Continuing Education

Trust-Based Relational Intervention

Empowering Connections & Healing Trauma

Social Work Education

About The Course

Course Title: Trust-Based Relational Intervention

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1 credit (general)

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 10 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again. 

Certificate of CompletionIn order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

Why is understanding this topic important?

1. Addresses the Impact of Trauma on Development and Behavior:

TBRI is rooted in a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the profound impact trauma can have on an individual’s development, behavior, and relationships. For students, understanding TBRI offers a framework to interpret and respond to behaviors through a lens of empathy and understanding, rather than punishment or pathology.

2. Enhances Relationship-building Skills:

The core of TBRI is building trusting, secure relationships between caregivers (including social workers) and clients. For students, learning about TBRI emphasizes the importance of connection, communication, and compassion in their practice.

3. Promotes Effective Intervention Strategies:

TBRI provides evidence-based, practical strategies for addressing complex behavioral issues, supporting emotional regulation, and facilitating positive behaviors. For social work students, understanding these strategies is invaluable for designing and implementing interventions that are respectful, responsive, and effective.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the Principles and Application of TBRI
    Students will learn the foundational principles of TBRI, including its emphasis on building trust, understanding and responding to underlying needs, and the importance of a trauma-informed approach in social work practice. Understanding these principles will equip students to effectively apply TBRI techniques in their work with children, families, and communities.

  2. Develop and Apply Skills in Trust-Building and Crisis Intervention
    Through the discussion of real-world examples and strategies shared by the guests, students will gain insights into practical skills for building and maintaining trust with clients, even in challenging circumstances. They will learn about the nuances of crisis intervention within the TBRI framework, including de-escalation techniques.

  3. Cultivate a Reflective and Adaptive Practice
    The conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection, cultural competency, and ongoing learning in the practice of social work. Students will be encouraged to think critically about how they can integrate TBRI principles into their own practice.

Target Audience: 

Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Meagan Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group instruction for over 5 years.

Meagan is currently a Child and Adolescent Therapist with The Sibley Group in Washington, DC. She is working towards her Play Therapy credential. Meagan is also the founder of Agents of Change Social Work Test Prep – a learning platform and community designed for social workers preparing for their licensing exams.

She loves combining her passion for learning and sharing her knowledge with the social work community. Meagan has a strong interest in tech & and innovation, specifically exploring the intersection of technology with social work practices. She is also passionate about multicultural supervision & and ethics; ensuring diverse voices are heard, understood, and supported in supervision and consultation.

Lastly, Meagan is currently a DSW student at SUNY Buffalo.

Shantell Francis, Therapist

Shantell works closely with children and families. Her expertise extends across therapeutic practices, including Group Therapy, where she facilitates sessions that encourage open communication and mutual support among participants. In crisis situations, she provides immediate support and strategies to individuals and families facing acute stress. Her experience in Family Therapy allows her to address and mend complex family dynamics, fostering healthier relationships through improved understanding and communication.

Shantell has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Southern University at New Orleans. Shantell addresses the psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting individuals and communities. With a focus on holistic well-being, she continues to advocate for the needs of children and families, applying her knowledge and skills to improve lives within her community. Through her work, Shantell embodies the principles of empathy, resilience, and empowerment, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Course Outline:

Introduction and Backgrounds

  • Introduction of the participants, their backgrounds, and the context of their work in mental health.

1) Introduction to TBRI

  • Overview of TBRI principles
  • Historical context and development

2) Principle 1: Connecting

  • Building trusting relationships
  • Importance of mindful awareness

3) Principle 2: Empowering

  • Addressing physical needs and teaching life skills
  • Sensory processing and integration

4) Principle 3: Correcting

  • Proactive and responsive strategies for guiding behavior
  • Role of corrective teaching and encouragement

5) Implementing TBRI in Various Settings

  • Adaptation to different environments (home, school, therapeutic)
  • Case studies and examples

6) Challenges and Successes

  • Navigating difficulties in application
  • Measuring outcomes and successes

Course Creation Date: 2/14/24 

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

ACE Approval Statement: 

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

System Requirements:

  • The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
  • Javascript enabled
  • PDF plugin
  • Graphic and audio output capability
  • Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
  • TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Refund PolicyIn general, refunds will not be provided. However, if you do have any concerns or grievances, please contact us at the email address below. Registrants who do not complete their course(s) will not receive a refund. Registrants who purchased the course but did not achieve a passing grade will not receive a refund. The Agents of Change Grievance Policy can be viewed here.

Cancellation Policy: If an Agents of Change Continuing Education course is canceled, a full refund will be provided to all participants.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the course.

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Your Continuing Education Includes

Audio + Visual Content

We design our continuing education to support all learning styles. Each topic includes engaging videos and visual slides. With your purchase, you also get access to on-the-go audio resources.

High Quality Materials

Build your understanding with high quality materials and comprehensive explanations. Agents of Change will help you master the topics you need to know to build your career.

PEER + Email Support

With your purchase, you'll be invited to the Agents of Change community, a supporting skill building environment. You'll also have access to the Agents of Change team for any questions!