This second-year seminar program concentrates on complex cases and dilemmas: resistance and stuckness, treatment-resistant depression, therapy-destructive behavior, regression, characterological issues, identity and sense of self, and vicarious traumatization. Using research-supported theory, we attempt to understand the etiology of complex symptoms and presentations from a trauma perspective and to apply the treatment approaches most likely to be effective in each individual case. The program content integrates traditional psychotherapy methods with newer theoretical models widely supported in the trauma treatment field.
A number of widely-accepted treatment approaches are referenced and their interventions discussed in the light of the neuroscience research. The interventions cited in the seminar include: psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, interpersonal neurobiology, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, clinical hypnosis, couples and family therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Ethical and professional standards are emphasized as they are relevant to each topic area as well as cross-cultural sensitivity.