CRMGTPV X003 - Foundations of Trauma Therapy

This training aims to provide practical training on how trauma definitions, symptoms, diagnoses and treatment barriers present in session and over the phone. The training will review how to identify trauma symptoms in clients and callers, diagnose trauma and the differing diagnostic presentations, and manage one of the main barriers of client avoidance to begin trauma work. 

What You'll Learn

After completing this training, participants will be able to...

• Define trauma and the continuum of traumatic experiences.
• Describe the difference between “Big T” and “little t” trauma.
•  Identify trauma symptoms among a variety of diagnoses.
• Identify signs that untreated trauma may be causing the client’s lack of progress or contributing to a crisis caller’s challenges.
• Name strategies to decrease client avoidance of trauma in session or over the phone.
• Describe the importance of the window of tolerance/safety model to assist clients in staying emotionally regulated.
• Describe how to guide clients and callers through reprocessing traumatic memories in a manner that is maximally therapeutic. 

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: May 2025 

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

Content Level: Beginner

Training Outline

• Teach definitions of trauma: Varying definitions of trauma that are broad or narrow
• Assessment of trauma symptoms
• Diagnosing trauma: Review of post-traumatic stress disorder criteria in the DSM and other trauma disorders

Presenter

Natalie Varrone, LPCC-S

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor

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.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work has been approved by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals (CDP) Board as a provider of Continuing Education, approval number: 50-24068.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work, (Provider: 1628), is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The Ohio State University College of Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 4/30/25-4/30/28. Social workers completing this course will receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.

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 CSW Office of Continuing Education at cswce@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. 

The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, Office of Continuing Education, 302 Stillman Hall, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH, 43210.

Phone: (614) 292-3032

Email: cswce@osu.edu 

Website: csw.osu.edu/continuing-education/