TRCN 0002 - Trauma Counseling I: Understanding Trauma and Providing Trauma-Informed Care
Course Description
Gain an understanding of what defines an experience as traumatic and the effects of trauma on the brain, the body and emotions. Explore the distinctions between various mental health issues related to trauma, including post-trauma growth and resilience. Participants also receive self-care tools to help them recognize when working with trauma survivors is taking its toll.
This non-credit program benefits professionals in the mental health field and other service providers who want to better understand the effects of trauma and how to provide trauma-informed care.
Each week, participants receive readings and videos, and have assignments to responding to discussions online. This course is expected to take a total of 40 hours, with four hours of classwork each week.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
- Gain an overview of the professional literature addressing traumatic events among various populations, describing risk factors, vulnerability and effects
- Define what makes an experience traumatic and the causes, responses and long-term effects of trauma on physical and emotional health
- Be introduced to the neurobiological process of traumatic reaction, including the impact of traumatic experience on development, memory, learning, attachment, social skills, relationship and intimacy
- Evaluate Post Traumatic Growth and resilience and its role in healing
- Increase your ability to identify the effects of working with trauma survivors on yourself, supporters, practitioners and clinicians
- Recognize the cultural and diversity issues that may affect all of the above
Notes
Access to Course Site
Look for an email approximately one week prior to the start date of the class with instructions on setting up your username and password and how to access the online course site.
Course Requirements
This is an instructor-facilitated, online asynchronous course. You are required to have routine access to a computer with Internet (we highly recommend a high-speed connection such as DSL or cable modem). You are also required to have a recent version of Microsoft Office Suite or comparable program to include Microsoft Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), and PowerPoint (presentations) in order to both view and create documents needed to participate in this course.
Expectations
Each week you receive readings and assignments to complete. Each week you are expected to log in and complete assignments within the deadlines given in order to be awarded CEUs and the certificate of completion. However, within the deadline you can complete the readings and assignments at your leisure.
Completion
Certificates of Completion are mailed within two weeks after the last day of class.
*Earn a UWM School of Continuing Education certificate in Trauma Counseling by completing Trauma Counseling I and II in as little as 18 months (not to exceed three years). Upon successful completion, you are eligible to apply for certification as a Certified Trauma Services Specialist (CTSS) or Certified Trauma Responder (CTR) with the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS). Please go to ATSS website to get a complete list of the requirements needed to become certified. https://www.atss.info/index.php/certification
Who Should Attend
Nurses, social workers, therapists, staff at shelters, youth workers, HR professionals, medical administrative and support staff, occupational therapists, teachers, school staff, emergency responders, first responders, community advocates, chaplains, police and corrections personnel. Any individual who supports and engages with individuals who have experienced trauma. Any individual who is dedicated to expanding their knowledge as it relates to trauma.Testimonials
"I want to express how incredibly impressed I am with the program. The tools, resources, texts, training, research and overall flow and structure of the course were nothing short of exceptional. I genuinely believe that the knowledge and skills I’ve gained here are highly applicable to working with mental health clientele.
The professors’ approach to teaching and engaging with us (students) has been outstanding. How you’ve guided us through this course has significantly impacted my understanding of trauma counseling and mental health support. I appreciate your dedication and commitment to our learning.
This program has equipped me with valuable insights and practical tools that I’m eager to apply in my work with my clients. The depth of knowledge and the resources provided are truly remarkable. Thank you for providing such a rich and transformative learning experience."
-2023 Participant
Partners & Professional Credits
- Continuing Education Hours 40.0 CEHs