Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Psychiatric Responses to Trauma and Disaster

Another timely workshop topic from Foundations Community Partnership. Dr. Patcho Santiago's December, 2 2009 workshop on psychiatric responses to trauma will address how the psychological response to trauma will determine how a person, a family or a community recovers. From campus shootings, the attack on the world trade center, and Hurricane Katrina to flu pandemics and military deployment, almost everyone is affected in some way by disaster. This enlightening workshop will cover psychosocial responses to trauma, disaster and psychological first aid.

In light of the recent shootings at Fort Hood, the daily reports of casualties in the middle east, the impact of natural disasters worldwide, and ongoing violence in the community, I am looking forward to suggestions for "psychological first aid" for my patients, families and the community.

What a great workshop. On the “Edutainment Scale” (Edutainment = Educational Information presented in an Entertaining format), Dr. Kendall’s presentation scored 10 of 10 points! His workshop managed to cram 400+ publications and 24 years of experience running an anxiety clinic into a 3 hour presentation. I was getting anxious when I noticed that we were on page 9 of a 13 page handout with only 30 minutes left. Despite numerous questions from the participants, somehow Dr. Kendall managed to bring us across the finish line on time, without the feeling of emptiness that I sometimes experience with hurried workshops. I still would have enjoyed a full day for this workshop.

A few thoughts.
1. My question was answered. He addressed the importance of “facilitative” anxiety as appropriate for children and adolescents and provided treatment suggestions.
2. Dr. Kendall highlighted the need for the child to be “exposed” to the “fear” over many practice sessions, and the importance of preparation before, and debriefing after each session. Unfortunately, parents, teachers, and therapists often believe that one or two exposures are enough, and simple dialogue with the patient/parent is sufficient.
3. He gave permission for the therapist to feel afraid that the intervention may not work, despite the preparation. His encouragement suggested that the planned intervention may fail, but it’s okay. Just keep trying! His workshop encouraged reward for effort, not just outcome for the patients and the therapists.

What are your thoughts?

Change of topic. During the break, a school counselor requested increased opportunity for teachers, school counselors, private therapists, nurses, or others working in schools, hospitals or institutions etc, and other participants to discuss topics of interest at these workshops in more detail. Please let FCP know if you would be interested in “Break-Out” sessions or some other venue for this opportunity.

FCP "Anxiety in Youth" Workshop with Dr. Phillip Kendall

Thursday, November 5, 2009, Phillip Kendall, Ph.D., Professor, Author, and Director of the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Temple University will provide an overview of the nature, symptoms and experience of anxiety in youth. He will address specific treatment intervention strategies that comprise Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. His presentation will include a discussion considering when anxiety is developmentally reasonable and when it is disordered. Treatment strategies will be described and illustrated with case examples. Research outcomes will also be presented to illustrate what we know and what we still need to learn about anxiety in this population.

I am looking forward to this workshop. "Facilitative" anxiety, as apprpropriate for the developmental level of the child and adolescent is a question that I frequently encounter in my Practice. I'm especially hoping that Dr. Kendall is able to match the treatment with the symptoms for each age group.

Please share your thoughts on this and other questions about Dr. Kendall's Workshop.