Interactive Learning, Professional Growth, and Collaboration Highlight the Inaugural Complex Training Summer Institute

Last month, the Complex Trauma Training Institute (CTTI), supported in part by the Foundation Trust, held its inaugural Summer Institute in Hyannis, MA. Over 70 clinicians from around the world gathered for an intensive learning experience featuring leading treatment model developers, clinical researchers, and innovators in the field of complex traumatic stress. Participants had the opportunity to enhance their practice through a variety of workshops covering topics such as lifelong adaptations to complex trauma, the biological impact of complex trauma, treatment for young children and caregivers, and therapy through art. There were also extensive opportunities for networking with peers and interaction with conference faculty.

The Summer Institute was hosted by Dr. Joseph Spinazzola, Executive Director of the Foundation Trust, and Dr. Jana Pressley, Senior Training Associate of the Foundation Trust. “I was delighted to host the Complex Trauma Summer Institute and spend a week interacting with such highly accomplished and creative conference participants. It was truly rewarding to lead training sessions and engage in clinical conversations with this diverse group of practitioners, who passionately shared their knowledge and expertise throughout each workshop.  For those of us who work in the field of trauma treatment, the value of connection and collaboration with a community of authentic colleagues is immeasurable, and I will look forward to the opportunity to both teach and learn from others as part of this event for years to come,” shared Dr. Pressley, Director of Clinical Services at the Complex Trauma Treatment Center Boston, and Co-Director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Affiliates (CTTA) program.

Participants praised the relevance of the workshop content and its applicability to their current practices. “I found the 2025 Complex Trauma Summer Training Institute to be extremely beneficial. The case examples have stimulated thoughts on how I can apply effective methods of treatment to my own clients. The expressive arts immersive experiences have encouraged me to look for ways to invite more creativity into my client sessions. It was so exciting and encouraging to meet with other clinicians from across the United Stated and around the world - all with the same goal of promoting healing for people with complex trauma,” shared Sue Foster, Assistant Director of Richmont Trauma Center specializing in family dynamics, life transitions, and anxiety, and a founding member of the CTTA program.

Workshops were taught with both traditional and interactive, experiential components which elevated participants’ engagement. “The balance of foundational concepts and nuanced insight made the conference relevant for both newer and seasoned clinicians. The teaching methods - combining case examples, visuals, and interactive/experiential components - kept the audience engaged and inspired. I left with new ways to explain difficult concepts to clients and fresh practical approaches, which will deepen therapeutic work,” commented Dr. Mimi Sullivan, Psychotherapist at Haddonfield Consulting, member of the Complex Trauma Intervention Team for Trauma Drama, a tertiary violence prevention and complex trauma intervention model developed by Dr. Spinazzola, and a founding member of the CTTA program. “I discovered that Component-Based Psychotherapy, for me, transcends professional utility and mirrors the contours of my own journey in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The conference not only met but also far surpassed my expectations. I look forward to 2026,” added Fay Chelmow, Founder and President of ImPACT Virginia, an organization raising public awareness of human trafficking.

One highlight of the week was the national affiliates luncheon attended by over a dozen CTTI Affiliate members. The Complex Trauma Treatment Affiliates training program was launched in May 2020, and this event marked not only its 5-year anniversary, but also the first opportunity for the affiliates to meet in-person. “Thank you to the CTTI for such a lovely learning experience. It was so great to meet the Affiliates in person, and I am truly appreciative of the warmth shown. Great content, great experience and great friendship. I will remember the experience fondly. Here’s hoping for a continuation next year,” shared Sheri Weistaner, a founding member of the CTTA program and Complex Trauma Clinician supporting children and families with complex developmental trauma in Idaho and Washington.

Participates appreciated the collaborative nature of the workshops and their close interaction with presenting faculty. “This space has provided so many opportunities for more growth, collaboration, and love for the service of helping people move out of the abyss and reach their potential,” noted Doreen Hills, Founder and Director of the Center for Healing Trauma and Attachment, a non-profit organization serving underserved children and families in Colorado. “As someone who works with individuals who face trauma, it was important for me to gain more understanding and insight from this conference. I was pleasantly surprised by the conversations stemming from each seminar. This was not just an information overload; it was a collaboration between presenters and attendees, which made the conference so much more meaningful. Looking forward to next year!” added Casey Cullinane, Clinical Therapist at NAFI CT Outpatient Center specializing in Queer identities and community trauma.

Dr. Spinazzola, Co-Director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Affiliates, Associate Director of the Complex Trauma Training Initiative of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and Director of the Complex Trauma Institute shared, “It was my distinct honor to host the inaugural Complex Trauma Summer Institute. Having so many of our Complex Trauma Treatment Affiliates in attendance from across the United States brought me great joy. I was privileged to have the opportunity to impart knowledge gleaned from four decades of service and research in this field to the unanimously talented practitioners in attendance, and in turn to benefit from the professional wisdom and lived experiences they shared in the interactive sessions and informal discussions that are the hallmark of this event.”

Given the positive feedback and support received, the CTTI plans to host this event annually. For more information about the CTTI, please visit www.ctttn.org For more information about the Foundation Trust, visit www.foundationtrust.org.