Trauma-informed care for school & human service professionals

Catalog description

Many helping professionals interact with people who have survived, or are at risk for trauma, even when these professionals are not directly involved in either the design or delivery of direct interventions for trauma symptoms. This class is intended for students who wish to pursue one of these human services careers. In this class, students will learn how to conceptualize their students' and/or clients' struggles using a trauma-sensitive perspective that can enhance service outcomes. Course topics include types of traumas and adversities; the lasting effects of chronic trauma; laws and reporting procedures; how to identify appropriate resources and evidence-based practices; communication strategies; and risk, protective and resiliency factors; understanding the connection to professional wellness and vicarious trauma; and populations at highest risk for types of trauma. The application of these topics to settings such as schools, healthcare, and the criminal justice system will be discussed.