Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care: Building Understanding and Support Across Institutions 

(2 Days, 16 Hours)

Are you facing the following work-culture issues?

1. High Turnover:frequent employee exits due to workplace culture or conflicts.
2. Low Engagement and Productivity: disengaged or unenthusiastic employees – absenteeism and presenteeism 
3. Communication Issues:collaboration or communication hurdles.
4. Conflict-Ridden Atmosphere:frequent unresolved conflicts or tensions.
5. Negative Culture:Work environments fostering mistrust or exclusion.
6. Stress and Well-being Concerns:High stress levels impacting employee well-being.
7. Talent Retention Challenges:Difficulty in retaining and fostering commitment among employees.
8. Reputation Risks:Risk of reputational damage due to internal issues.
9. Stakeholder Trust Deficit:Lack of stakeholder trust or confidence in organizational practice

Course Overview: The Foundations of Trauma Course is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide key stakeholders and service providers in corporations and other service orientated institutions, including schools, corporations, prisons, and law enforcement agencies, with a solid understanding of trauma and its impact on the individual and organizational culture. This course aims to equip participants with essential knowledge, tools, and strategies to create trauma-informed environments, foster resilience, and promote healing and psychological safety within their respective organisations.

This is a 2 day –  16 hr course targeted at equipping you and your team with the necessary skills to create a psychologically safe organization with greater collaboration, productivity and a healthier working culture. The course caters to and is customised towards stakeholders needs and objectives within each organization. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Enhanced Employee Well-being: Participants will grasp strategies to identify trauma responses, mitigate re-traumatisation and employ strategies to reduce stress and improve mental health within the workplace. 

2. Increased Employee Engagement: Participants will learn how to foster open communication channels, encourage idea-sharing, and create an inclusive atmosphere where employees feel empowered to take ownership and participate actively, ultimately increasing engagement levels.

3. Improved Collaboration and Productivity: Participants will leave with techniques to cultivate a safe and supportive environment that encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, collaboration and ownership thereby boosting productivity and fostering innovation.

4. Reduced Turnover and Improved Retention: Participants will gain an understanding of how to contribute towards creating a psychologically safe workplace, leading to increased loyalty and commitment among employees, ultimately reducing turnover and retaining valuable talent.

5. Enhanced Organizational Culture: Participants will learn how trauma-informed practices contribute to a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity, allowing them to implement these principles to strengthen relationships, teamwork, and overall work culture.

6. Mitigated Risk and Effective Conflict Resolution: Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to handle conflicts and challenges empathetically, mitigating risks associated with discord and promoting healthier resolutions within the organizational context.

7. Positive Reputation and Stakeholder Relations: Participants will understand the impact of prioritizing psychological safety and trauma-informed practices on an organization’s reputation. They’ll learn how to build trust and foster stronger relationships with stakeholders by implementing these principles effectively.

Course Objectives:

1. Educate about Trauma: Provide a comprehensive overview of trauma, its prevalence, and its impact on individuals, communities, and organizations. Explore the various types of trauma, including acute, chronic, and complex trauma, and their unique manifestations. 
2. Understand Trauma’s Effects: Examine the physiological, psychological, and social effects of trauma on individuals, emphasizing the importance of a trauma-informed approach in providing support and care.
3. Promote Trauma-Informed Practices: Introduce trauma-informed principles and best practices that can be applied across diverse institutions. Explore strategies for creating safe and supportive environments that mitigate retraumatization and promote healing.
4. Enhance Empathy and Sensitivity: Develop participants’ capacity for empathy, active listening, and understanding when engaging with individuals who have experienced trauma. Emphasize the importance of cultural competence and recognizing intersectional factors in trauma experiences.
5. Build Resilience: Equip participants with somatic tools and techniques to foster resilience, self-care, and well-being in the face of trauma-related work. Explore strategies for preventing burnout and promoting self-compassion among service providers.
6. Address Institutional Barriers: Identify and address institutional barriers that may hinder trauma-informed practices. Explore strategies for integrating trauma-informed approaches within existing policies, procedures, and organizational cultures.
7. Collaborate and Network: Foster collaboration and networking opportunities among participants from different institutions, encouraging the exchange of ideas, best practices, and support.

Course Structure and Content:

1. Module 1: Introduction to Trauma
   • Defining trauma and its different types
   • Understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma across populations
   • Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in individuals and communities
2. Module 2: Trauma-Informed Principles and Practices
   • Exploring the key principles of trauma-informed care and service provision
   • Creating safe and supportive environments for trauma survivors
   • Implementing trauma-informed policies and practices within institutions
3. Module 3: Trauma’s Effects on Individuals and Communities
   • Examining the psychological, emotional, and social impact of trauma
   • Understanding trauma’s effects on brain development, behavior, and interpersonal relationships
   • Recognizing the intersectional factors that influence trauma experiences
4. Module 4: Building Resilience and Self-Care
   • Promoting self-care and well-being for service providers using mindfulness and somatic approaches
   • Enhancing resilience and coping strategies in the face of secondary trauma
   • Developing supportive networks and resources within institutions
5. Module 5: Trauma-Informed Communication and Engagement
   • Enhancing communication skills to support trauma survivors
   • Practicing active listening, empathy, and validation techniques
   • Recognizing and addressing potential retraumatization triggers
6. Module 6: Trauma-Informed Organisational Change
   • Overcoming institutional barriers to trauma-informed practices
   • Integrating trauma-informed approaches within policies, procedures, and cultures
   • Establishing partnerships and collaborations to create trauma-informed communities
7. Module 7: Case Studies and Best Practices
   • Exploring real-life case studies and success stories of trauma-informed practices