Course summary

This course is aimed at practitioners who are working in environments where trauma has an impact on the people and communities they work with and on workers themselves. Contemporary health and social care policy recognises the place of trauma in having a significant impact on people’s health and living experiences. Moreover, understanding people’s life experiences and health experiences through a trauma lens can ensure that the care provided is trauma informed. The course is a 10 credit module at NFQ Level 9

Learning outcomes 

This module will explore the impact of trauma on individuals, families, communities and systems; physically,
psychologically, behaviourally and energetically. Health and Social Care Practitioners will firstly examine their
knowledge and experience of normal trauma responses and then similarly when the normal trauma response is
interrupted or is ineffective for various reasons, including the impact of this on people’s lives. The module will
draw on best practice in relation to implementing trauma informed care in professional practice, inclusive of
strategies and techniques that will protect practitioners from vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

On successful completion of this course:

• Participants will explore the impact of trauma on individuals, families and systems and how this can impact upon their physical, psychological, behavioural and energetic lives;
• Participants will develop a critical awareness of trauma as a potential underpinning process for multiple health, relationship and behavioural related conditions;
• Participants will appraise the impact of unresolved trauma as it occurs and continues to impact upon people throughout their lifespan and how trauma responses can be renegotiated;
• Participants will critically discuss how systemic trauma patterns can impact upon families, communities and organisations;
• The module will provide health and social care practitioners with up-to-date, evidenced based knowledge to critically develop their theoretical and practical understanding and applying the principles of Trauma Informed Care;
• Participants will demonstrate the confidence and competence to engage in relationships and with interventions conducive to Trauma Informed Practice.

Requirements

Applicants will have a level 8 NFQ qualification or equivalent (as assessed against recognition
of prior learning criteria). Applicants will be working in a health or social care environment

Cost of module

€850

The course will take place in DCU, Glasnevin Campus over six full days (dates to be confirmed)

How to apply

For further information, contact: Dr Liam MacGabhann at liam.macgabhanan@dcu.ie

Or forward a completed application form to science@dcu.ie