Trauma-Informed Care Training

Course Overview: Trauma-Informed Care Training

This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to provide care and support grounded in an understanding of trauma’s pervasive effects. Participants will explore the principles of trauma-informed care, learn to recognize trauma responses, and gain practical tools for creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments. Designed for professionals in healthcare, education, social services, and related fields, this training fosters empathy, resilience, and a commitment to non-harmful practices that enhance well-being.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Define trauma and its impact: Understand the psychological, emotional, and physiological effects of trauma on individuals.
2. Recognize trauma responses: Identify common behaviors and responses associated with trauma in different settings.
3. Implement trauma-informed principles: Apply the core principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in professional practices.
4. Foster a supportive environment: Create spaces that minimize retraumatization and promote healing.
5. Develop self-awareness and resilience: Reflect on personal biases and maintain self-care practices to prevent burnout while supporting others.

Curriculum Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

• What is trauma? Definitions and scope.
• The prevalence of trauma and its ripple effects.
• The significance of trauma-informed care across sectors.

Module 2: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

• Types of trauma: acute, chronic, and complex.
• Neurobiology of trauma: how the brain and body are affected.
• Recognizing trauma symptoms and behaviors in various age groups.

Module 3: The Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

• Safety: creating physical and emotional security.
• Trust and transparency: building and maintaining credibility.
• Choice: fostering autonomy and control for those impacted by trauma.
• Collaboration: partnering with individuals to empower their recovery.
• Empowerment: encouraging strength-based approaches.

Module 4: Trauma-Informed Practices in Action

• Case studies: responding to trauma in healthcare, education, and social services.
• Strategies for de-escalating situations with trauma-informed communication.
• Practical tools and resources for trauma-sensitive environments.

Module 5: Self-Care and Resilience for Practitioners

• Recognizing and managing secondary trauma and compassion fatigue.
• Developing self-care plans and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Building resilience: tools for long-term sustainability.

Module 6: Building Organizational Trauma-Informed Policies

• Integrating trauma-informed principles into workplace culture.
• Training teams and creating buy-in for trauma-sensitive approaches.
• Evaluating and adapting policies to better support trauma-informed care.