Understanding Trauma-Informed Systems

Part 1: Understanding Trauma

This training is designed to provide all participants with a foundational understanding of trauma, including the prevalence and impact of trauma across the lifespan and implications for communities.

Objectives

• Learn about the types of traumas, characteristics of traumatic responses, and how the body and brain react to traumatic stress
• Explore risk and protective factors that influence an individuals’ response to trauma and potential post-trauma pathways
• Learn about secondary and vicarious trauma, and explore strategies for self-care as an ethical imperative

Part 2: Trauma-Informed Systems – Approaches for…

Option 1:  School Staff (mixed audience)

This training provides an opportunity for participants who have completed the Understanding Trauma training to apply their knowledge and expand their trauma-informed practice.  We will introduce school staff to a trauma-informed approach, what it means to be a trauma-informed school, and how this differs from, but compliments, trauma treatment. Participants will learn the core principles of a trauma-informed approach and their applications within the school community.  This training provides participants the opportunity to create individual plans for continued learning and application of trauma-informed practices and self-care. 

Option 2:  School Leaders

This training provides an opportunity for school leaders who have completed the Understanding Trauma training to apply their knowledge and expand their trauma-informed practice.  We will introduce school leaders to a trauma-informed approach, what it means to be a trauma-informed school, and how this differs from, but compliments, trauma treatment.  Participants will learn the core principles of a trauma-informed approach and their applications in school practices, policies, and procedures; participants will also learn their role in supporting access to more intensive, trauma-informed care as needed. Lastly, we will discuss the impact of secondary traumatic stress,  the critical obligation for self-care, and what school leaders can do to support school staff in a trauma-informed system.  This training provides school leaders with the opportunity to create individual plans for continued learning and application of trauma-informed practices and self-care. 

Option 3:  Teachers

This training provides an opportunity for participants who have completed the Understanding Trauma training to apply their knowledge and expand their trauma-informed practice.  We will introduce teachers to a trauma-informed approach, what it means to be a trauma-informed school, and how this differs from, but compliments, trauma treatment.  Participants will learn the core principles of a trauma-informed approach and their applications within the classroom and school community.  Participants will also learn strategies for identifying when students may need access to more intensive, trauma-informed care.  This training provides teachers with the opportunity to create individual plans for continued learning and application of trauma-informed practices and self-care. 

Option 4:  School Counselors

This training provides an opportunity for participants who have completed the Understanding Trauma training to apply their knowledge and expand their trauma-informed practice.  We will introduce school counselors to a trauma-informed approach, what it means to be a trauma-informed school, and how this differs from, but compliments, trauma treatment.  Participants will learn the core principles of a trauma-informed approach and their applications to student services, including student assessment, planning, and support.  Participants will learn ways that they can support applications of trauma-informed practices and their role in supporting students’ access to more intensive, trauma-informed care as needed.  This training provides counselors with the opportunity to create individual plans for continued learning and application of trauma-informed practices and self-care. 

Part 3: Consultation Groups

This one-hour discussion-based group provides the opportunity for participants to come together to continue building their trauma-informed practices and skills through conversation.  Participants will reflect on what was learned in their trainings, how they are implementing this knowledge into practice, and discuss and receive support around related scenarios.