In this webinar we meet Fareed Rogers, a 17-year-old patient at a psychiatric hospital, who has a history of violent behavior. Dr. Samuels, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, with expertise in violence and trauma, has been brought in to evaluate Fareed, and determine if he should be transferred to a high-risk unit for adults.

In this webinar, we will meet Joshua, a young adult struggling to find his place in the world, and his therapist Dr. Michael Gomez. Feeling like a “loner” most of his life, Josh has faced many difficulties while growing up. In addition to being abandoned by his mother and lacking a connection with his foster mother, Josh also has had a “love/hate” relationship with his father. In spite of this, he still longs to be part of a family and has been trying to reconnect with his father and his father’s new wife and kids (Josh’s half siblings).

In this webinar, using a new “Digital Diaries” format, we will meet Samantha, a high school student, and her trauma therapist, Dr. Ernestine Briggs-King. During the webinar, we will learn about Samantha’s challenges and struggles, but also her triumphs as she navigates through her traumatic experiences. In a unique approach, Dr. Briggs-King encourages Samantha to complete diary entries, not in the traditional paper and pencil way, but electronically. This affords us the opportunity to be with Samantha as she processes these experiences and discovers incredible strengths she is able to tap into.

In the midst of the pandemic, young people have faced increased isolation and disconnection. For Aiden, a transgender youth dealing with discrimination, ridicule, and exile from his peers, community, and family, being isolated at home for months has become almost unbearable. In this session Aiden talks with a therapist for the first time, desperate to find connection and hope for a more inclusive future.

In this session you will meet Jayda, a young mother who is battling feelings of inadequacy as the parent of a toddler. Jayda is struggling to balance life’s responsibilities while experiencing loss and loneliness following the incarceration of her partner Trevor.

Introduces Miguel, a 17-year-old with a history of truancy, fighting, and multiple arrests since the age of 14— around the time his mother passed away from cancer. He lives with his grandmother and siblings and occasionally sees his father, who lives out of state. Recently, during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Miguel was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest. His previous therapist of several years has transitioned out, and he is struggling to make a real connection with his new therapist.

In this webinar, viewers will meet Mr. Smith, a 27-year-old single father who works full-time as a health worker. He and his fiancé would like full custody of his 7-year-old son, Samuel. His son is under the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after Samuel’s pre-school teacher reported that he was sleeping in class and arriving to school, on numerous occasions, unkempt and hungry. The school made multiple, yet unsuccessful attempts to meet and speak with Samuel’s mother, Ms. Johnson. Mr. Smith does not understand why DCF did not contact him first instead of placing Samuel in a foster home. He is now required to meet with a social worker, Mr. Muhammad, to “learn parenting skills.”

In this webinar, viewers meet 17-year-old Terrell, who is in his fourth therapy session—a teletherapy meeting with Dr. Wizdom Powell. During this session, Terrell realizes that he has been avoiding his feelings about his recent, challenging relationship with his stepfather. Dr. Powell also helps Terrell open up about his feelings of anger and sadness associated with the memory and deep loss of his foster father, who died in an automobile accident when Terrell was just a boy. Terrell discovers a path in his family relationships that allows him to honor and sustain a connection with both of his fathers.

In this webinar, viewers meet James, a 16-year-old African American youth who has been living with his maternal uncle, Patrick, since he and his two younger sisters were removed from their biological parents three years ago when James reported to a teacher that his father physically abused him. The teacher filed a report with Child Protective Services (CPS), quickly leading to the removal of James and his two younger sisters (ages seven and nine at that time) from the family home. CPS has been the legal guardian of all three children ever since. CPS gave Patrick physical custody of James, but James’ sisters were placed with a foster family. Patrick believes James needs help and sends him to see Dr. Julian Ford. During his first telehealth session with Dr. Ford, James is skeptical about whether his older White therapist can understand what it’s like as a young African American man. Together, Dr. Ford and James discuss these differences. Their discussions allow James to open up and share some of his deep frustrations and fears, including how his experiences affect his sense of safety and trust and how Patrick can accept and support him as he navigates these complex issues.

In this webinar, you will meet Soledad, a 14-year-old girl who has recently been released from her first psychiatric hospitalization after an attempted suicide. Soledad is the oldest of five children. Currently, she lives with two of her siblings in a foster home while her other two younger siblings were sent to a different home. Soledad’s mother was detained by ICE after physically attacking Soledad during what seemed to be a psychotic episode. Soledad is worried about her mother and her two younger siblings, whom she has not seen since they separated. This is Soledad’s first session scheduled by her welfare worker.

n this webinar, viewers will hear from Dr. Wizdom Powell, an artist, Director of the Health Disparities Institute and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and a Senior Consultant for the Center for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders, at UConn Health, who has worked to advance health equity for boys and men of color. During this segment, Dr. Powell will describe the impact of chronic exposure to racial and developmental trauma on young Black men and share how intergenerational trauma has affected families and communities of color. She will highlight creative pathways that can be considered to promote healing for boys and men of color who have experienced racial and developmental trauma.

In this webinar, you will hear from Andrew Woods, a clinician with over two decades of experience working with boys and men of color. Andrew is the executive director of Hartford Communities That Care (HCTC), a nonprofit 501(c) (3) community-based organization founded in 1998, whose mission is to create a thriving, non-violent and drug free environment for youth and families. As a leader and advocate for victims of violence and trauma in underserved communities, Andrew has developed and implemented culturally appropriate, high quality, and evidence-based crisis response, mental health and supportive programs, partnerships, and policies to improve the lives of youth and adult victims of crime and their families in the Greater Hartford Area of CT.

In this webinar, you will meet Angel Cooper, Matthew Bump, Weimy Montero, and Marcell Paige, four amazing young adults who will talk about their experiences and thoughts on resiliency. They will reflect on their goals, challenges, healthy coping styles, and hopes for the future. The participants reflections will give us an inside look at resilience and how it can impact developmental trauma. Dr. Rocio Chang will moderate live commentary with Drs. Mandy Habib, Cheryl Lanktree, Monique Marrow, and Isaiah Pickens. In this live commentary, the experts will talk about the importance of having open conversations with young adults as well as how to listen to their own reflections and reactions while these conversations are taking place.

In this webinar, you will hear from five expert trauma therapists about their experiences and reflective processes while working with children and families who have experienced developmental trauma and come from complex backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, and identity. In addition, Dr. Rocio Chang (who also participated in the roundtable discussion) will moderate live commentary with Dr. Maureen Allwood, Dr. Ernestine Briggs-King, and Dr. Russell Jones. They will talk about the importance of open conversations related to the roundtable topics as well as the impacts of recent events that have brought racism to the forefront.

In this webinar, you will meet Penny and her adopted mother, Jan, who are in an emergency session with Dr. Ford. Penny was sent home from school for assaulting another child.

In this webinar, you will meet Soledad, a 14-year-old girl who has recently been released from her first psychiatric hospitalization after an attempted suicide. Soledad is the oldest of five children. Currently, she lives with two of her siblings in a foster home while her other two younger siblings were sent to a different home. Soledad’s mother was detained by ICE after physically attacking Soledad during what seemed to be a psychotic episode. Soledad is worried about her mother and her two younger siblings, whom she has not seen since they separated. This is Soledad’s first session scheduled by her welfare worker.

In this webinar, viewers will meet Kate and her daughter, Dani, who are in their first therapy session with Dr. Saltzman. This session takes place one year after the sudden and traumatic loss of Jim, their husband and father. Dr. Saltzman helps both Kate and Dani to express their feelings and concerns and explore how they are dealing differently with their shared loss. As they work through the session, Dr. Saltzman helps Kate and Dani to start finding common ground and developing a plan to move forward.

There is often a story of profound pain and fear behind anger and dysregulated behavior in parent-child relationships. During this session, you will see the modern-day manifestations of the intersection of historical, intergenerational, and migration trauma and its compounding impact with present-day traumatic stressors on the parent-child relationship of an indigenous Guatemalan immigrant family. This webinar depicts significant emotional and relational themes faced by young children who come to the US as unaccompanied minors as well as themes that both the children and their parents face upon reunification. Viewers will also see a framework for engagement where the therapeutic relationship is used as a vehicle for the restoration of safety, co-regulation, protection, and hope in the parent-child relationship. This framework is aimed not only at repairing the child-parent relationship but also at exploring, acknowledging, and including the family’s historical and socio-cultural context in complex trauma treatment.

Jordyn, who disclosed sexual exploitation in a previous session has continued to see her therapist to address her symptoms of distress which include depression and PTSD. During this session Jordyn is joined by her father Jimmy who has his own trauma history related to combat exposure. Despite notable progress in both Jordyn’s and Jimmy’s respective individual treatment, tensions are growing at home that are related to the upcoming court proceedings and trial for the man who exploited Jordyn. To address the mounting tensions at home, the therapist decides to focus on communication. In this family session, secrets are revealed and the therapist is challenged to repair the rift between father and daughter caused by the information disclosed.

Often, adolescents may feel heard but not listened to in their family environment. This may be especially true in families with a history of trauma and/or family violence. This webinar will demonstrate approaches therapists can take to help adolescents feel more invested in the family therapy process. During this session, presenters will highlight critical decision points as they relate to trauma and explore them from various perspectives, including that of the therapist and family members.

Understanding the intersection of complex trauma, development, and culture creates a foundation for effective case planning, treatment, and intervention. This therapeutic session shares strategies for identifying the developmental and cultural needs of an immigrant client, and recognizing facilitators and barriers for healing from complex trauma. Lessons from this session support culturally-responsive approaches for developing therapeutic bonds and promoting effective practices to engage family members.

Often, adolescents may feel heard but not listened to in their family environment. This may be especially true in families with a history of trauma and/or family violence. This webinar will demonstrate approaches therapists can take to help adolescents feel more invested in the family therapy process. During this session, presenters will highlight critical decision points as they relate to trauma and explore them from various perspectives, including that of the therapist and family members.

In this webinar, viewers see critically important moments from three dramatized therapy sessions and hear from seasoned trauma therapists who reflect on their own experiences in working with clients of similar and different racial and ethnic backgrounds to their own. Through thoughtful discussion, participants explore the intersections of developmental trauma, clinical work and race/ethnicity. Webinar participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences in working across similar cultural backgrounds and will have the opportunity to share questions to further this important discussion.

In this webinar, participants will see critical moments from three dramatized therapy sessions and hear from seasoned trauma therapists reflecting on their experiences working with clients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Presenters will lead a thoughtful discussion exploring the intersections of developmental trauma, clinical work, and race. Webinar participants are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and will have the opportunity to ask questions to further the discussion.

In this webinar, a mother and her teenage daughter who have experienced severe family violence by an ex-husband/father in the past become embroiled in an intense verbal argument that escalates into sudden physical violence. Their therapist attempts to mediate the disagreement while not siding with either mother or daughter, and then must help the mother recover from shock and dissociation while simultaneously helping the daughter not run away and stay present in the room. Mother and daughter go through a complex series of emotional reactions (anger, fear, guilt, shame, grief) with the help of the therapist, and are able to make the shift from experiencing a flashback of violence to reconnecting with one another based on their core relationship.

In this Webinar you will meet Joshua, a 15-year-old who has been in and out of DCF care and foster homes his whole life. Recently he was arrested for attempt of armed robbery. In this session, the therapist was asked by DCF to work on strengthening the relationship between Joshua and his father to see if he could move in and live with his father’s family in the future.

Debbie is a 10-year-old multiracial girl who lives with her 27 year old African American mother Sharon. Sharon has struggled for years with substance abuse. The family lived for several years in a shared space which was quite chaotic. During this time, Debbie often would be with other children in the building for many hours at a time without adult supervision. Many adults would come in and out of the building, and Debbie often did not see her mother, sometimes, for days. During this session Sharon begins to dissociate and the therapist must now find away to comfort Debbie while supporting Sharon.

In This webinar we meet 11 year Clara. Clara reveals her first sexual abuse experience by her mother’s former live in boyfriend, Michael, and how the abuse progressed. Clara becomes overtly distressed and leaps onto the therapist, embracing him. The therapist gently reestablishes physical boundaries and facilitates her diaphragmatic breathing. The scenario illustrates the complexity of the therapeutic relationship and the balance therapists must achieve for effectively supporting traumatized patients while also maintaining healthy boundaries.

In this webinar you will meet Maya, a 9-year-old girl, was referred for therapy due to numerous instances of domestic violence by her father toward her mother (some of which she witnessed), physical abuse by her father, and possible sexual abuse with no specific disclosures. Maya’s father is currently incarcerated for drug and violence-related crimes. Her mother was unable to consistently take care of Maya for the past few years due to substance abuse issues so Maya was removed from her care. Maya has two failed foster home placements due to significant aggressive and sexualized behavior. She is currently residing in a stable foster home and has begun to have monitored visits with her biological mother who was recently discharged from a drug rehabilitation program. Maya has attended therapy with this therapist for only a short time and recently, has begun to demonstrate more trauma-related play. This session illustrates how dysregulation and trauma processing can be exhibited in play, sometimes with significant distress for the child with developmental trauma. The critical dilemma involves to what extent the therapist helps a highly traumatized child to manage her distress versus engage in trauma processing.

In this webinar, you will meet Adam, a 15 year old Caucasian male. For years, Adam was excelling in school and was a star soccer athlete. Unbeknownst to his parents, Adam was sexually assaulted a year ago by his female tutor Amber. Following the assault, Adam began to struggle in school and behaving in uncharacteristic ways. Adam was referred to a therapist and about one year later, Adam reported to his therapist that he was hearing voices telling him to kill himself. Over several weeks Adam became increasingly anxious and sad and began to experience auditory hallucinations telling him to either hang himself or jump out a window.

This webinar depicts a moment when Rose initially directs her feeling of being victimized toward her therapist. Rose expresses that therapist’s contact with her mother and school has increased the stigma and vulnerability she feels, and her sense that she’s not getting the support she needs. Rose sees the therapist as responsible for greater distress for both herself and her mother.  This webinar illustrates the complexity of developmental trauma and raises questions as to whether the therapeutic relationship can be repaired. The therapist attempts to balance concerns of trust and safety in the context of Rose’s culture and the impact of developmental trauma across generations.

In this webinar, trauma experts will debate and explore the pros and cons of adopting a formal Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) diagnosis. Polyvictimized youth develop a broad spectrum of psychopathologies, with a number of complex comorbidities which can present unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. The importance and relevance of including both DTD and PTSD diagnoses into existing diagnostic systems, along with key considerations, will be discussed.

This webinar will discuss how Therapist can remain attuned to their clients who are profoundly emotionally shut down or dissociating all while managing their own affect. Experienced trauma therapists discuss their reactions to these critical moments of disconnection and impasse in trauma therapy, the questions and dilemmas this raises for them, and ways they have found to engage with detached or dissociated clients while handling their secondary traumatic stress reactions.

Moments of crisis (as seen in dramatized therapy sessions) will be viewed and discussed with a focus on how therapists can handle the challenge of remaining attuned to intensely distressed clients while also recognizing and regulating their own stress reactions. When children or adult caregivers experience peaks of hyperarousal – as expressed in many varied forms including anger, terror, and dissociation – the therapist must maintain a dual focus of attunement with the client(s) and themselves. Experienced trauma therapists discuss their own stress reactions, the questions and dilemmas these reactions raise for them, and helpful strategies for remaining fully and effectively present with their clients.

Michael (12-years old) and Trisha (16-years-old) live with their mother Monica in a single-parent household. Five years ago, their father Neil was incarcerated after violently attacking and nearly killing Monica while the children were upstairs in their bedrooms. Michael and Trisha seem resilient, doing well emotionally, in school, and with peers, but Monica developed panic attacks and nightmares. Monica began therapy with Dr. Taylor two years ago, and her PTSD symptoms had largely resolved until she learned a couple of weeks ago that her ex-husband was going to get released from prison within the next month. Monica and Dr. Taylor jointly decided it would be helpful for the children to learn of their father’s imminent release in a family session with Dr. Taylor, the children’s first meeting with Dr. Taylor.

Samantha is a 15-year-old African American girl who lives in public housing in an urban area rife with violence and drug use. Samantha is an outstanding student and attends private school on scholarship, where her friends describe her as beautiful, popular, brilliant, and a star athlete. At age 10, Samantha saw her brother murdered when he was walking her home from school. Their mother became hysterical and chronically depressed, and their father changed from a loving dad to drinking and screaming at the family. Samantha was sexually assaulted by her boyfriend’s male friends at a party at which she, usually a non-drinker, became intoxicated and passed out. Samantha has no memory of the assault and was referred to a female therapist, Dr. Sofia Mattei, by a sexual assault counselor who met with her at the hospital. This webinar presents Samantha’s first therapy session with Dr. Mattei.

Adam a 15-year-old, is referred to therapy after several weeks of unexplained sickness. Adam has always excelled in school despite having been sexually abused by his soccer coach in his past. About a year ago, Adam’s grades and sports performance started to slip when an adult female tutor became sexually abusive and threatened him if he reported her. Adam was already seeing a therapist to work on recent difficulties in school and conflicts with his parents. As he attempts to end therapy, he reveals for the first time that he is experiencing current sexual abuse.

A client reveals during her first therapy session that she discovered her adoptive mother hid letters from her biological mother. In her past, she was placed in several foster care homes after incidents of physical and sexual abuse and family violence related to drug use by her mother and male partners. Though she was adopted two years ago, finding these hidden letters has escalated her feelings of distrust and not being accepted as a full member of her adoptive family.

Focuses on a family that is required to seek therapy after the parents get in a physical altercation while intoxicated. During a family therapy session with their teenage children, a father learns from his wife that she is questioning her gender identity. This discovery challenges the co-therapy team to balance the needs of each family member during the heated confrontation that follows. The team must find a way to keep the family emotionally safe as the father—feeling betrayed and confused—reacts in anger.

Depicts a father who has been physically violent in the past becoming intensely verbally angry, frightening and emotionally alienating his son. The therapist has to find a way to help the father feel supported, so he can engage his son with the love and appreciation which his son needs from him. With this caring and role modeling, the son can heal and move forward in his own life.