Training Course on Trauma-Informed Care & Support

Module 1: Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Objective: Understand trauma, its prevalence, and the foundations of trauma-informed care.
Subtopics:
Definition and Types of Trauma
Acute, chronic, and complex trauma.
Physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.
Epidemiology and Impact
Prevalence of trauma across populations.
Effects on mental, physical, and behavioral health.
Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment.
Understanding trauma from a neurobiological and psychosocial perspective.
Distinguishing Trauma-Informed vs. Traditional Care
Avoiding retraumatization.
Emphasizing patient-centered, compassionate approaches.

Module 2: Recognizing and Responding to Trauma
Objective: Learn to identify trauma symptoms and respond effectively.
Subtopics:
Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
Behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physiological indicators.
Trauma manifestations in children, adolescents, and adults.
Screening and Assessment Tools
Structured and informal assessment techniques.
Trauma history taking and sensitivity.
Crisis Intervention and Immediate Support
Psychological first aid and supportive communication.
Referrals and connecting individuals with specialized care.
Cultural and Contextual Considerations
Understanding trauma across diverse communities.
Adapting responses to cultural, social, and systemic factors.

Module 3: Trauma-Informed Approaches in Care and Support
Objective: Apply trauma-informed strategies in healthcare and social service settings.
Subtopics:
Creating Safe Environments
Physical and emotional safety for clients and staff.
Policies and practices that reduce triggers and stressors.
Building Trust and Empowerment
Collaborative care planning.
Encouraging autonomy and informed decision-making.
Communication and Engagement Techniques
Active listening, empathy, and validating experiences.
Avoiding re-traumatizing language and behaviors.
Integrating TIC into Clinical Practice
Adapting care protocols for trauma-sensitive approaches.
Multidisciplinary collaboration in trauma-informed interventions.

Module 4: Organizational Implementation and Policy Integration
Objective: Implement trauma-informed care principles at the organizational level.
Subtopics:
Trauma-Informed Policies and Procedures
Developing organizational guidelines that support TIC.
Risk assessment and safety planning in institutions.
Training and Capacity Building
Educating staff on trauma awareness and TIC practices.
Establishing supervision, mentorship, and support structures.
Creating Trauma-Sensitive Environments
Environmental design and workflow adjustments.
Reducing potential triggers in healthcare and service settings.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Indicators for measuring effectiveness of TIC implementation.
Continuous quality improvement and feedback loops.

Module 5: Provider Self-Care, Resilience, and Sustainability
Objective: Promote staff well-being and ensure sustainable trauma-informed practices.
Subtopics:
Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Burnout
Recognizing secondary trauma among providers.
Signs, symptoms, and risk factors.
Self-Care Strategies for Professionals
Mindfulness, stress management, and resilience building.
Peer support and professional supervision.
Sustaining Trauma-Informed Practices
Embedding TIC into organizational culture.
Ongoing training, evaluation, and leadership support.
Case Studies and Practical Applications
Real-world examples of TIC in healthcare, social services, and community settings.
Group exercises on creating trauma-informed action plans.