This presentation provides therapists with a comprehensive understanding of relational trauma and practical strategies for supporting clients in their healing journeys. Relational traumas—such as neglect, emotional abuse, and betrayal—often disrupt an individual’s ability to form safe and trusting connections, leading to lasting emotional and psychological impacts.
Drawing from attachment theory, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care, this session will explore the mechanisms through which relational trauma shapes clients’ self-concept, coping strategies, and interpersonal dynamics. Therapists will learn to identify signs of relational trauma, including patterns of dysregulated emotions, avoidance, and difficulties in forming secure attachments.
The presentation will offer evidence-based approaches to healing, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for safety and repair. Techniques such as somatic experiencing, narrative work, and mindfulness practices will be introduced to help clients process their trauma, rebuild trust, and develop healthier relational patterns.
Through case examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain actionable insights and tools to apply in their practice. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, this presentation empowers therapists to foster resilience, connection, and healing in their clients’ lives.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Define Relational Trauma
- Understand the nature and characteristics of relational trauma, including its origins in experiences such as neglect, abuse, and betrayal, and its impact on emotional and relational functioning.
- Recognize the Effects of Relational Trauma
- Develop skills to identify the signs and patterns of relational trauma in clients, such as difficulties with trust, emotional dysregulation, and maladaptive relational behaviors.
- Examine the Role of Attachment in Relational Trauma
- Explore the connection between relational trauma and attachment styles, including how disrupted attachment impacts clients’ ability to form secure and healthy relationships.
- Implement Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Strategies
- Learn at least two evidence-based interventions to support clients in processing relational trauma and rebuilding trust.
- Enhance Therapeutic Competence and Confidence
- Clinicians will gain at least three practical tools and insights to effectively guide clients
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Welcome and Overview
Objective #1: Define and Recognize Relational Trauma
- Define relational trauma
- Differentiate relational trauma from single-incident trauma
- Understand the psychological and physiological effects of relational trauma
- Identify common relational patterns and symptoms
Objective #2: Understand the Role of Attachment Theory & Neurobiology
- Understand a basic overview of attachment theory
- Identify how internal working models are shaped by early relationships
- Understand the neurobiology of relational trauma, including polyvagal theory, mirror neurons, and fear response
- Understand dysregulation and survival adaptations in relational contexts
Objective #3: Utilizing the Therapeutic Relationship as a Healing Agent
- Understand the power of attunement, trust, and repair
- Understand trauma-informed principles, including safety, collaboration, empowerment, and choice
- Understand working with transference and countertransference
- Understand how the therapeutic relationship can serve as a therapeutic intervention
Objective #4: Apply Evidence-Based Interventions
- Learn and implement somatic strategies, including grounding, orienting, resourcing, and containment
- Learn and implement mindfulness strategies, including breath tracking, noticing and naming, and titration and pendulation
- Learn and implement narrative strategies including externalizing the problem, letter writing, and re-authoring the trauma
- Apply these ideas to individuals, couples, and families
Objective #5: Integrate Healing Techniques into Clinical Practice
- Learn to choose modalities based on client readiness and presenting concerns
- Blend somatic, cognitive, and relational approaches
Key takeaways/Q&A
- Key takeaways and reflections
- Open discussion and final thoughts
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Samantha Silverberg-Stout, LPC, PsyD
Recording Date: May 10, 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 Clinical 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.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com