New Resource from the American Psychological Association on Working with Adults with Complex Trauma Histories
Click here to view and download a PDF of the guildelines
A new resource is now available from the American Psychological Association (APA) on working with adults with complex trauma histories. These professional practice guidelines (PPG) inform understanding of the effects of complex trauma on development and functioning, and provide strategies for treatment and intervention with adult survivors. They were developed for over a decade by a group of over twenty experts in the field including Executive Director of the Foundation Trust, Joseph Spinazzola, Ph.D. and lead by Drs. Christine Courtois and Paul Frewen.
Recognizing the unique needs and characteristics of persons with complex histories, the APA and International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) joined forces to develop a new PPG to supplement and complement current Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The guidelines broaden and deepen current definitions of trauma and posttraumatic symptoms by acknowledging the significance of factors such as non-physical trauma, contextual factors surrounding the traumatic event, and the personal and cultural identity of the individual. Thus, this resource provides guidance on comprehensive care that employs a continuous, evolving model in understanding a client’s intricate trauma history and forming an analogous, effective treatment approach.
“These long-awaited guidelines provide an invaluable framework for mental health practitioners who work with adults impacted by complex trauma, outlining not only the focal components of intervention, but also giving detailed rational for the sequence, pacing, and clinical reasoning in each phase of treatment,” commented Dr. Jana Pressley, Director of Clinical Services for Complex Trauma Treatment Center, Co-Director of the international Complex Trauma Training Affiliates and Adjunct Professor at Richmont Graduate University. “Additionally, the guidelines acknowledge complex trauma exposure as a significant risk factor for various mental health diagnoses (e.g. eating disorders, substance use disorders, mood disorders) in a manner that will broaden the lens of clinical understanding across treatment settings. I am delighted to begin utilizing this resource in supervision, training, and graduate education for many years to come.”
This resource was a joint initiative from Division 56 (Trauma Psychology) of the APA and the ISSTD. For more information, visit www.APA.org and www.ISST-D.org.