Outline & Course Curriculum

    1. How to use this course

    2. Impact of Trauma on the Development of Substance Use Pt 1: Overview of Trauma & Brain Development

    3. How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime-Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk

    1. Impact of Trauma on the Development of Substance Use Pt. 2: Understanding Diagnosis and Theories

    2. What is Cognitive Processing Therapy- PsychHub

    1. Impact of Trauma on the Development of Substance Use Pt. 3: Supporting & Doing the Work!

    1. Post Test

    2. Evaluation

    3. Bibliography / Reference List

    4. More resources for you

About this course

  • 10 lessons

Course Description

This course provides the participant with an overview of the effects of trauma on the brain and autonomic nervous system, how these physiological changes impact the development of substance use disorder, and tools for working with individuals with co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders. 

This course should particularly benefit those interested in having a better understanding of the relationship between trauma and the development of substance use disorder. It offers an intermediate learner a deeper understanding of how trauma presents in individuals to enhance assessment skills and provides evidence based interventions to improve outcomes for folks with co-morbid trauma and substance use disorders. 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of trauma. 
  2. Enhance the participants' understanding of the impact of trauma on the brain and the autonomic nervous system and how these changes increase the risk of problematic substance use. 
  3. Participants will be able to understand and explain the importance of simultaneously treating substance use and PTSD. 
  4. Enhance understanding of person-centered and evidence-based approaches that are effective when working with individuals who use substances. 
  5. Participants will receive practical skills to enhance assessment for trauma-related symptoms.

Trainer Melissa "Minnie" Blackman

Minnie is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Minnie is passionate about her profession and is inspired by the resilience and the capacity for healing she has found in the folks she has had the privilege of working with. Minnie has experience working with individuals, groups, and families seeking support for trauma-related issues, anxiety disorders, LGBTQIA issues, substance use, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Minnie has worked with all ages and backgrounds and often employs interventions such as Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Mindfulness/Somatic skills to empower her clients to meet their personal goals. Minnie believes that investing in the therapeutic relationship and providing safety, consistency, and compassion to her clients are the keys to growth and transformation. Minnie prides herself on her capacity to have collaborative, mutually respectful, and at times silly, relationships with her clients, colleagues, and friends. Minnie is an art lover and enjoys drawing and painting in her free time.

Certificates will be awarded after completion of full training and course evaluation.

Radiant Sunshine, #1403, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Radiant Sunshine maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/28/23 to 2/28/2026  Social workers completing this course receive 3.5 clinical continuing education credits.

Find out whether your state or province accepts ACE approval.

Refund Policy:   No refund will be given for the purchase of the course.

 We accommodate persons with disabilities. Please email [email protected] for more information if disability accommodations are needed.

Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP):

Radiant Sunshine has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7371. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.

Refund Policy:   No refund will be given for the purchase of any course or webinar. 

 We accommodate persons with disabilities. Please email [email protected] for more information if disability accommodations are needed.

For more information contact: [email protected]

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