This course provides an understanding of the phenomena of trauma and human responses, treatment, and recovery. Discussion includes identifying major types of trauma, effects, assessment, and a survey of clinical interventions. The neurobiology of trauma and responses is explored, with attention to its relevance to understanding response behaviors and treatment.

Neurobiology of Trauma provides an understanding of the neurobiological processes involved in trauma experiencing, processing, and post-trauma adaptation. Study includes affective neuroscience, arousal modulation, memory processes involved in trauma experiences, executive functioning, and post-trauma adaptation of these and other areas and processes. Discussion examines application of neuroscience to understanding trauma experiencing and treatment.

This course provides a detailed examination of clinical interventions for treating posttraumatic stress disorder. Specific study includes trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatment of adults and children, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, dialectical behavior therapy, body-oriented therapy, and expressive group processes. Discussion examines evidence-based practices and evaluation of therapeutic interventions.

This course provides an understanding of the environmental factors that contribute to and constitute adverse childhood experiences, and the effects on children’s development and subsequent behavior. Discussion will include attachment theory and the influence of attachment on development, historical and contemporary research on adverse childhood experiences and subsequent mental health and illness, and an overview of prevention and intervention, and treatment.

This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the clinical application of various evidenced-based practices in trauma counseling. In this course students will engage in case-based learning to provide evidence that students can apply evidence-based practice components to specific case studies. Additionally, students will engage in an 8-hour Psychological First Aid module.