Counselling Trauma Affected Clients with Diverse Abilities

Dr. Michael Brooks of North Carolina A&T State University conducts this course to help those working in mental health assess and treat trauma-affected clients with diverse backgrounds and abilities. Advocating a trauma-informed approach, Dr. Brooks uses several case studies to illustrate the principles of trauma-informed care, which include creating safe environments, collaboration between provider and client, and viewing the trauma through a socio-cultural lens. He stresses the ultra-importance of not re-traumatising the client during screening, assessment, and eventual treatment. Challenges to effective assessment are discussed, along with trauma-specific treatment models, especially integrated ones, for the treatment of trauma.