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In Person
Adolescent & Young Adult Symposium

The Inner World of the Traumatized Adolescent

Michael Giresi, CAC, NARM, ICADC, CTP
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Define complex trauma and the C-PTSD Diagnosis.

  • Identify at least 2 interventions for addressing shame and fostering a sense of agency.

  • Describe the impact of early attachment, relational, and developmental trauma on adolescent mental health.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to increase clinical knowledge about complex trauma in adolescents.

Description

This presentation offers a unique perspective on complex trauma in adolescents. When a young child’s needs/emotions are chronically unmet due to abuse, neglect, and/or misattunement, children foreclose on those very needs/emotions in favor of adapting to what’s available to them rather than what they need. Attendees will learn how to conceptualize complex trauma symptoms and behaviors through the lens of attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and developmental affective neuroscience. Attendees will also learn how to apply clinical skills specifically oriented to addressing adaptive patterns that are at the root of substance and process addictions.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Michael Giresi, CAC, NARM, ICADC, CTP
Mike found his passion for helping others through his own healing journey. He began his career supporting adults with complex trauma, PTSD, and addictions. Mike is a Florida Certified Addiction Counselor and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the IC&RC. He is also a nationally Certified Trauma Professional and a NARM® Practitioner, having assisted in teaching NARM® principles for working with complex trauma to professionals around the world and consulting on their application to adolescent treatment. Mike currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for Family First Adolescent Services, a premier residential treatment center in South Florida. He uses his extensive training in trauma, somatic psychology, interpersonal neurobiology, and addiction treatment to develop individual, group, and family programming for clients and families. Additionally, Mike is a national speaker, educator, and consultant on developmental trauma, addiction, and adolescent treatment.