Untangling Complex Trauma, Dissociation, and Neurodivergence

Working with complex trauma can be confusing and overwhelming especially when working with neurodivergent individuals.  These two areas overlap more often than we realize making it difficult to determine what is what. To complicate matters, dissociation and neurodivergence can mirror one another, which can make trauma treatment difficult. In this training, learn how to describe, assess, and respond to complex trauma, dissociation, and neurodivergence in order to support healing in traumatized neurodivergent individuals. 

Neurodivergent people can experience early and chronic trauma; in fact, they may experience early trauma more often than neurotypical individuals.  Neurodivergence can be a source of trauma, as can the responses of those around them.  Inadequate support systems often leave neurodivergent clients vulnerable to abuse and neglect, and less able to rely on those around them when they are mistreated.  

Often mental health professionals may feel at a loss as to how to support neurodivergent clients with complex trauma. Like in the case of those with difficulties with emotional and behavioural regulation who become more dysregulated when traumatized and have difficulty connecting with appropriate social skills, trust, and connection with others. This training will expand the knowledge, awareness, and skills of professionals who work with neurodivergent populations. 

In this training participants will increase understanding about the intersection between trauma and neurodivergence; and learn more on how existing treatment is adapted to these populations. There will be opportunities to discuss treatment ideas and recommendations in a clinical context. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe shared characteristics of complex trauma, dissociation, and neurodivergence. 
2. Assess neurodivergent clients who have experienced complex trauma.
3. Manage and respond to complex trauma when experienced by neurodivergent individuals.
4. Learn how existing treatments can be adapted to support neurodivergent individuals.
5. Use strategies to engage and form helping relationships with this client population.

Who Should Attend 

This course is recommended for therapists, counsellors, mental health professionals that work with neurodivergent individuals.

Course Dates & Format 

June 5 & 6, 2025

12:30pm – 3:30pm ET

This is a 6-hour training. This course consists of two 3-hour interactive virtual sessions using Zoom.

Instructor:  

Niki Gomez-Perales, MSW, RSW 

Niki Gomez-Perales is a recognized expert in the areas of children’s mental health, complex trauma, attachment and dissociation. Niki completed her B.S.W. from McMaster University in 1986 and her M.S.W. from the University of Toronto in 1991. She has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of child welfare and children’s mental health. For the past 25 years Niki has worked as a therapist at a Children’s Mental Health clinic in Hamilton Ontario.  

Niki has lectured on Complex Trauma and Attachment with the ISST-D, the ESTD, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children, Safeguards Training for Children and Adult Services and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has special interests in the areas of Interpersonal Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Early and Pre-verbal Trauma and Attachment.   

Niki has advanced training in EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy.  She is an active member and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and a winner of the ISSTD 2016 written media award for her book, “Attachment-Focused Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Phase-Oriented Strategies for Addressing Complex Trauma Disorders,” (2015. Routledge).

Training Fee

Member Fee: $195.00 + $25.35 (HST) = $220.35

Non-Member Fee:  $235.00 + $30.55 (HST)= $265.55

Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fee with group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.

Continuing Education Information 

Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate. 

In-Service 

This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs.

To Register 

Register for June 5 & 6, 2025 here https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/untangling-complex-trauma/