Bessel A. van der Kolk's 30th Annual Trauma Conference -Main Conference - Bessel van der Kolk, Tarana Burke, Robert Whitaker, Ed Tronick, Martin Teicher, Julian Ford, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, Ali Smith, ....

Course Summary:

The 30th Annual Trauma Conference, hosted by Bessel A. van der Kolk, offers a masterclass in trauma-informed practices, neuroscience, therapeutic approaches, and cultural healing. This course features presentations from over a dozen pioneering voices including Tarana Burke (founder of the #MeToo movement), Robert Whitaker (investigative journalist and mental health advocate), Ed Tronick (developmental neuroscientist), and Julian Ford (trauma psychologist).

You’ll gain access to deep insights on trauma’s impact on the brain and body, the latest research in trauma recovery, and innovative therapeutic methods including expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, and community-based healing models.

Target Audience:

• Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists

• Mental health professionals and trauma-informed practitioners

• Educators, healthcare providers, and body-based practitioners

• Survivors and advocates seeking knowledge-based tools

• Students and researchers in psychology and neuroscience

Key Topics Covered:

• The neurobiology of trauma and its treatment

• Polyvagal theory and somatic healing

• Racial and systemic trauma – keynote by Tarana Burke

• Trauma in children and early development – insights from Ed Tronick & Martin Teicher

• Expressive arts and trauma recovery – Dr. Cathy Malchiodi

• Community and mindfulness-based practices – Ali Smith

• Rethinking psychiatric treatment – Robert Whitaker

• Building resilience and post-traumatic growth

What You’ll Learn:

• How trauma reshapes brain development and behavior

• Integrative approaches combining body, mind, and community

• Evidence-based interventions for PTSD and complex trauma

• Social justice lenses in trauma care

• New models for resilience, regulation, and connection