PTSD Consultation Program Monthly Lecture Series-Supporting Clients Following Disasters or Mass Violence
The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Consultation Program presents live continuing education training webinars every month. Each of these trainings takes as its subject an issue or aspect of PTSD care that has been raised by users of the PTSD Consultation Program. Complex and emerging issues such as treating comorbid anger and PTSD, shared decision-making, and suicide prevention strategies are among the topics that have been covered over the five years that the trainings have been offered. Nationally-recognized experts, both from within and outside VA, develop and deliver the lectures. Trauma history and PTSD during pregnancy have been found to increase risk for adverse perinatal outcomes for both mom and baby, including increased risk for preterm birth, low infant birthweight, reduced maternal-infant bonding, subjective negative birth experience, and postpartum depression. The small, but growing, literature among women Veterans is revealing similar patterns between trauma, including military sexual trauma, PTSD, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Despite these associations, there is a gap in treatment for perinatal PTSD. As such, research regarding psychosocial interventions for perinatal PTSD is still in its infancy. This live knowledge based presentation will equip mental health providers with evidence-informed strategies and practical tools to support individuals affected by disaster events, including natural disasters, mass violence, and public health emergencies. It provides guidance on recognizing common challenges, tailoring care to individual needs, modifying treatment approaches, fostering coping skills, and applying a framework to enhance safety, calming, connectedness, self-efficacy, and hope. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of effective communication to ensure compassionate and effective care during times of crisis.