Brad Kammer – Transforming Complex Trauma

Description Of Transforming Complex Trauma

Thanks to current research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and complex trauma (C-PTSD), we now have greater awareness of the long-term impact of early trauma and how children carry forward these trauma-based adaptations into adulthood through their personality. Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), we will present the Adaptive Survival Styles model – historically referred to as “Character Structures.”

The NARM Adaptive Survival Styles will provide a useful framework for how to understand and address the psychobiological patterns of personality that often lead to symptoms and disorders that so many adults are dealing with, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, sleep and eating disorders, relational and sexual challenges, and so many other forms of personal and collective suffering. This course helps professionals (including therapists) — or anyone interested in healing trauma — by providing comprehensive theory and useful skills to support personal and collective healing and transformation.

What You’ll Learn In Transforming Complex Trauma

Module 1: Overview of Developmental Trauma, Character Structures and the NeuroAffective Relational Model

Module 1 will introduce the NeuroAffective Relational Model and how this framework will be used to present a less pathologizing and more humane understanding of personality, complex trauma and human suffering. An overview of the trauma-informed movement will be presented, including a differentiation between complex trauma (C-PTSD) and shock trauma (PTSD). Using research on adverse childhood experiences and developmental trauma, participants will be introduced to the NARM Adaptive Survival Styles model, which are five trauma-based, developmental adaptations that children carry forward into adulthood.

Module 2: Adaptive Survival Styles

Module 2 will explore the NARM framework of the Adaptive Survival Styles, specifically focusing on the earliest developmental stages of the Connection and Attunement Survival Styles, their corresponding shame and pride-based identifications and adaptive survival strategies. Participants will also be introduced to the historical understanding of “Character Structures” and how the NARM framework has evolved our understanding of personality and personality disorders.

Module 3: Adaptive Survival Styles Continued

Module 3 will continue exploring the NARM framework of the Adaptive Survival Styles, specifically focusing on the developmental stages of the Trust, Autonomy and Love-Sexuality Survival Styles, their corresponding shame and pride-based identifications and adaptive survival strategies. Participants will also be introduced to the historical understanding of “Character Structures” and how the NARM framework has evolved our understanding of personality and personality disorders.

Module 4: Healing Developmental Trauma and the Adaptive Survival Styles

Module 4 will present an introduction to the NARM therapeutic approach. An overview of the NARM 4 Pillars will be introduced, which are relational skills designed for resolving developmental trauma and supporting post-traumatic growth. The NARM understanding of heartfulness as a vehicle for healing developmental trauma will also be covered. Participants will be introduced to research-informed theory and skills that can be applied for supporting personal and collective change.

In this course, students will:

• Identify how the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) fits into the current field of trauma studies.
• Discuss the legacy of unresolved developmental trauma including negative self-concept, dysregulation of the self, and interpersonal difficulties.
• Summarize a basic understanding of the role of the ACEs Study in understanding Complex Trauma (C-PTSD).
• Name the five NARM Adaptive Survival Styles.
• Summarize a basic understanding of the NARM 4 Pillar approach for addressing complex trauma.
• Describe the basic NARM principle of Heartfulness.

About Brad Kammer

Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, trained as a Somatic Psychotherapist and has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in working with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).

Brad began his career as a Humanitarian Aid Worker in Asia which introduced him to personal and collective trauma. He became passionate about supporting individuals and communities in the transformation of trauma.

Brad Kammer is a college professor and has been involved in community education, outreach and consulting to numerous communities and organizations. Brad has also been a trainer for Somatic Experiencing® (SE®).

Brad Kammer is a Senior Trainer and Training Director of the NARM Training Institute. He teaches the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) internationally and has provided consultation to thousands of therapists and other helping professionals around the world. He is also the executive producer of the Transforming Trauma podcast.

Brad lives in Northern California with his family where he enjoys anything involving nature, travel, music, food, and learning about and connecting with new people.

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