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Workshop Details

F5:Treating Complex Trauma- Broadening the Paradigm

Presented by Chris Moynihan, LCSW
Located at

Workshop Description

Traditional trauma treatment approaches are often reductive in their focus on pathologizing normative reactions to abnormal circumstances. Providers, intent on verbally processing trauma often neglect attending to the protective factors necessary for overcoming traumatic adversities. This session will focus on broadening the discussion of trauma treatment to include an emphasis on the identification and cultivation of proven protective factors. The scaffolding and sequences of therapeutic interventions will be discussed as will the unique role of the caregiver in the therapeutic process.

Learning objectives:

  • Participants will be able to explain the unique role of self-efficacy in the treatment of complex trauma.
  • Participants will be able to differentiate complex trauma from acute trauma.
  • Participants will be able to identify 5 protective factors that support resilience in children.

Presenter Bios:

Chris Moynihan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for the Omni Family of Services. In his current role Chris provides organizational leadership and clinical oversight for programming that includes therapeutic foster care, outpatient therapy, intensive in-home therapy, and family preservation services. Chris emphasizes an attachment-based approach to treatment that identifies and mitigates the impact of complex trauma and neglect. Previously Chris spent twelve years providing therapeutic services in a special education setting for children with social-emotional and behavioral issues. As the Clinical Director for Genesis Learning Centers, Chris incorporated trauma informed practices into the special day school setting. Chris has also maintained a small private counseling practice and has prior experience with residential and crisis services. Originally from New England Chris and his wife have three school aged children and live in the greater Nashville area.