Trauma Mitigation Counseling

Course Overview

Trauma Mitigation Counseling is a specialized course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to support individuals who have experienced trauma. The course covers the psychological and physiological impacts of trauma, various trauma-informed counseling approaches, and evidence-based interventions such as trance -based reimaging work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Through learning about the process of Psychological First Aid, students gain important community skills related to improving and protecting mental health during significant community crises such as natural disasters.

Students will learn to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, develop personalized treatment plans, and employ techniques to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of self-care for counselors working in this challenging field. Through lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain the competencies necessary to effectively mitigate the effects of trauma in their clients’ lives.

What you’ll get from this course:

Comprehensive Understanding of Trauma: Understanding trauma requires a deep dive into both its psychological and physiological impacts. Trauma can lead to Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), characterized by prolonged distress and difficulty in emotional regulation. Physiologically, trauma can trigger a range of responses, such as heightened stress hormones and chronic pain. Recognizing the symptoms, which may include flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness, is crucial for effective intervention. Additionally, understanding the long-term effects, such as the potential for ongoing mental health issues and physical ailments, helps practitioners develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both immediate and enduring needs.

Trauma-Informed and Somatic-Based Practices: Trauma-informed practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), are essential for addressing trauma’s psychological impacts. CBT helps reframe negative thought patterns, while EMDR facilitates the processing of traumatic memories. Somatic-based practices, like Somatic Experiencing, focus on the body’s role in trauma recovery, helping individuals release stored tension and trauma. Integrative approaches that combine these methods can provide a holistic treatment plan, addressing both the mind and body to promote comprehensive healing.

Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment: is fundamental for effective trauma counseling. Psychological first aid principles guide the initial support and stabilization of trauma survivors, ensuring they feel secure and understood. Establishing clear therapeutic boundaries helps maintain a safe space where clients can explore their experiences without fear. Client-centered care, which prioritizes the client’s needs and perspectives, fosters a supportive and empathetic environment. Building trust and rapport is crucial, as it encourages clients to open up and engage fully in the healing process.

Cultural Sensitivity and Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Cultural sensitivity is vital in trauma counseling, ensuring that practices are respectful and inclusive of diverse backgrounds. Integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, such as traditional healing methods and community-based approaches, can enhance the effectiveness of trauma interventions. Respecting cultural practices and incorporating them into counseling sessions helps build trust and rapport with clients from different cultural backgrounds. Developing cultural competence allows practitioners to work effectively across cultures, ensuring that all clients receive respectful and relevant care.

Ethical Considerations and Sensitivity for Gender/Neurodiverse People: are paramount in trauma counseling, guiding practitioners to adhere to professional standards and maintain client trust. Counselor self-care is also emphasized, recognizing the emotional toll of working with trauma survivors and the need for practitioners to maintain their well-being. Sensitivity towards gender-diverse clients involves understanding and addressing their unique needs, ensuring that counseling practices are inclusive and supportive. Similarly, awareness of neurodiversity helps tailor approaches to meet the specific needs of neurodiverse individuals, providing them with effective and respectful care.

Course Content

Comprehensive Understanding of Trauma

1. Psychological Impacts: Exploring the mental health effects of trauma, including C-PTSD.
2. Physiological Responses: Understanding how trauma affects the body.
3. Trauma Symptoms: Identifying common signs and symptoms of trauma.
4. Long-Term Effects: Examining the lasting impacts of trauma on individuals.

Trauma-Informed and Somatic-Based Practices

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Using CBT to address trauma-related thoughts and behaviors.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Applying EMDR techniques for trauma healing.
3. Somatic Experiencing: Incorporating body-focused practices to process trauma.
4. Integrative Approaches: Combining various methods for comprehensive trauma care.

Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment

1. Psychological First Aid: Providing immediate support and stabilization.
2. Therapeutic Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining safe boundaries.
3. Client-Centered Care: Focusing on the client’s needs and experiences.
4. Trust Building: Developing trust and rapport with clients.

Cultural Sensitivity and Indigenous Ways of Knowing

1. Respecting Cultural Practices: Integrating traditional healing methods.
2. Inclusive Counseling: Ensuring practices are respectful of diverse backgrounds.
3. Indigenous Healing Techniques: Learning from Indigenous ways of knowing.
4. Cultural Competence: Developing skills to work effectively across cultures.

Ethical Considerations and Sensitivity for Gender/Neurodiverse People

1. Ethical Guidelines: Adhering to professional standards in trauma counseling.
2. Counselor Self-Care: Importance of self-care for trauma counselors.
3. Gender Sensitivity: Addressing the unique needs of gender-diverse clients.
4. Neurodiversity Awareness: Tailoring approaches for neurodiverse individuals.

Course Instructor

ChrŸs Tei

ChrŸs Tei is a passionate educator who provides comprehensive training for people who have an interest in growing wellness in their families, communities, and themselves. She was a co-founder of the Tau Wellness Co-op in 2014 and has brought together into one integrated approach the skills of therapeutic touch, therapeutic arts, and therapeutic trance. ChrŸs is a steadfast advocate for the gender/neuro diverse community and the grateful guest on the unceded territories of the T’sou-ke First Nation for over 40 years.
As Tau we are guests everywhere forever and thank our many hosts.
We are one people amongst many nations
Our commonality is our diversity
And the ancestors WE share
May their voices lead us in our work
And our touch always heal