From Conceptualization to Engagement: A two-day training for mental-health professionals on the theory and practice of working with male survivors of sexual trauma

From Conceptualization to Engagement (FCTE) is our best two-day engagement strategy for healthcare professionals who are working in the field and have encountered trauma-related issues in their practices. It combines the right balance between conceptual issues that impact men, the relevant research relating to men’s developmental trauma (with a particular lens on childhood sexual trauma), all with the focus on clinical engagement in individual as well as group interventions.

The first day starts with an introduction to a male-centred approach to psychotherapy – an orientation that speaks directly to men’s subjective experiences. The training then explores male psychology as well as understanding of how this “coding” intersects with the lives of men facing trauma. An overview of current research on both male sexual abuse and assault follows. After an analysis of how trauma commences, we examine the post-traumatic response of how it bleeds into men’s lives. The day finishes with case-study examinations of male survivors, a conceptual lens to the recovery process, with video testimonies serving as expressions of healing.

The focus on Day 2 emphasizes a variety of clinical strategies working with male survivors, focusing particularly on psychodynamic and experiential approaches. Starting with an introductory framework of ego state theory, a variety of intra-psychic conceptions and clinical interventions will be considered utilizing this approach. A particular focus will include working with anger, rage and violence using a trauma-based framework. Applications of this therapeutic heavy-lifting will be made applicable to both individual and group engagement. Recognition of the role of strengths- focused strategies will also be presented before FCTE is over.

Lecture, role plays, dramatic presentations, experiential opportunities and group discussion are all utilized throughout both days to ensure thorough engagement with the participants. The content of FCTE is thoroughly road-tested for trauma recovery and are “male-friendly” in their design.

request training

2 days (13 hours).

In-person or online.

None.

Structured, combining lecture with small group work, role plays, and video debriefings.

Best suited for mental-health professionals: case managers, behavioral health staff, trauma clinicians, and clinical social workers.

While the ideal group size for participatory learning is 20, larger groups can certainly be accommodated.

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Welcome and Introductions
• A Primer on Male-Centred Approaches to Therapy
• The Intersection of Male Socialization with Male Sexual TraumaThe Male CodeGender Role StrainPsychotherapy vs. MasculinityA Research Primer on Male Sexual Abuse & Sexual AssaultCultural Delusions
• The Aftermath of Sexual AbuseThe Human Response to DangerDissociation & the Traumatic Response
• The RepercussionsMood & Behaviour DisturbancesCognitive ImpairmentGender & Sexuality Relational IssuesRisk Taking & Dangerous Behaviors
• The Wobble: An Adaptation of the Dialectic of Trauma
• Expressions of the Survivors’ Journey:Testimony as HealingScreening of The Bristlecone Project videoTri-Phasic Service Engagement Strategy
• Closing

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Welcome to the Day
• A Primer on Ego States & Their Application:Functional PerspectivesStructural Perspectives on Ego StatesMapping The Trauma: Drama Triangles, Trauma TrianglesExperiential Engagement with Parts
• Re-Visioning Men’s Anger, Rage & Violence in Light of Past VictimizationCompeting Understandings of Interpersonal ViolencePrevalence Studies: What is Associated with IPVThe Limits of Power & ControlCorrelation between Childhood Trauma and Men’s IPV
• The Role of Shame in Men’s Lives:Developmental Aspects of ShameGuilt vs. ShameThe Cycle of Violence RevisitedThe Shame-Rage Spiral – The Dynamic of Violence
• Tools for Working on Men’s Resiliency in Session:Approaches to GroundingMale Emotional FunnelEmotional IntegrityBuilding External Strengths: Resiliency and its Role in Trauma Care
• Learning Summary: What Does Men’s Healing Look Like?
• Closing Remarks & Evaluation