Navigating the Maze of Trauma: A Map for Healing Along the Road to Addiction Recovery

The origin of trauma comes from the Greek word for “wound”. For trauma survivors, this concept of a wound aptly describes the often devastating psychological, emotional, and spiritual injuries they’ve experienced and often carry scars from. Fortunately, pioneers like Gabor Maté have been instrumental in educating the world on the link between trauma and addiction. But now that we know they’re connected, what the heck are we supposed to do next?? This workshop is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between trauma and addiction and how they intersect in the lives of our clients. Participants will cruise through an intense, crash course into the world of trauma with a specific focus on its implications on the treatment of compulsive behaviors and addictive disorders. Participants will gain tools in areas such as case conceptualization, treatment planning, and effectively working with trauma throughout the addiction recovery process. To illustrate important teaching points, various case examples, metaphors, and memes (yes, memes!) will be utilized throughout the presentation.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on a client’s development of compulsive behaviors and addictive disorders
• Learn about the relationship between dissociation and addiction and important recovery considerations
• Understand the physiological impact of trauma and the rationale for bottom-up interventions in addiction recovery
• Gain tools and strategies for identifying underlying traumas and core treatment targets in therapy for addiction
• Learn about the benefits and challenges of 12-step programs for trauma survivors
• Learn concepts related to treatment pacing, the use of assessment instruments, and ways to prevent relapse while addressing trauma in therapy

Friday, November 22 |  11:00am- 2:00pm 

Members: $30 |  Non-Members: $45

2 CEU's available

About the Presenter: Brian Gong

Brian is the co-owner of Mangrove Therapy Group, a private practice in Delray Beach that specializes in the treatment of trauma and addiction. He is a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant, and EMDR basic training facilitator. Brian provides trauma-informed clinical supervision and mentorship as a qualified supervisor for registered interns and has presented workshops on the topics of trauma, addiction, and family recovery.

In 2018, Brian started the Southeast Florida Trauma Recovery Network which provided pro bono EMDR therapy to victims of the Stoneman Douglas school shooting. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP) as well as Professionals United for Parkland (PU4P).

Sponsor: