How Trauma Affects the Family

Trauma is the Greek word for “wound.” Although not always a physical wound, trauma can also be defined as the emotional response to a disturbing experience. Trauma not only affects an individual, but it also affects the entire family. This presentation will define traumatic events and the factors that lead to the development of PTSD. It will also review how the family system is affected by trauma, as well as tips on how to best support a loved one who struggles with PTSD.

Who Should Attend this Program?

All family members who have experienced a loved one struggle with substance use disorder are welcome to attend.

Presenter:

Dr. Margaret King - Psy. D - Caron Supervisor of Trauma Services

As Supervisor of Trauma Services, Dr. Margaret King collaborates with Caron Pennsylvania's director of psychology and trauma team to ensure that Caron provides a trauma-informed, safe, and compassionate environment for staff as well as specialized care for patients.

She oversees trauma services throughout the continuum, from assessment and referrals to pyscho-education and therapies, which include EMDR as well as holistic therapies like trauma-sensitive yoga. In addition, she provides training on trauma-informed care to Caron clinical staff and others as needed. She is part of the team working toward making Caron a trauma-informed organization by expanding and deepening Caron's current programs and services related to trauma.

In 2017, Dr. King joined Caron as a staff psychologist working with men, women, and transgender individuals across the life span with a focus on teens and young adults. She is currently the staff psychologist working with teen and young adult males. Her primary theoretical orientation is psychodynamic with an integrative approach, including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques. She is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems, Seeking Safety, and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).

Prior to Caron, she completed her post-doctoral fellowship, had worked as a staff psychologist in the Delaware state prisons, and had been a licensed psychologist manager in the Pennsylvania state prison system. In the correctional setting, her primary clinical responsibilities were individual and group psychotherapy, crisis management and intervention, and psychological evaluations for individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illness, personality disorders, complex and developmental traumas, and co-occurring substance use disorders. With experience and training in treating transgender individuals’ mental health concerns, Dr. King was an active member of a gender dysphoria consultation group. She served on the correctional state-wide psychological testing and multicultural committees.

She presents at local, state, and regional conferences on trauma, addiction, and mental health. She is an adjunct instructor at West Chester University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Currently, she's a member of the Delaware County Drug and Alcohol Planning Council.

Dr. King is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and Delaware. She has a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology with a concentration in psychological assessment from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia. She earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, in psychology and mathematics, from Saint Peter's College, Jersey City, New Jersey.

Sponsored by the generosity of Lauren and Jay Springer.

For questions or more information, please contact Mallory Henry at mhenry@caron.org.

An email will be sent to you after you register containing the Zoom details.