PTSD & Trauma Groups –Transference, Counter-transference, and Vicarious Traumatization

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder's (PTSD) first criterion is exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder and requires three central categories of symptoms: intrusive, avoidant and hyper-arousal. In order to merit a diagnosis, the symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment. The impact of trauma is manifold, from PTSD symptoms, changes in the assumptive world, to changes in internalized objects and the self.

Trauma groups require the therapist to identify, understand, and manage unique transference dynamics. The transference/countertransference matrix in groups of traumatized people reflects the trauma and its players. Transference reactions of trauma survivors are colored by the horror and turmoil of the traumatic experience.

Vicarious traumatization differs from countertransference in that it describes the impact on the therapist of vicariously experiencing many instances of trauma. This can affect the identity, worldview, spirituality, ego functioning, psychological needs and even sensory system of the therapist. We will discuss relevant variables which increase our vulnerability to vicarious traumatization as well as ways to protect and care for ourselves while doing this difficult and important work.

Group therapy is widely used for treating trauma survivors, whether for victims of individual trauma (rape, child abuse, torture) or of a community trauma (natural disasters, terrorist attacks). These groups offer unique conditions and require special techniques. The workshop will be both didactic and experiential. Participants are encouraged to bring case examples for consultation.

Instructors: Ham Weinberg, MA, CGP and Martha Gilmore, Ph.D.

Saturday, November 18, 2006
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arts & Sciences Building, Wiegand Conference Room
.6 CEU or 6 CE hours
Cost: $140
Approved for: MFT/LCSW/RN/LVN/psychologists