Connect Training + Consulting

Foundations in Complex Trauma and Dissociation -- a 10-Month Course Series

Meets Monthly from 10AM-12PM Eastern (Wednesdays), starting February 10th, 2027.

37 CEs included with full Course Completion through APA and NBCC

Plus! New EMDR Companion On-Demand Video Series Available as Optional Add On: 5 CEs; 5 EMDRIA Credits Requested- These are recordings of a live trainings that are available for on-demand viewing.

Instructors: Christine Bergman LMHC, EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Trainer

Skill Level: Intermediate

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Audience: Mental Health Professionals including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, Graduate Students and pre-licensed therapists who are on a track to licensure. 

Deadline to register is Feb 9th, 2027 @ 10pm ET.

About this Course:

Foundations in Complex Trauma and Dissociation is a 10-month course designed for any therapist who wants to develop more expertise in working with highly traumatized clients. Complex cases often pose significant clinical challenges: specialized education and consultation can help you overcome common obstacles while developing competence in this arena.

Foundations will be delivered in a hybrid format. We will mix on-demand video lectures and assigned reading with live monthly zoom meetings where you’ll engage with your colleagues in focused discussion, informal case consultation, and guided practice activities. Christine Bergman will provide structure and support while helping you integrate key concepts and implement best practices with clients. The 10 month schedule should allow you see real evolution in your practice; giving ample time to test, refine, and "own" new skills.

Not Trained in EMDR Therapy?

No problem. While the Foundations course material is complementary to EMDR and other evidence-based trauma approaches, this course is not EMDR-focused and previous EMDR training is not required.

Already EMDR trained?

We have great news! This year, Reg and Bill have created an on-demand video lecture series that serves as a companion to the Foundations Course. Just select the EMDR Companion add-on when you register and you'll have access to a second course that contains ten, 30-minute videos guiding you through EMDR best practices for working with complex trauma and dissociation. The lessons are organized to flow in tandem with your Foundations Course; supplementing your learning as you progress from month to month. The add on is available for $165 and includes 5 CEs and EMDRIA Credits for completion.

How this Course Works:

• Watch Introductory Videos  – The course includes 19 30-minutes videos of Reg or Bill providing an introduction to the concepts presented in each month’s assigned reading. Participants can watch the videos anytime prior to the monthly meeting.
• Read Assigned Chapters – The text for the assigned readings will be “ Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Practical, Integrative Approach” by Kathy Steele, Suzette Boon, and Onno van see Hart. The assigned chapters are specified in each module and are to be read prior to the meeting. If you ever find yourself getting lost or overwhelmed, notice the “Core Concept” boxes strategically placed throughout every chapter. These will help you get your footing!
• Complete a brief quiz on each month's content.
• Discussion Board – Every module has its own topic so that you and your colleagues can share "lightbulb moments," ask questions, and discuss concepts in between meetings.
  

Monthly Zoom Meeting Structure:

• Introductions/Announcements – The first meeting will include introductions. We’ll use a few minutes at the beginning for any important information sharing.
• Discussion of video/reading – The bulk of the “class time” will be spent in conversation regarding concepts presented in the text and it’s applicability to your own cases. Think about your cases as you are reading to bring questions, insights, and seek clarification from the group.
• Integration activity – We’ll try to allow about 30-minutes for some type of interactive activity – something to develop skills without stressing anyone out! Depending on the activity and the size of the group, we may divide into breakout groups for this portion.

Requirements for Participation:

This is a closed group. The group members will currently be treating clients. Prior training in dissociation is not required. Members are committed to attending ten meetings, studying the required text, viewing on-demand lectures, and discussing cases.

Dates for Live Zoom Meetings:

Cost:

$1200 for the full Foundations course.

37 CEs are now included in the registration price for those who qualify.

Optional EMDR Companion Add-On plus 5 CES and EMDRIA Credits available for an additional $165 (select the add-on when you register)

Partial Payment Option: Select "Deposit" option to pay $500 at time of registration, and the remainder two weeks prior to the first class.

Klarna Payment option available: Select to pay balance over installment period. You can choose from multiple payment plans.

Cancellation policy: full refund minus credit card processing fee if canceled more than two weeks prior to training. No refund available after January 27, 2027.

Meet Your Instructor: Christine Bergman LMHC, EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Trainer

Christine offers extensive psychotherapy experience and expertise to meet the unique needs of every individual. She has studied and provided EMDR Therapy for almost 20 years as a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant, Facilitator and EMDRIA-Approved Virtual Basic Trainer.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Christine specializes in working with clients who have experienced complex trauma, in addition to providing treatment for various mental health concerns. She has worked for many years in community mental health settings with children, adolescents and adults. Currently, she is in private practice, primarily providing online services for adults. In addition, Christine provides professional training and consultation for mental health professionals.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the role of non-realization in the experience of persons with dissociative disorders.
2. Describe the role of depersonalization in the experience of persons with dissociative disorders.
3. List three action systems around which dissociative parts may be organized
4. Identify the developmental stage that traumatic exposure is most likely to correlate with disturbances in self-organization.
5. Describe appropriate therapeutic boundaries
6. Differentiate boundary-crossing from boundary-violation.
7. Identify three characteristics of a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
8. Identify two instruments for the diagnosis of dissociative disorders.
9. Differentiate OSDD from DID.
10. Explain the difference between implicit and explicit memory.
11. Describe autobiographical memory.
12. List three characteristics of recovered memories.
13. List 3 phases of attachment-based intervention.
14. Describe the role of attunement in treating patients with attachment injury.
15. Explain the role of phobic avoidance in maintaining dissociative processes.
16. Define “mentalization.”
17. Explain the relationship of childhood disorganized attachment and maltreatment to the emergence of dissociation in adults.
18. List characteristics of “the adult self.”
19. Utilize the capacities of adult parts in mediating the problems associated with child parts.
20. Identify two approaches useful in relieving pathological shame.
21. Explain how hostile or angry parts can evolve into helpful co-therapists.
22. Describe how dissociative alters are created.
23. Identify two functions of unsafe behaviors.
24. Explain the role of “respectful curiosity” in the treatment of patients with self-injury impulses.
25. Describe the relationship between shame and dissociation
26. Describe one method for desensitization of memories and fusion of parts with dissociative clients.
27. Apply the “Conference Room Technique” during the desensitization of traumatic memories. 
28. Explain the role of integrative capacity in posttraumatic growth vs. identification with perpetrator for childhood abuse survivors. 
29. Identify one instrument for measuring posttraumatic growth.
30. Explain the concept of synthesis in the treatment of dissociative disorders.
31. Identify three ways to increase integrative capacity.
32. Describe “meaning making strengths”.

ADA Assistance

Our in-person trainings are held in facilities that are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Closed Captions are also available as a Zoom viewing option for our live, virtual trainings. Please contact Claire at Claire@ConnectEMDR.com or (407) 970-7915 if accommodation is required for this online training.

Statement of Proactive Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

Connect Training and Consulting welcomes trainees and consultees from all cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual and gender orientations. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all trainees and consultees, including Black People, People of Color, Indigenous People, and LGBTQ People. We pledge to proactively address issues of cultural competence and culturally-based trauma during every phase of professional development.

Attendance Requirement & Certificates

Technology System Requirements

Participants must have access to an internet-connected computer, tablet, or mobile device with a current web browser and a valid email address. Participants will use their individual Connect learning platform account to access and download course materials as needed, and access their certificate of completion.

Participants must have access to the following technology:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or higher; macOS 12 or higher; iOS 15 or higher; or Android 10 or higher.
• Internet Browser: A current version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
• Zoom Access: The current version of the Zoom desktop or mobile application is recommended. Participants must be able to join a live Zoom meeting using the course link provided by Connect Training + Consulting.
• Internet Connection: A reliable broadband internet connection, such as cable, fiber, high-speed DSL, or another connection capable of supporting live video conferencing.
• Device: A desktop or laptop computer or tablet with a functioning webcam, microphone, and speakers or headphones.
• Audio/Video: Participants must be able to hear the instructor and other participants and use their webcam and microphone when required for course participation.
• Course Materials: A valid email address and access to the Connect Training + Consulting learning platform are required to view or download course materials and, after successful completion of course requirements, access the certificate of completion.
• Technical Preparation: Participants are responsible for ensuring that their device, internet connection, webcam, microphone, and Zoom access are functioning prior to the start of the course.

CE Provider Information:

Connect Training and Consulting is approved by:

• The American Psychological Association (APA). Connect is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Connect maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• The National Board of Certified Counselors. Connect Training and Consulting has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7534. Connect Training and Consulting is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

This course's APA approval is accepted by social work and counseling boards in most states.

Have questions, concerns or need more information? Please reach out to the administrative manager, Michelle Smith at michelle@connectemdr.com or by phone or text 570-850-8603.

Grievances:

Connect Training and Consulting seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to info@ConnectEMDR.com Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems. Our full grievance policy is available upon request.

There is no known conflict of interest nor commercial support for this program.