Rafael Cortina, MFT, MBA, CCTP

Rafael Cortina is a licensed and bilingual (English-Spanish) therapist. He has over 20years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Rafael is a Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Gestalt Therapist, and a Certified Gestalt. Couples Therapist. He has specialized training in EMDR, TRM, addiction treatment, and trauma work. He is an Adjunct Faculty Member at National University and a Newsletter Editor/Board Member at the International Association of Advancement in Gestalt Therapy.

He has experience working with Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar), Anxiety Disorders, Addiction, Grief and Loss issues, Dual Diagnosis (Substance abuse and amental health disorder), Trauma work, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender clients, HIV/AIDS Counseling, Dreamwork, Couples therapy, and Gestalt oriented psychotherapy. As presenter and facilitator of several workshops, training, lectures, international conferences, and supervision, virtually and in-person, in Mexico, USA, Australia, Canada, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Understanding the Imprint of Trauma in Reestablishing Connectedness
Saturday | May 4, 2024
1:45 pm - 3:15 pm
(1.5 CEs)

Workshop Description:

The impact of trauma is not always evident when we only see people on the surface. They might appear to be successful and well-adjusted, but we are unable to see the pain behind the mask. Trauma is not what happens, and it is not the event or the situation. Trauma is the internal imprint of the aftermath of pain without empathic support. The goal of addiction is to push away unpleasant emotions. It briefly allows problems and discomfort to melt away. Initially, this can be a functional creative adjustment. If empathic support continues to evade, addiction and trauma become linked and intertwined. This lecture will explore the compassionate/relational Gestalt approach to help clients develop their ability to build new experiences that may lead to growth opportunities and recovery.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain how trauma can disrupt individuals' ability to connect with themselves and others.
• Identify at least two ways how trauma can affect the regulation of emotions and relationships.
• Apply at least two methods to support individuals in reestablishing connectedness after experiencing trauma.
• Distinguish the relationship between trauma and addiction as a functional adjustment.

Return to conference speakers page