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Preferred registration deadline: November 7th

3 CEs

Research about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has long demonstrated that individuals who experience greater amounts and types of traumatic events during childhood are more likely to experience a wide array of physical health problems, mental health diagnoses, educational and socioeconomic barriers, and much more. While provider awareness about posttraumatic stress and trauma-informed care is continually increasing, our clients who experienced significant attachment trauma during early, critical developmental periods tend to experience unique and varying sets of relational, cognitive, and self-identity challenges. For social workers and therapists, the complexities of these client presentations can lead to misunderstandings of symptoms, misdiagnoses, and barriers to building a connected and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

We will go beyond the DSM’s PTSD criteria to examine the nuanced symptoms and challenges common for those who experienced attachment trauma during critical developmental periods and have had limited opportunities for posttraumatic growth and recovery. During this workshop, participants will review relevant theory and case conceptualization models, as well as increase their clinical observation and assessment skills for developmental trauma symptoms. Participants will also reflect on and learn how to apply trauma-informed client engagement strategies within their professional practices mindfully.

This is an in-person workshop that will be held on Washington University’s Danforth Campus. The exact location and directions will be emailed to registered participants before the course date.

General Admission: $65**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.

Class size is limited to 45

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Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audiences: Social Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, School Social Workers, and other mental health providers.

Agenda:

  • Definitions & Comparing Terms, Relevant theoretical frameworks - 30 mins
  • Core features of developmental trauma across the lifespan - 30 mins
  • Identifying and assessing signs and symptoms of developmental trauma in clients - 30 mins
  • Lecture, Self-Reflection Exercises, Skill Practice & Discussion: Practical applications & concrete strategies for engaging clients with developmental trauma histories - 75 mins
  • Questions/Final Discussion & Closing - 15 mins

 

Learner Outcomes

  • Describe the common features, signs, and symptoms of complex developmental trauma in children, adolescents, and adults.
  • Identify trauma-informed strategies for assessing a client’s common complex developmental trauma symptoms.
  • Apply trauma-informed client engagement strategies to their clinical practices.

Course Completion Requirements:

  • The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Professional Development, provider #2130, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/24/2024 – 9/24/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 3 suicide prevention continuing education credits.
  • The Brown School is also an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois.
  • To earn ACE credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. ACE credit is not provided for partial attendance.  However, you may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs provided by the Brown School.
  • Brown School CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available. ACE CE Certificates, if requested in your evaluation survey, will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.
  • For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancelation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.
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Enroll
Section Title
Complex Developmental Trauma Across the Lifespan: Frameworks and Strategies
Type
Workshop
Days
F
Time
8:30AM to 11:30AM
Dates
Nov 14, 2025
Schedule and Location
Location
  • Washington University Danforth Campus
Delivery Options
Course Fee(s)
General Admission non-credit $65.00
Drop Request Deadline
Nov 11, 2025
Transfer Request Deadline
Nov 11, 2025
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