Sexual Abuse TreatmentPresenter:Blaise Amendolace, Psy.D.

Description:

This is an introductory workshop on the treatment of sexual abuse. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of sexual trauma, exploring what trauma is, the impact on individuals and families, and the recovery/treatment process, focusing on the transition from victim to survivor to thriver.  This course will demonstrate how to assess for sexual trauma when working with children, adolescents and adults.  Additionally, participants will receive an overview of empirically-supported trauma treatment models and will learn to work compassionately and effectively with trauma survivors throughout the recovery/treatment process.  This course will also address the unique need for clinician self-care when working with the distinctive challenges posed by a trauma population.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how to conduct a proper assessment of individuals with sexual trauma histories
• Describe symptom presentations common in children, adolescents, and adults who havesexual trauma histories
• Explain the differences in symptom presentation based upon type of trauma (i.e. single event versus complex/prolonged)
• Describe current trauma treatment models, and be able to choose the most efficacioustreatment approach
• List the key components of a contextual treatment approach and explain how to implement
• Identify signs of clinician burnout when working with trauma survivors, and ways to managecompassion fatigue
• Identify and work with shame throughout treatment
• Explain Learn three separate conceptualizations for sexual trauma/abuse

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Blaise Amendolace (FL8603) is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida. He earned his Psy.D. from Florida Institute of Technology. Dr. Amendolace works at Florida Atlantic University’s Counseling & Psychological Services, where he is currently the Interim Clinical Director and Assessment Coordinator. He specializes in sexual abuse treatment, therapeutic personality assessment, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He provides child maltreatment prevention trainings for both educational and community organizations. He is in private practice in Cooper City, Florida, and is currently an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Carlos Albizu University.