Build your capacity to understand, respond to and support healing from trauma.
The Trauma certificate offers a comprehensive and practical foundation in trauma theory, assessment and intervention. Created for helping professionals across disciplines, this program delves into the complex and far-reaching impacts – on the body, memory and daily life. Participants will gain the skills to recognize and respond to trauma in diverse individuals, communities and systems.
Grounded in current research and evidence-informed practices, the program explores both immediate and long-term effects of trauma through a multidisciplinary lens. Participants will examine various types of trauma – including complex, interpersonal violence, gender-based violence and displacement – and consider how intersecting issues such as addiction and loss may complicate trauma.
The program also supports those who work closely with trauma survivors by offering tools for self-awareness, reflection and self-care – recognizing that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves.
Completion Requirements
To earn the Trauma certificate, you must complete at least 84 course hours. It is strongly recommended that you take 0101 - Foundations of Trauma if you don't have extensive training or experience working with trauma. The program is flexible – you can finish 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
Remote: Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. You are required, as much as possible, to have your camera 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.
Online: Read the course materials, complete quizzes and participate in all required discussions and activities. The estimated workload is approximately two hours per week.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at the same time to receive a 10% discount on each course. To qualify, you must complete registration and payment for all courses in a single transaction. The discount is non-cumulative and cannot be applied retroactively. If discount is not applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance before payment. Discounts cannot be applied after registration has been completed.
Delivery Options
The Trauma certificate courses are available asynchronously online and remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application required. To register, choose a course and section to view the dates and cost. Add the course to your cart and complete payment.
Becoming a Therapist
This Trauma certificate does not qualify you for registration with any regulatory body (e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) or to practice as a licensed therapist. To become a regulated therapist, please visit the websites for the appropriate regulatory body in your province.
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.