Group Psychotherapy for Trauma Survivors with Kristine Burkman, PhD-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar hosted by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, Dr. David Stifler welcomes participants to a series called Advanced Addiction Psychotherapy. This monthly series offers evidence-based psychotherapy training for addiction psychiatry fellows and faculty, in partnership with Oregon Health and Science University and New York University. The sessions are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month.<br /><br />The focus of this particular webinar is on group psychotherapy for trauma survivors, led by Dr. Christine Berkman, a clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Berkman specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders and traumatic stress, with a focus on developmental and complex trauma, as well as moral injury. She integrates individual and group psychotherapies, drawing on psychodynamic theories and evidence-based practices, especially in her work with veterans.<br /><br />Dr. Berkman delves into the history and development of group psychotherapy, particularly its origins in treating war-related trauma. She distinguishes between skill-based groups (primarily rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT) and process-oriented groups (influenced by psychodynamic and interpersonal theories). Key stages of group development include formation, conflict, trust-building, and ultimately termination, each with its specific dynamics and challenges.<br /><br />She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, structured environment for group therapy, especially for trauma survivors. This includes setting clear rules, ensuring psychological safety, and managing group dynamics to prevent re-traumatization. Dr. Berkman highlights the essential role of co-facilitation and the need for continuous training and supervision to handle the complexities of group therapy effectively.<br /><br />The session concludes with questions from participants, addressing practical aspects of running therapy groups, the necessity of pre-and post-session discussions, and the ongoing need for research in group psychotherapy to better understand its effectiveness and dynamics.

Keywords

Addiction Psychiatry

Advanced Psychotherapy

Group Therapy

Trauma Survivors

Substance Use Disorders

Developmental Trauma

Moral Injury

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Psychodynamic Theories

Veterans

Psychological Safety

Co-facilitation

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