About this course

Learning Objectives

• Identify and critically evaluate at least 5 common myths about trauma, sexual assault, and childhood trauma using evidence-based research.
• Explain the neurobiological mechanisms underlying PTSD and complex PTSD, including the biological models of amygdala-prefrontal cortex dysregulation and their implications for treatment planning.
• Apply research findings to debunk trauma myths with clients, families, and communities, promoting more accurate and compassionate responses to trauma survivors.

Learning Levels

• Beginner
• Intermediate

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Kayleigh Waters, PhD

  Assistant Professor, Director of the Trauma, Diversity, and Systemic Change (TDSC) Lab at Palo Alto University

  Dr. Watters is a licensed psychologist in California (PSY34749) who provides individual and group therapy to adults across the state via telehealth through Summit Psychotherapy Center, Inc. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University and directs the Trauma, Diversity, and Systemic Change (TDSC) Lab. Her research focuses on complex trauma, the impact of discrimination on trauma responses, sexual violence, and reproductive healthcare. As an applied researcher, she is committed to using empirical findings to drive meaningful change across clinical, academic, and community settings.

  Dr. Watters is a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and serves as Co-Chair of the Complex Trauma Special Interest Group for the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Palo Alto University with a specialization in adult trauma. Her predoctoral internship was completed at Oregon State University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, where she trained in the PTSD and DBT clinics and completed a minor rotation with student-athletes. She also received extensive training in PTSD, complex trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression through the San Francisco VA and StarVista.

Disclosure

References

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