October 24 & 25, 2025 | Austin, Texas
Unseen Wounds: Navigating Medical Trauma & Dynamic Disability in Therapy
Unseen Wounds: Navigating Medical Trauma & Dynamic Disability in Therapy
Medical trauma and dynamic disabilities profoundly impact emotional well-being, relationships, and identity. These experiences are often invisible to those who haven’t endured them, making validation, understanding, and trauma-informed care essential. Mental health professionals not only support clients navigating these challenges but may also carry their own experiences of medical trauma or dynamic disability, shaping their therapeutic approach and personal well-being.
This training explores the complex intersection of medical trauma, chronic health conditions, and dynamic disability through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. Clinicians will gain insight into the psychological and neurobiological effects of chronic illness, shifting symptoms, and medical interventions on attachment, emotional regulation, and identity development. The workshop acknowledges the lived experiences of therapists who have their own medical trauma or disabilities and provides space for reflection, self-compassion, and professional sustainability.
Participants will learn evidence-based therapeutic approaches—including attachment-based interventions, play therapy, sandtray, somatic processing, and narrative techniques—to help clients process grief, loss, and trauma while fostering resilience. Practical strategies for attunement, self-advocacy, and collaboration with medical professionals will be highlighted to support holistic and client-centered care.
Whether working with children, adults, or families, this training equips therapists with essential tools to hold space for the often unseen wounds of medical trauma and disability. By integrating professional knowledge with personal awareness, clinicians will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate these realities with both empathy and efficacy.
Learning Objectives
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Define medical trauma and dynamic disability and understand their impact on mental health, identity, and relationships.
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Examine the psychological and neurobiological effects of medical trauma and chronic health conditions on emotional regulation and attachment.
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Identify common emotional responses to medical trauma, including grief, anxiety, shame, and medical PTSD.
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Analyze how fluctuating symptoms and medical interventions influence a client’s sense of control, autonomy, and self-worth.
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Explore the intersection of medical trauma, cultural identity, and systemic barriers in accessing care.
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Apply a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens when working with clients experiencing medical trauma and dynamic disability.
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Integrate attachment principles to help clients process grief, fear, and relationship dynamics related to medical challenges.
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Utilize Play Therapy techniques to support children and families navigating medical trauma and disability-related stress.
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Incorporate somatic interventions to address nervous system regulation and embodied trauma responses.
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Facilitate self-advocacy skills to help clients communicate effectively with medical providers and navigate healthcare systems.
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Develop attunement strategies to enhance therapeutic presence and support clients in feeling seen, heard, and validated.
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Recognize the impact of caregiver and family dynamics in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
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Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including medical professionals, to provide holistic, client-centered care.
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Create a safe and empowering therapeutic space where clients can process medical trauma, navigate uncertainty, and build resilience
Presenters
Liliana Baylon
Liliana Baylon has a master’s degree in Counseling & Marriage, Family, & Child Therapy as well as an MBA from University of Phoenix in Colorado. Since entering the therapy field, Liliana has developed an interest and niche in treating children and families who have experienced trauma, abuse, and multicultural issues from an attachment lens. To better treat these populations, Liliana has received training in different modalities, some of which she is a trained educator.
Liliana is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Synergetic Play Therapy Consultant, EFT Supervisor, EMDR Certified, TheraPlay Level 1, Independent Facilitator of the Becoming a Love and Logic Parent Curriculum, Bring Baby Home Gottman Trained Educator, Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator, Completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.Liliana’s brings a unique cultural lens into her therapy and supervision sessions. Liliana is passionate about working with fellow mental health professionals to embrace curiosity, inspiration, and discover meaning to rise to their full potential from attachment and cultural lenses. Liliana offers workshops in the field of Mental Health and Cultural Opportunity for Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Teachers and Consultations for Agencies, Schools, Private Practices, Mental Health Centers, & Non-Profits in English, and Spanish.
Maria Laquerre-Diego
A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT, RPT-S is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists.
In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country.
Details & Registration
Dates: October 24 & 25, 2025
Location: The Workshop, 300 Allen Street, Austin, Texas
Pricing: $350
*Pricing includes CE Certificate
Schedule:
8:45
Check In/Sign in
9:00
Training Begins
10:15
15 Minute Break
11:30-1:00
Lunch Break
2:30
15 Minute Break
5:00
Training Ends
Of note: This is an in-person training and registration is on the basis of attendance on both days. Please dress comfortably. You are welcome to bring your refillable water bottle or coffee cup - we have a water station and a Keurig for your use! We will have light refreshments available, however if you have food sensitivities, please feel free to bring your own!
CE information: This training will provide 12 CE Credits. Maria Laquerre-Diego is an Approved Provider for the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board CCE020981
Cancelation Policy: Due to the intimate and small-group nature of this training, cancellations received on or after September 23rd are not eligible for a refund.
For cancellations received before September 23rd, a refund will be granted minus a $50 administrative fee.
If the event is sold out, a waitlist will be created. In the event of a cancellation, if a participant from the waitlist is able to take the open spot, the original registrant will receive a refund minus the $50 administrative fee. By registering for this event, participants acknowledge and agree to this cancellation policy.