Workshop 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

Supporting The Brain To Recover From Traumatic Experience Clinical Applications Of Positive Psychology (#55)

Nigel Denning 1 , Linda Tilgner 1
  1. Integrative Psychology, East Melbourne, VICTORIA, Australia

Research during the last decade on the impacts of trauma on the human brain  clearly demonstrate that normal developmental pathways can be severely compromised, as this workshop will outline.  Clear case conceptualisation involves the accurate diagnosis of the type of trauma that is presented and its impacts on the development of the individual.  For instance, complex trauma often involves relational disturbance, a loss of meaning,  engagement with "flow" states and the ability to experience positive emotions.  Other forms of trauma can be situational and incidental and do not necessarily have such global impacts on functioning.  Its important that clinicians identify both similarities and differences in these presentations.  Principles drawn from Positive Psychology approaches such as the PERMA model provide the clinician with clear pathways to develop therapeutic interventions to overcome significant developmental wounds, particularly with interpersonal trauma.  More specifically Positive Psychology assists with the restoration of self and relationship with other, not just the alleviation of trauma symptoms.  Trauma treatment within a Positive Psychology framework can lead to what has been termed post-traumatic growth.  This workshop will demonstrate case conceptualisation and treatment planning for trauma utilising a Positive Psychology framework. Conceptualisation and treatment planning tools will be provided.

  • Select one of the following conference tracks which best describes your submission area: Positive Clinical Applications and Mental Health