Dialogical Exposure Therapy for Adult PTSD

Friday, October 6, 2017
Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday Forums are cosponsored with the
Metropolitan State University Psychology Department

About the Program

This seminar introduces the Munich approach to trauma therapy, Dialogical Exposure Therapy (DET), integrating cognitive-behavioral (CBT) techniques with gestalt therapy components and dialogical aspects of the therapeutic relationship and process. DET typically proceeds in four stages: safety, stability, confrontation, and integration. While the first two stages are quite similar to CBT, the confrontation stage goes beyond mere habituation. Instead it focuses on finding a way to preserve one’s self-processes while in dialogue with the imagined perpetrator/trauma experience. The final stage of integration involves accepting the experience and the changes resulting from it by integrating it into one’s life story, preventing relapse. A recent randomized clinical trial found that DET produced significant improvement in both self-rated PTSD symptoms and general psychological functioning. The first section of the workshop will introduce participants to the theoretical background for this integrative approach. The second section will explain the stages of the approach as it is taught at the Munich Institute for Trauma Therapy (MIT). The third section will introduce and discuss the dialogical exposure techniques central to this approach. Participants will have an opportunity to practice and to discuss learned content.

This session qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits. You must attend the full 3-hour program to get continuing education credit for the event.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe the Dialogical Exposure Therapy theoretical assumptions and how they differ from other PTSD approaches.
2. Explain the stages of Dialogical Exposure Therapy.
3. Discuss when the therapeutic techniques of Dialogical Exposure Therapy are warranted and safe.
4. Describe research relevant to the Dialogical Exposure Therapy approach.
5. Describe the integration of existential and spiritual aspects into dialogical trauma therapy.

About the Presenters:

Dr. phil. Almut Furchert, Dipl. Psych., is a German certified psychologist, philosopher, adult educator, and independent practitioner. She studied at Humboldt University of Berlin and the Jesuit University Munich, funded by national scholarships, and did her postgraduate training at the Munich Institute for Trauma Therapy with Prof. Butollo, the founder of DET. Dr. Furchert works and writes internationally in the intersection of psychology, existential and dialogical philosophy and spiritual care and is particularly interested in the existential underpinnings of Mental Health and Healing. Currently affiliated with the renowned Kierkegaard research library at St Olaf College, MN she is also the founding director of cloisterseminars.org, offering educational and contemplative seminars at monastic places in the US. 

Chuck Huff, Ph.D., has been a professor of psychology at St. Olaf College for the past 29 years teaching and working on social and moral psychology as well as psychology of religion and ethics. He obtained his Ph.D. in social psychology from Princeton University in 1987 and did postgraduate work at Carnegie Mellon. He has also been a visiting professor at the Jesuit University in Munich. He is a specialist in narrative interview techniques, and teaches and consults on research methods. Together with his wife Almut he teaches workshops in the intersection of contemplative traditions, psychology and self care.

The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:  If you need disability related accommodations, including parking, to make this event accessible, please contact the Metropolitan State University Center for Accessibility Resources, 651-793-1549, or [email protected]. 

To Register:

Register Online

Click here for a pdf Registration Form 

Refund/Cancellation Policy: A 100% refund will be made if the event is cancelled. Refunds, less a $5 handling free, will be given if a written cancellation is received at least two working days before the scheduled program begins. Transfer of fee to another program is granted if written cancellation notice is received at least one day before the program. No refund or transfer is given the day of the program.