Principles of Trauma-informed Practice

In this course, Rachel Tomlinson (B.A., Psych; PGDip, Psych; registered psychologist) begins by explaining what trauma is, as defined by the DSM-5, followed by a recitation of sobering statistics about the prevalence of trauma and the many physical and mental health issues for which it becomes a significant risk factor. To work in a trauma-informed way, practitioners need to understand how a client’s thoughts and behaviours have been an attempt to cope. She offers numerous helpful examples to illustrate this, as well as offering tips and strategies for working with clients whose trauma has made them difficult to engage with in session.