Navigating Collective Trauma as a Mental Health Professional

Presented by Danielle Render Turmaud, M.S., NCC

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the globe, collective trauma abounds. Collective trauma, or a traumatic experience that involves and affects entire groups of people, communities, or societies, can lead to a number of physiological, psychological, relational, societal, and spiritual consequences. Although the COVID-19 pandemic may impact the collective, mental health professionals face unique challenges in this season as they work to navigate their own trauma response while simultaneously providing care and support to their clients. In recognizing the toll that these challenges may have on mental health professionals, it is essential that resources are offered to support clinicians in navigating times of collective trauma. This presentation will offer a platform in which mental health professionals can explore the topic of collective trauma, the effects it may have on clinicians, clients and the therapeutic relationship, and obtain resources on responding to and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Includes an interactive handout worksheet for use in your own practice.

Objectives: After attending this presentation, you will be able to:

1.   Discuss the topic of collective trauma and how it relates to the mental health professions.
2.   Describe ways that the effects of collective trauma may present itself in individuals and within the therapeutic relationship.
3.   Utilize resources and tools discussed to foster coping and promote well-being during this time of collective trauma.

Speaker Biography:

Danielle Render Turmaud, M.S., NCC, is a Counseling Professional who specializes in working with survivors of trauma; specifically, sexual trauma, sexual exploitation, and interpersonal violence. Danielle is presently working towards obtaining her Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education and has a passion for participating in advocacy efforts towards the de-stigmatization of trauma and its effects. These efforts have included but are not limited to: participating as an Expert Blog Author on the topic of trauma for Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifting-the-veil-trauma), presenting at conferences domestically and internationally on topics related to trauma and women’s studies, conducting trainings and creating resources on trauma-informed care, and conducting research related to the psychological effects of trauma and the psychology of women. Danielle has taught undergraduate and master’s level psychology and counseling courses at various universities, and currently acts as Faculty Coordinator and Instructor of Applied Psychology at Multnomah University. Danielle also participates as an Initial Reader Consultant for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs to work towards providing quality training for counselors in training.