This course is based on the work of Babette Rothschild, MSW, LCSW, the acclaimed author of The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment (2003, Norton). The course covers the basics of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. First, relevant definitions in the area of trauma and PTSD are listed. Some will be familiar, and some will broaden the participants' knowledge base. Next, diagnosis of PTSD will be covered, including behavioral and somatic symptoms that supplement the basics in the DSM IV. Defenses will then be redefined as the survival resources that they are, and interventions for increasing behavioral options rather than diminishing defensive strategies will be discussed. The basic physiology of PTSD will be described, and tools for containing hyperarousal will be taught. Finally, descriptions of factors that put clinicians at risk for vicarious traumatization will be detailed along with strategies for therapist protection and self-care. At the conclusion of the course participants will have a basic working knowledge of trauma and PTSD as well as strategies for intervention with their clients (Beginner-Intermediate level).

This course is comprised of five articles. The first, "A Trauma Glossary", provides definitions for the most relevant terms. The second, "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Identification and Diagnosis", supplements the diagnostic criteria in the DSM IV with behavioral descriptions of possible survivor scenarios. The third, "Defense, Resource, and Choice", gives a respectful view on defenses. The forth, "Applying the Brakes", offers somatic based tools to enhance containment of hyperarousal. The fifth, "Dangers of Empathy", describes conditions that might enhance therapist risk for vicarious traumatization and offers strategies for avoidance of that risk.