Name
E04 - Trauma Triage in Addictions Counseling (1.50 CEs)
Date & Time
Thursday, August 17, 2017, 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Randal Lea
Description
Addictions treatment, like other forms of counseling, can benefit from recent neuroscience research and literature which inform a better approach for clients in recovery from a substance use disorder who also have a history of trauma. There are varied ideas about when to refer out, when to probe for trauma, and when a client's trauma work may take precedence over the tasks of early recovery. This session explores some approaches addictions counselors have previously used with discussions about what the field may need to hold onto and what it may need to discard. Emphasis will center on what we can do - and in what circumstances - as opposed to a fear-based or hands-off approach about trauma, while looking critically at practices which retraumatize clients, further stigmatize people by their history, and perhaps spoil opportunities to help.
 
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
  • Apply appropriate responses within scope of service for depersonalization, dissociation, and sleep disturbance.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in addressing indications for consultation, referral, and clinical supervision while working with trauma affected clients.
  • Identify current organizational practices in our field which retraumatize patients, and identify strategies to replace these practices with measures assuring safety.