Case Study: Complex Psychological Trauma

“Complex psychological trauma is defined as resulting from exposure to severe stressors that (1) are repetitive and prolonged, (2) involve harm or abandonment by caregivers…a responsible adult, and (3) occur at developmentally vulnerable times in the victims’ life, such as early childhood or adolescence” (Courtois & Ford C. A., 2009, p.13). Jim experienced prolonged physical and psychological abuse and witnessed IVP between his parents until the age of 14. From 14 on his father continued to be abusive. During his entire childhood, he had to live in a place of fear, he was unable to defend himself against his abuser, and he was literally told to use violence and substances by his father. Understandably he did not form a secure attachment with
Jim is what some would call a “man’s man” and as such, I can’t see him participating in any type of play therapy. It is possible that he would eventually participate in Sandplay, but I would be putting too many hypotheticals into the equations. The best treatment for this veteran would be an integrative treatment approach, which would include “four main interventions (a) creating a therapeutic environment, (b) the differential reinforcement of adaptive behaviors, (c) engendering trust in the treatment team, and (d) the use of individual therapy as a containment tool” (Gallegos & Hillbrand, 2016, p.262). For the purpose of this paper, I will focus the aspect of individual therapy and emotional regulation and symptoms of PTSD. In order for this to be successful, Jim would have to gain the trust of the social worker…making secure attachment. During individual therapy, I would suggest Body-Based modalities be
Jim has the potential to improve his emotional regulation, which in turn could positively impact his relationships and decrease the risk of new legal issues or escalation of any current legal issues. Cloitre, M., Courtois, C.A., Charuvastra, A, C, Carapezzam Stolbach, B, C., & Green, L.B (2011) summarized a study of expert opinions for the treatment of complex PTSD and they found that mediation was a top-second line intervention options for the following symptoms: avoidance/constriction, affect dysregulation, behavioral dysregulation, behavioral dysregulation, attention dysregulation, somatic symptoms, and identity disturbance
I did not use any of the strategies discussed in class or the previously written, as the nature of my placement did not permit for therapy. I did case management at VHN with a focus on assisting veterans with finding affordable housing. I respected my role at VHN and was admittedly overly cautious not to cross the line into therapy. The intervention that I participated in went smoothly with this veteran. At times he complained about what was asked of him, but it wasn’t overbearing or presented with any amount of anger, he simply would vent to me regarding his annoyance with certain aspects