Breaking Chains, Building Hope with 12STR®: A Christian-Integrated 3-Phase Trauma Recovery Revolution

18 CORE CEs approved by LPCA-GA

12STR® (The Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery System) is an evidence-informed, structured process for conducting trauma recovery education and treatment. The backbone of 12STR is The 3 Progressive Phases of Trauma and Abuse Recovery. These 3 phases are broken down into 12 stages, providing a stepwise pathway through recovery. The process can be conducted in-person or online in individual or group counseling settings. Most of this training will be focused on Phases 1 and 2, Safety and Stabilization, and Reprocessing and Grieving, and summarizing Phase 3: Reconnecting and Integrating. The 12STR System is a manualized model, and research is underway to move it to evidence-based status. One research project has been completed and published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology (3/2/2022). Spiritual integration is encouraged but not required and provides treatment of the whole person, body, mind, and soul.

Instruction will include lectures using PowerPoint presentations, short videos, discussion, and video-based role-play.

Goals and Objectives:

1. Participants will learn tools to help clients connect current behavioral/psychological symptoms to past traumatic experiences.

2. Participants will practice using two educational interventions and assessment tools to introduce clients to trauma-specific treatment.

3. Through role-play, participants will utilize the structured process of 12STR Phase 2 using scripted case scenarios.

Basic Schedule:

Day 1:

8:45-10:15 AM: Introductions. Levels of development in trauma care. The 3 phases of trauma recovery in 12STR®. Theory and development of 12STR®. (1.5)

10:15-10:30 AM: Break

10:30-12:00 PM: Definitions of “trauma.” Personal identity, brain structure and function, and toxic stress. The Trauma Survivor Blueprint© and the Paradox of Symptom-Focused Treatment. SAMHSA guidelines. (1.5)

12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch

12:30--2:00 PM: 12STR® Phase 1: 6 Counselor Goals & Tasks. Client Goals and objectives and the four stages of Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization. How to use Motivational Interviewing to assess readiness for the next stage or phase of recovery. (1.5)

2:00-2:15 PM: Break

2:15-3:45 PM: How to work through the 4 stages of Phase 1 with your client using provided handouts, assessments, and integrating Motivational Interviewing. Understanding grief and practicing emotional safety. (1.5)

Day 2:

8:45-10:15 AM: Review of Phase 1- Questions and discussion about Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization. Introduction to Phase 2: Reprocessing and Grieving. Understanding “Hope”. The two counselor goals of Phase 2 are 1. Supporting and facilitating client grief and 2. maintaining structure. Understanding emotional acceleration and expansion. The grief cycle and the grief summit. Revew Emotional Safety techniques.

10:15-10:30 AM: Break

10:30-12:00 PM: Identifying “sources” of trauma in 12STR® theory. Combating the “Round-Robin Defense.” Counselor goal 2: Introducing structured reprocessing using writing, reading, and processing rules. Working through the first stage of Phase 2 with a client.

12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch

12:30-2:00 PM: Role Play Introduction- Phase 2 Stage 1/Using 12STR with various types of trauma, including spouse of an alcoholic, adult child of an alcoholic, sexual abuse survivor, and crime victims. Group and individual counseling. We will demonstrate 3-4 characters/cases through stage 1 and follow 1-2 characters through all 6 stages. Role play will be live online, but some video demonstrations might also be used.

2:00-2:15 PM: Break

2:15-3:45 PM: What is Stage 1 accomplishing? Role Play Stage 1 Group Process Continued. Advantages to writing vs recall of traumatic events. End of day questions and wrap up.

Day 3:

8:45-10:15 AM: Review and Continue Phase 2-Stage one role-play as needed.  Introduction to Stages 2 and 3- Roleplay continues.

10:15-10:30 AM: Break

10:30-12:00 PM: Stage 4: finding the "edge" and Stage 5: The Concept of Forgiveness. Prepare for Stage 6 after lunch break.

12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch

12:30-2:00 PM: Stage 6: Personal or Spiritual Marker (Final role-play in which everyone participates). Near-term trauma processing using the “Lend-a-Hand” method. Role-play in 2s or 3s in break-out rooms.

2:00-2:15 PM: Break

2:15-3:45 PM: Phase 3- Overview and Summary. The certification process for 12STR®. Applications/Plans for Implementation/Questions and Summary