Trauma Expert to Conduct School of Social Work Training Session

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- International trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, known for his ability to appeal to audiences with or without technical background on the effects of trauma on the body and mind, will conduct a day-long training session on May 2 sponsored by the University at Buffalo's School of Social Work.

Van der Kolk, director of The Trauma Center in Boston, Mass., will speak on "Trauma, Attachment and the Body" in a program beginning at 8:45 a.m. in the Holiday Inn, 1881 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. Presented by the School of Social Work's Office of Continuing Education, van der Kolk's lecture will present current research about post-traumatic responses and explore the influence this research has on treatment.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the best public speakers in the world on the subject how trauma affects the body and how it recovers," says Nancy J. Smyth, dean of the School of Social Work, also an expert on the effects of psychological and emotional trauma.

"And he does it in a very understandable way, for laypeople as well as professionals," she says.

The study of psychological and physiological effects of trauma has been among the most fertile areas within psychiatry and psychology, helping experts develop a deeper understanding of the relationship of emotional, cognitive, social and biological forces that shape human development.

"First you have to treat any physical injuries caused by the traumatic event, and then the psychological and emotional impact need to be addressed," says Smyth.

"When you're living under conditions where your body is under a constant state of alarm, it has an effect on the way your body functions," says Smyth. "If you're living that way day-to-day, it can have a significant negative effect on one's health."

Van der Kolk's training session will address the psychological and emotional costs of trauma. Trauma research has led to insights in how extreme experiences throughout life can contribute to behavorial disorders, addictions, suicides, personality disorders and violent behavior.

"A high percentage of personal problems that present themselves in a wide range of service settings is influenced by traumatic experiences," says Smyth. "Trauma survivors make up a large percentage of the clients in most service settings, yet few settings include services to meet their needs. This makes it hard to engage, retain and effectively treat these individuals and their families."

The training session is part of the School of Social Work's continuing education non-credit Trauma Counseling Certificate Program. "Professionals can improve their knowledge and skills so they can better understand and engage this population, and set up the most meaningful, effective treatment services," says Lesa L. Fichte, director of continuing education for the School of Social Work.

The training session is intended for those enrolled in the certificate program as well as those not enrolled but who are interested in expanding their knowledge of trauma treatment and research -- including social workers, substance abuse counselors, psychiatrists and psychologists, and others dealing with trauma survivors. Members of the general public also would find his lecture of interest, Smyth says.

Cost of the daylong session is $105, which includes lunch. To register or for more information, contact Trisha Mahar, training coordinator, at (716) 829-3939, ext. 154. or email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or go to www.socialwork.buffalo.edu/conted.

The training seminar is co-sponsored by the Erie County Department of Mental Health and the Erie County Trauma Task Force.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.