PSY85013U - Clinical Elective: Evidence-Based Treatments for Trauma 

This course will provide an overview of evidence-based treatments that are empirically supported as efficacious for treating child and adult trauma and stress-related disorders within a Trauma Informed Care (TIC) model, including cognitive-behavioral therapies such as child trauma-focused therapy, trauma-systems therapy (TST), cognitive processing therapy(CPT), skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation for adults and adolescents (STAIR), prolonged exposure (PE), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for PTSD (P-DBT), virtual reality, traumatic bereavement, and body focused treatments such as meditation and mindfulness. Theoretical underpinnings of stress-related disorders, application of specific therapeutic techniques for trauma treatment, methods of evaluation, theoretical implications, empirical support for mechanisms of change, and ethical and cultural considerations will be covered. Underlying theories, research, assessment, and implications for practice will be examined from cultural, cognitive-behavioral, biopsychosocial, attachment, and sociopolitical perspectives. Seminars will utilize blended learning methods and include didactic presentations, video vignettes, and case study discussion. An emphasis will be placed on the latest empirical research focusing on assessment and evidence-based treatment of trauma and co-morbid diagnoses. This course will utilize the practitioner model by exposing students to clinical application of trauma theory, diagnostic assessment, and treatment through readings, class discussion, case studies, videos, and role-play. Students will be encouraged to challenge traditional conceptualizations of survivors and consider how socio-cultural influences may alter the presentation of psychiatric illnesses and treatment. The psychological and schematic effects of working with traumatized individuals will be evaluated along with popular theoretical conceptions of vicarious trauma.
Prerequisites: PSY65230, PSY65280 and PSY75040