Introduction to Pre-Verbal Trauma
Trauma occurring in utero, during birth, or within the first two years of life imprints implicit memories on the evolving nervous system before language develops. Adult survivors often present with nonverbal cues and attachment disruptions lacking explicit narrative memories, creating significant barriers for traditional talk therapies.
This Introduction to Pre-Verbal Trauma, the first in a training series, will provide EMDR clinicians with a neurobiological and developmental framework to address these pre-verbal wounds. Clinicians will be able to name at least three evidence-supported therapeutic approaches from Jaak Panksepp’s Affective Neuroscience, Stanislav Grof’s natal research, Beyond the Brain, Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy, Sandra Paulsen and Katie O’Shea’s EMDR Early Trauma Protocol, and Maureen Kitchur’s Strategic Developmental Model for EMDR. Clinicians will be able to identify three resourcing strategies to utilize for pre-verbal trauma. This includes an introduction to April Steele’s Imaginal Nurturing.
Introduction to Pre-Verbal Trauma
Virtual Live
Receive 2 CE credits (ASWB/ACE, APA, NBCC, EMDRIA)
Friday, November 13, 2026
10 am - 12 pm MT
Cost: $60
Course Instructor: Mallorie Smolen, MSW, LCSW
Deadline: TBD
Prerequisite: EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training
Course Instructor
Mallorie Smolen, MSW, LCSW resides in northern Colorado and is the owner of The Other Road Counseling, which provides individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. She specializes in youth who are in foster care, kinship care, or who have been adopted. She also meets with teens and adults who may have experienced attachment disturbances and utilizes EMDR and parts work to help with the healing process.
Mallorie is a sands tray specialist, trained by Ana Gomez. She has taken training on dissociation, ego states, Ana Gomez EMDR series with children, and EMDR with attachment and early trauma. Mallorie also facilitates EMDR trainings, provides consultation for general support and towards certfication and offers advanced trainings.
Introduction to Pre-Verbal Trauma
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
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Name three evidence-supported therapeutic approaches to effectively treat pre-verbal trauma
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Identify three aspects of attachment theory
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Analyze a clinical case study and be able to identify the behavior markers of explicit versus implicit memory during trauma processing
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Define two unique aspects of preverbal trauma
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Identify and track non-verbal cues of preverbal trauma
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Identify three resourcing strategies to utilize for pre-verbal trauma
AGENDA
10 - 10:05 am: Orientation and logistics
10:05 - 10:10 am: Introduction
10:10 - 10:15 am: Preverbal trauma definition
10:15 - 10:35 am: Differentiating from explicit memories
10:35 - 10:50 am: Case conceptualization
10:50 - 11:20 am: Three evidence-based supported therapeutic approaches to treat preverbal trauma
11:20 - 11:40 am: Introduction to resourcing with preverbal trauma
11:40 - 12:00 pm: Q&A
Course created: 5/2026
CANCELLATION POLICY
This course may be cancelled and fully refunded up to 14 days prior to training, minus a $50 administrative fee.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Introduction to Pre-Verbal Trauma training is for clinicians who have completed an EMDRIA-Approved training.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVE INTERACTIVE WEBINAR
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Laptop or desktop computer
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High-speed internet
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Quality sound such as speakers, ear buds or headphones
CONTINUING EDUCATION
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): The Road Less Traveled Counseling Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7043. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.
The Road Less Traveled Counseling Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. The Road Less Traveled Counseling Center is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.
The Road Less Traveled Counseling Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Road Less Traveled Counseling Center, provider # 1923, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/23/2025-7/23-2026. Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing educational credits.
In order to receive continuing education credit, you must 1) complete the 2 hour course in full, and 2) complete the post-test (assessment questions) with a score of 80% or higher. Participants have three attempts to complete (pass) the post-test. Please note: Participants seeking ACE CE credit MUST complete an evaluation and include their full name.
Once completed, the CE Certificate will be delivered via email within 5 business day, from support@TheRoadLessTraveledCounseling.com.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE (click on the link)