23rd Annual International Trauma Conference

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED,
 WALK-IN REGISTRATION STARTS 8-8:30AM EACH
MORNING OF THE CONFERENCE.  
 
PLEASE NOTE: WORKSHOP 1 IS SOLD OUT! 

QUESTIONS:  PLEASE CALL 800-240-5522   

 23rd Annual International Trauma Conference

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA:

Neuroscience, Attachment, and Therapeutic Interventions

Boston, Massachusetts   •   Seaport World Trade Center

Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD
Conference Director

Course Description

The study of psychological trauma has been accompanied by an explosion of knowledge about how experience shapes the central nervous system and the formation of the self. Developments in the neurosciences, developmental psychopathology, and information processing have contributed to our understanding of how brain function is shaped by experience, and the understanding that life itself can continually transform perception and biology. Within the disciplines of psychiatry and psychology, the study of trauma has probably been the single most fertile area in developing a deeper understanding of the relationships among the emotional, cognitive, social, and biological forces that shape human development. Starting with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults and expanding into early attachment and overwhelming experiences in childhood, this endeavor has elucidated how certain experiences can "set" psychological expectations and biological selectivity.

We have learned that most experience is automatically processed on a subcortical level, i.e., by "unconscious" interpretations that take place outside of awareness. Insight and understanding have only a limited influence on the operation of these subcortical processes. When addressing the problems of traumatized people who, in a myriad of ways, continue to react to current experience as a replay of the past, there is a need for therapeutic methods that do not depend exclusively on understanding and cognition.

Objective

The objective of this course is to present current research findings on how people’s brains, minds, and bodies respond to traumatic experiences; how they regulate emotional and behavioral responses; and the role of relationships in protecting and restoring safety and regulation.

We will explore post-traumatic responses at different developmental levels, as well as the treatment implications of these findings. We also will explore how affect regulation and the interpretation of innocuous stimuli as threats require interventions aimed at restoring active mastery and the capacity to focus on the present. Traumatic memories often are dissociated and may be inaccessible to verbal recall or processing. Therefore, close attention must be paid to the development of inner resources to deal with dysregulation and helplessness, as well as the careful timing of the exploration and processing of the traumatic past.

In closing, the course will examine cutting-edge treatment interventions for various trauma-based symptoms.

A Perfect Waterfront Location

The Seaport World Trade Center is located on Boston Harbor, a beautiful place for a conference/short vacation in the spring and early summer. With an abundance of sun and temperatures in the low 70s, the harbor is one of Boston’s best-kept secrets this time of year.

Located within easy walking distance of the Silver Line subway, the hotel offers convenient access to all of Boston’s sites and visitor attractions.

Conference Location

Seaport World Trade Center

Conference Hotel

The Seaport Hotel (adjacent to the World Trade Center)
One Seaport Lane
Boston, MA 02210
877-732-7678
seaportboston.com

Reservations

The conference attendee rate is $229 per night. Reservations can be made directly with the hotel; call toll-free 1-877-SEAPORT. Please mention that you are attending the Trauma Conference.

Transportation

Air travelers can reach the Seaport by taxi in less than 10 minutes from Logan International Airport.

Parking

Seaport Hotel Garage parking is $19 to $34 per day; street parking available at various day rates.

Mass Transit

Traveling on the T: Take the Silver Line to the World Trade Center stop. You also can take the Silver Line from the airport to the WTC stop. Detailed information can be found at mbta.com.

Accreditation

The Meadows is approved by the following boards to offering continuing education. NAADAC Approved Provider, Provider # 000217. The Meadows is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors to offer continuing education, Provider # 5687. Course meets qualification for continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSW as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider # 2645. Provider Approved by CAADAC, Provider # OS-03-960-0813. Provider Approved by CAADE, Provider # CP40 905 C 0713. MFT for the State of Illinois, Provider # 168-000155. LCSW/LSW for the State of Illinois, Provider # 159-000839. Texas State Board of MFT Approved. MSW for the State of Texas, Provider # 2462. This program has been approved for up to 27 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258CMR. Collaborative of NASW and the Boston College and Simmons Schools of Social Work Authorization Number D50623.

"The Justice Resource Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Justice Resource Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content."

Pre-conference Workshop I and II meets criteria for 14 credit hours; Workshops III through VI meet criteria for 7 credit hours each. The Psychological Trauma Conference meets criteria for 13 credit hours, and the combined program meets criteria for 20 hours. The combined program with Workshop I meets criteria for 27 credit hours.