Trauma isn’t always about dramatic events — it’s often about repeated, subtle disruptions in safety, connection, and emotional co-regulation. This CPD workshop explores how such early experiences become encoded in the developing nervous system, shaping patterns of threat, soothing, attachment, and self-worth that persist into adulthood.

Drawing on current research in neurodevelopment, attachment science, and trauma-informed practice, the session provides psychologists and mental health professionals with a deeper understanding of how early adversity affects emotional regulation and relational functioning — often in ways that remain hidden in standard assessments.

Whether working with adults or younger people, recognising the signs of attachment-related trauma, implicit memory, and body-based threat responses is essential for accurate formulation and trauma-sensitive intervention. This workshop offers a practical, research-informed framework for improving clinical insight and therapeutic impact across the lifespan.

The title of the workshop has changed from 'Childhood Trauma and What Psychologist Should know'. lt will focus on adults, children, young people and families, and violence and trauma.

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025

Time: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Duration: Three hours

Learning Outcomes

The workshop is particularly beneficial for psychologists with foundational knowledge of trauma psychology and experience in psychological assessments or therapeutic interventions. By completing this CPD, you will gain improved skills in conceptualising trauma within attachment frameworks, integrating neurodevelopmental insights, and applying evidence-based interventions tailored to attachment disruptions. This will lead to more confident and effective clinical decision-making when working with complex trauma cases.

Is this workshop right for me?

The workshop is for mid-career and seasoned professionals. The primary audience are clinical, counselling, forensic and educational psychologists working with trauma exposed children and adults. It will also be useful for health, coaching and neuropsychologists encountering trauma – related presentations.

You will develop advanced skills in assessing and intervening with trauma-affected individuals, contributing to higher standards of psychological practice. Equally, you will feel more equipped to handle complex trauma presentations, improving outcomes for clients and elevating professional confidence.

Presenter

Dr Heather Sequeira

Dr Heather Sequeira is founder and Director of PTSD Trauma Workshops and developer of the PTSD Masterclass; an innovative BPS Approved Workshop for clinicians and therapists in PTSD. Dr Sequeira is an executive committee member of the British Psychological Society Crisis, Disaster & Trauma BPS Section.

She has had previous input to British Psychological Society CPD, Clinical and Counselling Psychology Doctoral Training programmes, CBT Diploma Courses and BPS Conferences.

Heather has current experience in NHS, is a honorary Senior Research Fellow at University of Birmingham. Prior to training as a psychologist, her background was in academic trauma and PTSD research. Heather conducted her PhD (University of London) in the field of psychological trauma.

She held the post of Senior Research Fellow (St Georges, University of London) and published the first controlled studies in the impact of abuse on people with learning disabilities. Heather has a range of research interests and is currently assisting with a project on sleep in female veterans with trauma exposure.

Pricing 

Booking on behalf of an organisation?

If you or your colleagues are looking to book onto this course as a group you can make savings by booking ten or more places. To find out more about our packages contact cpd@bps.org.uk 

Invoicing 

If your organisation prefers invoicing over online payment that's no problem. We can invoice you for five or more purchases or if your purchase is for more than £250. 

In order to request a quote or invoice please complete this form. We also provide guidance to support this process. Please note, to raise an invoice you will need to provide a Purchase Order. Once the invoice has been paid we will provide your learners with details of how to access their learning. 

Packages for BPS Accredited education providers 

We can arrange special packages for our partners at BPS Accredited education providers so that you can offer further learning to your students and colleagues. Contact cpd@bps.org.uk to find out more. 

Cancellations 

In addition to the site policies this workshop is subject to additional terms and conditions. If you wish to cancel your place, we are unable to issue refunds 14 days or lessprior to the worshop date.

About the organiser

This workshop has been organised by BPS Professional Development cpd@bps.org.uk

You may also be interested in our other courses on BPS Learn, including those related to trauma and your personal development   You can also explore the range of BPS books available via Routledge where BPS members receive 25% discount.