Overview

Phoenix Australia has developed a suite of four CPD Approved integrated courses designed to support practitioners to extend their knowledge and skills in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

1. Understanding Posttraumatic Stress, 
2. Assessment, Formulation and Treatment Planning for PTSD,
3. Understanding Trauma-Focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and
4. Implementing Trauma-Focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

Understanding Posttraumatic Stress

This activity provides a practical overview of posttraumatic stress, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD).

It describes how the concepts of PTSD and CPTSD have developed over time, how both conditions are defined, how they typically present, and the evidence-based treatment approaches used for both conditions.

The activity also touches on related mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and substance use problems, which some people may experience after a potentially traumatic event.

Level of learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic. 

Target audience

This activity is designed for professionals who work with people affected by trauma, whether trauma is the primary focus of their work or forms part of a broader presentation. It will be particularly relevant to:

• Psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, nurse practitioners and other clinicians/mental health practitioners who assess, diagnose or treat people experiencing PTSD, CPTSD or trauma-related difficulties.
• Allied health professionals who may encounter trauma in their work, including physiotherapists and other allied health providers.
• Support and care professionals who work closely with people affected by trauma, including case managers, social service providers and community health professionals.
• First responders and other occupational groups who regularly encounter people who have experienced trauma.

The activity may also benefit other professionals whose roles involve supporting, assessing or caring for people with current or past experiences of trauma.

Duration of access

6 months access to content from the date of confirmed enrolment.

​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.

Related activities

• Assessment, Formulation and Treatment Planning for PTSD eLearning activity, 5 CPD hours

• Understanding Trauma-Focussed CBT eLearning activity, 8 CPD hours

• Implementing Trauma-Focussed CBT eLearning activity, 8 CPD hours

Learning Outcomes

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

• Describe how the concepts of PTSD and complex PTSD have developed over time.
• Identify the diagnostic criteria for both conditions.
• Discuss how both conditions typically present, including how common they are, differences by gender, common co-occurring conditions, risk factors, and symptom patterns over time.
• Compare the main theories that explain how both conditions develop and persist over time.
• Outline evidence-based treatment approaches for both conditions.

Notes

The content of this training includes discussion of trauma and may be unsettling for some. Take time out if you find the content of this course upsetting. Seek supervision or support if distress continues.
Options for seeking support include contacting:
- Your organisation's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Your regular General Practitioner or mental health professional
Phone or web-based mental health support, such as:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
- Open Arms Veterans and families counselling: 1800 011 046
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Family violence: 1800 RESPECT, or
- Sexual assault counselling: 1800 737 732

Website/s

http://www.phoenixaustralia.org