Untangling Complex Trauma, Dissociation, and Neurodiversity

Neurodiverse 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 neurodiverse 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 neurodiverse 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 neurodiverse populations.

In this training participants will increase understanding about the intersection between trauma and neurodiversity; 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.

The trainer brings a combination of lived experience and 35 years as a psychotherapist working with traumatized children, youth and adults, many of whom experienced neurodiversity; both diagnosed and un-diagnosed.

Learning Outcomes

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

Who Should Attend 

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

Course Dates & Format 

February 2 & 3, 2027, 1:00pm – 4:00pm ET 

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: $205.00 + $26.65 (HST) = $231.65 
Non-Member Fee: $240.00 + $31.20 (HST) = $271.20 

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.