Foundations of Trauma Therapy
Attunement, Nervous System Literacy, and the Core Skills of Trauma Work
A Training for Therapists and Healing Practitioners – Led by Melanie Reese, LMFT, CCTP
Investment: $240 (+tax)
Date: July 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (CST with 30 min lunch break)
Continuing Education Credit: 4 credit hours
Questions: melaniereeselmft@gmail.com
COURSE OVERVIEW
Offered by Groundwork Trauma Education, this foundational training is designed to help clinicians develop the internal orientation, clinical mindset, and nervous system literacy required for trauma focused work. Rather than teaching specific trauma modalities, this course focuses on how therapists understand trauma, track nervous system responses, and maintain attuned presence in the therapy room.
Participants will learn how trauma shows up in the body, how activation and dissociation emerge, and how to recognize these patterns in real time. Emphasis is placed on therapist regulation, pacing, ethical awareness, and building a trauma informed stance that supports safety, clarity, and depth across all therapeutic approaches.
This course serves as a strong entry point for clinicians beginning trauma work as well as experienced therapists seeking to refine their foundational skills.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN
• How trauma impacts the nervous system and shapes client responses
• Recognizing activation, shutdown, and dissociation in session
• Understanding the window of tolerance and pacing trauma work
• Developing attuned therapeutic presence and nervous system awareness
• Therapist regulation and countertransference as clinical information
• Trauma informed boundaries, consent, and ethical decision making
• Working with protective strategies and parts through a trauma lens
• Building a grounded foundation that supports all trauma modalities
WHO THIS TRAINING IS FOR
This workshop is designed for:
• Licensed mental health professionals beginning trauma focused work
• Therapists seeking a clearer understanding of trauma physiology
• Clinicians who want to strengthen attunement and pacing skills
• Practitioners looking to refine their trauma informed clinical stance
• Therapists planning to pursue advanced trauma training or intensives
This is an educational training and is not a certification program. Completion of this course does not qualify participants to practice beyond their scope of licensure or training.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Describe how trauma impacts nervous system regulation and client behavior.
Identify signs of activation, shutdown, and dissociation in therapy sessions.
Apply pacing and attunement strategies to support client safety and regulation.
Explain the role of therapist regulation and countertransference in trauma work.
Outline ethical considerations relevant to trauma informed clinical practice.
Register Today!
Groundwork Trauma Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7927. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Groundwork Trauma Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.