Practicum in Trauma and Substance Use

Catalog description

The purpose of this practicum is twofold: It will educate students about the mechanisms and dynamics underlying the high co-morbidity rates of PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD). Conceptual and clinical material from various theoretical orientations will be explored, and attention will be given to cultural factors that contribute to these diagnoses. Secondly, the course will prepare students to offer an evidence-based treatment for trauma and SUD called Seeking Safety, which can be implemented in groups or with individuals. Ultimately, this course is designed to diversity students’ clinical skill set through offering cognitive and behavioral tools to address substance abuse in a classroom environment that welcomes the dynamic exploration of these issues as they present in treatment.