CEU: Understanding and Responding to Complex Trauma in Survivors of Interpersonal Violence

This presentation, "Understanding and Responding to Complex Trauma in Survivors of Interpersonal Violence," provides social workers with clinical knowledge and skills for working with survivors of prolonged or repeated trauma. It aims to help participants differentiate between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and analyze how complex trauma affects core domains of a client's functioning (e.g., self-perception and relationships). The training emphasizes the importance of a trauma-informed approach, focusing on stabilization techniques for client safety and self-regulation, while also addressing the critical ethical imperative of practitioner self-care and boundary setting to mitigate secondary traumatic stress.

Event Details:

• Open to: Students, faculty, and current Widener field instructors
• When: April 7, 6 pm - 8 pm
• Where: Online
• Registration: Registration coming soon!

CEU events and CEUs are free for current Widener students, faculty, and field instructors. Widener alumni need to pay $10; everyone else, $25. Payment will be collected at the end of the event. After the event, you will be emailed your certificate.

About the presenters: 
Dr. Karie McGuire, DSW, LCSW earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health and both her MSW and DSW from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Committed to challenging systems that affect clients at all levels, she has dedicated her career to working with individuals impacted by trauma, including interpersonal violence, abuse, and loss, in both medical and community settings. Dr. McGuire presents nationally on human trafficking, sexual health education, and complex trauma, and maintains a private practice supporting adolescents with self-esteem, eating disorders, sexual health, and healthy relationships. Her teaching philosophy aligns with her clinical practice: meeting students where they are, fostering their passions, and emphasizing advocacy and relational engagement. She aims to inspire future social workers to remain lifelong advocates for meaningful change.