Countertransference Issues in Trauma Therapy
Working with the Traumatized Client Who Avoids Attachment Presented by Robert T. Muller, Ph.D., C. Psych.

Web Conference Description

Many advances have been made in the treatment of intra-familial trauma. However, little attention has been paid to helping traumatized clients who are avoidant of attachment. Many individuals cope with traumatic experiences by using intellectualization, and by devaluing interpersonal closeness and vulnerable affect. Working with clients who are help-rejecting and self-protective can be very challenging. 

This workshop will focus on the countertransference issues that arise when working with the avoidant client in trauma therapy. Many of these issues Dr. Muller has discussed in his new academic book, Trauma and the Avoidant Client: Attachment-Based Strategies for Healing (W.W. Norton, 2010). Using attachment theory, Dr. Muller will describe countertransference patterns that are seen with these hard-to-treat clients, including verbal and nonverbal interactions. Using a relational, psychodynamic approach, Dr. Muller will consider patterns such as:  trying to repair, coming into conflict with defensiveness, and colluding with avoidant defenses. In therapy, such clients should be encouraged to take interpersonal risks, to mourn losses, and to face vulnerabilities. Unless countertransference is understood and used in the service of the therapy, therapeutic progress will be hindered. This workshop will focus on clinical technique. Theory is complemented by case examples and segments from treatment sessions.

This Web Conference is designed to help clinicians:

1) Recognize characteristics of avoidant attachment among adults with trauma histories; 
2) Recognize countertransference patterns in work with such clients;
3) Use countertransference in the service of client engagement, and as a useful tool in the therapy. 

If you have any questions about this Web Conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.