6 sessions
From February 17th, 2026 to
July 14, 2026
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific CA/USA
Different Time Zones? Please check your time zone using the timezone converter: Provide the link
Live Online Sessions via Zoom
(Access to the recording for 1 year!)
Psychologists, Social Workers, Psychotherapists, MFTs, LPCs, graduate-level Counselors, any other mental health professionals/providers.
$85 USD per session
$99 CAD + Tax per session
Sessions not sold separately
Total cost for the 6 sessions is:
$510 USD
$594 CAD + Tax
Join Kathy Steele for a stimulating combination of study and case consultation for complex trauma and dissociation. Six monthly groups of 3 hours each will focus on selected clinical topics chosen by Kathy as being particularly clinically relevant. Every month she will provide a 1 hr. lecture that includes specific clinical skills related to each topic, followed by group discussion, and then 90 minutes of case consultation. This unique program is designed to help therapists hone their skills and provide a rich forum for discussion and consultation.
01 SESSION
Assessment of Somatoform Dissociation
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET (Now with 1 YEAR access to the recording)
Somatoform dissociation represents a cluster of trauma-related phenomena in which psychological distress manifests through physical symptoms—such as sensory loss, pain, paralysis, or non-epileptic seizures—without corresponding medical findings. These presentations often emerge in survivors of chronic trauma and can be misinterpreted as malingering or purely medical in origin. We will explore the theory of how these symptoms develop and how to identify and assess somatoform dissociation. Clinical vignettes will illustrate sensitive interviewing techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Participants will be able to:
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Explain at least one (1) key feature of somatoform dissociation and its relationship to psychological trauma.
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Analyze somatoform dissociation from related presentations, including conversion disorder without trauma, somatic symptom disorder, and factitious disorder, using trauma-informed assessment principles.
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Apply validated assessment tools – such as the SDQ-20, and interview strategies to identify somatoform dissociative symptoms and inform treatment planning.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Lecture by Kathy on assessment of somatoform dissociation
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
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Q & A
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
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Break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
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Lead Discussion by Kathy and case consultations
02 SESSION
Treatment of Somatoform Dissociation
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET (Now with 1 YEAR access to the recording)
We will explore treatment approaches to work with somatoform dissociation. These symptoms reflect disconnection between mind and body, frequently linked to chronic or early life trauma, and can present as numbness, pain, paralysis, or depersonalization of body experience. The first line of interventions is focused on grounding, awareness and regulation strategies. Next direct work with somatic dissociation includes ego state or dissociative parts work; orientation to the present; use of imagery and other hypnotic interventions; use of dialogue with symptoms interventions; and trauma resolution strategies.
Participants will be able to:
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Explain which clients will benefit most from initial grounding, awareness and regulation skills.
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Apply at least four (4) types of interventions to address somatic dissociation.
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Identify the pros and cons of early traumatic resolution work to resolve somatic dissociation.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Lecture by Kathy on treatment of somatoform dissociation
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
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Q & A
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
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Break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
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Lead Discussion by Kathy and case consultations
03 SESSION
Assessment of the Silent Client
Wednesday, April 21, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET (Now with 1 YEAR access to the recording)
Some clients enter therapy in silence—or lapse into silence—for reasons ranging from trauma, shame, dissociation, social anxiety, cultural norms, psychosis and severe thought blocking, protective defense, or feeling unsafe in the therapeutic relationship. Therapists often find such silence difficult to interpret or treat, leading to stalled progress, frustration, or therapeutic rupture. This webinar offers clinicians a framework for assessing the silent client: distinguishing among types of silence (resistance, internal conflict, overwhelm, psychosis, internal processing, relational disconnection), understanding underlying mechanisms (trauma, attachment, anxiety), and exploring the therapist’s countertransference reactions to silence.
Participants will be able to:
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Identify at least three (3) different types and functions of client silence (e.g., resistance, freezing, processing difficulties, psychosis, dissociation) and distinguish among them.
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Analyze the underlying factors contributing to silence—including trauma history, attachment style, anxiety—and use both verbal and nonverbal assessment options.
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Identify their countertransference reactions to unusual silence from the client in treatment.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Lecture by Kathy on assessment of the silent client
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
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Q & A
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
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Break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
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Lead Discussion by Kathy and case consultations
04 SESSION
Treatment of the Silent Client
Wednesday, May 19, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET (Now with 1 YEAR access to the recording)
Clients who present in treatment as unusually quiet or who lapse into prolonged silences pose treatment challenges. We will explore a number of treatment approaches. These include offering alternatives to speaking (e.g., art, writing); compassionate waiting; use of distraction and regulation; reduction of shame responses; working with defenses in the therapeutic relationship; and exploring internal conflicts about talking. Pacing therapy is essential for the silent client. Treatment will focus on addressing the specific reasons for silence, which are unique to the individual. Finally, we will examine common countertransference reactions and how to manage them.
Participants will be able to:
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Analyze at least three (3) distinct clinical functions of silence (e.g., dissociative freeze, shame/avoidance, internal conflict) using trauma-informed assessment markers and history-taking.
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Demonstrate at least two assessment strategies to evaluate silence.
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Apply a phased treatment plan that includes (a) safety and stabilization, (b) nonverbal and embodied engagement techniques (grounding, sensorimotor methods, expressive modalities), and (c) gradual verbal scaffolding tailored to client readiness.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Lecture by Kathy on treatment of the silent client
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
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Q & A
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
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Break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
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Lead Discussion by Kathy and case consultations
05 SESSION
Assessment of Sexual Intimacy Issues in Trauma Survivors
Wednesday, June 16th, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET (Now with 1 YEAR access to the recording)
Sexual intimacy issues are common but often overlooked concerns among trauma survivors, with safety and stabilization often taking higher priority. Traumatic experiences—particularly sexual assault, childhood abuse, or relational trauma—can profoundly disrupt an individual’s sense of safety, bodily autonomy, and capacity for connection. In this webinar we will explore assessment strategies to determine they type of sexual intimacy problems that arise for our clients. These range from complete lack of interest in sexual intimacy to using sex as an attachment or avoidance strategy. Many clients would like to be sexually intimate but find traumatic intrusions or internal conflicts interfere. We will examine how trauma interferes with normal sexual development and attitudes. Sensitive assessment strategies that honor client boundaries will be explained.
Participants will be able to:
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Identify at least three (3) sexual intimacy challenges commonly presenting in trauma survivors.
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Demonstrate at least one (1) trauma-informed interviewing and assessment techniques for exploring sexual health and intimacy issues without retraumatization or boundary violations.
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Compare at least two (2) trauma-related sexual dysfunctions from those arising from other psychological, relational, or medical factors.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Lecture by Kathy on assessment of sexual intimacy issues in trauma survivors
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
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Q & A
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
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Break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
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Lead Discussion by Kathy and case consultations
06 SESSION
Treatment of Sexual Intimacy Issues in Trauma Survivors
Wednesday, July 14, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET (Now with 1 YEAR access to the recording)
Sexual intimacy difficulties are a common but often unspoken consequence of trauma, including sexual assault, childhood abuse, and relational betrayal. These challenges can manifest as avoidance, fear, shame, dissociation, or hypersexuality, all of which disrupt a survivor’s ability to experience safety and connection in intimate relationships. This webinar will present specific strategies to address issues that block adaptive sexual functioning, such as shame, avoidance of the body, trauma, anxiety, and lack of relational trust. We will discuss the need for pacing and gaining collaboration of the client, graduated interventions to support growing intimacy (both emotional and physical), and the resolution of sexually violent traumatic memories.
Participants will be able to:
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Apply at least two (2) clinical strategies to integrate discussions of sexuality and intimacy into trauma treatment planning, emphasizing client safety, empowerment, and consent.
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Demonstrate trauma-informed therapeutic interventions—such as grounding, somatic awareness, and gradual exposure—to address sexual intimacy issues safely and effectively.
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Use ethically responsive strategies for discussing sexuality and intimacy within the context of trauma treatment.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
-
Lecture by Kathy on treatment of sexual intimacy issues in trauma survivors
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
-
Q & A
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
-
Break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
-
Lead Discussion by Kathy and case consultations
Start Learning:
About Kathy Steele, MN, CS, APRN
Kathy Steele has been in private practice since 1985, and with Metropolitan Psychotherapy Associates in Atlanta, Georgia since 1988. She was Clinical Director of Metropolitan Counseling Services, a non- profit psychotherapy and training center until 2016. She is a Past President and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), and has also served two terms on the Board of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Kathy served on the International Task Force that developed treatment guidelines for Dissociative Disorders, and on the Joint International Task Force that has developed treatment guidelines for Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. She has received a number of awards for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSTD, an Emory University Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Cornelia B. Wilbur Award for Outstanding Clinical Contributions from ISSTD. Kathy has (co)authored numerous book chapters, peer reviewed journal articles, and three books with her colleagues.
Continuing Education (CE) Credits:
1 CE credit/contact hour awarded per session
*CE credits also available for the home study version!
See our FAQ section below for more information
American Psychological Association (APA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. maintains responsibility for the program.
Case consultation groups that are part of this program have not been pre-approved for continuing education credits/ hours. Participants should check their state’s licensure board regarding the acceptance of CE credits/hours for this program.
National Board for Certified Counselors
Envision Counselling and Consulting has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7241. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Envision Counselling and Consulting is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Case consultation groups that are part of this program have not been pre-approved for continuing education credits/ hours. Participants should check their state’s licensure board regarding the acceptance of CE credits/hours for this program.
Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program
Envision Counselling and Consulting, Inc., #1895, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/19/2025-1/19/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 1 clinical continuing education credit per session.
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) - Pending
The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
This program is eligible for 18 CE Credits
*A certificate with one (1) CE credit will be issued after each session.
** The Certificate from CCPA will be issued upon completion of the entire program (6 sessions). Partial credit is not available.
***If you are unable to attend live, you can access the recording in the home study version, watch it in its entirety, and then pass a quiz with a score of 75% or higher. After taking the quiz, you will be able to download a certificate as proof of completion.
FAQ
What are the requirements for obtaining CEs?
Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in at the start of the live interactive session and logged out at the end, and attended the entire session to receive a certificate. Attendees will need to sign in by typing their first and last name in the chat box at the start of the session and sign out by typing their first and last name in the chat box at the end of the session. Failure to sign in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire session. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. An evaluation form will be made available to attendees at the end of the live session. The link to the evaluation form will be posted in the chat box. Certificates will be available following session completion. If participants cannot be present live for the entire session, they will have the option to watch the recording (home study) version of the presentation and will have access to Self-Study CE credits after completion of a short quiz.
Do I have to pay extra for CE credits?
No. The cost of CE credits is included with your registration fee.
If I cannot attend live, can I still get CE credits?
Yes. You can access the recording in the home study version, watch it in its entirety, and then pass a quiz with a score of 75% or higher. After taking the quiz, you will be able to download a certificate as proof of completion.
How do I access the home study version when it becomes available?
You will be emailed five (5) business days after the live event with instructions on how you can access Envision's online learning platform. Sign in to your online account: Locate the email and click on your personal sign-in link to set your password. You cannot locate the email we sent? Login directly through the platform. Copy and paste the link below into your web browser: https://on-demand.envisionworkshops.com/pages/home-page To login, use the email address you provided when you registered for the program. To create your password, click on "Forgot Password" and set up a password for your account. If you already have an account and password, use those credentials to login.
How long do I have to review the recording?
You will have 1 year to review the recording. The recording will be made available approximately five (5) business days after the live session.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds on purchased tickets are available up until 15 days before the date of the first live session. There is no refund after this date. Refunds will include the ticket price less a $50 processing fee for all refunds/price adjustments. *Prices subject to change. Refunds within 15 days of the first live session will be in the form of a credit. These credits do not expire. Please email registration@envisionservices.ca if cancellation is required.
If I have special needs or require accommodations, what do I do?
Email registration@envisionservices.ca at least five (5) business days prior to the live session to request accommodations or discuss your needs. Envision cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
If I have a complaint or grievance, who do I contact?
Please email registration@envisionservices.ca. All grievances must be in writing and will be replied to within 5 - 10 business days.
Is there commercial support or a conflict of interest for this presentation?
Kathy Steele receives a speaking honorarium from Envision. There are no known conflicts of interests or commercial support for this program. Envision does not receive any financial support for this presentation. Literature may be referred to during the presentation. Envision will not receive any book royalties and was not offered any financial incentives for the mention of those books. Please note that authors of these books will get a royalty from any sale made of their books as per their agreement with the publishing company. For more information on any potential conflict of interest or financial support, attendees may email Envision at registration@envisionservices.ca.
What are the course interaction and system requirements?
Each live session is fully interactive. Attendees may ask questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussions. System requirements: • Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher • Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher • Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible