*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals.
Due to the ever-rising number of sexual assault and abuse cases reported in the media, reports of sexual trauma in the public are also on the rise. Historically, research has shown that one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives, with one in three women and one in six men experiencing some form of unwanted sexual contact. Eighty one percent of women and 35% of men report both short-and long-term impacts such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a variety of other disorders, both emotional and physical. With respect to healthcare, women who were sexually abused as children have 16% higher use of services, while utilization is 36% higher for women who were both physically and sexually abused as children.
This one-day workshop is designed for healthcare professionals of all professions--- medical, psychological, allied health, and even administrators who need a comprehensive understanding of the “whole health” impact of sexual trauma on patient healthcare. Physical health is only one aspect of the constellation of health components that is affected, but others—psychological, social, interpersonal, intellectual/occupational, environmental, financial, sexual, spiritual, and recreational aspects must also be considered when treating patients effectively. As further sexual trauma cases are disclosed, healthcare providers need a comprehensive model of care that covers all aspects “whole person” sexual health.
Model Description
Although physical health remains the first priority for treatment within medical settings, one cannot deny that other components of health play an integral role in overall care. The Soul (Whole) Health Model was developed to illustrate the complex interplay between the 10 key components of health and our ongoing quest for overall well-being. This model is particularly helpful in understanding the impact of sexual trauma on a person’s life. 
(Figure 1. The Soul Health Model illustrates the complex interplay between the Human Condition and our Soul. Similar to a tree, our soul “reaches” toward its optimal growth and is dependent on key available elements. The “elements” of the Human Condition provide for the soul’s growth. When just one branch is broken, the rest of the tree suffers, and in this case, the soul’s growth is impeded.)
As depicted in the Soul Health Model, the branches of the tree represent 10 primary aspects of the human condition which must be in balance for the soul (simply put—the “essence of who we are”) to grow and evolve—and for us to feel like we are flourishing in our everyday human lives. Each branch is only one key to our overall sense of wholeness or “Soul Health”. When one branch, such as the sexual health branch, is damaged, the entirety of the tree is very likely to suffer. The model emphasizes that when one branch is ‘broken’ it is impossible for the rest of the tree to remain unaffected. Even one unhealthy branch can have a traumatic impact on the soul’s overall health.
This workshop provides both a conceptual and pictorial model that assists practitioners in helping patients heal from sexual trauma. While this topic can be uncomfortable to address, this model provides patients with a blueprint to restore their lives to optimal health following disclosure, which helps them to restore to “whole health”.
Brief Outline for Workshop
The morning session will include full exploration of the Soul (Whole) Health Model with respect to sexual trauma and the impact on overall health. A “Soul Health Assessment” will be provided to help practitioners assess the extent of damage to a person’s overall well-being, which guides them in treatment and referral to other professionals. The second portion of the day will apply the model in the assessment and treatment of:
• Sexual trauma-associated physical health concerns,
• Emotional impact of sexual trauma (anxiety, depression, adjustment, sexual, and other psychological dis-ease),
• Restoration of confidence and empowerment following disclosure,
• Emotional components to sexual disinterest and disinhibition, and
• Return to overall well-being and health.
Suggestions will also be provided for integration of the model into treatment teams as well as in patient education strategies.
Faculty
Katherine T. Kelly, Ph.D., M.S.P.H.
Dr. Katherine Kelly is a clinical health psychologist, author, and speaker who was named the “Pioneer of Soul Health” after the publication of her book Soul Health: Aligning with Spirit for Radiant Living (revised second edition released May 2018). She has taught in two major medical schools, received specialized training from the Mind-Body Medical Institute of Harvard University, and also holds a master’s of science degree in Public Health. Dr. Kelly has made over 300 radio and television appearances and is a frequent contributor to health, wellness, and spiritual magazines. She teaches classes and workshops to both the public and professionals around the country and is soon to release her second book, The Recipe for Radiance: Mastering the Art (and SOUL) of Self-Care in spring of 2019. Her website is www.drkatherinetkelly.com.
Credit Information
Charlotte AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Charlotte AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
Chanyne Cupil BS
