Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Addiction Training – APBAM 2026

The CCTS-A is a professional certification for clinicians trained to understand and treat addiction and traumatic stress as linked outcomes of nervous system dysregulation. Developed by Dr Robert Rhoton of the Arizona Trauma Institute, it applies a Salutogenic (wellness focused), nervous-system informed lens to case conceptualisation and trauma-addiction treatment planning. It is a specialised companion to the broader CCTS-I (individual trauma) certification.

Salutogenesis is a health framework developed by sociologist Aaron Antonovsky that focuses on factors which support human health and wellbeing, rather than on factors that cause disease. In the context of addiction treatment, a Salutogenic approach asks “What supports this person’s recovery?” rather than “What is wrong with them?” The training teaches clinicians to identify Generalised Resistance Resources (GRRs) and build a client’s sense of coherence -comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness – as the foundation for lasting recovery.

The CCTS-A is open to qualified clinicians and mental health helpers working with individuals affected by addiction and/or trauma. This includes psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, addiction specialists, case managers, community health workers, peer support workers, and programme leaders. No prior trauma training certification is required, though a background in a helping profession is expected.

The CCTS-A training takes place over three full days from 31 August to 2 September 2026 at One Farrer Hotel, Singapore. It is the official pre-conference training for the Asia Pacific Behavioural & Addictions Medicine Conference (APBAM) 2026, which follows on 3–4 September 2026 at the same venue.

The CCTS-A training delivers 18 instructional hours across three days (6 hours per day). These hours qualify for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit. The APBAM 2026 Conference (3–4 September 2026) additionally qualifies for 2 days of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Delegates attending both the training and the conference bundle can accumulate the full credit.

The NeuroAffective Coherence (NAC) structure is a proprietary clinical framework developed by Dr. Robert Rhoton. It serves as a universal guide to enhancing the efficacy of any mental health modality by integrating nervous-system science, polyvagal theory, and salutogenic principles. The NAC does not replace existing therapeutic approaches; instead, it provides a coherent treatment architecture – across Preparation, Regulation, Integration, and Post-traumatic Growth stages – within which EMDR, CPT, SE, EFT, and other evidence-based treatments can be matched to client readiness and nervous-system state.

The CCTS-A training fee is SGD 1,200 (subject to prevailing government taxes). This includes all 18 hours of instruction, course materials, and the CCTS-A certification upon successful completion. A bundle option combining the CCTS-A training with full APBAM 2026 conference access is available for SGD 1,600 – a saving compared to purchasing both separately.

The CCTS-I (Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual) focuses on trauma treatment with individual clients using the NeuroAffective Coherence structure, without a specific addiction focus. The CCTS-A applies the same nervous-system and salutogenic principles with a dedicated specialisation in addiction — covering ACEs, dopamine and reward learning, harm reduction, motivational approaches for early recovery clients, and integration with MAT/MOUD and peer support systems. EMCC Singapore has previously offered the CCTS-I training; the APBAM 2026 CCTS-A is a new specialisation.

Yes. Day 2 of the training is substantially dedicated to harm reduction foundations and Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy principles. Participants will learn to position harm reduction as a spectrum – from safer use through managed use to abstinence – and practice person-centred, polyvagal-informed language. The training addresses abstinence-only versus harm reduction debates by teaching a clinically integrative stance that preserves client safety, dignity, and individualised goals while maintaining clear ethical standards.

The CCTS-A certification is issued by the Arizona Trauma Institute, a globally recognised institution in trauma-informed care. The training is presented under the APBAM 2026 framework and is eligible for CPD credit. Clinicians are encouraged to verify specific recognition requirements with their professional licensing bodies in their jurisdiction, as recognition criteria differ across associations and countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Yes. The CCTS-A training is available as a standalone registration at SGD 1,200. Alternatively, you may register for the APBAM conference only (SGD 900) or take advantage of the bundle rate (CCTS-A + APBAM for SGD 1,600). If you are already committed to attending APBAM, the bundle offers significant added value for a minimal additional investment.