This module will develop and enhance your critical understanding of trauma as it impacts on both children and adults and support a range of new and existing strategies and/or interventions that can be used to work in a trauma informed way. Trauma informed approaches are evidence-based and can be integrated into many existing models of intervention and practice across disciplines and agencies. Consequently, examined is how a trauma-informed approach can complement strengths-based and relationship-based practice and contribute to the values-based approach that underpins professional practice. The syllabus will explore the complexity of trauma, and how factors such as personal history, family circumstances and cultural norms and practices can all contribute to how trauma is understood and experience by individuals. You will have an opportunity to self-assess where you feel you are situated on the continuum of being trauma-aware through to being trauma-informed. As an opportunity to develop and/or further enhance your existing knowledge of trauma-informed care, you will further learn and demonstrate your ability to critically apply research-based evidence and theoretical approaches to strengthen problem-solving skills within your existing approach to practice.
Award Type Single 20 Credit Module - 20 Academic Credits which depending on your study route may be used to contribute toward the PG Cert Professional Social Work Practice. You will also receive a letter confirming that you have successfully completed the Module to support your progression portfolio.
Delivery Method In person
Mode of Study
Part time
Location
Coach Lane Campus
Start March 19th 2025
Duration
5 full days
You will attend 5 classroom taught days in total, during which you will partake in lectures and group discussions. A particular feature of the teaching and learning will be reflections on self and on your own service user and carer’s experience to promote self-care and your appreciation of the complexity of working with people who may be trauma-experienced.
The module is classroom based with direct teaching and reflective group discussion.
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
1. Critically review the trauma informed approach in contemporary practice and its present role in service delivery.
2. Demonstrate critical application of relevant knowledge, research, and evidence in relation to trauma informed practice.
3. Critically evaluate the trauma informed model and relevant theoretical perspectives.
4. Apply skills, appropriate to work role, in assessing and/or intervening in situations in which the trauma informed approach could apply.
5 Analyse practice dilemmas involving protection and control while promoting independence and choice alongside decisions in relation to resource and service provision.
Module Lead Dr. John Cavener: john.m.cavener@northumbria.ac.uk
Previous multi-agency professional groups and individual practitioners have supported evaluation of the module with a range of testimonials, for example:
‘…[I] really enjoyed the whole [teaching] experience…with opportunities to discuss and grow my own learning…[and] I feel more] informed ’
‘…[A] good balance of direct learning…and facilitated discussion…[which] will directly impact on [my] practice…’
‘Revisiting theory around trauma was helpful as was the session around self-care’
‘Its been interesting to think [more explicitly] about the skills I use often without thinking too much…and I have enjoyed the lectures’
Module Lead - John Cavener: john.m.cavener@northiumbria.ac.uk
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