Trauma Informed Practices

In this course the learner will explore:

•  Concepts of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, disorders of extreme stress and the DSM-5 (APA: 2013) changes to Trauma-Stress Related Disorder and PTSD. Symptoms associated with childhood exposure to trauma including self-regulatory disturbances and changes in structural and function of the brain will be explored. Physiological disturbances including suppressed immune system will be identified. Alterations in affect, attention and concentration, somatization, self-perception, interpersonal relationships and systems of meaning will be highlighted. The prevalence of complex trauma in a variety of populations seeking treatments for serious and enduring mental illness and substances abuse will be highlighted.
• The philosophy of Trauma Informed Care will be emphasized including trauma awareness, emphasis on safety, opportunity to rebuild, and a strength- based approach. TIC in practice will be highlighted including the learner's identification of agency procedures that can provide physical and emotional safety, trustworthiness, choice and control, collaboration, power sharing and empowerment, and caregiver/family involvement. Special  consideration of the use of seclusion and restraint will be explored.
• Differences between Trauma Informed Care and Trauma-Specific Services will be explored. Learners will be exposed to a variety of Trauma-Specific Services. Among TSS intervention, successful recovery includes a gradual shift from the perception of unpredictable danger to reliable safety, from disconnected trauma to a knowledge memory, and from stigmatized isolation to restored social action.
• The course will identify and differentiate between concepts of burnout, countertransference, STS, compassion fatigue, VT and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that often lead to confusion among the conceptual models. Risks for the practitioner associated with TIC, specifically Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Trauma Stress will be identified.