“The Trauma Consultation Training Program offers an oasis for those of us working in the trauma field.”
– Member of the Trauma Consultation Group
Those of us who work with trauma survivors face unique challenges. If we are to sustain ourselves in this work, it is imperative that we participate in a community that adequately supports us.
For nearly thirty years, the Trauma Consultation Group has been in the forefront of providing mental health professionals training in traumatic stress disorders. Meeting monthly from September to June, the program focuses on the treatment of both acute trauma, dissociation and the pervasive impact of chronic childhood abuse and neglect evident in Complex PTSD. Trauma, we understand, is never purely an individual problem. It occurs in a social context that buffers or exacerbates the impact. Attention to the trauma of oppression and marginalization is integrated throughout our training program and curriculum.
Laurie Kahn (she/her), LCPC, MFA, and Janet Migdow (she/her), PhD, LCPC, co-founders of the Trauma Consultation Group, are both recognized for their expertise and contributions in the field of trauma and dissociation. In addition to Laurie and Janet, there are several adjunct faculty members including Beth Holzhauer (she/her), LCSW, Judith Ierulli (she/her), LCSW, Meredith Glick (she/her), LCSW Alissa Catiis (she/her), LCSW and John Sykes (he/they), LCSW. Each has been presenting and consulting in the area of trauma for over twenty years. They share their skills, translating theory into practice, while creating community that sustains the growth and development of trauma therapists.
This Program:
- Focuses on the therapeutic complexities of working with trauma survivors by paying special attention to the impact on the therapist.
- Provides a safe environment to discuss both the challenging nature of this work and the continuing impact it has on the trauma therapist.
- Convenes September – June, meeting one Friday every month (1-3pm or 3:30-5:30pm)
- Begins with a day-long workshop on a Sunday in September for Year 1 and Year 2 groups
- Has a maximum of 8 members in each consultation group
- Issues up to 22 CEUs based on attendance to LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, LMFT, PhD and PsyD
- Meets monthly at Womencare Counseling & Training Center, Evanston (or virtually through zoom during COVID-19). We will continuously assess the safety to return to in-person instruction.
- Is highly regarded and, with over 65 members, is one of the largest in the region.
Year 1 (22 CEUs available)
Opening all-day workshop: Foundations in the Treatment of Trauma
2025 dates TBD
The curriculum will provide the foundation for the treatment of trauma, integrating case consultation, didactic presentations and reflection on vicarious trauma. Topics include: Vicarious Trauma, Resiliency and Assessment, Empathic Alliance and Therapeutic Contracts, Pacing and Affect Regulation, and Attachment Dilemmas.
Year 2 (22 CEUs available)
Opening all-day workshop: Advanced Issues in the Treatment of Trauma
2025 Dates TBD
While continuing to integrate case consultation and reflection on vicarious trauma, the curriculum will focus on the complexities of the therapeutic relationship, with special attention to traumatic transference, counter-transference and empathic strain. Topics include: Traumatic Memory and Dissociation, Victim-Perpetrator Dynamics, and Termination Issues in Trauma Treatment.
Completion of Year 1 required.
Advanced Consultation Group (20 CEUs available)
Facilitated by Laurie Kahn, Janet Migdow, Meredith Glick, Judith Ierulli, and Beth Holzhauer
This group is for advanced trauma clinicians who want to deepen their skills within an ongoing consultation group. This is an introspective space to continue the conversations and understandings of working with trauma survivors. Members will identify individual goals for the year, and the group will choose a collective topic to hone an area of clinical growth.
Membership is by invitation, space permitting. Completion of Year 1 and Year 2 of the Trauma Consultation Training Program is required.
Who We Are Looking For
Our consultation groups provide trauma therapists a community in which they can deepen skills and reflect on the complexities of working with trauma dynamics.
Ideal candidates:
- Have 1-5 years of post-masters psychotherapy experience and are licensed clinicians
- Are committed to working with traumatized and marginalized populations
- Are eager to learn
- Are passionate about anti-racism and social justice
- Value community and connection
Program Fee
Year 1 and Year 2:
- $950 annual tuition
- 5% discount if paid in full in advance ($902.50)
- Restorative Justice Rate: $855 ($812.25)
- Monthly payment arrangements are available
Advanced Consultation Groups:
- $1050 annual tuition
- 5% discount if paid in full in advance ($997.50)
- Restorative Justice Rate: $950 ($902.50)
- Monthly payment arrangements are available
In support of our social justice stance, TCG grants one scholarship annually to a woman of color. Additionally, reduced tuition is available to those demonstrating a commitment to antiracism or serving marginalized populations. A sliding scale tuition is also available based on need.
Application
There is a $25 application fee. An initial interview is required for all Year 1 applicants.
May 1: Applications open
June 20: Early application deadline – $25 application fee waived if submitted by this date
August 1: Final application deadline
August 25: Candidates notified on acceptance
Download Application (Document is enabled so that you can type your responses directly on the form)
Questions
Please contact Laurie Kahn (she/her), MFA, LCPC at lkahn@womencarecounseling.com if you would like further information or would like for one of the directors to reach out to you.