(HS McBain 150447 2025) Recognizing & Treating Medical Trauma

Course overview

Medical crises can have lasting psychological and physical impacts, often resulting in medical trauma---distress triggered by invasive, life-threatening, or overwhelming medical experiences. Unlike other forms of trauma, medical trauma can be ongoing, with symptoms like hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional distress triggered by bodily sensations, medical environments, or healthcare interactions. It may arise from sudden diagnoses, painful treatments, loss of autonomy, or inadequate care, often leading to anxiety, depression, and difficulties with medical adherence. In this workshop, you'll learn how to recognize and treat medical trauma, differentiate it from other traumas, conduct targeted assessments, and implement interventions that promote recovery. You'll also learn symptom-focused strategies, including pain management techniques, and explore systemic barriers that complicate care, leaving with practical tools to support clients in healing and navigating healthcare challenges. You'll also learn: How to address trauma-related thoughts, physiological distress, and somatic symptoms How to differentiate medical trauma from other forms of trauma How to assess hidden medical trauma that may be driving anxiety and depression Targeted care and strategies to help clients navigate healthcare barriers