CRMGTPV X205 - Treating Complex Trauma

This training discusses ways to help individuals who are experiencing the effects of multiple traumas in their lives. The session teaches coping skills, such as grounding and relaxation techniques, to support emotional regulation. The training also applies cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts to help change the irrational beliefs formed from trauma. The presenter reviews triggers and how to help individuals cope with them, as well as the importance of increasing support systems and overcoming barriers.

What You’ll Learn

After completing this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify coping skills for trauma symptoms.
• Identify negative common beliefs formed about self and others from trauma, as well as their correlating healthy counterstatements.
• Give examples of common triggers from trauma.

What You’ll Earn

• Social workers completing this training will receive 2 clinical continuing education clock hours under ACE.
• This training is approved for 2 CE clock hours for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists, as well as substance use counselors in domain TR1 – treatment field related (renewals only) in the state of Ohio.

Additional Information

Development Date: October 2025

Target Audience: 988 crisis call line staff and other human services professionals

Content Level: Intermediate

Training Outline:

• Introduction to the main aspects of trauma treatment: coping skills, emotion regulation using CBT and increasing the support network
• Teaching grounding and relaxation skills, including coping skills with the five senses and muscle relaxation
• Applying CBT to trauma work; identifying irrational, negative beliefs; countering thoughts to be more rational; recognizing common ways that trauma creates cognitive distortions
• Helping individuals to emotionally regulate and self-soothe; helping clients to identify their emotions and triggers; developing a plan with clients to cope with triggers
• Understanding the role of grief in trauma work; helping people gain acceptance to move forward; five stages of grief
• Reviewing the importance of expanding clients’ support networks and strengthening the quality of those relationships; utilizing support groups and bibliotherapy; teaching clients healthy boundaries with disclosure regarding their trauma stories and how to identify safe people

Presenter: Natalie Varrone, LPCC-S
Therapist/Supervisor at North Coast Family Foundation

Natalie Varrone, LPCC-S, is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from The Ohio State University. She began her career working as a dual diagnosis counselor in addictions at a community mental health agency. Subsequently, she began working as a counselor in schools, and then supervising a school-based counseling program at a non-profit agency. Varrone currently works at a private practice providing counseling and supervision services, writing blog posts and presenting continuing education trainings. Her primary area of focus is treating trauma/PTSD in women and teen girls. Other areas of interest include depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, life adjustments and interpersonal difficulties. She frequently uses a strengths-based, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral approach in therapy.

Continuing Education Approvals
The Ohio State University College of Social Work provides approvals for continuing education for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists that are accepted by the state of Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board.

Certificates & CE Reporting
CE certificates will be available for download in your learner portal within 1 business day after submitting the evaluation survey. Hours for those with Ohio licenses that are submitted with the evaluation survey will be reported to CE Broker every 14 days (twice per month).

⚠️ Note: You may only complete this training once for CE credit. You may revisit the content, but only one certificate will be issued and credit will only be reported to CE Broker one time.

Cancellations, Refunds, Grievances, Accessibility Requests & Learning
Please visit the Policies section of our website for more information on our processes for cancellations, refunds, grievances, training completions & certificates, participant conduct, and accessibility requests and learning accommodations.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you require an accommodation to participate in this training, please contact CSW Accessibility as early as possible and in advance of the training start date by email at csw-accessibility@osu.edu or call 614-688-1657. Requests received at least 14-days prior to the date you plan to begin a training will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the College will make every effort to meet requests that we receive regardless of lead time.

Contact Us

For questions about the enrollment process, payment options, technology, or training records, please submit an inquiry and our Enrollment Support team will assist you within 24 hours during business days.

Submit an enrollment inquiry

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback about the training content or delivery format, please contact the 988 training team at 988trainings@osu.edu. For questions related to the training content, our office will facilitate communication with the training instructor on your behalf and connect you, if applicable. Presenter contact information will be provided within the training for questions, feedback, or comments.

Email: 988trainings@osu.edu
Website: csw.osu.edu/continuing-education/988-lifeline-series