ODL 298 Dual Perspectives on Trauma: Exploring Post-Incarceration Syndrome and Presence Psychotherapy

Created On: 9/13/2024       Revised On: 6/29/2026

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and nurses.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

2. Clinical Assessment
3. Treatment Plan
4. Counseling Services
6. Case Management
8. Legal, Ethical and Professional Development

Overview:

This five-hour training offers a dual exploration into trauma-informed care and Presence Psychotherapy, each addressing distinct yet interconnected aspects of healing. With approximately 1.9 million people incarcerated in the United States, the training delves into trauma’s impact within the criminal justice system, focusing on Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) and strategies for providing effective care during the transition from incarceration to community life. Concurrently, participants will delve into Presence Psychotherapy, an integrative approach rooted in spirituality, internal inquiry, and relational attunement aimed at helping clients transcend trauma and access their inner resources for healing. Through didactic presentations, experiential practice, and live demonstrations, this training equips helping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate both realms of trauma intervention.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Identify characteristics of Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS)
• Discover the impact of trauma on individuals involved with the criminal justice system
• Describe an evidence-based practice that helping professionals can utilize when working with an individual who has been incarcerated
• Identify Four Dimensions of Presence Awareness and how each is helpful in psychotherapy
• Describe how to utilize a client’s existing Spirituality during trauma processing
• Explain how Presence Orienting and Reflective View can reduce anxiety, depression and improve well-being

Presenters:

Nicole Wiesen, PhD, MSW, CCTS-I, is a dedicated professional serving as the Regional Coordinator for the Multifaith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration. With a passion for justice and advocacy, Nicole actively champions the rights of currently and previously incarcerated individuals, as well as their families. In her role, she collaborates with faith communities across Georgia, fostering a collective commitment to creating beloved and accepting spaces. Through these partnerships, Nicole strives to establish communities that warmly embrace returning citizens, facilitating a seamless transition into society. Her work not only addresses the challenges of mass incarceration but also seeks to promote understanding, compassion, and support for those affected by the criminal justice system. Nicole Wiesen is an invaluable asset to the Multifaith Initiative, embodying a steadfast commitment to social change and community resilience.

Michelle Lepak, LCSW, psychotherapist, meditator and trauma expert, developed the Presence Psychotherapy trauma treatment model and ORBITS for Everyone process. She has published in the Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy , the International Journal of Trauma Care, the Journal of Hospital and Community Psychiatry. Michelle served as clinical associate faculty at the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Psychiatry. She has trained in many trauma models and taught clinicians trauma therapy at Rutgers University, The Omega Institute, The National Institute for the Psychotherapies (NIP), and the Training Institute for Mental Health.