The Body Keeps the Score Course

Course Description:

This home study course is based on the book The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and explores the neurobiological, psychological, and somatic impacts of trauma. The course examines how traumatic experiences reshape the brain, influence emotional regulation, and affect the body’s stress response systems. Participants will learn how trauma disrupts memory processing, attachment systems, and self-regulation, and how these disruptions can manifest in clinical symptoms such as hyperarousal, dissociation, and chronic emotional distress.

The course also reviews contemporary trauma treatment approaches, including somatic therapies, mindfulness practices, neurofeedback, and trauma-informed psychotherapy. Emphasis is placed on integrating body-based interventions with traditional therapeutic approaches to support recovery and resilience in trauma survivors.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the neurobiological effects of trauma on brain structures involved in memory, emotion regulation, and stress responses.
2. Explain how traumatic experiences can become encoded in the body and influence physiological responses to stress.
3. Identify common psychological and somatic symptoms associated with unresolved trauma.
4. Summarize evidence-based trauma treatment approaches discussed in the text.
5. Apply trauma-informed principles to clinical practice when working with individuals who have experienced trauma.

Audience:

This course is designed for licensed mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other behavioral health professionals. Graduate students and professionals interested in emotional intelligence and relational development may also benefit.

Delivery Method:

Home study/self-paced online course consisting of assigned reading, reflective learning activities, and a post-course knowledge assessment.

Completion Requirements:

To receive continuing education credit, participants must:

• Purchase the book
• Complete the required reading or review of course materials
• Successfully complete the post-course assessment quiz with a passing score of 70% or higher
• Submit the course evaluation form

A certificate of completion will be issued upon successful completion of all course requirements.

Number of CE Hours:

10 CEs

Fees / Cancellations:

$130 for non-members, $100 for MaMHCA members

Course Creation Date:

1/1/26

Contact:

jweeks@mamhca.org

Continuing Education Info:

MCEAP No.19-0861