Relational Challenges in Therapy of Complex Trauma-related Disorders webinar series, January–December 2025

This webinar series will offer an in-depth look at relational difficulties in the therapeutic relationship with clients who have complex trauma-related disorders, ranging from Complex PTSD to OSDD to DID. An initial overview of these disorders and their treatment will be offered as a foundation for the remainder of the course. We will explore how to manage extreme avoidance and defenses, particularly that which manifests as protections against the therapeutic relationship. A perspective on trauma-related phobias will be shared, with emphasis on how to overcome these phobias, particularly the phobia of attachment and of attachment loss. A unique perspective on ways clients use relational strategies that emerge from other innate motivational systems besides attachment will be discussed. Both transference and countertransference issues will be explored. These include not only devaluation, rage, shame, and disappointment, but also idealization and positive emotions that can potentially interfere with effective therapy.

While safe attachment is always emphasized as being important in therapy, we will explore the types of boundaries and limits that are essential and what kind of relational strategies are helpful, as well as ways to manage dependency compassionately and effectively on the therapist. In addition, we will explore how to effectively and safely work with self-harm and suicidality, and how to understand somatic symptoms such as dissociative communications. Finally, we will explore important aspects of self-care for therapists, including how to recognize and resolve vicarious traumatization and burnout.