The Complexity of Trauma - A Case Illustration: Treatment of Traumatic “Psychosis”
Total Credits: 1 HPA
- Topic Areas:
- HPA Grand Rounds
- Presenter:
- Sherrie Takushi-Isara, PsyD
- Duration:
- 1 Hour
- License:
- Never Expires.
Description
Addressing complex trauma in adults with histories of multiple childhood traumatic experiences remains a significant challenge within the field of psychology. While many therapists pursue training in PTSD and trauma-informed care, few are adequately prepared to address the nuanced presentations of clients with complex trauma. These individuals are often misdiagnosed with disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, or Psychotic Disorders, alongside or instead of PTSD. Although their symptoms may align with these diagnoses, traditional diagnostic categories frequently fall short in guiding effective treatment strategies.
In particular, standard “best practice” models—especially those targeting psychosis—may offer limited success with this population. Emerging research is beginning to illuminate the deep connections between early trauma, dissociation, and the development of psychosis, offering new pathways for conceptualizing and treating these clients. This presentation will explore this evolving body of knowledge, providing clinicians with opportunities to expand their understanding, engage in dialogue, and consider more targeted and effective trauma-based interventions.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
- Identify common barriers to accurately understanding and diagnosing complex trauma.
- Explain the clinical importance of differentiating trauma-based disorders from other disorders
- Navigate trauma-informed assessment and intervention strategies more effectively to enhance treatment efficacy for those with complex trauma histories.
Presenter
Sherrie Takushi-Isara, PsyD Related Seminars and Products
Dr. Takushi-Isara is a board-certified, clinical psychologist with a full-time private practice in ‘Aiea, O’ahu where she was raised. She brings over 30 years of experience in trauma-informed care, with a long-standing commitment to serving diverse communities across the lifespan. Dr. Takushi-Isara's extensive background includes three decades at the Sex Abuse Treatment Center (SATC), where she held multiple roles including Crisis Worker, per diem Educator, Lead Psychologist, and Clinical Program Manager. Though she concluded her tenure at SATC in 2023, she continues to support the organization as a per diem consultant. Her early professional training involved working with children and adolescents, older adults in a nursing facility, foster children, and institutionalized mentally ill. Together, these experiences broadened her clinical scope and deepened her understanding of developmental trauma and its impact across the life span.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Takushi-Isara has demonstrated a long-standing dedication to public service and nonprofit work. In 2008, she founded Making Ends Meet, a nonprofit organization providing one-time, emergency financial support to employed individuals facing unexpected crises. Her broader leadership roles include serving as an examiner for the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and her recent appointment to the State of Hawaiʻi Board of Psychology. Dr. Takushi-Isara is particularly passionate about understanding and treating complex trauma, with the goal of helping individuals reclaim stability and improve their quality of life.
Supported By
This event was made possible in part by Hawai'i Department of Health Grant Number 6H07SM089538 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views, opinions or policies of SAMHSA, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
For more information on volunteering or requesting services with HiBHC, please visit https://hibhc.org/ or email us at dr.dlogan@gmail.com or matsuimm@hawaii.edu
HPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. HPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.