Trauma was the original research topic of the nascent field of psychology over 120 years ago. Unresolved trauma, especially early childhood trauma, is at the root of some of the most severe, persistent and intractable conditions. However, only now are we having a more precise and nuanced understanding of it, through the aid of neuropsychology, interpersonal neurobiology and developmental psychopathology. The insight into brain function that fMRI has opened for us us has provided our field information that Freud, Jung and other amazing psychologists could never fathom. With the aid of this information we have tested, discarded, confirmed and nuanced many concepts and therapeutic intervention. For example, the need to make the unconscious conscious, going back to the early memories in order to create cathartic expression,  to circulate back the body energy trapped in deep muscle tension, completing childhood experiences, changing core beliefs, and the Self as healthy organizing function, and more. 

What is the contribution that all of these developments can (and should) have in Processwork? How can current understanding of trauma help us as processworkers to be more effective therapists? In this class we are going to have a general but comprehensive introduction to the current understanding of trauma and some of the newest interventions to work with it. We will revise on some of the fundamental assumptions of PW and how newest understanding might add important layers to them when we are working with trauma. We will discuss the subtle ways that traditional PW has already been trauma sensitive, and how to expand upon them. Finally, we will reflect on how the way we use PW can benefit from this awareness and from more in depth training in some modern interventions, in order to support our clients in processing their trauma and regaining their capacity to unlock their mythical powers. This class will focus mainly on supporting therapists working with clients dealing with trauma in individual therapy, however insights could be useful also for facilitation.