According to SAMHSA’s concept of a trauma-informed approach, “A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed:

• 1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
• 2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system;
• 3. Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
• 4. Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization."

A trauma-informed approach can be implemented in any type of service setting or organization and is distinct from trauma-specific interventions or treatments that are designed specifically to address the consequences of trauma and to facilitate healing.

• 1. Includes information on how to become attachment informed.
• 2. Provides ways to identify the long-term effects of developmental (childhood) traumas.
• 3. Focuses on the personal development of healthcare workers. “Do onto yourself before doing unto others” is the motto that we follow.
• 4. Employs experiential & interactive learning activities.
• 5. Presents an integrated mind/body/spirit approach.
• 6. Identifies the seven elements of developmental trauma with suggested interventions to address each element.
• 7. Emphasizes the importance of the trauma continuum of shock, trauma and stress and how to intervene with each.
• 8. Discusses four different types of trauma.
• 9. Highlights the differences between treating and healing trauma.
• 10. Explains how to use practice-based-evidence to validate your work with students, clients and patients.

• Trauma-informed care vs. trauma-specific treatment and training
• The relevant research on the role of developmental trauma as causes of psychopathology
• Basic attachment theory and research
• Disorganized Attachment as an organizing force in humans and human systems
• The long-term impact of Disorganized attachment on the brain, endocrine system, nervous system and psyche
• An attachment-based model of psychotherapy
• A systemic theory for understanding trauma in all human systems
• The long-term impact of trauma and neglect on physical and mental health
• How to identify and assess traumatized individuals
• The role of the therapeutic relationship in healing traumas
• Weinholds’ 3-pronged relational/somatic/biochemical approach to healing Disorganized Attachment
• Helping clients learn emotional self-regulation skills
• Preparing clients to cope effectively with future challenges

• To identify their personal attachment style and associated developmental traumas
• To identify the impact of adverse childhood experiences on their personal and professional functioning.
• To identify the developmental sources of physical and mental health issues in children and adults.
• Proficiency in building healthy, ethical and effective client-therapist relationships based on an attachment/trauma model of psychotherapy.
• Proficiency in assessing clients who are experiencing states of developmental stress, trauma and shock and to use ethical, evidence-based trauma-informed clinical interventions.
• Proficiency in identifying the correlations between relational trauma and addictions and the use of ethical, practice-based trauma-informed clinical interventions.
• Proficiency in identifying professional trauma-based counter-transference issues that might affect the client-therapist relationship and prevent “burn out.”
• Proficiency in teaching clients in how to self-regulate their emotions and practice mindful self-care.
• To utilize ongoing supervision to support and enhance a trauma-informed clinical practice.
• How to help their clients become trauma-informed.
• Ways to integrate what you have learned into you work environment.