A free 4-day event with tools and strategies to help you make a difference in the lives of people with complex trauma
(without burning out in the process)
May 5-8, 2026
For mental health, education, and human service professionals!
Better Trauma Support. Less Burnout.
Advancing Professional Practice in Complex Trauma
May 5-8, 2026
Join 30+ experts for a free 4-day training for therapists, educators, and helping professionals working with complex trauma
Watch the video below to learn how this free event will help you gain a deeper understanding of complex trauma and connect with a community of professionals dedicated to healing, resilience, and advocacy.
You're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those impacted by complex trauma.
You’re already doing so much right, including:
Creating safe therapeutic environments.
Building trust to engage them.
Holding space for their stories.
Drawing on evidence‑based modalities.
But even with all of that... many practitioners who work with complex trauma carry a quiet, persistent strain. You’re pouring your energy into building safety and trust, yet progress can feel painfully slow. You hit stuck points that leave you wondering whether you have the right tools, enough support, or a strong enough professional community behind you. It’s common to feel isolated in the work, unsure how to weave new research into real‑world practice, or frustrated when traditional approaches fall short of meeting the deep, layered needs of trauma‑impacted individuals and families.
Right now you’re dealing with...
Challenging client cases with slow, inconsistent progress making your usual interventions feel frustratingly insufficient.
Pressure to apply emerging research in fast‑paced settings while carrying the risk of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
Complex family systems and engagement challenges that leave you feeling stretched thin and under‑supported.
There has to be a better way!
Imagine making an impact as you help people heal from complex trauma while still protecting your own energy and well‑being, even with a demanding schedule.
How Would It Feel To...
Be confident and competent in your ability to navigate complex trauma cases
See clear progress with clients who previously felt “stuck”
Have a supportive professional community that understands
During this free event, you’ll learn practical strategies to deepen your clinical skills, strengthen client engagement, and navigate the unique challenges of supporting individuals impacted by complex trauma!
Join us for Complex Trauma Summit to learn from 30+ leading experts, including clinicians, researchers, educators, and practitioners, who bring decades of experience in trauma‑responsive care.
You'll learn frameworks, interventions, and insights that elevate your practice and expand your impact as you deepen your understanding of complex trauma, strengthen your clinical decision-making, and apply practical, research-informed strategies that work in real-world settings.
Meet the Speakers
These aren’t speakers who only know trauma from textbooks.
Each one brings real clinical experience. The kind of experience that comes from sitting in the room with complex cases, navigating uncertainty, and figuring out what actually helps (and what doesn’t). You’ll hear different perspectives, different approaches, and honest reflections from the field. Not everything will be neat or one-size-fits-all... and that’s the point.
The goal is simple: to give you something you can actually use in your work, right away.
Day 1: Foundations of Complex Trauma
Day 1 is about making sense of complex trauma in a way that feels practical, not overwhelming. We’ll look at how it shows up across behaviour, relationships, and regulation, and how to start organizing what you’re seeing in the room.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to focus or how to make sense of layered presentations, this day will help bring more clarity to your clinical thinking.
Complex Trauma 101
Hannah Johnson
MS, NCC
Domains of Impact
Angel Knoverek
PhD, LCC ,ACS
Complex Trauma & Neurobiology
Hilary Hodgdon
PhD
Trauma-Informed Screening & Assessment
Cassandra Kisiel
PhD
Complex Trauma & Young Children
Kristin Mortenson
MS, LPC-S
Day 2: Systems & Communities
Day 2 zooms out to the systems and environments that shape both the people you support and the work you do. This includes families, communities, organizations, and the broader systems that influence care.
You’ll explore how these layers impact outcomes, where things can break down, and how to work more effectively within (and sometimes around) the systems you’re part of.
Understanding & Engaging Students Who Have Been Impacted by Complex Trauma
Megan Kerndt
LCSW
Understanding & Engaging Students Who Have Been Impacted by Complex Trauma
Emily Neal
LCSW
Complex Trauma & Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Moises Rodriguez
PhD
Complex Trauma & LGBTQ+ Youth
Kaitlyn Wilson
LICSW, PMH-C
Complex Trauma and Substance Use
Debra Ruisard
DSW
Complex Trauma, Systemic Racism & Black and Latinx Populations Impacted by Community Violence
Sonya Mathies Dinizulu
PhD
Intervention Strategies for Direct Care Staff Serving Youth with Complex Trauma in Residential Treatment Facilities
Jeremy Karpen
LCPC
Strategies for Direct Care Staff Serving Youth with Complex Trauma in the Juvenile Justice System
Mandy Habib
PsyD
Strategies for Direct Care Staff Serving Youth with Complex Trauma in the Juvenile Justice System
Victor Labruna
PhD
Complex Trauma in Immigrants & Refugee Children & Families
Diya Kallivayalil
PhD
Ancestral Trauma, Indigenous Well-Being, & Collective Healing
LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff
PhD
Understanding Provider Bias, Implicit Racism, & Privilege When Working with Complex Trauma
Nancy Nealious
PsyD
Day 3: Treatment Approaches & Decision-Making
Day 3 focuses on how to make thoughtful, informed decisions in your work. You’ll hear different treatment approaches, how clinicians choose what to use (and when), and how they adapt when things aren’t working.
The goal isn’t to give you a rigid formula, it’s to help you feel more confident navigating complexity, making decisions, and adjusting your approach in real time.
Complex Trauma & Pharmocotherapy
Seeba Anam
MD
Selecting the Complex EBT Treatment Model that Best Matches the Individual and Cultural Needs of Your Child & Family
Kaitlyn Wilson
LICSW, PMH-C
Use of Evidence-Based Complex Trauma Intervention Strategies to Educate & Support Parents & Caregivers of Children & Youth Impacted by Complex Trauma
Margaret Blaustein
PhD
Supporting Parents with Their Own Unresolved Complex Trauma
Jana Pressley
PsyD
Guiding Clinical Decision Making in challenging Treatment Situations with Youth & Families Impacted by Complex Trauma
Julian Ford
PhD
Meet Your Host
Angel Knoverek, PhD, LCPC, ACS
Dr. Angel Knoverek is a nationally recognized leader in trauma‑informed care with decades of experience in clinical practice, education, and systems‑level organizational leadership. A licensed professional counselor and counselor educator, she has trained thousands of professionals to implement trauma‑informed practices. Known for her ability to translate research into meaningful, accessible strategies, Dr. Knoverek brings a rare blend of clinical depth, teaching expertise, and systems insight.
Dr. Knoverek is the Founder & CEO of Mindshift Center and Mindshift Solutions Collective and the Co‑Host of the Doctor Therapy Mom podcast. She is the Director of Counselor Education at Culver‑Stockton College and an affiliate faculty at Adams State University. Dr. Knoverek serves as the President of the Missouri Counseling Association, Co‑Chair of the NCTSN Complex Trauma/Developmental Trauma Disorder Work Group, and has various roles with the Complex Trauma Training Consortium. She is a Master Trainer in Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) and Psychological First Aid (PFA).
Dr. Knoverek is committed to elevating mental health equity and empowering professionals who work at the intersection of trauma, resilience, and healing.
Meet Our Collaborating Partners
Mandy Habib, PsyD
Co-Director, Institute for Adolescent Trauma Training & Treatment
School of Social Work
Adelphi University
Victor Labruna, PhD
Co-Director, Institute for Adolescent Trauma Training & Treatment
School of Social Work
Adelphi University
Joseph Spinazzola, PhD
Executive Director
The Foundation Trust
The Complex Trauma Training Consortium (CTTC) is a national workforce development initiative providing 20 modules of complex trauma training. This curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics that address major knowledge gaps in the field of trauma intervention.
This project is supported by National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) Category II Treatment & Services Adaptation Centers Grant # H79SM085102 awarded to Adelphi University through the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), in partnership with the following organizations:
What to Expect at
Advancing Professional Practice in Complex Trauma
This summit is designed to give you a comprehensive, flexible, and deeply supportive learning experience — one that fits your schedule while elevating your practice.
When and Where
A four‑day virtual event you can join from anywhere, featuring expert pre‑recorded sessions and select live events. Registered participants get 24‑hour access to each day’s recordings for flexible, on‑your‑own‑time learning.
Expert Sessions
Access 20 free sessions led by clinicians, researchers, educators, and practitioners specializing in complex trauma, offering practical insights, evidence‑aligned strategies, and real‑world tools you can immediately apply in your work.
Private Summit Community
Connect inside a private Facebook group exclusively for registered participants. Share insights, ask questions, exchange resources, and experience the support of a community that understands the realities of trauma‑responsive work.
Chances to Win
Throughout the summit, you’ll have opportunities to win prizes for engagement and contributions. Prizes include:
Sponsor swag
Books from speakers’ recommended reading lists
Self‑care items
And much more — all designed to support your growth and well‑being.
Optional Upgrade for a VIP (Very Invested Provider) Experience
Take your learning even deeper with the VIP upgrade, which includes:
14 additional sessions specifically for providers
Continuing Education (CE) credits for social workers and professional counselors (ASWB + NBCC)
And much more to support your advanced professional development
This summit offers integration by bridging knowing what to do and being able to do it consistently, confidently, and competently in real-world settings
What Sets This Summit Apart
Research‑driven content presented by leading clinicians and practitioners
Practical tools you can apply immediately with individuals and families
A whole‑person, whole‑system perspective that reflects the realities of complex trauma
Support for the professional as well as the client, because your well‑being matters
A collaborative learning environment that reduces isolation and builds community
Strategies that work within real‑world constraints like high caseloads, limited time, and systemic barriers
Guidance for integrating new research into your existing practice
A focus on sustainable, long‑term impact rather than quick fixes
This summit isn’t about adding more to your plate.
It’s about giving you approaches that actually fit the demands of your work.
Complex Trauma Core
Each session is 60-120 minutes in length.
You'll gain free 24-hour access to 5-10 sessions daily on May 5-8.
Foundations of Complex Trauma
Complex Trauma 101
Domains of Impact
Neurobiology
Early Intervention
Assessment
Systems & Communities
Schools & Learning
Homelessness
LGBTQ+ Youth
Substance Use
Community Violence
Residential Treatment Settings
Juvenile Justice
Immigrants & Refugees
Ancestral Trauma
Provider Bias, Implicit Racism & White Privilege
Treatment Approaches & Decision-Making
Psychopharmacotherapy
Selecting Evidence‑Based Interventions
Using Evidence‑Based Interventions
Supporting Parents With Unresolved Complex Trauma
Clinical Decision Making in Challenging Treatment Situations
Here’s What Professionals Are Saying About Our Trainings
Even though this is our first virtual complex trauma summit, the approaches and teaching come straight from the trainings we’ve delivered to mental health, education, and human service professionals for years.
Here’s what participants have shared about their experience:
This training gave me practical tools I could use immediately with my clients.
One of the most comprehensive and accessible explanations of complex trauma I’ve ever encountered.
I finally feel like I understand what my clients are experiencing and what to do next.
The presenter’s ability to make complex concepts clear and applicable was outstanding.
I left feeling more confident, supported, and grounded in my work.
As a school social worker, I’ve never had training that connected the dots this clearly.
This helped me understand trauma responses in a way that changed how I show up with families.
I wish I had learned this years ago. It would have helped my early practice.
— BONUS #1 —
ACCESS TO EXTRA TIPS FROM EXPERTS ON THE GO!
Get access to private interviews that are short and sweet! (8-15 minutes in length)
Dr. Angel Knoverek chats with the experts on the following topics:
Essential Elements for Assessing Trauma with Ernestine Briggs-King, PhD
Use of the Adult-Attachment Interview with Karen Doyle Buckwalter, LCSW, RPT-S
Using AI Ethically in Client Care with Rebecca Edelman, PhD, NCC
The Benefits of an EMDR Intensive with Sherie Hawkins, PhD, LPC, NCC
Engaging Youth & Families Who Have Experienced Persistent Chronic Trauma with Richard Kagan, PhD
Working with Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience in Therapy with Orson Morrison, PsyD
Pregnant Women Who Have Experienced Complex Trauma with Karen Crawford Simms, MAMFT, LMHC, LCPC
— BONUS #2 —
4 LIVE TRAINING SESSIONS
Mark Your Calendar to Join Us Live for these Events!
Tuesday, May 5th
1:00 PM -1:45 PM CT
Welcome & Networking Circle
Wednesday, May 6th
1:00 PM -1:45 PM CT
Ask Me Anything with
Dr. Angel Knoverek
Thursday, May 6th
1:00 PM -1:45 PM CT
Ask Me Anything with
Dr. Angel Knoverek
Friday, May 8th
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT
The Weight We Carry: Trauma‑Responsive Practice & Professional Community
Friday, May 8th
2:00 - 2:30 PM CT
Live Wrap Up & Announcement of Scholarship Winners
You're Ready to Make an Impact With People Who Have Experienced Complex Trauma
Does this sound like you?
You're relying on fragmented strategies or treatment-as-usual approaches that leave you feeling unsure of what will help your clients move forward.
You’ve invested time, energy, and heart into supporting individuals and families with complex trauma, and you’re ready for effective approaches that create change.
You’re ready for a clearer path that strengthens your practice, supports your well‑being, and will help you make a difference in people's lives.
Grab your free ticket by clicking the link below and join us for
Complex Trauma Summit!
Have Questions?
We've Got Answers.
What is the Advancing Professional Practice in Complex Trauma Virtaul Summit?
The Advancing Professional Practice in Complex Trauma Virtual Summit is a 4-day virtual training event bringing together leading experts in trauma-informed care to provide evidence-based education on complex trauma assessment, treatment, and systemic implementation. Designed for professionals, this summit offers practical strategies you can apply immediately in your work.
Who is this summit for?
Practitioners across mental health, education, and human services who support trauma‑impacted individuals, families, or systems. Content is appropriate for the various ranges of experiences, including those in the novice stages of learning (i.e., undergraduate and graduate students, newer practitioners) while also still offering depth for experienced professionals.
Is the summit really free?
Yes. Registration includes 24-hour access to all 20 free sessions along with live events and the private Facebook community. In addition, you have free access to “Top Tips from the Experts” videos as well as free resources (i.e., videos, guides, templates, etc.).
How do the sessions work, and what should I know about live events and 24‑hour access?
Each morning at 9:00 AM CT, you’ll receive an email with links to that day’s sessions, which you can watch free for 24 hours at your own pace. The summit includes both pre‑recorded expert sessions and select live interactive events. Details and registration links for live sessions are included in your daily email and offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis as we have limited space on the virtual platform.
The summit is designed for flexibility. Watch sessions anytime during their 24‑hour window. If you miss the 24‑hour viewing window, you can upgrade to the VIP (Very Invested Provider) Pass for extended access at any point during the summit. See below for details.
Do I need to attend live?
No. Most sessions are pre‑recorded, and you can watch them anytime during the 24‑hour access window. The live sessions are encouraged as many report gaining insights and support from the live events.
What technology do I need?
Just a device with internet access. No special software or downloads required. Live events are hosted via Zoom.
Closed captioning is available for all sessions. Instructions are available when you access the sessions.
How do I join the private Facebook group?
A link will be emailed to you after registration. The Facebook community will be active upon registration, so please join the conversations after registering.
Can I invite colleagues?
Absolutely. Anyone can register for free. We do ask that each individual register separately instead of sharing so that we can accurately plan and update are attendee rosters.
If you're interested in purchasing VIP Access for your team of 5 or more, contact [email protected] for group rates and organizational packages.
Are CE credits are offered?
Yes, continuing education credits are available through the VIP Access, an optional upgrade. These sessions are approved for NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) and ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards).
Instructions for completing CE requirements are provided with the VIP Access. Once you've watched the session, earned an 80% on the quiz, and submit the evaluation form, your certificate for that session will be available for download in your account. You have access for one year to complete the sessions for CE credit.
You earn CE credit for each session as you complete it, so you do not have to complete every session to earn CE credit. You can choose which sessions you'd like to complete.
What is the VIP (Very Invested Provider) All Access Pass?
The VIP All Access Pass is our premium upgrade that gives you one full year of access to all summit recordings, 8+ additional sessions that are part of our Master Clinician Series, plus continuing education credits for social workers (ASWB) and professional Counselors (NBCC). It's perfect for those who want to revisit content, watch at their own pace, or need CE credits for licensure.
After you complete your free registration, you'll receive information about the VIP All Access Pass. You can also upgrade at any time during or after the summit by visiting: [INSERT LINK]. However, early bird pricing may be available for a limited time, so upgrading sooner may save you money.
What if I experience technical difficulties?
We provide technical support throughout the summit. Contact [email protected] and we'll help you troubleshoot any issues promptly.
Can I download or record the sessions?
Free registration provides streaming access only. VIP Access participants can acces recordings for extended time through the online platform.
Recording any portion of the summit is strictly prohibited.
I’m Ready to Join
Advancing Professional Practice in Complex Trauma Today!
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