In this advanced practice course, students will explore clinical interventions used to effectively treat the symptoms of trauma, as well as other mental health needs. Students will explore the elements of trauma treatment, which include establishing a sense of safety, manage emotions, and develop coping strategies. Students will
further be introduced to well-established theories and practice models to treat trauma as well as how to apply the most recent research on resilience as applied to a variety of clients and practice settings. Students will work in a simulation setting to engage, assess, and intervene with individuals and families and evaluate their own
practice behavior. Students will apply ethical decision-making practices that demonstrate an understanding of trauma and well-being. Students will practice self-reflection to identify vicarious trauma and possible self-care strategies used to address it.
Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5270 Generalist Field Practicum, SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience, SOCWK 5310 Clinical Assessment with Individuals and Families.
SOCWK 5270 Generalist Field Practicum (3 hours)
This course provides students with supervised learning experiences in selected social work agencies. The experience introduces a variety of social work practice roles and enables the student to apply social work knowledge, skills, and values in a real practice situation. Students will be required to complete 400 hours of practicum. The Field Director will place students in area agencies.
Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 Social Work Purpose, Values and Ethics and permission of Field Director.
SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience (3 hours)
In this advanced course, students will be introduced to different types of traumatic and adverse experiences, ranging from private terrors to public traumas, creating an understanding that the impact of trauma is experienced both collectively and individually, historically and
racially. Additionally, students will explore the role of affect regulation as a key component to understanding our thinking and our body-based responses to our biases and perceptions in the treatment of trauma. Students will gain an understanding of how trauma and adversity impact people physiologically, psychologically, and socially.
SOCWK 5310 Clinical Assessment with Individuals and Families (3 hours)
In this advanced practice course, students will learn to assess the type of traumatic event and intensity of exposure. Students will explore tools and measures used when completing a clinical assessment, with specific attention to the clinical assessment of individuals and families who have experienced trauma. Students will explore
the theoretical foundations for these assessment strategies. Students will explore how assessment can be used to draw conclusions and inform recommendations for future action, including the use of interdisciplinary perspectives.
Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience.