Course Code: REL-BHC-0-IPPT
Hours: 1.5
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Learning Objectives:
Indicate the impact of emotional and physical trauma on both the developing and the adult brain.
Identify the ways that interventions for PTSD lead to neurobiological changes in the brain.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: The Neurobiology of Trauma
Meet Mark and Derrek
Healthy Brain Development
The Basics of Brain Development and Structure
Trauma and Well-Being
The Neurobiology of PTSD
Quick Check
Neural Transmission and Trauma: Myelination
Synaptic Pruning
The Brain’s Adaptive Alarm System
The HPA Axis and Stress
When Trauma Hijacks the Brain
Review
Summary
Section 3: Trauma’s Impact on the Developing Brain
Critical and Sensitive Periods of Brain Development
Trauma During Sensitive Periods
The Impact of Physical Trauma
Psychological Trauma
Dysregulated Stress Response
Structural Changes in the Brain
Trauma and Synaptic Pruning
Integration
Brain Adaptability: Plasticity
Review
Summary
Section 4: Trauma and the Adult Brain
The Adult Brain
The Typical Aging Brain
Trauma and the Adult Brain
Neural Circuits
TBI in Adults
Meet Ryan
Summary
Section 5: Treatment Considerations When Working with Individuals Who Have Experienced Trauma
Effective Psychotherapy Components
Therapy Approaches and Neurological Changes
TBI and Therapy
Medications and PTSD Symptoms
Review
Summary
Section 6: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Staff Writer: Monique Kahn, Psy.D.
Monique Kahn, Psy.D. received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at Spokane Mental Health in Washington, which included specialty rotations in behavioral medicine and time-limited psychotherapies. She is licensed as a psychologist in Maine, where she was in private practice for 14 years, providing services to adult clients with varied presenting issues, but with particular emphasis on the treatment of anxiety disorders, the relationship between psychosocial stress and illness, insomnia, and coping with chronic illness. She has taught in the undergraduate psychology program at Husson University in Maine. In addition, she has worked as a content writer and psychology subject matter expert for several major educational publishing firms. She joined Relias as a clinical content writer and subject matter expert in 2016.
Instructor: Bridgett Ross, PsyD
Bridgett Ross, Psy.D. received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Boston College and then her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. She is a licensed psychologist in California and was in private practice for 13 years treating various issues including trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, grief/loss, and issues around self-concept, identity, and attachment. Having supervised pre-licensed and licensed clinicians, she maintains an interest in professional issues in the field of psychology. Dr. Ross’ training and work history include Children’s Hospital Chadwick Center for Children and Families, Kaiser Permanente, Alvarado Parkway Institute, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which informed her focus on providing evidence-based trauma treatment to diverse populations.
Instructor: Amanda Gayle, Ph.D.
Amanda Gayle received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Georgia in the Counseling and Testing Center. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in the Occupational Health Department working in both the internal and external employee assistance programs. She is licensed in North Carolina where she was in private practice for 15 years serving primarily adults in individual and couples counseling with many presenting issues. Her focus was on cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety, mood disorders, grief, relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem, and parenting. She joined Relias as a subject matter expert writer for behavioral health in 2021.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Entry level Psychologists; Intermediate level Alcohol and Drug Counselors; Intermediate level Marriage and Family Therapists; Intermediate level Professional Counselors; Intermediate level Social Workers; Nurses; in the following settings: Health and Human Services.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.