About the Seminar

Ever since the publication of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, the many cumulative adverse effects of  survivors' hypervigilance and chronically raised cortisol levels have become increasingly well-known - the body really does keep the score.

It is increasingly clear that unsafe environments affect people's neurological development, immune systems, and regulatory systems. Childhood trauma alters the structural development of neural networks and the biochemistry of neuroendocrine systems.

Adrian will introduce the cascading impact of complex trauma on the body and mind, and explain the concept and principles of "Lifestyle Medicine" to the audience. He will discuss how chronic exposure to the stress hormone cortisol is associated with a multitude of problems, including problems with temperature regulation and weight gain. Cortisol also lowers the levels of neurotransmitters, which in turn affect mood, concentration, and motivation. It causes blood sugar fluctuations and gut symptoms, caused by an imbalance in digestive enzymes; and this directly affects one's mental health.

In this introductory after-work seminar, Adrian will share some practical tips and proven strategies accessible to everyone, to start mitigating the impact of complex trauma on the body.

The seminar is open to anyone who has an interest in this topic. Survivors of complex trauma and/or their psychotherapists are especially encouraged to attend.

Program

Who is this workshop for?

About the Presenter/s

Presenter Name
  Dr Adrian Lopresti
Presenter Position
  Clinical Psychologist
Presenter Blurb
 

Adrian's clinical expertise is focused on integrative evidence-based treatments for mental-health difficulties - these include lifestyle, nutritional, psychological, and herbal therapies. He has conducted several randomised-controlled trials on herbal and nutraceutical interventions for depression, anxiety and ADHD. He regularly publishes in peer-reviewed journals on the effects of diet, nutraceuticals, sleep, and exercise for the treatment and prevention of depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorder.

Adrian developed an evidence-based personalised integrative approach to psychotherapy that targets small, achievable, and sustainable changes in people's diet, nutritional status, lifestyle habits, social connections, psychology, spiritual health, and physical health.

He regularly conducts educational workshops both nationally and internationally.

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Details

COVID:
Date/s: Thursday 15 June 2023
Registration:

Registration opens on 21 April 2023 and closes on 13 June 2023.

Seats are strictly limited for this event, so please register early to prevent disappointment.

Venue: Function Room, SJOG Conference Centre, Level 3 (5.45pm - 9pm),
25 McCourt Street,
Subiaco WA 6008
Additional Venue Information
Catering:

Light refreshments will be available from 5.45pm

Accomodation Suggestions:
Recommended Reading:
Cancellation Policy:

Full refund if cancelled 7 days in advance (less catering costs)

Enquiries:

SEMINAR ENQUIRIES:

Sonia Smuts - Sonia.smuts@complextraumawa.org.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

David Edwards - David.edwards@complextraumawa.org.au

Fees:
AMOUNT TICKET TYPE HOURS OF PD CREDIT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
50 COTWA Professional Members 3 Yes
30 COTWA Clinical Members 3 Yes
0 COTWA Clinical Members with a Spatial Directory profile 3 Yes
AMOUNT TICKET TYPE HOURS OF PD CREDIT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
30 Registered Students 3 Yes
80 General Public (includes PD Credit and Certificate) 3 Yes
Notes about Fees

Members need to be logged into the Members' Area to get the member rate applied

Disclaimer

The information presented at this event is general in nature and should not be relied on. You should always seek your own professional advice. The views expressed are those of the presenter and may not represent the views of COTWA.

About the Panel Discussion

An expert panel of three senior trauma-trained clinicians - Anna Mills (Gestalt), Katrina Boterhoven De Haan (Imagery Rescripting), and Maree Even (Psychodynamic/attachment psychotherapy) - will share their experience in treating a fictionalised new client who presents for psychotherapy. Our panel members all practice from distinctly different and overlapping theoretical paradigms; and they will respond to questions such as: 

  • How would you approach the first three sessions?
  • How would you determine the focus of treatment?
  • What kind of assessments would you do, and why?
  • Would you follow a phased approach to treatment?  If so, how might that look like in this case?
  • What kind of challenges do you anticipate in this case? How might you approach those?

The intention of COTWA's annual panel discussion is to offer a structured but informal collegial conversation amongst peers, about the different ways in which different therapists would approach the same client. It aims to introduce students and emerging trauma clinicians to different modes of conceptualising and trauma intervention; as well as to create a safe ‘community’ of local clinicians where senior colleagues can also model and normalise attuned not-knowing to new trauma therapists.

Program

Who is this workshop for?

This event is suitable for experienced clinicians who are considering expanding their professional repertoire and wanting an insiders' view into how other clinicians practically conceptualise their approach to treatment from a particular theoretical perspective.

It is also an invaluable opportunity for students and new practitioners who are wanting to learn more about complex trauma, and the real-life application of different approaches to working therapeutically with this patient population.

About the Presenter/s

Presenter Name
  Anna Mills
Presenter Position
  Counselling Psychologist
Presenter Blurb
 

Anna has worked as a Counselling Psychologist for more than 18 years, in private practice, in the community, and in prisons. She has extensive experience working with complex trauma, PTSD, self harm and suicide, substance misuse due to trauma or stress, relationship breakdown, family stress, grief and loss, disordered eating, and mental illness as it affects individuals and those close to them. She is an accredited Gestalt therapist having completed a further four years of study after her Masters with the Gestalt Institute of WA.

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Presenter Name
  Maree Even
Presenter Position
  Clinical Psychologist
Presenter Blurb
 

Maree Even is a clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience. She works in private practice, providing Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and supervision. One of her main areas of interest is the intersection of developmental trauma and personality.

In the beginning of her career, Maree worked for both community and government agencies in the areas of mental health, alcohol and other drugs, corrections, women's services, and research; as well as being involved in tertiary education, teaching and supervising psychology students. For a change of pace, in partnership, she owned and operated a corporate training business focused on mindfulness and positive psychology.

More recently Maree has written a book, titled 'BEING ME: Healing Your Attachment Wounds and Becoming Whole'.

For more information about Maree, please visit ww.mbepsychology.com.au

Presenter Image
 
Presenter Name
  Katrina Boterhoven de Haan
Presenter Position
  Clinical Psychologist
Presenter Blurb
 

Katrina Boterhoven de Haan is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked across both government and
not-for-profit sectors. These include community mental health, child protection, and specialised services, including sexual trauma services. She has extensive experience in the treatment of mental-health disorders, in particular complex trauma and borderline personality disorder presentations.

Katrina is a trainer in Imagery Rescripting and an accredited EMDR therapist/consultant.
She completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree through the University of Western
Australia in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Her PhD thesis was on ‘Investigating Effective Treatments for Adults with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from Childhood Trauma Experiences’.

Katrina has published several articles and a book chapter with the main focus on treating more
complex trauma presentations. Her research has lead to presentations at several international conferences; and has seen her involved in national and international projects.

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Details

COVID:
Date/s: Thursday 17 August 2023
Registration:

Registration opens on 1 April 2023 and closes on 1 August 2023.

Venue: Stirling Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel **PLEASE NOTE UPDATED VENUE**,
54 Terrace Road,
Perth WA 6004
Additional Venue Information
Catering:

Light refreshments will be available from 5.45pm

Accomodation Suggestions:
Recommended Reading:
Cancellation Policy:

Full refund if cancelled 7 days in advance (less catering costs)

Enquiries:

EVENT ENQUIRIES:

Sonia Smuts - Sonia.smuts@complextraumawa.org.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

David Edwards - David.edwards@complextraumawa.org.au

Fees:
AMOUNT TICKET TYPE HOURS OF PD CREDIT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
50 COTWA Professional Members 3 Yes
30 COTWA Clinical Members 3 Yes
0 COTWA Clinical Members with a Spatial Directory profile 3 Yes
AMOUNT TICKET TYPE HOURS OF PD CREDIT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
80 General Public 3 Yes
30 Registered Students 3 Yes
Notes about Fees

* Members need to be logged into the Members' Area to get the member rate applied

Disclaimer

The information presented at the panel discussion is general in nature and should not be relied on. You should always seek your own professional advice. The views expressed are those of the presenters and may not represent the views of COTWA.

About the Event

Imagery re-scripting is a key aspect of schema therapy and a powerful experiential tool for change. Furthermore, research over the last 4 years has focused on how Imagery Rescripting can be utilised as a stand-alone treatment for childhood trauma and related PTSD (Arntz, 2013, de Haan et al 2018).

This in-person workshop will focus specifically on how therapists can become skilled in developing strong corrective emotional experiences via Imagery Rescripting. The training will focus on Arnoud Arntz’ imagery rescripting protocols; and discuss recent research findings in the treatment of childhood related post-traumatic stress and associated chronic mental-health problems. It will approach Imagery Rescripting as a stand-alone treatment, and primarily focus on using the intervention with adults and adolescent clients. No experience in Schema Therapy is required for this workshop.

The style of teaching will be focussed on hands-on, practical skills-development, with many opportunities to observe and practice skills to facilitate the application of Imagery Rescripting in your daily therapeutic work with clients.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding recent Imagery Rescripting research and the IREM research trial
  • Confidence in working with clients with a trauma background
  • Improved confidence in using Imagery Rescripting approach for trauma work
  • Developed further skills in responding to antagonists in imagery (via deliberate self-practice approaches)
  • Increased awareness of the therapist own blocks and challenges and practical ways to assist
  • Improved skills in working with client blocks and challenges
  • Development of skills on when to use imagery for compassion

Program

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for those working professionally with clients who have experienced complex trauma and who have current professional registration with an Australian regulatory body:

  • General Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Social workers
  • Counsellors
  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychotherapists
  • Mental Health Nurses

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria can apply on an individual basis to the COTWA Board by emailing sonia.smuts@complextraumawa.org.au. Consideration will be given to the applicant’s:

  • Nature and length of employment
  • Educational background and qualifications
  • Training in trauma
  • Support from the applicant’s supervisor and/or employer

About the Presenter/s

Presenter Name
  Dr Chris Hayes
Presenter Blurb
 

Chris is a Clinical Psychologist based in Perth WA. He has extensive experience in public and private settings, working with clients with complex psychological presentations. Since 2005, Chris has been practising as an accredited advanced Schema Therapist, supervisor, and trainer after having completed certification in Schema Therapy at the Schema Therapy Institute in New York City (USA) with Dr Jeffery Young. He has presented workshops throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia and is the Director of Schema Therapy Training Australia. Chris was employed as a Clinical Psychologist at the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) - a specialist service for those who have experienced recent or childhood sexual trauma - at the WA Health Department for more than eight years. In this role, he was heavily involved in implementing the Imagery/EMDR for Childhood Trauma (IREM) research trial (Boterhoven De Haan, et al., 2020). He has previously served as Secretary of the Board for the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST); and co-produced two video releases, ‘Fine Tuning Imagery Rescripting’ and ‘Fine Tuning Chair Work in Schema Therapy’. Both are the first of their kind internationally and come highly recommended. Chris is the co-author of ‘The Cambridge Guide to Schema Therapy’ textbook scheduled for release in late 2022. 

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Details

COVID:
Date/s: Friday 13 October 2023 - Saturday 14 October 2023
Registration:

Registration opens on 1 April 2023

Registration closes on 1 October 2023

Venue: The Newman Sienna Centre,
33 Williamstown Road,
Doubleview WA 6018
Additional Venue Information
Catering:

Tea and a light lunch will be provided

Please advise special dietary requirements at time of registration.

Accomodation Suggestions:
Recommended Reading:
Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations prior to 1 October 2023 will attract a $50 processing fee

Cancellations after 1 October 2023 will attract the full fee (transfer of registration is possible).

Enquiries:

WORKSHOP ENQUIRIES:

Sonia Smuts - Sonia.smuts@complextraumawa.org.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

David Edwards - David.edwards@complextraumawa.org.au

Fees:
AMOUNT TICKET TYPE HOURS OF PD CREDIT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
500 COTWA Professional Members Yes
300 COTWA Clinical Members Yes
50 COTWA Clinical Members with a Spatial Directory profile Yes
AMOUNT TICKET TYPE HOURS OF PD CREDIT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
800 General Public Yes
Notes about Fees

* Members need to be logged into the Members' Area to get the member rate applied.

** Please prioritise finalising submission of your Clinical membership assessment application and Spatial Directory profile if this workshop is of interest to you. If your directory profile is fully completed by 31 October 2023, you will qualify for the $50 attendance fee and you will receive a refund of the initial registration fee.

Depending on whether your Curriculum Vitae is up to date; and how long it might take you to draft a letter of reference on behalf of busy referees (we have templates you can use to make this easier), we estimate you probably need to set aside ~90+ minutes of your life to describe your trauma-specific approach to trauma-informed treatment.

When we’ve received your Clinical membership application, it will be sent to Blue Knot Foundation, Australia’s National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, for processing. This could take from 4 to 21 days.

Once you are a Clinical Member, you will receive an email to invite you to list on the COTWA Spatial Directory, with some practical tips on how to go about doing this.

COTWA's Spatial Directory is a unique and much-needed resource for survivors, colleagues, GPs, and other service providers in WA. The more weight trauma-trained clinicians add to it, the more weight COTWA has to advocate on behalf of everyone, for improved service delivery in WA for people with complex trauma.

CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE:

COTWA recognises that it is a complex process to become a Clinical member with a Spatial Directory profile. We still believe it is worth it! Before you give up, please message us via the Contact Us form on the website if you require any practical, technical, or emotional support to complete the online forms - we will be in touch to offer helpful help.

Disclaimer

The information presented at this workshop is general in nature, and that of the presenter's. This may/may not represent the views of COTWA as well. You should always seek your own professional advice specific to your unique circumstances.

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