SW Z542 - Complex Trauma and Recovery

Credits: 3

This online asynchronous course is designed to provide a framework for practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities who are coping with trauma. The coursework presented will enhance the skills and knowledge base of all students and will be particularly useful to students interested in working with survivors of trauma. The course will examine the socio-economic, political, and cultural contexts of complex trauma, and the historical treatment of trauma by social work and other professions. The course will familiarize students with a range of theories of complex trauma and will provide an overview of the current best practices that may be used in facilitating recovery. Social work skills vital to this work will be examined including psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, supportive care, psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral and psychosocial interventions, advocacy, program development, and prevention/community organizing. Students will become familiar with a range of theoretical perspectives on trauma and resilience that can help facilitate recovery. The course will include content on different approaches to trauma treatment, with an emphasis on developing proficiency in skills related to self-care, resource-building, stabilization, safety, and the development of the therapeutic relationship. Content on different strengths-based, client-centered therapeutic approaches and trauma-informed care with specific populations and content on single incident traumas will be included. Prerequisites: SW Z504, SW Z505, SW Z506, SW Z503, SW Z510, SW Z511, SW Z512, SW Z591, SW Z592.