Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults:
Transference, Countertransference, & Clinical Challenges
Dr Christine Courtois
About This Webinar Series
Complex trauma is typically interpersonal in origin, involving abuse of power, betrayal, and repeated or chronic exposure that often escalates over time. First introduced by Judith Herman (1992) to describe the developmental impact of prolonged child abuse, the concept has since expanded to include a wide range of human-caused traumatic experiences, including interpersonal violence, exploitation, displacement, and collective trauma. These experiences profoundly shape psychological development, identity, and relational functioning.
The treatment of complex trauma presents significant relational challenges. Clients frequently develop trauma-based transference patterns, such as expectations of abandonment, mistrust, or exploitation within the therapeutic relationship. In parallel, therapists may experience countertransference responses shaped by both the client’s material and their own personal history, as well as vicarious trauma arising from repeated exposure to distressing narratives. The therapeutic field itself is often post-traumatic and, at times, dissociative. These relational dynamics are not inherently problematic; when recognised and reflected upon, they can provide valuable clinical information and guide therapeutic intervention.
The first webinar will explore different forms of transference and countertransference within complex trauma treatment, alongside the contextual factors that shape them. It will examine the emotional and cognitive impact of trauma work on therapists and address the recognition and management of vicarious trauma, with an emphasis on therapist self-awareness and self-care.
The second webinar will focus on common treatment traps and challenges, particularly those associated with complex trauma and dissociative conditions. Practical strategies will be offered to assist therapists in identifying, understanding, and managing these dynamics in clinically effective ways.
The aim of this webinar series is to provide in-depth understanding of the relational issues and challenges inherent in the treatment of complex trauma, equipping therapists to anticipate these dynamics and respond with greater clarity, confidence, and clinical effectiveness
GLOBAL EXPERT SERIES
Deepen your clinical practice
Transform clinical complexity into therapeutic clarity with Dr Christine Courtois
THE COURSE CURRICULUM
Master the relational complexities of complex trauma. Gain practical strategies for recognising transference, countertransference, treatment traps, and vicarious trauma in clinical practice.
Self-paced module: 8 lessons · 4 hours video · slides · quiz · 365 day access · instant 4-hour CPD certificate
GLOBAL EXPERT SERIES
Work more confidently with complex relational dynamics
Deepen your clinical mastery of transference and countertransference with one of the world’s leading trauma experts
About Dr Christine Courtois
Christine A. Courtois, PhD, a counseling psychologist, is retired from clinical practice and now serves as a consultant/trainer on trauma psychology and treatment. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Dr. Courtois is a past president of APA Division 56 (Trauma Psychology) and served as Chair of the APA’s Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults. She has received the Award for Distinguished Contributions to Independent Practice from the APA, the Sarah Haley Award for Clinical Excellence from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Award for Distinguished Service and Contributions to the Profession of Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology, and the APA Division 56 Lifetime Achievement Award. She is coeditor of Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, Second Edition, and Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents, and coauthor of Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach.