Overview

Renew your APS membership or join in the 2026–27 membership year to receive this activity free as part of a CPD package featuring 75+ activities with 160+ hours of learning - valued at over $4,000 for non-members. This activity will be open for enrolment from 5 August 2026 until 31 May 2027. How to join | APS

This two-part on-demand series will discuss the elements of a treatment program for women with complex presentations. It highlights what works for women and how this could be different from men, both in terms of recent literature and personal research. Emphasis will be on discussing on gender-specific, trauma – informed, and culturally-sensitive treatment. 

1. The theoretical models for complex presentations in women will be discussed, followed by reflective practice exercises in examining participants internal values and biases of gender and trauma which will facilitate discussions on gender and trauma–informed treatment.

2. Specific treatment guidelines and components of treatment for substance use, mood dysregulation and trauma will be examined.

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those who have some previous learning on the topic.

Duration of access

Access to this activity is 12 months from the date of confirmed registration. Please note that access cannot be extended, and participants should plan to complete the activity within this period.

APS CPD Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

PD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this series, participants should be able to:

• identify comorbid mental health conditions and complex presentations in women,

• understand gender – informed and trauma–informed treatment, 

• review recent treatment guidelines,

• identify treatment ingredients for women with complex presentations, and 

• describe important process considerations.

Presenter(s)

Dr Hargun Ahluwalia MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Hargun Ahluwalia is a Clinical Psychologist at the in – patient mental health unit at Dame Phillis Frost Centre, a women’s prison in Victoria. A majority of her work for the past decade has been in the area of women’s mental health focussed on substance use and personality disorders as well as trauma histories. In her doctoral work, she developed a CBT treatment suited to culturally and linguistically diverse women and examined its feasibility and effectiveness. She is also a reflective practitioner using experiential approaches in psychotherapy. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she along with her colleagues launched a mental health online service in India.