Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 613 Advanced Trauma-Based Practice

Credits - 3

Description

This course explores working with survivors in a trauma-based practice which validates the experience, respects the survivor, and helps her/him to become empowered. An examination of personal beliefs and definitions of trauma will serve as a first step toward the study of advanced trauma based practice. Using Trauma Theory as a foundation, students will learn practice methods and approaches that may be helpful in working with survivors. Case presentations will allow students the opportunity to discuss alternative practice approaches, understand the trauma survivor’s experience, and support & critique peers.

Addendum: This course provides a general understanding of trauma and its effect on the brain caused by various types of trauma experiences and the differences of outcomes of trauma upon people especially those of diverse backgrounds. It will provide opportunity for the examination of personal beliefs with regard to trauma and consideration of practice in an anti racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive manner. The use of a Trauma Informed approach and various treatment modalities are presented and will assist students to learn social work practice interventions that will be helpful for survivors of trauma experiences.

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This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and applications of trauma-informed practice within social work. The purpose of the course is to deepen students’ understanding of trauma as both an individual and systemic experience, and to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to respond in trauma-informed ways that promote safety, dignity, and healing for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Using Trauma Theory, students will explore the foundations of trauma, the impact of trauma on the brain and body, and the concepts of structural and historical trauma. The course will also examine the core principles of trauma-informed practice, practical skills for trauma-informed practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities, and the influence of power, ethics, and identity in practice. Students will engage with concepts of resilience and healing, with an emphasis on strengths-based, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive approaches to post-traumatic growth.

By the end of the course, students will be prepared to recognize trauma in all client systems, respond effectively in diverse contexts, and integrate trauma-informed practice principles into their professional work.

This course addresses traumatic events, exposure and outcomes that social workers will most likely assess and provide practice interventions for clients throughout their career. As we learn through the course about trauma and the negative effects, it is important that students recognize how this material may also affect them. Do be mindful of your own needs. There is no requirement to share or discuss in the Discussion Boards or Reflective Journals any personal information that can result in your discomfort. It is more important that you engage in the course with peers and faculty in a meaningful manner that promotes your learning and while not triggering discomfort. The course faculty is available to assist if such situations arise.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
2. Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
3. Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. Engage in policy practice.
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities, including the neurobiological, psychological, and social dimensions of trauma. (EPAS 7)
2. Evaluate the role of structural and historical trauma in shaping lived experiences (EPAS 3)
3. Apply trauma-informed principles to practice scenarios across diverse settings (EPAS 1, 6)
4. Demonstrate trauma-informed practice skills (EPAS 6)
5. Critically examine the influence of power, identity, and positionality in trauma-informed practice and their implications for ethical decision-making (EPAS 1, 2,3)
6. Develop a trauma-informed approach to practice that integrates strengths-based, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive perspectives (EPAS 2)

Assignments

Discussions

An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within most weekly modules. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner. Unless otherwise specified in the course, initial discussion posts are due by Thursday at 11:59 PM ET and any response posts are due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET.

Storytelling Reflection Journals

In this course, you will be required to submit weekly storytelling reflection journals relating to the week’s topics. Your journal is a creative space for deeper reflection and engagement with the course material as you move through the course. You are not expected to disclose personal trauma or share anything that feels unsafe. Instead, you are invited to engage with the concepts from this week in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you. No one other than the student and course instructor will see this journal. Grammar and APA formatting will not be assessed for grading. Journals are due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET and in Week 8, Friday at 11:59PM ET.

Assignments

There are several assignments throughout this course, including your final project.

Final Project: Pathways to Healing Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

For this final project, you will apply what you have learned by examining a healing modality through the lens of Trauma Theory and trauma-informed social work practice. The goal is not simply to describe a healing approach, but to analyze how it responds to the effects of trauma and supports healing for individuals, families, or communities. You will choose one non-traditional healing modality to explore and create a video presentation, narrated slideshow, podcast, infographic or visual, or another medium that is approved by your instructor.

For additional instructions, review the Looking Ahead: Final Project page in the Welcome Module.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignment	Point Value	Percentage Value
Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement	1 point	1%
Storytelling Reflection Journal Entries	2 points x 8 weeks (16 points)	16%
Week 1 Discussion 1: Introductions	2 points	2%
Week 1 Discussion 2: What Counts as Trauma?	4 points	4%
Week 2 Assignment: Visualizing Trauma in the Body and Mind	8 points	8%
Week 3 Discussion: Timeline of Structural Trauma Impacting a Community	5 points	5%
Week 4 Discussion: Scenario Analysis Trauma-informed vs. Non-Trauma Informed Responses	5 points	5%
Week 4 Assignment: Noticing Trauma Observation	7 points	7%
Week 5 Discussion: Grounding or Regulation Techniques	5 points	5%
Week 5 Assignment: Trauma-Informed Script Responding to a Client Scenario	8 points	8%
Week 6 Assignment: Group Practice: Intention, Impact, and Ethical Response	8 points	8%
Week 7 Discussion: Healing and Resilience	4 points	4%
Week 7 Assignment (Final Project): Pathways to Healing through a Trauma-Informed Lens	15 points	15%
Week 8 Discussion: What are you taking with you?	4 points	4%
Week 8 Assignment: Trauma-Informed Personal Framework	8 points	8%
Total	100 points	100%

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00