As we have learned over the years, not all training is equal, nor is training alone usually sufficient to increase competency or change practice. We continually assess our training content and processes and have developed an interconnected suite of core sessions and advanced experiential learning opportunities designed to engage and build competencies necessary to providing trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed care. Our trainings are designed using principles of adult learning, are extremely interactive and are customized to be relevant to the people and organizations we work with, as well as to the specific roles and responsibilities of staff. The content of our training is organized around key focus areas and competencies necessary for all staff as well as for specific roles within trauma-informed organizations.
Click on the title for more details about the following trainings:
Trauma Awareness and Trauma-Informed Care Basics
Trauma-sensitive organizations and professionals are aware of the impact of trauma on their staff and clients. Trauma-informed systems and organizations use this awareness to guide every aspect of their work, including policies and procedures. This training will cover the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals, organizations and communities and the principles of trauma-informed care. The role of direct service providers, support staff, managers and supervisors and organizational leaders will be discussed as well as available community resources and services. The training will also include information and strategies for preventing and managing vicarious trauma and for promoting workplace health and safety. This session is foundational to all other trainings and is typically a universal requirement for all staff in organizations working to become trauma-informed. (See attached training outline and slides). We would work with Organization staff to customize this training to be relevant to the organization’s culture, priorities and programs, and populations served, and to ensure content and processes meet the needs expressed by the staff and leadership.
Trauma Sensitive Crisis Prevention, De-escalation and Recovery
People with histories of trauma are likely to have internal and external struggles that can interfere with communication, impede follow-through and generally frustrate those trying to help. In this very interactive workshop for first responders, front-line staff and social service professionals, we cover the impacts of trauma on behavior, learning and communication; trauma-sensitive relationship and rapport building; working with distressed individuals and conflict, and how to support workers in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Our very experienced trainers use scenarios, small groups and practice activities designed to support self-reflection and regulation and to gain skills in assessing and responding to a variety of escalated situations. Participants share and learn tips and techniques they use in their work at great benefit to the whole group.
Trauma Sensitive Reflective Supervision and Support
Supervisors in people-serving settings must balance the needs of trauma survivors among those they serve with the needs of staff, who may bring their own experiences of primary or vicarious trauma to the work. In this highly interactive training, supervisors will learn to recognize trauma as a factor in the parallel processes that shape relationships in service settings and will gain practical strategies for actively supporting their staff. Supervisors will learn to apply trauma-informed thinking to common challenges in supervision, including recognizing the impact of unresolved and vicarious trauma on workers, giving and receiving effective feedback, and taking a strengths-based perspective with staff. Participants will be invited to practice and experience receiving reflective supervision.
Trauma Sensitive Ethics, Boundaries, and Communication
This workshop is intended for peer and helping professionals who want to be competent and confident in providing care and support to people with histories of trauma and toxic stress. We will also discuss how our own histories influence how we show up in relationships with those we serve. Participants will learn to recognize the impacts of primary and secondary trauma on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional functioning, and understand how these impacts may influence relationships with others, including healing professionals. Participants will develop insight into their own reactions and vulnerabilities, and will gain practical skills for clear, trauma-sensitive communication and boundary-setting practices, as well as techniques for remaining grounded and present in the face of trauma-linked reactions and behavior.
Sustaining Ourselves: Workforce Wellness in the Face of Trauma
This workshop is for professionals who work with survivors of trauma, as well as lead staff and administrators who want to develop and sustain workplace cultures that are healthy for everyone. Participants will explore the impact of trauma on workers and organizations and develop trauma-sensitive strategies for supporting the health and well-being of staff and organizations serving survivors of trauma.