Graduate Education Institute · Clinical Psychology · Master
Course Objective
The primary objective of this course is to provide clinical psychology graduate students with in-depth and practical expertise in the neurobiology, psychopathology, assessment, and treatment of traumatic experiences. By the end of the course, students will understand the multidimensional impact of trauma on individuals (cognitive, emotional, somatic, and relational), be able to formulate cases for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders, and develop evidence-based intervention strategies.
Course Content
The course begins by establishing the fundamental conceptual framework of trauma psychology. In the first weeks, fundamental topics such as the relationship between stress and trauma, the definition, history, and types of trauma, and childhood trauma are covered. Then, the neurobiology of trauma is examined, exploring its effects on the brain, mind, and body. The second part of the course focuses on psychopathologies that emerge after trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as other trauma- and stressor-related disorders and comorbidities, are discussed in depth from a diagnostic and clinical perspective. The effects of trauma on development and psychometric assessment tools are also examined during this process. The final and most significant section of the course is devoted to clinical interventions. This section begins with the fundamental principles of trauma-sensitive care, psychoeducation, and teaching mood regulation skills. The therapy process continues with evidence-based cognitive and behavioral interventions such as Cognitive Restructuring and Emotional Processing. The role of different therapeutic schools in trauma treatment is discussed, encouraging students to develop an integrative perspective. Finally, the conclusion of therapy The course concludes by addressing the process and concepts of post-traumatic growth.
Required Resources
Gold, S. N. (Ed.). (2017). APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology: Foundations in Knowledge. American Psychological Association.
Gold, S. N. (Ed.). (2017). APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology: Trauma Practice. American Psychological Association.
Recommended Resources
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and recovery. Basic Books.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Can define stress, trauma, and trauma-related disorders and can distinguish between them.
- Can define different types of trauma, including childhood trauma; can incorporate risk and protective factors into a case formulation, taking into account cultural and developmental factors.
- Can comprehensively analyze the neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral consequences of traumatic experiences.
- Can make a differential diagnosis of PTSD and other trauma-related psychopathologies (e.g., complex PTSD, dissociative disorders) and develop a diagnostic formulation for a case.
- Can develop a treatment plan framework that includes the basic principles for an individualized therapy process, psychoeducation, mood regulation techniques, and cognitive interventions.
- Can explain the role of resilience and post-traumatic growth in the post-traumatic recovery process and the clinical approaches that support these processes.
- Can critically evaluate various trauma therapy interventions (Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, EMDR, etc.) and discusses their suitability for different case presentations.
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 32 | 4 | 128 |
| Midterm | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Practice | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stress Reaction and Traumatic Experience | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 1 Chapter 2 |
| 2 | Stress and Trauma, Types of Traumas, History of Trauma | Trauma and Recovery Chapter 1 |
| 3 | Types, Etiology, and Risk Factors of Trauma | Trauma and Recovery Chapter 5; APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 1 Chapter 6 |
| 4 | Trauma and Psychopathologies: PTSD | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 1 Chapter 10; Trauma and Recovery Chapter 2 and 6 |
| 5 | Trauma and Psychopathologies: Other Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 1 Chapter 14; Trauma and Recovery Chapter 2 and 6 |
| 6 | Aftermath of Trauma; Comorbidities | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 1 Chapter 14; Body Keeps the Score Chapter 11 and 12 |
| 7 | Aftermath of Trauma; Neurobiological Approach to Trauma | Body Keeps the Score Chapter 3,4,5 and 6 |
| 8 | Midterm Exam Week | Course Slides |
| 9 | Developmental Perspective on Trauma | Body Keeps the Score Chapter 7,8,9 and 10 |
| 10 | Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 1 Chapter 22 |
| 11 | Psychometric Assessment of Trauma | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 2 Chapter 3 |
| 12 | Therapeutic Approaches to Trauma I: Basic Principles, Psychoeducation, and Mood Regulation | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 2 Chapter 7, 8, 9, 14 and 18 |
| 13 | Therapeutic Approaches to Trauma II: Cognitive Interventions and Emotional Processing | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 2 Chapter 7, 8, 9, 14 and 18 |
| 14 | Treatment Approaches to Trauma III: Different Therapy Approaches | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 2 Chapter 7, 8, 9, 14 and 18 |
| 15 | Therapeutic Approaches to Trauma IV: Termination and Aftercare | APA Handbook of Trauma Psychology Volume 2 Chapter 7, 8, 9, 14 and 18 |
| 16 | final exam | final exam |