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Maximizing Clinical Care of Survivors of Torture Through the Use of the Trauma Story and Reflective Writing

August 23, 2023 2:00PM EST

The National Capacity Building (NCB) Project at the Center for Victims of Torture

The National Capacity Building (NCB) Project at the Center for Victims of Torture is pleased to announce our upcoming Webinar, “Maximizing Clinical Care of Survivors of Torture Through the Use of the Trauma Story and Reflective Writing”.

Wednesday, 8/23/23 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EST.
(1:00 – 2:30 CT, Noon – 1:30 MT, 11:00 – 12:30 PT) 

Description

This webinar addresses the centrality of the trauma story in the healing of survivors of torture. It is well known that there is some discomfort and fear on the part of clinicians in listening to the trauma story of highly traumatized clients. There are many barriers to overcome, including the high emotional empathic distress in listening to the trauma story for therapists. In addition, traumatized clients may not be ready to tell their trauma story, because of high levels of physical, emotional, and spiritual arousal. Once trust has been established with the client, and the high emotional arousal of storytelling has been reduced, the trauma story can emerge.  

This webinar dives deep into an understanding of the trauma story and its use in a therapeutic relationship and insight on the significant scientific advances in the use of reflective writing with traumatized clients.

An innovative Trauma Story Pocket Card will be introduced that demonstrates the steps that need to be taken in the therapeutic use of the trauma story. This Trauma Story Pocket Card, which is culturally validated and evidence-based, is offered to all participants attending the webinar.

Who should attend?

Clinical staff of torture rehabilitation programs that are funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and/or are members of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs as well as clinicians in other programs who provide services to survivors of torture.

Objectives

 After attending this webinar, participants will:  

Understand how reflective writing can assist in the Trauma Story Method.

Presenters

Richard F. Mollica, MD, MAR
Director of the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT) and a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School

Eugene F. Augusterfer, MSW, LCSW
Deputy Director and Director of Telemedicine at the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT)

Registration Information

Wednesday, 8/23/23 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EST.
(1:00 – 2:30 CT, Noon – 1:30 MT, 11:00 – 12:30 PT)

Certificates of attendance are available for participants who attend the session and complete the feedback survey.