NASW-TX: Understanding Trauma & Resilience: An Ethical Imperative in Clinical Practice

Course overview

Given the prevalence of traumatic events in our country, it is an ethical imperative for practitioners across settings to have a greater understanding of trauma and resiliency in the clients we serve. With trauma, ethical considerations encompass all aspects of the helping process including engagement, assessment, treatment approaches, and termination. Moreover, it is well documented in the literature that working with trauma can be both rewarding and overwhelming for providers and thus, promoting resiliency is vital. This session will provide a comprehensive framework in understanding trauma, traumatic stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), and most importantly how trauma effects clients as they approach providers for support. Best ethical practices for responding with a trauma-informed practice approach and promoting provider resiliency will be emphasized. At the end of the training session, participants will be able to: Identify and address the key ethical challenges in working with trauma; Develop a theoretical framework for understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), trauma, trauma types, effects, manifestations, neurobiological aspects, and often lasting impact on individuals, and families; Identify best practices for responding with a trauma-informed practice approach; and Explore supportive practices for promoting practitioner resiliency.