The Trauma certificate will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what trauma is, how it affects the body, the brain and the memory and how trauma differs from crisis and other distress. The program will also explore various types of trauma, such as interpersonal violence and refugee/war experiences, and how other issues, such as addictions, can interact with trauma. Some of the topics covered in this program include:
- neurobiology of trauma
- assessment of trauma
- current, evidence-based treatment models for trauma
- effects of torture, violence or risk of violence
- working with specific populations, such as first responders, those who have caused harm and neurodiversity
- connection between trauma and addiction.
- flashback management
- building resilience in children who have experienced trauma
- strategies for managing the effects of secondary traumatic stress
- basic steps to implementing trauma-informed care in organizations
Completion Requirements
To complete the Trauma certificate, you must take a minimum of 84 course hours. It is strongly recommended that you take the Foundations of Trauma course if you do not have extensive training or experience working with trauma. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year or take up to seven years.
You do not have to be working toward the Trauma certificate to take any of these courses.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. Participants are requested, as much as possible, to have their cameras on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our courses are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at once and receive a 10% discount on the cost of each course. You must register and pay for all courses at the same time; discount is not cumulative or retroactive. If discount is not being applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance. Discount cannot be applied after registration is complete.
Delivery Options
The Trauma certificate courses are available asynchronously online and remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application is required. To register, select a course from the menu on the right, then a course section to view the dates and cost or add the course to your cart. Complete your registration with payment.
Becoming a Therapist
Completing the Trauma certificate will not qualify you to register with any college or association, including the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please visit those websites for information on becoming a therapist in Ontario, or your provincial regulatory college.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.