Solution-Focused Therapy for Severe Trauma
Mental health practitioners may sometimes hesitate to treat clients with histories of severe trauma. This reluctance often stems from concerns about the complexity and intensity of such cases. The aftereffects of trauma vary significantly between individuals, but six common areas of concern for those who have been harmed include:
- Triggers
Flashbacks- Intrusive thoughts
- Sleep disturbances
- Getting through difficult periods (“the lows”)
- Struggling to live life to the fullest
Solution-focused therapy (SFT) emphasizes leveraging clients’ strengths and resources to create positive change. Unlike traditional methods that delve into underlying issues, SFT prioritizes present and future goals. It is brief, goal-oriented, and focuses on constructing solutions to the crippling symptoms caused by past trauma.
In this training, John Henden outlines various SFT techniques designed to address the six common areas of trauma aftereffects mentioned above. The techniques have proven effective and transferable across many severe trauma and stress areas, including sexual violence; sudden death, mass shootings, terrorist incidents, military combat, and road accidents. During the presentation, Henden discusses specific tools and techniques that can be introduced to clients as part of the therapeutic process. These include:
- Scaling confidence
- The “formula first session task”
- Techniques for triggers, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts
- Presuppositional language
- Dealing with “the lows”
- Key points to prevent re-traumatization
- Addressing blocks to disclosure
Ultimately, SFT can help survivors move from being dominated by severe trauma symptoms to regaining the feeling of being more fully in control of their lives as they move from surviving to thriving.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Explain six concerns frequently experienced by survivors of severe trauma
2) Describe how to conduct an initial SFT session
3) Describe the most effective use of scaling questions
4) Use techniques for helping clients to manage triggers, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts
5) Explain the use of presuppositional language in their practice
Audience
This training is primarily for professionals who work with adults and older adolescents who have experienced severe trauma. This includes mental health counselors, social workers, clinical psychologists, forensic experts, and paraprofessionals.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Who's Presenting
John Henden, MBACP FRSA
John Henden is an international trainer, author, therapist, and performance coach. The second edition of his book, Preventing Suicide: The Solution-Focused Approach, was published in 2019.
John worked within the UK NHS mental health services as a practitioner and then as a manager for over 20 years. During this time, he observed rapid changes in how healthcare services are delivered and was able to discuss what does and doesn’t work in many circumstances. John currently delivers training courses from a broad portfolio, also providing organizations with personal coaching and mentoring services. His client list includes NHS Trusts (UK), SSAFA, Compass Ltd (NZ), CRUSE, HM Forces, Helsinki Psychotherapy Institute (Finland), Korzybski Institute (Belgium) Local Authorities, HM Prison Service, Compass Seminars (Australia), SF Academy (Singapore), Bryukhovychi Seminary (Ukraine), and Krotkoterminowej Therapy Centre (Poland).
John has a background in psychology, is a qualified counsellor and a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He is also a presenter at both the European Brief Therapy Association (EBTA) and Solutions Focus in Organisations (SFiO), being a founder member of the latter.