Details for SSC518 Working with Trauma

Having a basic understanding of trauma and its effects is essential for any professional working within the community. This unit gives an introduction to understanding what constitutes trauma, along a continuum from acute to chronic presentations. Additionally, you will learn about self-care to manage the effects of trauma on the people helper, aiding in longevity and efficacy in this challenging field.

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: SSC518
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Develop knowledge and skills based on current evidence-based responses and interventions for trauma;
2. Develop an understanding of trauma, developmental factors and lifespan considerations;
3. Critique a range of community resources that support people impacted by trauma;
4. Formulate a self-care plan that integrates understandings of vicarious trauma.

Subject Content

• What is trauma? The social and political discourse of power and powerlessness, and violence and abuse
• Developmental trauma and how it affects human behaviour Discussing a context of a victimizing culture and the prevention of abuse
• Complex trauma and the assessment process Causes and impacts of abuse e.g. child abuse, date violence, elder abuse; physical and emotional abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault
• Crisis intervention and working with PTSD Exploring a Christian framework that views the whole person as someone affected by abuse and
• trauma rather than as a ‘problem”
• Intervention and Treatment Explain a Christian framework that identifies and works holistically with the survivor, recognising the purpose defence strategies play in the client’s survival
• Boundaries and self-care Recognising defence strategies as symptoms of trauma rather than viewing the symptoms as the
• Problem
• Report writing and the importance of referrals to therapy 
• How the victim of trauma tells their story 
• The physical Effects of trauma 
• Trauma, relationships and the family 
• Therapeutic pharmacology and trauma

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Onsite (face-to-face)
• Online (e-Learning)
• Intensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Interview (video) Treatment Plan, Handout and Notes (40%)
• Case Study (30%)
• Essay(30%)

Prescribed Text

• Briere, J.N. & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma (2nd ed. Rev.). London: Sage Publications

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any texts.