In his book “The Myth of Normal” Gabor Maté argues that the cause of mental illness and chronic health problems is society’s idea of “normal,” claiming that there is a strong link between trauma, capitalism and illness. In this interactive and experiential training, we will explore Maté’s book in depth, first discussing his belief that it is our very culture itself that creates the stressors that keep people ill. We will then examine Mate’s wide-ranging and creative suggestions for returning to health and wholeness.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the connection between chronic stress and mental illness/chronic disease
- Identify the connection between trauma and mental illness/chronic disease
- Discuss how our dominant culture generates chronic stress and the conditions for illness
- Discuss how trauma impacts childhood development
- Understand Gabor Mate’s assertion that “healing is about finding a pathway to wholeness”
Syllabus:
Objective #1: The Link Between Trauma and Disease
- Define trauma as an internal injury, not just an external event
- Understand trauma’s effects on self-concept, emotional regulation, and body-mind connection
- Identify symptoms of unresolved trauma including shame, disconnection, and alienation
- Explore the broad and inclusive trauma spectrum and its relevance to nearly all individuals
- Discuss how trauma constrains our potential and separates us from the present moment
Objective #2: Chronic Stress as a Contributor to Illness
- Examine how chronic emotional suppression can lead to physical illness
- Review research linking repressed emotions, particularly anger, with disease
- Understand stress as a physiological burden impacting immune function and gene expression
- Explore examples of stress-related conditions such as ALS, autoimmune disorders, and cancer
- Consider how chronic stress and trauma affect epigenetics and telomeres
Objective #3: Cultural Roots of Chronic Stress and Disease
- Analyze the tension between attachment and authenticity in development
- Understand how children often sacrifice authenticity to preserve relational bonds
- Explore how capitalist culture promotes disconnection, consumption, and overperformance
- Discuss societal contributors to stress such as inequality, lack of control, and constant stimulation
- Examine the role of early development and caregiving quality in setting lifelong foundations
Objective #4: The Role of Social Conditioning in Health Outcomes
- Explore how modern birth practices, parenting pressures, and societal expectations disrupt natural development
- Consider how cultural norms lead to internalized stress and personality adaptations
- Recognize the addictive and dissociative processes promoted by modern consumerism
- Investigate critiques of diagnostic models that focus on symptoms instead of root causes
- Highlight systemic contributors like racism, poverty, and individualism in perpetuating illness
Objective #5: Healing as a Return to Wholeness
- Define healing as integration and reconnection, not merely symptom reduction
- Distinguish between curing (eliminating disease) and healing (reuniting the self)
- Identify four pillars of healing: authenticity, agency, anger, and acceptance
- Explore healing through compassion, awareness, and meaning-making
- Use exercises like “Before the Body Says No” to identify internalized patterns and unexpressed needs
- Discuss the importance of honoring one’s authentic “yes” and “no” to restore personal boundaries
Social workers completing this course receive 3 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: August 6, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com