Babette Rothschild, MSW, LCSW
 psychotherapist and body-psychotherapist, LCSW #6799, PCE #961
   
PO Box 241783   Los Angeles, California 90024  USA ▪ Phone: (1) 310 281 9646




 

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Professional Trainings
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS AND SOMATIC TRAUMA THERAPY
  • Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) can develop after exposure to traumatic experiences(s) and results from imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS prepares to meet a threat, but after the threat is passed or survived, the ANS never returns to its normal, balanced state. Extreme disturbance may lead to symptoms of Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (see: DSM IV, 1994).
     
  • Effective somatic trauma therapy with PTS involves both cognitive and body work. It helps the client not only to remember and psychologically resolve the traumatic situation, but also to restore lost physical reflexes and balance to the ANS. This is done by reviewing the events surrounding the trauma (both before and after its occurrence) - never 'reliving' it -, and through work with the body that focuses on (re)developing body awareness, body acceptance and body integrity. Central to somatic trauma therapy are the psychological and physical resources that are developed, as well as the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Eventually the traumatic event, itself, can be confronted, after most of its effect has been dissipated and balance in the ANS has been restored. Duration of a somatic trauma therapy can range from a few sessions to several years, depending on: the nature of the trauma(s); the age of the client at the time of the trauma(s); if the trauma(s) is isolated, intertwined with other trauma(s) or continuous; and the client's current resources and strengths.

The foundation principles of Somatic Trauma Therapy are:

  • First and foremost: Safety for the client within and outside the therapy.
  • Good contact between therapist and client is prerequisite to addressing traumatic memories or applying any techniques - even if that takes months or years.
  • Client and therapist must be confident in applying the "brake" before they use the accelerator.
  • Identify and build on the client's internal and external resources.
  • Regard defenses as resources: Never "get rid" of coping strategies/defenses; instead, create more choices.
  • View the trauma system as a "pressure cooker." Always work to reduce, never to increase, the pressure.
  • The therapy must be adapted to the client, rather than the client having to adapt to the therapy. This requires that the therapist be familiar with several theory and treatment models.
  • A broad knowledge of theory - both psychology and physiology of trauma and PTSD - reduces errors and allows the therapist to create techniques tailored to a particular client's needs.
  • Never expect one intervention to have the same result with two people. The client must ALWAYS be regarded with his/her individual differences, never judged for non-compliance or an intervention "not working."
  • The therapist must be prepared, at times or even for a whole course of therapy, to lay aside any and all techniques and just "be" together with the client.
 
     Introductory Workshop Description

     Advanced Workshop Description

     Workshop Schedules


 Babette during a training session.

  
 
Introductory Workshop
  • Open to all medical and helping professionals and students.
  • This workshop is a prerequisite for the advanced workshops described below.
  • This workshop is consistent with and a useful adjunct to all existing theories and techniques of trauma therapy.

Length: 4 days

This introductory workshop is conducted through lecture, discussion exercises and demonstrations. There will be review of both traditional and alternative theories of PTSD including (but not limited to) those developed by Judith Herman, MD, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts, USA; the Bodynamic Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Peter Levine, PhD, Ergos Institute, Boulder, Colorado, USA.

Theory topics include:

  • Causes of Trauma
  • Psychology of Stress and Trauma, including the role of dissociation
  • Physiology of Stress and Trauma, including the role of the ANS
  • Identification and Diagnosis, including acute, delayed onset, simple and complex forms of PTS and PTSD
  • Preparing Clients for Therapy, including building safety in the therapeutic space

There will be an emphasis throughout this workshop on making trauma therapy - no matter what technique(s) is being used - safer by learning to slow down and reduce hyperarousal in the ANS.
 

Advanced Workshops I and II

Advanced workshops I and II are presented as a series. Participants must commit to attend both workshops.

Length: 4 days for each workshop

Prerequisites:

  • The series is open to practicing psychotherapists and body-psychotherapists with at least one year's experience, who also attend regular supervision.
  • Participants must have attended an Introductory Workshop.
  • Participants must be willing to engage in a course of therapy if personal trauma issues become activated during the course.

ADVANCED I

Theory and technique of therapeutic treatment will be the focus of this workshop. Issues, including transference and counter-transference will be explored. Participants will begin practicing Peter Levine's system of tracking and association (SIBAM) with each other and, and will also begin to apply theory to the development of their own techniques. There will be continued practice with body awareness, boundary, and safety skills.

ADVANCED II

The BODYnamic "running technique" and the appropriate use of the "safe place" and "helpers" will be introduced and practiced. Participants will be supervised in choosing techniques, both with fellow participants, and with their own clients. Ample time will be allotted to the practicing, deepening, integrating and clarifying of skills and theoretical knowledge gained throughout the series. There will also be discussion of how to know a traumatic event is worked through, how to end a somatic trauma therapy, and how to integrate work with trauma into a long-term course of therapy.

 

Workshop Schedules

Please contact Babette Rothschild directly for her most current world-wide training schedule in Somatic Trauma Therapy or to inquire about bringing a training to your area, university, or institute. Use these email addresses:

You can also write to:

       Babette Rothschild, MSW, LCSW
       PO Box 241783
       Los Angeles, CA  90024

Or call:
         1 310 281 9646
Email Babette
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