Evidence-Based Therapies for Treating Trauma in Adults

This class will explore current, evidence-based therapies for treating PTSD and trauma-related symptomatology in adult clients. Students taking this class will be given the opportunity to develop skills in two front-line treatments (Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy), as well as receive an introduction to other treatment approaches (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, Pharmacotherapy, and Stress Inoculation Training). Students will also discuss commonly encountered themes in trauma work (Moral Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, Trauma Stewardship/Self-Care, and more).

It has been estimated that almost 90% of adults will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lifetime. According to a National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) study on the epidemiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the US (conducted between 2001 and 2003), there was a 6.8% lifetime prevalence of PTSD among American adults. There are many factors which contribute to the prevalence of trauma and stressor related disorders, including military service, community violence, sexual assault, and more. PTSD is a risk factor for interpersonal problems, substance use disorders, self-directed violence, depression and related mood and anxiety disorders, and certain medical conditions. These risks place a significant burden on families, communities, and healthcare systems, and require that providers have specialized training in working effectively and compassionately with these individuals.