Trauma Informed Clinical Practice

Catalog description

Trauma Informed Clinical Practice is a clinical course that examines trauma and interpersonal violence from a critical lens exploring the various types of trauma, their effect on human lives and trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions for social work practice. Exploring the prevalence and complex dynamics of trauma and interpersonal violence from an ecosystems lens, this course contextualizes the environment in which traumatic events occur, analyzing the historical roots of movements and social policy influencing social thought about trauma and response strategies. Students will learn to think critically about the intersection of sociopolitical discourse with existing intervention approaches, as well as the intersectionality of persons vulnerable to trauma exposure and their historical, cultural legacies, and the importance of reflexive practice to effectively engage in the work. The biopsychosocial impact of interpersonal violence, relationally based trauma and traumatic events will be examined, and its effects on the developmental life course. Students will learn about the neurobiological impact and complex manifestations of trauma, including the effects of surviving adverse childhood experiences as it relates to social determinants of health. The various types of traumatic event exposure in childhood and adulthood will be reviewed. Issues of social justice and oppression will be highlighted in relation to social work practice with survivors of trauma, particularly the manifestation of power dynamics and potential re-enactment in the therapeutic relationship. (3 credits).