As research and clinical discussion around institutional betrayal continue to evolve, mental health professionals increasingly encounter clients whose trauma experiences are intertwined with schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, military organizations, religious institutions, legal systems, or other institutions they depended upon.  

This 3-hour course introduces institutional betrayal as a construct and explores how clinicians might understand and address these experiences through cognitive-emotional models of trauma processing. Participants will consider how experiences of betrayal, violations of trust, invalidation, and institutional responses can shape trauma-related beliefs about oneself, others, and the world.

The course will explore how clinicians can assess and conceptualize institutional betrayal within various trauma-focused treatment approaches, while maintaining a collaborative, client-centered approach. Particular attention will be given to identifying potentially problematic beliefs, distinguishing realistic appraisals of institutional failures from trauma-related overgeneralizations, and using cognitive-emotional strategies to support clients in processing betrayal experiences without minimizing or invalidating the harm they experienced.

Participants will also consider the clinical complexities that can arise when clients continue to interact with, depend upon, or seek accountability from the institution involved in their trauma.

This course is designed for mental health professionals with an interest in both trauma-informed and trauma-focused treatment. It provides a conceptual and practical introduction to incorporating institutional betrayal into well considered case conceptualization and treatment.