Using Language and Story to Heal Trauma

Carrie Nassif, Ph.D. (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in private practice, a certified mindfulness-certified provider, a creativity life coach centered on supporting and deepening the work of writers, author of two published poetry collections, and a visual artist. Dr. Carrie is an adjunct instructor at Fort Hays State University where she had taught masters level clinicians practicum skills, theories of personality, and ethics for eight years. She has engaged in scholarly research in the fields of creativity, assessment, supervision, and diversity. She has also served as an editor for several anthologies, a poetry book reviewer, and poetry instructor at Ghost Ranch in nearby Abiquiu, NM. She moved to Taos, NM just over a year ago with her sweet 14-year-old puppy and a rescued bearded dragon, and there she has developed a logic-defying love of pickleball. Her own trauma history and those of her clinical and coaching clients over the years has motivated her to find ways to help safely and creatively transcend those experiences using language, story, and somatic approaches.

Presentation Preview:

A substantial number of clients and therapists have been affected by trauma. Estimates suggest that 70% of the world's population has experienced a traumatic event, and approximately 5-7% of the US population will develop PTSD.

This presentation addresses the magnitude of these statistics and their implications for clinical work and the therapeutic relationship. It aims to support those whose communities and individual lives have suffered traumatic and adverse experiences, and clinicians improve their professional and personal lives.

This presentation will address Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Drama Therapy, Internal Family Systems theories, Dr. Van der Kolk's research, and Dana's Polyvagal Theory. It will explore the body's response to trauma and cover interventions for working with people who have experienced adverse life events.

Creative expression is often encouraged in therapy, specifically through writing and journaling. This presentation addresses how therapists can therapeutically use 'language and story' to facilitate healing in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, it aims to help healers address their personal experiences of traumatic life events and support their work with people affected by trauma.