Continuing Education

Trauma Therapy for Adults

Supporting Recovery Through Evidence-Based Therapeutic Strategies

Mental Health Education

About The Course

Course Title: Trauma Therapy for Adults

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). ASWB ACE and NBCC.

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. Prevalence of Trauma:

Trauma affects a significant portion of the population, with long-lasting impacts on mental health, relationships, and daily functioning.

2. Effective Healing Strategies:

Understanding trauma’s impact on the brain enables practitioners to use targeted, evidence-based approaches to support recovery and resilience.

3. Improved Client Outcomes:

Trauma-informed care helps reduce stigma, fosters trust, and empowers clients to manage triggers and rebuild a sense of safety.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Assess and Differentiate: Evaluate clients’ mental health symptoms to distinguish between trauma-induced conditions and other mental health diagnoses, using trauma-informed assessment strategies.

  2. Apply Therapeutic Techniques: Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as sensory regulation strategies and psychoeducation, to support adults experiencing trauma-related symptoms.

  3. Develop Client-Centered Plans: Design personalized therapeutic plans that incorporate proactive strategies for managing triggers, fostering self-regulation, and improving clients’ sense of safety and self-esteem.

Target Audience: 

Mental health professionals and Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

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

Instructor Bio(s):

Dr. Rachel Young, PHD, MSW, LISW-S

Dr. Rachel Young has built a comprehensive social work career, combining extensive academic work with practical experience in clinical settings and leadership roles. She holds a PhD and an MPhil in Health Psychology from Walden University and completed her Master of Social Work at Andrews University. She currently works as an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Social Work at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she oversees the BSW program and teaches courses. Rachel has also served as the Field Education Director at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Lead Clinician at Lifestance Health.

In addition to her roles in education and clinical practice, Rachel has actively contributed to the field through research and publications, focusing on areas like equine-assisted psychotherapy, social skills development, and the impact of drug policy. Her work has been presented in various professional settings, highlighting her commitment to integrating research with practical applications in social work.

Course Outline:

1) Introduction to Trauma

  • Definition and prevalence of trauma.
  • Types of trauma (acute, complex, and secondary trauma).
  • Common misconceptions and societal attitudes toward trauma.

2) Trauma and the Brain

  • Overview of brain regions affected by trauma (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex).
  • Physiological responses to trauma (fight, flight, freeze).
  • Long-term effects of trauma on emotional and cognitive functioning.

3) Trauma-Informed Assessment Techniques

  • Identifying trauma’s impact on mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety).
  • Strategies for conducting sensitive and effective assessments.
  • Recognizing and normalizing client responses to trauma.

4) Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions

  • Sensory regulation techniques (e.g., bilateral movement, rhythmic sounds, grounding).
  • Psychoeducation to foster understanding and self-compassion.
  • Developing personalized, client-centered treatment plans.

5) Recovery, Resilience, and Realistic Expectations

  • Understanding the non-linear nature of trauma recovery.

  • Proactive strategies for managing triggers and maintaining regulation.

  • Encouraging long-term resilience and self-esteem growth.

Course Creation Date: 12/10/24 

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

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.

Agents of Change is Approved by ACE

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.

Agents of Change is Approved by NBCC

Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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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!