Christine Donohue, MFT, SEP, CMT will offer a brief sharing of a composite clinical case of those who experienced complex developmental trauma. The goal is to demonstrate how combining SE intervention with Gestalt-based parts-work supports some client’s self-relationship and, as a result, their embodied empowerment and sense of wholeness.

Specific questions to be addressed are:

• “How does an adult client ‘grow’ internalized self-support when they grew up feeling alone, having experienced neglect or other forms of abuse and betrayal by a parent or care-giver?".

• “How does an adult client with a history of developmental complex PTSD and who lives with chronic hyperarousal, panic, heightened anxiety, debilitating depression, and a tendency to go into “fight or flight”, “appease” and/or “freeze” learn to value themselves such that they assertively set healthy boundaries in their lives?”.

The discussion will offer specifics regarding:

• Creating safety with individuals who use coping strategies of intellectualization, denial, and compartmentalization;

• Pacing considerations when working with individuals who experienced pre-verbal trauma or excessive abuse and who easily become overwhelmed with interoception.

• When and how to engage SE tools and Gestalt interventions to support someone to relate to traumatized internal parts of their psyche from their wise adult self.

There will be time allocated for discussion and Q&A during this presentation.

It is important to share here that based upon the specific population of this composite case presentation, each of the clients are Caucasian and have various degrees of white privilege. The clients discussed are based upon substantial growth each has made in treatment, however it is important to acknowledge that aspects of their improvement cannot be uncoupled from their financial means and socio-economic position as educated, white professionals. I look forward to convening with all who are drawn to join me and NorCA SEPA on Sunday, Dec. 10th, 2023.

About the Speaker: Christine Donohue, MFT, SEP, CMT is a CA and NJ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who serves those in Mill Valley, SF Bay, throughout California and New Jersey. She brings thirty years of experience of body-based healing, including hands-on energetic and SE sessions, and psychotherapeutic approaches to clients and to workshop participants. Christine specializes in complex developmental trauma, chronic health issues, and supporting thriving relationships.

Christine was a Senior Teacher and a previous Director of the Creative Arts Department at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing for seven years, was an Associate Professor at California Institute of Integral Studies in the Somatic and Integral Counseling Psychology Departments for five years, and was an Assistant Clinical Director for the Community Institute for Psychotherapy in San Rafael, CA for over two years. Combining somatic, psychodynamic, and transpersonal approaches, Christine works with adults of all ages, couples, adult families, groups, and MFT interns. Since 1991, she has been studying and practicing energetic healing, Somatic Experiencing, Gestalt, and other body-based modalities in support of helping people shift from past patterns and current habits that no longer serve. Whether with clients, interns, or leading a training, Christine offers her steadfast presence, deeply honed intuition, extensive clinical training, and profound love and care for people. For more information, please visit www.christinedonohue.co

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