Trauma Informed Therapy with Children & Adolescents

This certificate aims to enhance learners understanding of trauma as it applies to younger children. Children or adolescents who have experienced trauma are at greater risk for later developing a range of mental health problems (Depression, Anxiety etc.), sleep disorders and substance use disorders (SAMHSA, 2014). Therefore, in this module, risk factors such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) will be explored. Prevalence and incidence of trauma will be examined. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology and psychotherapy research, learners will examine how clients can respond to traumatic experience. Learners will consider the impact of trauma on the biological, psychological and social domains.



Trauma Informed Therapy with Children and Adolescents

This module aims to enhance learners understanding of trauma as it applies to younger children. Children or adolescents who have experienced trauma are at greater risk for later developing a range of mental health problems (Depression, Anxiety etc.), sleep disorders and substance use disorders (SAMHSA, 2014). Learners will consider the impact of trauma on the biological, psychological and social domains. The child or adolescent’s experience with trauma can shape the manner in which they approach therapy and the psychotherapist. In the module, learners will also gain an appreciation of the relevance and application of trauma informed therapy to youth mental health and adolescent substance use, and other sectors where there is a high incidence of trauma. Definitions of trauma will be presented, and learners will engage in teaching and learning relevant to Trauma Informed Philosophy and Principles, the Impact of Trauma and the implications for therapy.

In this module, learners will engage in formal didactic lectures, skills practice, group discussion, reflective exercises and experiential exercises related to the following:



The indicative content for this Certificate includes:



Defining Trauma

DSM V-TR and ICD 11

Power-Threat- Meaning Psychosocial Framework

ACEs

Prevalence and incidence of Trauma

Trauma Informed Philosophy and Principles

Fallot & Harris 2001

SAMSHA 4Rs Framework

Social and Cultural Factors

Impact of Trauma

Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, and Survival States

Dissociation

Physical, psychological, relational, and world views

Vicarious Trauma and impact on system

Implications for Therapeutic Work

Ethics and Decision making

Trauma lens to procedures and power dynamics

Therapeutic relationship

Intersectionality

Strengths Based

Phases, approaches, and mediums

Supervision

Who Should Apply

This course will be of interest to those who are working in a supportive capacity with children and adolescents i.e. counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, social care workers, keyworkers, mental health nurses, guidance counsellors, SNAs, teachers etc.



Applicants are required to evidence attainment of a minimum of Level 8 in counselling and/or psychotherapy or a minimum of a Level 8 Degree in cognate discipline, or equivalent.



Applicants are required to be able to demonstrate relevant experience in working with people in a responsible and caring role.



Applicants must be in a work setting or role which will provide them with opportunities to implement their learning from this module, such as paid or voluntary work with children within the helping professions, counselling support services, psychological settings, social care settings and /or project / youth /community work.



This is a 10 credit programme, and allows graduates to integrate trauma informed principles into their professional context. This is an academically validated certificate, it is not large enough in credit volume to meet the threshold for professional body recognition. It is ideal for those who are working in the helping professions, and who want to bring fresh knowledge and skills about trauma informed practice with children and adolescents to their current work. If you are seeking a professional training in counselling and psychotherapy, please contact us directly.



Minimum Technological Requirements

For both the fully online and for the blended learning programme, you will need to have:



Appropriate broadband to be able to upload and download;

A desktop computer or laptop that is capable of using zoom;

A webcam and microphone;

A web browser; and

Word processing package

Blended Learning Programme

Start Date: 8th February 2025