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The problems created by chemical
dependency provide one of the greatest challenges that drug/alcohol
treatment professionals face. It is, in fact, heart wrenching as
clients share stories of abuse, neglect, trauma, grief and war in treatment
groups. For many, these painful events happened early in life and using
substances was a way to avoid the feelings that resulted from their pain.
Others can tell the story of the event but not have any emotional attachment
to it at all. Still others know something has happened but have no idea what
occurred yet they are left with a nagging unknowingness, and a litany
of physical and affective symptoms that seem to never be resolved, in spite
of numerous medications and physician’s visits. This 9-hour course
will introduce to the counselor many of the needs and issues that are faced
in dealing with the traumatic experiences many of our clients need to
address in the recovery process.
Goals/Objectives
In this course, participants will:
- Understand the difference between PTSD
and the DESNOS diagnosis;
- Understand the difference between an isolated
trauma event and the effects of cumulative trauma;
- Develop understanding of the interaction between
addiction and trauma;
- Have a thorough knowledge of underlying factors
that contribute to trauma behaviors;
- Gain understanding of the complexities of
developing appropriate treatment and aftercare plans.
Your Course Instructor:
Susan Brownlow, M.Ed.
Susan Brownlow completed her graduate and undergraduate
work at the University of Southern Mississippi, obtaining a Master’s in
Education, with an emphasis on community counseling. She is currently
pursuing a PhD in health psychology. She is a master’s level certified
substance abuse counselor and certified trauma specialist. She has worked
in for-profit, state funded, psychiatric facilities, as well as in group
homes for adolescents. She has also worked in emergency room settings
conducting crisis assessments for the mentally ill. She taught as an
adjunct professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Along with
Albert Cheatham, she co-founded Integrated Awakenings, an education and
counseling organization addressing substance abuse and prevention. She has
conducted several workshops on substance abuse and trauma issues. At this
time, she is doing part-time private practice and EAP work and working
fulltime in an intensive outpatient substance abuse program. Any questions
or comments can be sent to
susanb1@comcast.net . |