The workshop will include:

• The Logic and Scientific Structure of the Trauma Model
• The Problem of Comorbidity
• A Dissociative Subtype of Schizophrenia
• Genes Versus Environment in Mental Illness and Addictions
• The Limitations of Psychopharmacology
• A New Scientific Model of Mind-Body Interaction
• The Problem of Attachment to the Perpetrator
• The Locus of Control Shift
• Additional Principles of Therapy
• Specific Treatment Techniques
• Case studies, role-play and videos ( film  shown of clients will not be  recorded electronically on AV material for purchase )

Day One

Day Two

Case Examples

In this two-day workshop, Dr. Ross will explain the logic and scientific structure of the Trauma Model. The Model is designed to be scientifically testable and makes numerous specific predictions about the relationship between psychological trauma and mental illness and addictions. It provides a solution to the problem of comorbidity, and explains why so many clients have numerous different diagnoses and addictions. According to the Trauma Model, 25% - 40% of people who meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia actually have a dissociative subtype of the disorder. Dissociative schizophrenia is caused by childhood trauma and is treatable with psychotherapy. This prediction of the model is supported by:

•     data on genes versus environment in schizophrenia;
•     limitations of antipsychotic medications;
•     research data;
•     case examples from the schizophrenia literature;
•     research data on trauma and dissociation.

The Trauma Model is based on a new, scientifically testable model of mind-body interaction. According to the Model, causality in serious mental disorders and addictions runs in two directions: brain-to-mind, and mind-to-brain. The Model predicts that psychotherapy can initiate and carry out brain self-repair, healing the damage to the brain caused by psychological trauma. This theory could be tested using PET scans, MRIs, and widely-used self-report measures and structured interviews.

The Trauma Model provides a way to test and scientifically refute Cartesian dualism and the biomedical reductionism that dominates psychiatry today.

The workshop will explore in depth Trauma Model Therapy. The therapy is based on two core principles: the problem of attachment to the perpetrator, and the locus of control shift. Additional core principles include: the problem is not the problem; just say ‘no' to drugs, addiction is the opposite of desensitization, and the victim-rescuer-perpetrator triangle. These will be explained through case examples.

The workshop will provide hands-on specific strategies and techniques that can be used in any treatment setting. There will be considerable time set aside for case consultation and discussion. Delegates are encouraged to consider role-playing one of their clients so that Dr. Ross can interview “the client” directly. This teaching method takes attendees inside a simulated consultation.

Electronic recording - AV material will be available for purchase, however, please note that sections of this 2-day conference will be omitted from the CDs, DVDs and audiotapes for privacy reasons and copyright legislation as videos of therapy with clients will be shown. The clients involved have kindly given permission for these films to be shown at the conference. 

Learning Objectives:

1. To be able to describe the logic and scientific structure of the Trauma Model.

2. To outline the criteria for, and features of, a dissociative subtype of schizophrenia.

3. To explain the core principles and specific strategies of Trauma Model Therapy.

4. To explain the limitations of biomedical reductionism and psychopharmacology to medical and non-medical colleagues, and the client/patient.

5. To understand complex therapeutic challenges and be effective in therapeutic interventions.

Selected Bibliography

Ross , C.A. (1994). The Osiris Complex: Case Studies in Multiple Personality Disorder. Toronto : University of Toronto Press.
Ross , C.A. (1995). Satanic Ritual Abuse: Principles of Treatment. Toronto : University of Toronto Press.
Ross , C.A. (1997). Dissociative Identity Disorder: Diagnosis, Clinical Features, and Treatment. New York: John Wiley.
Ross , C.A. (2000). The Trauma Model: A Solution To The Problem of Comorbidity in Psychiatry. Richardson, TX: Manitou Communications.
Ross , C.A. (2004). Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment. New York: Haworth Press.
Ross , C.A. (2006). The CIA Doctors: Human Rights Violations by American Psychiatrists. Richardson, TX: Manitou Communications.