Breaking Chains, Building Hope with 12STR®: A Christian-Integrated 3-Phase Trauma Recovery Revolution

May 4, 2026 8:45 AM - May 6, 2026 3:45 PM (EDT)

Description

An intensive introduction to 12STR®: The Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery System, an evidence-informed framework guiding trauma recovery. Central to it are the 3 Progressive Phases of Trauma and Abuse Recovery, divided into 12 stages for a clear healing path. Suitable for individual and group counseling, this adaptable system focuses on Phases 1 and 2—Safety and Stabilization, and Reprocessing and Grieving—while briefly covering Phase 3: Reconnecting and Integrating. As a manualized model, 12STR® is progressing towards evidence-based status, with research published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology (3/2/2022) and a dissertation by Lang (2024). Christian integration is optional. Training includes lectures, presentations, videos, discussions, and role-play.

Time

Day 1:8:45-10:15 AM:Introductions. Levels of development in trauma care. The 3 phases of trauma recovery in 12STR®. Theory and development of 12STR®. (1.5) 10:15-10:30 AMBreak 10:30-12:00 PMDefinitions of “trauma.” Personal identity, brain structure and function, and toxic stress. The Trauma Survivor Blueprint© and the Paradox of Symptom-Focused Treatment. SAMHSA guidelines. (1.5) 12:00-12:30 PM Lunch12:30--2:00 PM12STR® Phase 1: 6 Counselor Goals & Tasks. Client Goals and objectives and the four stages of Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization. How to use Motivational Interviewing to assess readiness for the next stage or phase of recovery. (1.5) 2:00-2:15 PMBreak 2:15-3:45 PMHow to work through the 4 stages of Phase 1 with your client using provided handouts, assessments, and integrating Motivational Interviewing. Understanding grief and practicing emotional safety. (1.5) Day 2: 8:45-10:15 AMReview of Phase 1- Questions and discussion about Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization. Introduction to Phase 2: Reprocessing and Grieving. Understanding “Hope”. The two counselor goals of Phase 2 are 1. Supporting and facilitating client grief and 2. maintaining structure. Understanding emotional acceleration and expansion. The grief cycle and the grief summit. Revew Emotional Safety techniques. 10:15-10:30 AMBreak 10:30-12:00 PMIdentifying “sources” of trauma in 12STR® theory. Combating the “Round-Robin Defense.” Counselor goal 2: Introducing structured reprocessing using writing, reading, and processing rules. Working through the first stage of Phase 2 with a client. 12:00-12:30 PMLunch 12:30-2:00 PMRole Play Introduction- Phase 2 Stage 1/Using 12STR with various types of trauma, including spouse of an alcoholic, adult child of an alcoholic, sexual abuse survivor, and crime victims. Group and individual counseling. We will demonstrate 3-4 characters/cases through stage 1 and follow 1-2 characters through all 6 stages. Role play will be live online, but some video demonstrations might also be used. 2:00-2:15 PMBreak 2:15-3:45 PMWhat is Stage 1 accomplishing? Role Play Stage 1 Group Process Continued. Advantages to writing vs recall of traumatic events. End of day questions and wrap up. Day 3: 8:45-10:15 AMReview and Continue Phase 2-Stage one role-play as needed. Introduction to Stages 2 and 3- Roleplay continues. 10:15-10:30 AMBreak 10:30-12:00 PMStage 4: finding the "edge" and Stage 5: The Concept of Forgiveness. Prepare for Stage 6 after lunch break. 12:00-12:30 PMLunch 12:30-2:00 PMStage 6: Personal or Spiritual Marker (Final role-play in which everyone participates). Near-term trauma processing using the “Lend-a-Hand” method. Role-play in 2s or 3s in break-out rooms. 2:00-2:15 PMBreak 2:15-3:45 PMPhase 3- Overview and Summary. The certification process for 12STR®. Applications/Plans for Implementation/Questions and Summary