Trauma-Informed Counseling: Best Practices Across the Lifespan

Start- 10 am- end- 3 pm - Hour 1 – Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care (10:00 – 11:00) Objectives: Build shared language, introduce neuroscience of trauma, and frame developmental differences.10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome & OrientationTrainer introduction and disclosure (scope, CE info, disclaimers) Review NBCC objectives and CE requirements (attendance, evaluation, certificate) Icebreaker: “One word you associate with trauma-informed care” (shared aloud or in chat) 10:15 – 10:40 | Defining Trauma Across ContextsAcute, chronic, complex, developmental trauma defined Prevalence data and impact on mental health - Discussion prompt: How does your work setting define trauma?10:40 – 11:00 | Neurobiology of TraumaBrain-body connection (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex) Developmental vulnerabilities (children vs. older adults) Mini activity: Quick journal prompt—“How do I see trauma show up somatically in my clients?” Hour 2 – Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (11:00 – 12:00)Objectives: Teach the five pillars and their clinical applications.11:00 – 11:20 | The Five Core Principles Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, Empowerment Shifting from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”11:20 – 11:40 | Avoiding Retraumatization Signs of retraumatization in sessionPractical counselor behaviors that may unintentionally trigger clients Ethical integration with ACA Code of Ethics11:40 – 12:00 | Interactive Case VignetteScenario: Client becomes visibly distressed during intake questions - Small groups: Identify trauma-informed vs. trauma-uninformed responses Report back & debrief - Hour 3 – Childhood & Adolescent Interventions (12:00 – 1:00) Objectives: Apply developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed strategies for young clients.12:00 – 12:20 | Recognizing Trauma in Youth Behavioral signs (withdrawal, aggression, academic decline) Developmental impacts: attachment, learning, socialization 12:20 – 12:40 | Evidence-Based InterventionsPlay therapy, expressive arts, family-focused approaches School-based supports and trauma-informed classrooms 12:40 – 1:00 | Applied Case Study Case: Middle school student showing aggression after a parent’s death Breakout activity: Build an intervention plan using play or expressive methods Debrief as large group Hour 4 – Adult & Older Adult Interventions (1:00 – 2:00)Objectives: Explore trauma presentations and interventions across adulthood.1:00 – 1:20 | Trauma in Adults PTSD, relational trauma, workplace trauma Common patterns: hypervigilance, avoidance, relational difficulties 1:20 – 1:40 | Late-Life TraumaLoss, grief, chronic illness, historical trauma Considerations for memory decline and cognitive impairment 1:40 – 2:00 | Skills Practice Role-play activity: Applying mindfulness or grounding with a client scenario Reflection prompt: “What changes in your approach as clients age?” Hour 5 – Culture, Systems, and Integration (2:00 – 3:00 pm) Objectives: Incorporate cultural responsiveness, systemic awareness, and personal action planning.2:00 – 2:20 | Cultural & Systemic Influences Trauma in marginalized and underrepresented populations Intersectionality and trauma exposure Counselor self-reflection: Power, privilege, and positionality2:20 – 2:40 | Resilience & Community Supports Mindfulness, spirituality, self-compassion Leveraging cultural and community resources Activity: Brainstorm protective factors across the lifespan2:40 – 3:00 | Integration & Action PlanningCreate a personal “trauma-informed practice plan ”Peer-to-peer accountability: Share one step to implement within 30 days - Wrap-up, review of objectives, final Q&A - CE evaluation & certificate instructions