Trainings + Retreats

ITTC offers live trainings and retreats as an opportunity for professionals in the helping field to re-inspire and re-connect to their passion. Our educational opportunities allow providers to step outside of their typical work environment, engage with other professionals, and promote the advancement of specialized skills. The philosophy behind our trainings goes beyond providing continuing education opportunities – we want to build a global community of supportive professionals who learn and share together.
Additional trainings and retreats are available upon request for organizations.


Upcoming Live Virtual Trainings
Treatment of Dissociation and Ketamine-based Therapy: A Case(s) Study
Join ITTC at the Attachment and Trauma 2023: Welcoming and Repairing the Traumatized Self in Psychotherapy – Rome
Speakers: Vincenzo Caretti, Jan Winhall, Athena Phillips, William Bumberry, Jeff Conway, Fabrizio Didonna, (Karen) Irene Countryman-Roswurm, Dafna Lender, Alessandro Carmelita, Marina Cirio, Bruce Hersey, Jennifer Sweeton, Maggie Schauer
Date: September 15th – 17th 2023
Time: TBD
Location: LIVE EVENT Rome, Italy, or LIVE WEBINAR, Zoom
ITTC’s Presentation: Treatment of Dissociation and Ketamine-based Therapy: A Case(s) Study
Presented by: Athena Phillips, LCSW
ITTC’s Course Description: Patients with histories of trauma and dissociative symptoms often present with significant and layered complexity. The trajectory of treatment is long and complex, and pre-established goals usually occur in short intervals. Although research has contributed to significant advances in treatment outcomes for patients with dissociative symptoms, the duration and severity of distress remain a feature of the clinical picture. Interventions that combine traditional psychotherapy with innovative approaches have the potential to reduce the overall duration and cost of patient treatment. Ketamine and psilocybin could have the potential to completely change the trajectory of treatment, given the research that is emerging for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Although these interventions may be very promising, equally concerning is the risk potential arising from their application to people with complex trauma and structural dissociation. Heather is a fictional client who represents a several people who have dissociative disorders and have undergone ketamine treatment as an intervention.
At the end of this intervention, participants will be able to:
- Discuss potential treatment outcomes of using ketamine with patients with dissociative symptoms.
- Identify potential risks of using ketamine treatment with patients with dissociative symptoms.
- Discuss the importance of pursuing further research on the use of ketamine as an intervention for patients with dissociative symptoms.
- Talk about cultural rejection of dissociation as a contributing factor to gaps in research for new interventions, such as ketamine.
- Discuss the possibilities of using ketamine as an adjunct to therapy in patients with dissociative disorders.
Continuing education credits for this event are not given by NBCC
Additional Courses + More Information
Learning Through Storytelling - Rwanda: A Portrait of Post-Traumatic Growth - Global Exchange Conference 2023
Date: November 12th – 15th, 2023
Location: Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Global Exchange Conference 2023 is a four-day event of continuing educational presentations, workshops and experiences. The event brings together professionals and organizations from Mental Health, Addiction Treatment, and Holistic Wellness.
ITTC’s Presentation: Learning Through Storytelling – Rwanda: A Portrait of Post-Traumatic Growth
Presented by: Athena Phillips, LCSW + Catherine Sims, LPC
Course Description: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) posits that adversity has the potential to result in transformational change that can manifest in a variety of ways. While PTG does not aim to minimize the challenges associated with suffering, it highlights the potential for meaning-making following pivotal life-events. While there have been examples of this phenomena on an individual level, rarely are these applications discussed on a macro-level.
Rwanda is a beacon of hope for the rest of the world with regards to their response to the `1994 genocide against the Tutsi, where between 600,000 and 1,000,000 people were killed by friends and neighbors within 100 days. The Rwandan government shaped a thoughtful, organized, and intentional recovery that capitalized on the strengths of Rwandan culture that were embedded before colonization. The fruits of this response are captured by the safety, cleanliness, and highly connective country who identifies as “One Rwanda.” In essence, the national identity captures the reality that we are all human regardless of ethnic or racial identities.
Our Rwanda: A Portrait of Post-Traumatic Growth, is the first episode in a series of storytelling trainings that were designed to increase relatability of concepts in mental health. Utilizing original video content in conjunction with traditional presentation methods, this episode will highlight strength, resiliency, and the results of Rwanda’s exemplary response to the genocide. Post-traumatic growth and resiliency are discussed in the context of people who shared their stories with us, along with mental health professionals who live and work in Rwanda.
Participants will be able to:
- Define Post-Traumatic Growth Theory
- Discuss the concepts of PTG and apply them to Rwanda’s recovery from the genocide.
- Discuss characteristics unique to Rwandan culture that cultivated a unified populous following the genocide.
- Apply the lessons learned about PTG through the Storytelling series to their own client work.
- Articulate – areas of strength, areas of growth on a micro level.
Save $100 off registration using our code at checkout: IntegrativeTrauma100
Registration
More Information
Dissociative Disorders & The Normalcy of Fragmentation:
6 CE HOURS FOR LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS*
Date: March 1st, 2024
Time: 9am – 4pm PST
Location: Virtual
Presented by: Athena Phillips, LCSW
Course Description: Mental health providers who work with anxiety, post-traumatic stress, non-epileptic seizures and other related conditions are likely also working with clients who struggle with dissociation to varying degrees. This specialized training teaches clinicians how to work within the creative capacity of many clients who have relied on dissociation to cope with their history while simultaneously encouraging clinicians to employ their own capability for innovative work. The workshop offers participants an experiential opportunity to learn about internal multiplicity as a normal human experience, and working creatively with dissociative disorders.
Course admission requirements: Minimum of a Master’s Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In African countries, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.
Participants will be able to…
- Learn to screen for dissociation
- Identify a standard of care for the treatment of dissociative disorders
- Utilize creativity/imaginative qualities often correlated with dissociative clients as key component of treatment
- Normalize the concept of differentiated ego states within all people
Cost: $299 or get member pricing when you join KALOS!
ENROLL IN COURSE
EXPLORE KALOS MEMBERSHIP
Learning Through Storytelling - Rwanda: A Portrait of Post-Traumatic Growth
3 CE HOURS FOR LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS*
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: Virtual
Presented by: Athena Phillips, LCSW + Catherine Sims, LPC
Course Description: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) posits that adversity has the potential to result in transformational change that can manifest in a variety of ways. While PTG does not aim to minimize the challenges associated with suffering, it highlights the potential for meaning-making following pivotal life-events. While there have been examples of this phenomena on an individual level, rarely are these applications discussed on a macro-level.
Rwanda is a beacon of hope for the rest of the world with regards to their response to the `1994 genocide against the Tutsi, where between 600,000 and 1,000,000 people were killed by friends and neighbors within 100 days. The Rwandan government shaped a thoughtful, organized, and intentional recovery that capitalized on the strengths of Rwandan culture that were embedded before colonization. The fruits of this response are captured by the safety, cleanliness, and highly connective country who identifies as “One Rwanda.” In essence, the national identity captures the reality that we are all human regardless of ethnic or racial identities.
Our Rwanda: A Portrait of Post-Traumatic Growth, is the first episode in a series of storytelling trainings that were designed to increase relatability of concepts in mental health. Utilizing original video content in conjunction with traditional presentation methods, this episode will highlight strength, resiliency, and the results of Rwanda’s exemplary response to the genocide. Post-traumatic growth and resiliency are discussed in the context of people who shared their stories with us, along with mental health professionals who live and work in Rwanda.
Participants will be able to:
- Define Post-Traumatic Growth Theory
- Discuss the concepts of PTG and apply them to Rwanda’s recovery from the genocide.
- Discuss characteristics unique to Rwandan culture that cultivated a unified populous following the genocide.
- Apply the lessons learned about PTG through the Storytelling series to their own client work.
- Articulate – areas of strength, areas of growth on a micro level.
Cost: TBD
Check back soon!
Cultural Sexual Abuse (CuSA)
3 CE HOURS FOR LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS*
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: Virtual
Presented by: Athena Phillips, LCSW + Catherine Sims, LPC
Course Description: Conversations around the effects of exploitation and objectification of girls and women are not new. Research has consistently supported the overarching negative effects of relating to the female body as an object to be controlled, played with, or utilized. There is also established awareness of the fact that dehumanizing, oversexualizing, and controlling the bodies women and girls occurs at a societal level. This presentation aims to further conceptualize the way in which our culture treats women within various social dimensions as a form of sexual abuse perpetrated and maintained at a cultural level. Cultural Sexual Abuse is defined as the permission, dismissal, reinforcement of the systematic dehumanization of girls and women for the purpose of sexual entertainment.
CuSA is the permission, dismissal, reinforcement, and discard of women, girls and their voices that perpetuates cultural sexual abuse.
Participants will be able to:
- Define and characterize Cultural Sexual Abuse
- Differentiate Cultural Sexual Abuse from other forms of sexual abuse.
- Describe society’s role in maintaining the status quo through permission, dismissal, and reinforcement.
- Identify examples of cultural sexual abuse.
- Discuss applications to clinical work.
- Discuss ways in which participants can interrupt the maintenance of CuSa
Cost: TBD
Check back soon!
Upcoming Retreats
Casperia, Italy - Trauma Coaching Certification Retreat - Fall 2023
Rejuvenate while you learn, build lifelong relationships, and enjoy a week filled with opportunities to soak in Italy’s beautiful countryside!
Dates: September 9-15, 2023
Cost: $3,800
This training is perfect for you if:
- You are a holistic health provider, educator, nurse, peer support provider, naturopath, or other type of helping professional who wants to learn how to support survivors in your practice
- You are therapist who wants more concrete tools to support your clients
- You are a therapist who wants to add a coach to your practice
- You are looking for a career change + are passionate about helping others
INCLUDED in the experience:
- 4 nights at The Forani Palazzo, a 15th century palace located in the village of Casperia, Italy
- 2 nights in mid-range hotels in Rome, bookending the retreat
- Transportation to and from airport in Rome and all local activities
- 3 days of Trauma Coaching Training with materials included
- Arranged daily group activities like local excursions and classes
- Yoga, meditation and Reiki healing offerings in tranquil retreat setting
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided most days
Excluded: Air transportation to/from Rome (including international airfare and taxes), visas, travel and medical insurance, immunizations, vaccinations, some of the meals, personal expenses, and other extras. Pricing reflects double occupancy; please inquire for single occupancy pricing if you are interested in a single room.
Learn more about the schedule of events and reserve your spot here!
Vietnam Spring 2024
Highlights:
- Learn the principles of trauma coaching within a multicultural context.
- Experience high-level, specialized training on trauma-informed interactions.
- Gain invaluable competence to be a trauma coach.
- Gain new insight through culturally unique perspectives on mental health.
- Explore an exciting destination and immerse yourself in the culture of your hosts.
- Broaden your personal and professional network, and build lasting international friendships
More info coming soon!
South Africa Fall 2024
Highlights:
- Learn the principles of trauma coaching within a multicultural context.
- Experience high-level, specialized training on trauma-informed interactions.
- Gain invaluable competence to be a trauma coach.
- Gain new insight through culturally unique perspectives on mental health.
- Explore an exciting destination and immerse yourself in the culture of your hosts.
- Broaden your personal and professional network, and build lasting international friendships
More info coming soon!
Kenya Winter 2025
Highlights:
- Learn the principles of trauma coaching within a multicultural context.
- Experience high-level, specialized training on trauma-informed interactions.
- Gain invaluable competence to be a trauma coach.
- Gain new insight through culturally unique perspectives on mental health.
- Explore an exciting destination and immerse yourself in the culture of your hosts.
- Broaden your personal and professional network, and build lasting international friendships
More info coming soon!
Requested Trainings Available
Trauma-informed care
Location: On-site of your business or hosted by ITTC virtually
Minimum of 3 CE Hours and up to 6 CE Hours
Providing services of any kind from a trauma-informed lens elevates our capacity as a society as well as improves customer service in general. Businesses and organizations of any kind could benefit from learning how to interact with those it serves and its’ staff with increased awareness and capacity. This training is available on-site at your organization as well as during scheduled trainings offered by ITTC.
Appropriate for:
- Schools & Universities
- Law Enforcement
- Attorneys and those working in the justice system
- Medical Practices
- Hospitals
- Businesses serving the general public
- Churches
Working Creatively with Dissociative Disorders: Level I & II
Location: On-site at your organization or hosted by ITTC virtually
6 CE Hours for Level I
6 CE Hours for Level II
Mental health providers who work with anxiety, post-traumatic stress, non-epileptic seizures and other related conditions are likely also working with clients who struggle with dissociation to varying degrees. ITTC offers specialized trainings on how to assess for and work with dissociation with a subspecialty in dissociative identity disorder. These trainings teach clinicians how to work within the creative capacity of many clients who have relied on dissociation to cope with their history while simultaneously encouraging clinicians to employ their own capability for innovative work.
Appropriate for:
- Community mental health organizations
- Clinicians in private practice
- Clinicians specializing in trauma and mood disorders
- Clergy providing support to parishioners
- Level I is appropriate for clinicians with little to no training in dissociation
- To complete Level II, clinician must have completed Level I
Compassion Fatigue + Burnout Prevention
Location: On-site at your organization or hosted by ITTC virtually
Appropriate for:
- Community mental health organizations
- Clinicians in private practice
Trauma Stewardship
Location: On-site at your organization or hosted by ITTC virtually
Appropriate for:
- Community mental health organizations
- Clinicians in private practice
*NBCC ACEP # 6912 Please check with your board to ensure NBCC CE Hours are honored

