Understanding Trauma and Trauma-Informed Practices

Live Online | 2-Day | 18th & 19th January 2025

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This course provides an in-depth exploration of trauma, its effects on individuals, and trauma-informed practices for working with and supporting those who have experienced traumatic events. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of trauma-related concepts, the human body's response to trauma, symptoms associated with trauma, brain architecture, survival responses, PTSD and C-PTSD, therapeutic approaches for trauma clients, the Polyvagal Theory, and the importance of safety in trauma work.

 

Trauma is a complex issue that profoundly affects people's lives. It is essential for us to gain a thorough understanding of trauma and its repercussions as mental health professionals. Key aspects of trauma, including its definition, causes, effects on the body and emotions, symptoms, brain structure, survival mechanisms, characteristics of PTSD and C-PTSD, suitable therapeutic modalities, the Polyvagal Theory, and the significance of safety in trauma recovery, will be covered in the training.

 

Completing the trauma-informed training course equips counsellors and psychotherapists with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to effectively support trauma survivors. The benefits range from a comprehensive understanding of trauma to improved therapeutic techniques, increased empathy, and a holistic approach to healing. By integrating trauma-informed practices into their work, therapists can make a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals who have experienced trauma.

 

Who is this course for?  

 

This course would benefit a range of professionals and individuals who work or interact with individuals who have experienced trauma such as counsellors and psychotherapists, mental health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, first responders, social workers and community and support workers.

It is important to note that while this course can benefit a wide range of professionals, it is also valuable for individuals who may have a personal interest in understanding trauma and its effects to support friends, family members, or their own personal growth and healing.

 

What are the benefits of doing this course?  

 

1. Enhanced Understanding of Trauma: The course provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma, its definition, sources, and impact on individuals. This knowledge equips counsellors and psychotherapists with a solid foundation to better comprehend their clients' experiences and challenges related to trauma.

2. Trauma-Informed Approach: Being trauma-informed is crucial for effective therapy. This course offers insights into trauma-informed frameworks and practices, enabling counsellors and psychotherapists to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for trauma survivors. It enhances their ability to approach clients with empathy, sensitivity, and an understanding of the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma.

3. Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis: Understanding trauma symptoms and their manifestations is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis. This course delves into the symptoms of trauma, including hyperarousal, somatic symptoms, and related characteristics. Counsellors and psychotherapists will develop the skills to identify and evaluate trauma-related symptoms, enabling them to provide appropriate support and treatment.

4. Effective Treatment Planning: The course explores various therapeutic approaches for trauma clients, including top-down and bottom-up interventions. By understanding these approaches and their respective benefits, counsellors and psychotherapists can develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of their clients. This knowledge enhances their ability to choose appropriate interventions and techniques to facilitate trauma recovery.

5. Informed Application of Theories: The course covers the Polyvagal Theory, brain architecture, and survival responses associated with trauma. Counsellors and psychotherapists can apply this knowledge in their practice to deepen their understanding of clients' physiological and neurological responses to trauma. This awareness allows for more informed and targeted interventions that address the underlying mechanisms of trauma.

6. Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in a course focused on trauma expands counsellors' and psychotherapists' professional expertise and knowledge base. It provides an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection, allowing practitioners to gain insights into their own reactions and biases related to trauma. This self-awareness enhances their ability to provide empathetic and non-judgmental support to clients.

7. Increased Effectiveness in Supporting Trauma Survivors: Ultimately, the course equips counsellors and psychotherapists with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively support trauma survivors. By integrating trauma-informed practices, therapeutic approaches, and a deep understanding of trauma's impact, practitioners can provide more compassionate, informed, and impactful counselling and therapy services.

Note: The specific benefits may vary depending on the prior knowledge and experience

 

What will you learn?

 

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Define trauma according to the DSM and identify common sources of trauma, such as physical attacks, sexual abuse, and natural disasters.

2. Explain the concept of being trauma-informed and apply trauma-informed frameworks when working with individuals who have experienced trauma.

3. Recognise the impact of trauma on the human body and emotions, understanding how trauma can become stuck energy within the body.

4. Identify symptoms of trauma, including hyperarousal, somatic symptoms, and other manifestations, and understand their effects on individuals.

5. Describe the brain architecture involved in processing and responding to trauma, including the frontal/neo cortex, limbic system, and brain stem.

6. Analyse instinctive survival responses (fight, flight, freeze) and their influence on behaviour and emotions in the context of trauma.

7. Differentiate between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD), recognising their main characteristics, such as physiological hyperarousal and heightened startle response.

8. Evaluate therapeutic approaches for trauma clients, comparing and contrasting top-down and bottom-up interventions.

9. Explain the Polyvagal Theory and its relevance to trauma work, including an understanding of the Autonomic Nervous System.

10. Prioritise safety as a fundamental aspect of trauma work, understanding the order of working with trauma and implementing strategies to create a safe environment for trauma survivors.



Course Details

 

DURATION: 2 Days    START DATE: 18th & 19th January 2025

 

TIMETABLE: Saturday & Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm 

 

AWARD: PCI College Certificate of Attendance

 

VENUE: Live Online

 

Syllabus


Introduction to Trauma
• Definition of trauma according to the DSM
• Common sources of trauma: physical attacks, sexual abuse, natural disasters, etc.
• Exploring the impact of trauma on individuals' lives
Trauma-Informed Approach
• Understanding the concept of being trauma-informed
• Frameworks for working with and relating to individuals who have experienced trauma
• Strategies for addressing negative consequences of dangerous experiences
The Body and Trauma
• Trauma as stuck energy within the body
• Relationship between trauma and emotions
• Techniques for releasing and processing trauma within the body
Symptoms of Trauma
• Hyperarousal and its manifestations
• Somatic symptoms associated with trauma
• Other common symptoms and their effects on individuals
Brain Architecture and Trauma
• Overview of the frontal/neo cortex, limbic system, and brain stem
• Roles of different brain components in processing and responding to trauma
• Neurological basis of trauma-related reactions
Survival Responses
• Fight, flight, and freeze as instinctive survival responses
• Understanding the impact of these responses on behaviour and emotions
• Strategies for addressing and managing survival responses in trauma recovery
PTSD and C-PTSD
• Characteristics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Characteristics of Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD)
• Identifying physiological hyperarousal
Therapeutic Approaches for Trauma Clients
• Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up therapeutic interventions
• Cognitive processing and narrative therapy in trauma work
• Somatic experiencing
The Polyvagal Theory
• Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System and its role in trauma responses
• Exploring the ability to detect safety or danger
• Application of the Polyvagal Theory in trauma-informed practices
Safety as a Priority in Trauma Work
• Importance of establishing safety in trauma recovery
• Order of working with trauma: stabilisation, resourcing, and window of tolerance
• Techniques and strategies for creating a safe environment for trauma survivors


Note: This syllabus is a general outline

Entry Requirements

 

ELIGIBILITY 

This is a CPD workshop specifically designed for Counsellors & Psychotherapist or other helping professionals with therapeutic experience and students currently in professional training. BSc Counselling & Psychotherapy students in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 of their studies are all invited to apply for this CPD workshop.

 

IT SKILLS: Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course.

 

Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.

Course Fees

 

FEES 

General Public Full Price: €200

PCI College Graduate*: €170
PCI College BSc/MSc Student & Alumni Member Discount Price: €150 - Join Alumni group on LinkedIn here to avail of discount.
*PCI College Graduate rate applies to BSc Degree and Postgraduate students only.

 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are invited to book online using the book now. Applications must be accompanied by the payment of the full course fee. Applicants are entitled to a refund if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their booking, and didn't participate on the course. Please note that the name used on your application needs to be the same name that you have on your passport.

 

Fees are non-refundable in all personal circumstances. The College makes every effort to avoid altering course times, course commencement and conclusion dates. However, should any changes be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest opportunity. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that the class does not proceed

 

For more information, please visit our full Terms & Conditions page.

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