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Webinar

F25-709 Understanding the Roles of Cognitive Distortions and Defense Mechanism in Processing Trauma

Total Credits: 4 including 4 Category I CEs

Categories:
700 Professional Growth & Development
Instructor:
Veronica Cruz, LCSW-C
Course Levels:
Advanced
Duration:
4 Hours 15 Minutes
Target Audience:
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
Dates
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Description

This workshop will be a clinical conversation about the human psyche and the various defense mechanisms used to process and understand complex trauma. Participants will also discuss the process of post-traumatic stress disorder leading to post-traumatic growth. This is an interactive workshop with clinical questions and case examples derived from the films Life of Pi, Shutter Island, and many more. The clinical exploration of the various films and case examples will allow the viewer to understand and define the traumatic journey and growth that the protagonists experience in the films.  

 

This workshop is in accordance with and compliance with the NASW Standards with a focus on service, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, and social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients, in practice settings, as professionals, to the social work profession, to the broader society. 

This workshop is in compliance with the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners’ COMAR 10.42.03.06.A(5) and with the District of Columbia Board of Social Work 17-70-7008.4.   

Instructor

Veronica Cruz, LCSW-C Related Seminars and Products

Cruz and Associates

Ms. Cruz is a bilingual (Spanish/English) clinical and forensic social worker with over twenty years of experience working in the mental health and legal arena. She is a qualified expert witness in clinical and forensic social work in numerous jurisdictions and courts in Maryland and at the federal level. She concentrates on cases involving illegal or harsh sentences, post-conviction relief, modifications of sentences, and juveniles charged as adults. Ms. Cruz is the founder and CEO of Cruz & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in preparing comprehensive forensic psychosocial reports for criminal and civil matters, continuing education, and psychotherapy. When not working on cases, she is an avid continuing education presenter who specializes in trauma and ethics.     

Ms. Cruz is a graduate of the Catholic University of America with a BA in psychology. She received her Master of Social Work, specializing in mental health and addiction, from the University of Maryland School of School Work. In 2014, she completed an advanced two-year post-graduate Forensic Social Work Certification through the University of Maryland Continuing Education Department. In 2008, she co-created the Forensic Social Work Committee for NASW-MD. In 2010, she became the sole chair, a position she maintained until 2016, when she resigned due to other professional obligations. She continues to advocate for legislative changes. She maintains various professional memberships and affiliations and has been a professor at University of Maryland School of Social Work (Shady Grove and Baltimore campus) and has taught at Catholic University of America's Master of Social Work program.   

Agenda & Learning Objectives

AGENDA:

11:50 am – 12:00 pm Log on   

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Trauma Overview & Automatic Negative Thoughts  

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: The role Cognitive Distortions & Defense Mechanisms    

2:00 pm – 2:15 pm BREAK   

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm: Posttraumatic Growth, Case Examples & Discussion  

3:15pm – 4:15 pm: Clinical Considerations and Treatment Overview  

4:15 Adjournment   

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Illustrate and articulate the concept of post-traumatic stress disorder, post-traumatic growth, and toxic stress.      

  • Examine the roles of cognitive distortions and defense mechanisms in processing trauma.     

  • Apply strength-based therapies to change the trauma perspective from victim to survivor.     

  • Provide tools like the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, cognitive distortions, and mood logs to help identify and meet the needs of individuals with complex trauma.    

Bibliography & References

BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES

Demir-Kaya, Meva et al. (2023) Interpersonal cognitive distortions: What is the role of childhood trauma and attachment? Journal of Education in Science, Environment and Health (JESEH), 9(4), 292-309  

Sapmaz, Fatma (2023) Relationships between Cognitive Distortions and Adolescent Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience and Moderating Role of Gender. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 10 (1), 83-97.  

Lorzangeneh, Sara and Issazadegan, Ali (2022) The role of early maladaptive schema domains and childhood trauma in predicting cognitive distortions. Journal of Research in Psychopathology, Vol.3, No. 8, 1-8.  

Hosseini, Katayoon and Soleimani, Esmaiel (2021) The Relationship between Child Abuse and Cognitive Distortions with Clinical Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Vol 15, No 2.  

Whiteman, Sarah et al. (2019) Trauma Type and Suicidal Ideation: The Mediating Effect of Cognitive Distortions. Traumatology. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/trm0000192 

Ouhma, Nawal at al. (2019) Cognitive Distortions and Emotion Regulation Among Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Victims, Psychological Applications and Trends.   

Book: Theories for Direct Social Work Practice, Joseph Walsh  

Briere, J. and Scott, C.  (2013). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation and treatment.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Pubs.  

Book: Assessing and Treating Trauma & PTSD, Linda J. Schupp, Ph.D  

Ringel S. and Brandell, J.  (2011). Trauma: New directions in theory, research and practice. Ramos, Catarina & Leal, Isabel. Posttraumatic Growth in the Aftermath of Trauma: A literature Review about related factors and application contexts. Psychology, Community and Health, Vol 2 (1), 43-54  

Henry, Shannon. (2017) An Exploration of Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth Following Traumatic Death, Social Work Master’s Clinical Research Paper, 753   

Rnic, Katerina, et al. (2016) Cognitive Distortions, Humor Styles, and Depression. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 12(3): 348-362.   

Watkins, Laura et al. (2018) Treating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions, Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, Volume 12, Article 258  

Course Completion & CE Information

Category I Maryland BSWE Requirement

The Office of Continuing Professional Education at the University of Maryland School of Social Work is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education programs. This workshop qualifies for 4 Category I Continuing Education Units. The Office of Continuing Professional Education is also authorized by the Maryland Board of Psychologists and the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors to sponsor Category A continuing professional education. 

 

ASWB Information 

University of Maryland School of Social Work Office of Continuing Professional Education, #1611, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 2/11/2024-2/11/2027.  

To receive ACE credit, full attendance is required; no partial credits will be given for partial attendance. 

 

Certificate Access

To access the evaluation and certificate, click on the orange certificate button in your CPE account. Once you complete the evaluation, access to the certificate will be available.  

Live Interactive Webinars (Cat I) and Live Webinars (Cat II) - Allow up to 30 minutes post-training for attendance to be verified, then you will be able to access the evaluation and certificate. 

In Person Trainings - Please allow five (5) business days post-training for attendance to be verified, then you will be able to access the evaluation and certificate. 

 

Please refer to the tab "Live Interactive Webinar Policies & FAQs" for UMSSW Office of CPE policies regarding all live interactive webinar related matters. Contact our office at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu for more information.  

Evaluation

Participants will have access to the evaluation after attendance has been verified. Evaluations will be available for one (1) week after the workshop has ended.  

After one (1) week, participants will no longer have access to the evaluation and will have to contact CPE about reactivation.

Target Audience

Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists

We welcome anyone interested in the topic!

 

Live Interactive Webinar Platforms

LIVE INTERACTIVE WEBINAR PLATFORMS

The Office of Continuing Professional Education hosts Live Interactive Webinars through Zoom. This platform offers a high quality and user-friendly webinar platform for our registrants.

System Requirements:

  • Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher; MacOS 9 or higher; Android 4.0 or higher.
  • Internet Browser: Google Chrome; Firefox 10.0 or higher.

Our system is not compatible with the Safari web browser.

  • Broadband Internet Connection: Cable, High-speed DSL and any other medium that is internet accessible.

**Please have your device charging at all times to ensure that your device does not lose power during the webinar.

Course Interaction Requirements:

To participate in Live Interactive Webinars, you MUST have a device that allows you to view the presentation on screen and hear the instructor at all times. We do not allow participants to call-in from their phones or mobile devices and solely listen to the presentation. Participation in Live Interactive Webinars is mandatory.

Our webinar policies can be found on our website by clicking here.

Webinar Policies & FAQs

Click The Link to View The Webinar Policies & FAQs

https://umbsswcpe.ce21.com/Page/live-interactive-webinar-procedures-policies-4129

 

 

Code of Conduct

The Office of Continuing Professional Education at the University of Maryland School of Social Work adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics. This policy is to ensure that the training environment for social work professionals remains respectful, productive, and conducive to learning. Disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning process, disrupts the training experience for others, or undermines the integrity of the program will not be tolerated.

 

Expectations for Participant Engagement:

In alignment with the NASW Code of Ethics and the University of Maryland Baltimore Code of Conduct, participants are expected to demonstrate professionalism, which includes respecting confidentiality, maintaining a collaborative and respectful tone, and contributing positively to the group dynamic. Disclosures made during the training (e.g., case studies or personal reflections) must be handled with care and in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines.

All participants in the training program are expected to:

  • Engage actively in the learning process and show respect for the opinions and contributions of others.
  • Demonstrate professionalism in both attitude and behavior, maintaining respect for instructors, peers, and the training environment.
  • Maintain open communication by expressing concerns or disagreements constructively and respectfully.
  • Follow the guidelines and expectations provided by instructors and facilitators.
  • Support a collaborative learning environment where all participants feel valued and safe to contribute.

 

Instructors and CPE staff reserve the right to dismiss participants who do not adhere to ethical/professional principles and standards. If removed, CEs will be adjusted to reflect the time attended, unless otherwise specified. 

ADA Accommodations

If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact our office via email at least two weeks prior to the workshop date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled.  

Our email address is cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.  

Late Fees and Refunds

The base price is $85, which includes CE credit.  

Late Fee: On 11/19/25, a non-refundable late fee of $20 is added to the base price. Late fees cannot be refunded or applied to account credit.  

Cancellations: **ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.**  To be eligible for a refund or CPE account credit, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the workshop. 

For more information, please read the general policies on our website.  

 

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