Understanding Trauma and Trauma-Informed Practices
Trauma leaves an indelible mark on the nervous system, often profoundly shaping how clients view themselves and the world around them.
This PCI College workshop moves beyond the question of “what is wrong with you?” to the more compassionate and clinical “what happened to you?” By providing a foundational understanding of the neurobiology of trauma and the principles of trauma-informed care, this course empowers you to create safe, stable, and predictable environments where deep, lasting healing can take root.Â
Who is this course for?
This workshop is designed for counsellors, psychotherapists, and professionals in the helping sector who seek to embed trauma-informed principles into their daily practice.Â
- Counsellors & Therapists: Gain the specialised knowledge required to work safely with clients who have experienced significant adversity.Â
- Helping Professionals:Â Social workers, healthcare staff, and youth workers can learn how to avoid re-traumatisation in their interactions.Â
- Students in Training:Â Build a foundational, neuro-informed understanding of trauma early in your journey to become a safer, more effective practitioner.Â
- Organisational Staff:Â Learn how to foster “trauma-informed” systems and culture in residential care, schools, and community organisations.Â
What are the benefits of doing this course?
This training provides a vital shift in perspective, moving your practice from reactive management to proactive, informed support.Â
- Clinical Safety: Learn the essential skills to identify and manage trauma triggers, ensuring the therapy room remains a “safe container.”Â
- Neurobiological Insight:Â Develop an understanding of the “Window of Tolerance,” helping you guide clients through states of hyper- and hypo-arousal.Â
- Reduced Re-traumatisation:Â Master communication styles and environmental adaptations that prevent unintentional harm to vulnerable clients.Â
- Professional Resilience: Understand the impact of vicarious trauma and learn practical strategies to maintain your own wellbeing while doing this heavy work.Â
What will you learn?
The curriculum balances the biological science of trauma with practical, person-centred tools for clinical and professional settings.Â
- The Neurobiology of Trauma:Â Understanding how trauma affects the brain (amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex) and the nervous system.Â
- Trauma-Informed Principles:Â Exploring the core pillars: Safety, Trustworthiness, Peer Support, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Humility.Â
- The Window of Tolerance:Â Learning to recognise and help clients regulate their nervous system when they are pushed into states of overwhelm or shutdown.Â
- Adverse Childhood Experiences:Â Reviewing the impact of childhood adversity on adult mental and physical health outcomes.Â
- Practical Application:Â Strategies for grounding, containment, and fostering the therapeutic alliance when working with traumatic stress.Â
Course 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
Timetable
DURATION: 2 Days
TIME: Saturday & Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
This course has a duration of twelve hours, which is equivalent to twelve CPD points.
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.
Application Process
Applicants are invited to book online, accompanied by the payment of the full course fee.
Please ensure to ready the full Terms & Conditions for cancellations, refunds, and more.
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.
Fees
Standard Rate: Applies to all non-affiliated participants.
PCI College Graduate: Discounted rate available for graduates of BSc Degree and Postgraduate programmes.
Current BSc/MSc Students & Alumni Members: Preferential rate available. Join our Alumni Group on LinkedIn to access this discount
Course Fees – Republic of Ireland
Course Total