Course Description

Continuing Education Hours: 15

The Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Family (CCTS-F) course, developed by Dr. Robert Rhoton, is based on evidence-based interventions that clinicians can immediately apply when working with trauma within a family context. Using demonstrations, role play, and simulations, the course teaches active ingredients of trauma treatment to enhance the effectiveness of any family therapy model. This approach helps clinicians address family and individual traumatic stress, even alongside other diagnoses, and supports transformational change that can accelerate treatment outcomes.

Certification Description

Those who obtain the Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Family (CCTSF) certification demonstrate advanced knowledge of trauma treatment within a family context using evidence-based, immediately applicable interventions. CCTSF certification reflects competency in applying the dynamic elements of trauma treatment to enhance any family therapy model, helping clinicians effectively address and resolve traumatic stress even when other diagnoses are present, leading to accelerated and transformational outcomes.

Learning Objectives

  • Conceptualize the specific tasks within each of the (dynamic elements/active ingredients) of treatment

  • Efficiently and effectively bring resolution and healing

  • Learn how to explain the symptoms of traumatic stress to clients and their family in a way that helps makes “good sense” of their experiences

  • Maximizes engagement and collaboration in the healing process

  • Develop skills for helping trauma survivors rapidly stabilize and utilize skills for self-regulation

  • Learn empirical markers to know when it is safe to transition from the safety/stabilization phase of treatment into the trauma memory processing phase without guesswork and minimal crises

  • Construct verbal, graphic, and non-verbal trauma narratives—identified by research as one of the critical ingredients in resolving traumatic stress

  • Demonstrate state-of-the-art techniques and activities for supporting and facilitating healthy bereavement

  • Learn when to support natural mourning processes

  • Learn when to offer facilitation when the natural mourning processes become thwarted to be able to confidently manage the trajectory of treatment with survivors of trauma from diagnosis to termination

Course Curriculum

    1. Welcome and Handouts

    2. Introduction Overview

    3. Introduction

    1. Module 1 Overview

    2. The Need for a Different Thought Process

    3. Module 1 Quiz

    1. Module 2 Overview

    2. What is Trauma?

    3. Module 2 Quiz

    1. Module 3 Overview

    2. Window of Tolerance

    3. Module 3 Quiz

    1. Module 4 Overview

    2. The Polyvagal System

    3. Module 4 Quiz

    1. Module 5 Overview

    2. The Impact Stress has on Social Behaviors

    3. Module 5 Quiz

About this course

  • $204.00
  • 63 lessons
  • 15.5 hours of video content

Dr. Robert Rhoton, PsyD, LPC, F.A.A.E.T.S.

Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of the Arizona Trauma Institute and President of Trauma Institute International, Dr. Rhoton brings over four decades of leadership in trauma treatment and mental health systems. A Diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, he has directed outpatient clinics, juvenile justice programs, and therapeutic services for individuals and families. With a background in counselor education and a commitment to non-egoic, trauma-informed models, Dr. Rhoton consults internationally to improve trauma care systems and elevate clinical practice across diverse populations.
Dr. Robert Rhoton, PsyD, LPC, F.A.A.E.T.S.

What This Version Includes

This purchase includes both the full Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Family (CCTS-F) course and the official certification process through Trauma Institute International (TII).

You will receive:

  • 15 CE hours of trauma training (CCTS-F course)

  • Access to the certification portal

  • A unique coupon code to activate your certification (valid for 1 year)

  • Step-by-step instructions to complete the application, upload documents, and take the exam

  • Certification valid for 1 year upon approval with option for annual renewal


Certification Requirements

To earn the Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTS-F) credential, you must:

  1. Complete the full CCTS-F course within 12 months.

  2. Submit the following to Trauma Institute International:

    • Proof of course completion

    • Proof of a Master's degree/license (or enrollment) in a mental-health-related field

  3. Pass the certification exam (80% passing grade).

  4. Complete the process within 90 days of certification access activation.

Pricing Options

Course + Certification (CCTS-I + TII Certification)

Just want the course without certification?

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Refund Policy

Course Refund/Cancellation Policy:

We do not allow for refunds to occur after the completion of the first module of any of our courses. 

  • You will have a 14 day window in which to make a request for a refund, providing you have not completed any of the modules in a given course. 
  • If you believe you have made a purchase by mistake then you can contact us at [email protected]. 
  • Refund requests that come after 14 days of the initial purchases or that come after completing any of the modules will not be approved. 
  • There is an $8 Processing Fee for every refund that we process.


Certification Refund/Cancellation Policy:

At Trauma Institute International, we strive to provide a fair and transparent certification process. Please review our refund policy carefully before making a purchase.

Certification Completion Deadline

  • You have 90 days from the date of purchase to complete the certification process.
  • If you do not complete the required steps within 90 days, your fee is forfeited, and you will need to repurchase to restart the process.

Refund Requests

  • Refunds can be requested within 14 days of purchase.
  • Once you open the examination, refunds are no longer available.

Certification Eligibility & Refunds

  • If you apply for certification but do not qualify, you will not be refunded if you have taken the exam.
  • If you apply for certification, do not take the exam, and do not qualify, you will be refunded and withdrawn from the process.

Processing Fees

  • All refunds will have an $8.00 processing fee deducted from the total refund amount.


If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact [email protected].