. Two queer-identified, early career therapists and researchers, who have experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, will facilitate the workshop. Scant research has examined the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ people who have experienced trauma. The workshop will briefly review what is known about trauma among LGBTQ+ populations. Each facilitator will then present findings from Ontario-based studies on which they have collaborated. The first author will present findings from a mixed-methods study on LGBTQ+ adults’ experiences of trauma therapy. The second author will present the findings from a mixed-methods study on bisexual mental health, summarizing rates and types of trauma, as well as microaggressions (or insidious trauma) experienced when accessing mental health care. Participants in both studies reported heterosexist and cis-sexist experiences accessing care, which pose a barrier to accessing and benefiting from therapy. Grounded in this knowledge, the presenters will explore practical strategies to improve the mental health care of LGBTQ+ people through a trauma-informed lens. This interactive workshop will provide opportunities to apply the learning through self-reflective, didactic and small group activities. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe experiences of trauma common within LGBTQ+ communities and describe ways therapists can make trauma therapy more accessible to LGBTQ+ people.
  2. List and identify behaviours that LGBTQ+ people may experience as harmful to their therapy.
  3. Demonstrate increased awareness of, and skills in implementing, practical steps to improve therapists’ practice with LGBTQ+ individuals.

Integrating Neurofeedback into Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma 
Presenters: Rachael Frankford, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker in private practice; Ava Walters Cout, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker in private practice; Daniel Cout, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker in private practice 
Presentation Format: Workshop 
Skill Level: Intermediate 
Abstract: Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that enhances brain and body functioning by helping the brain change itself and is increasingly being integrated with psychotherapy treatment for trauma.  Based on the principles of neuroplasticity, the brain and autonomic nervous system are trained to self-regulate by shaping brain wave activity with the use of EEG biofeedback reflected back to client through a video display.  As EEG biofeedback technology becomes more accessible for clinical use, therapists are looking for information about best practices and understanding of how neurofeedback assists in the regulation of arousal.  This workshop will introduce Infra Low Frequency (ILF) and Alpha Theta (AT) training as methods that specifically address symptoms of dysregulated arousal in the body, commonly experienced with those overcoming trauma.  Case studies will be discussed to illustrate the integration of ILF and AT training into psychotherapy treatment for trauma.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the principles of neurofeedback training in improving brain function and the regulation of arousal in the body.
  2. Explain the rationale for Infra Low Frequency and Alpha Theta training to assist in the treatment and resolution of trauma.
  3. Describe how neurofeedback can improve outcomes for trauma treatment when integrated with traditional talk therapy and practical considerations for introducing this method into a psychotherapy practice.

Movement for Embodied Resilience 
Presenters: Jane Clapp, creator of the Movement for Trauma professional training program and co-founder of Trauma Informed Practitioners Collective; Jennifer Cardoso, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Movement for Trauma Educational Coordinator and Teacher 
Presentation Format: Workshop 
Skill Level: All 
Abstract: Jane Clapp, creator of the Movement for Trauma professional training program and co-founder of Trauma Informed Practitioners Collective, and Jennifer Cardoso, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Movement for Trauma Educational Coordinator and Teacher, will demonstrate several accessible movement interventions that bridge brain and body with trauma-informed care. These interventions have been developed and refined with the support of empirical research and brought together through training in numerous movement modalities including scientific strength and mobility, yoga, ELDOA, fascial system research, trauma-informed mindfulness, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Different balance tools and activities to trigger the righting reflex to break patterns of immobilization and harness the benefits of the righting reflex to maximize efficient self-regulation both in therapeutic settings and client self-regulation outside of sessions. These activities have also been shown to help an individual reconnect with play and pleasure through their body.
  2. How fine and gross motor exercises can decouple physiological activation from emotional affect. When engaging clients in higher intensity interval activity, interwoven with movements that require a high degree of focus, Jane has observed improved distress tolerance in clients while improving a sense of self efficacy for physiological regulation.
  3. Simple, accessible and portable self-regulation movements that are beneficial for a client to use when outside their window of tolerance — both in the therapeutic setting and on their own. The resources presented in the Traumatic Stress Tool Kit are ideal for therapists to engage in to help prevent secondary or vicarious trauma in their own nervous system. Resources include bilateral movements to improve focus and concentration, exercises that promote connection with the body as an emotional container, activities to cultivate a sense of strength and resilience in the body, and down regulation techniques to employ before sleep.

Jane and Jennifer will provide simple neuro-scientific background behind the efficacy of these techniques, will demonstrate many of these movement interventions and strategies, and participants will have the opportunity to engage with the tools and exercises to experience immediate nervous system benefits in their own body.

An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Drama Therapy with Early Adolescents 
Presenters: Christine Mayor, MA, BCT/RDT, PhD student, Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier; Jason S. Frydman, MA, RDT, LCAT, PhD candidate, School Psychology, Fordham University 
Presentation Format: Workshop 
Skill Level: All 
Abstract: This workshop will provide an overview of drama therapy, with a focus on trauma-informed practices when working with early adolescents. Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and theatre principles to achieve therapeutic goals and promote well-being. With attention to complex trauma and developmental needs of early adolescence, participants will receive an overview of the impact of trauma on social development, cognitive maturation, and emotional regulation. Trauma-informed drama therapy offers an embodied approach that uses metaphor, narrative, and relational play to encourage healthy attachment and cognitive flexibility, two identified factors that are impacted by trauma exposure in early adolescence. In line with the conference theme, the concurrent use of kinesthetic and imaginative exercises works to counter the disconnect between brain and body due to trauma exposure. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in brief drama therapy exercises that demonstrate this approach, as well as learn how these exercises have been applied in clinical practice with individuals and groups.  

Learning Objectives:

  1. List three ways trauma impairs the developmental trajectory of early adolescence.
  2. Describe principles of trauma-informed drama therapy, with a focus on the integration of brain and body.
  3. Demonstrate three embodied exercises that utilize trauma-informed drama therapy.

An Inside Look at a Peer Led, Relational Based Model of Clinical Supervision in the Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) at Women’s College Hospital 
Presenters: Sue MacRae, RN, RP, M.Ed 1, Anne Fourt, M.Ed OTC (Reg)2, Marlene Duarte Giles, MSW, RSW3, Abby Hershler, MD, FRCPC4, Almuth Weigeldt, RP5 and Victory Lall, BScN, MN6

  1. Women’s College Hospital Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) and the Trauma Therapy Program (TTP).  Adjunct Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto 
  2. Women’s College Hospital Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) and the Trauma Therapy Program (TTP).  Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto.  Cross appointed to the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto 
  3. Women’s College Hospital Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) and the Trauma Therapy Program (TTP).  Adjunct Lecturer Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto 
  4. Women’s College Hospital Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) and General Psychiatry Program.  Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto 
  5. Women’s College Hospital Trauma Therapy Program (TTP).  Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto 
  6. Toronto Public Health Supervised Injection Service & The Works Needle Exchange 

Presentation Format: Panel Discussion 
Skill Level: All 
Abstract: The Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP) is a unique program at Women’s College Hospital (WCH) in Toronto that provides an intensive, group-based relational psychotherapy day treatment program for women who are childhood trauma survivors. A case-study review done recently revealed deeper insights into the WRAP supervision model as it related to its’ essential elements, benefits, challenges and trauma applications. Findings suggest that interdisciplinary team members identify a crucial aspect of their ability to engage in this work relates to the availability of a relationally based peer supervision. The team described that the context of working with trauma survivors raises the need for a safe environment for discussing challenges in client care, addressing personal and professional impact of the work, negotiating interpersonal conflict, preventing vicarious trauma/burnout, and allowing learners to develop their professional skills. Trauma workers must balance the emotional impact of working with the client, while maintaining a therapeutic relationship and allowing a space for thinking and reflecting. The role of clinical supervision in helping those treating trauma survivors to achieve this balance is critical. This inter-professional panel will explore these findings and shared professional experiences in applying this model. Dialogue with the audience will be encouraged.  

Learning objectives:

  1. Describe the essential elements of relationally-based supervision model
  2. Identify the benefits and challenges of a relationally-based supervision model
  3. List applications of this relational supervision model to different trauma contexts
Women's College Hospital

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