Trauma 101: Key Principles and Practical Approaches | Virtual | Presented by Gary Rukin, LPC
2026-06-11 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual, IL
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 1.5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA

SUMMARY

This training covers basic trauma-informed principles. It distinguishes developmental trauma—chronic, relational, and attachment-based—from shock trauma, caused by sudden overwhelming events. Participants learn how each influences emotional, cognitive, and physiological functioning.
The presentation covers the normal stress-response system and how trauma disrupts it, leading to hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and dissociation. It highlights the roles of biology, genetics, epigenetics, and environment, emphasizing that trauma reactions stem from neurobiology rather than character or willpower.
Attendees are introduced to mindful, expressive, and somatic interventions that support stabilization and nervous-system regulation. The training concludes with an overview of effective and evidence-based trauma therapies.
Participants leave with an understanding of trauma foundations and some practical tools to support clients safely and effectively.
OBJECTIVES

Differentiate between developmental trauma and shock trauma, including their origins and clinical presentations.
Explain the functions of the normal stress-response system and its role in maintaining safety and regulation.
Describe how the stress-response system becomes altered under traumatic conditions.
Discuss how biology, genetics, epigenetics, and environment interact to shape trauma responses.
Apply mindful, expressive, and somatic-based interventions to support trauma recovery in clinical settings.
Identify evidence-based therapeutic approaches effective in treating both shock and developmental trauma.

PRESENTER
Gary Rukin, LPC, MA, MS, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Understanding Psychosis, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference, Northwestern University Hospital, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

MHB Committee of the Whole Meeting
2026-06-16 17:00 - 18:00

"Violet" Community Movie Meetup with Discussion | In-person
2026-06-17 18:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
REGISTER HERE!
This is open to the Community. No CEUs will be provided.
Northern Illinois Recovery Center and the Mental Health Board are sponsoring a Community Movie Meetup followed by a discussion on mental health and substance use. The movie will be “Violet” Rated R – *Age requirement is 17+ unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

MHB Regular Board Meeting
2026-06-23 18:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
