Course overview
This course addresses issues identified by industry and other stakeholders as emerging and critical areas for trauma-informed counselling practice. It will specifically equip students with evidence-based theoretical and practical approaches for working with clients who suffer the effects of trauma, including specific presentations such as depression or anxiety. The content addresses working with post-traumatic stress, as well as chronic or developmental abuse (e.g. through childhood abuse or neglect and intimate partner/familial violence); skills which are crucial in many areas of counselling and psychotherapy. Students will learn be made aware of the strengths and limitations of these approaches, and when to liaise with other professionals. Included are recent developments in neuroscience and the literature on Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the most recent advances in the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy regarding trauma treatment
- Demonstrate an understanding of research relevant to working with clients presenting with trauma.
- Apply relevant theory, research, and practice-based literature to develop best practice approaches to working with trauma identified in clinical practice
- Recognise and outline an appropriate treatment plan for clients with indicators of trauma
- Apply clinical skills to working with clients presenting with trauma while incorporating recent developments in counselling and psychotherapy
- Recognise the limits of their expertise and define when and how to liaise with relevant other agencies and professionals
- Access a range of appropriate resources for helping clients presenting with trauma