This course focuses on the effects of sexual abuse and other psychological traumas on individuals, families, and communities. Participants will understand the nature of post-traumatic stress and assist clients in beginning their recovery. Sexual abuse/assault, victimization of vulnerable populations including children exploited in residential schools, and other forms of abuse resulting in the traumatization of victims will be examined. Participants will examine the processes of working with both, victims and offenders, and specific skills including screening and assessment and referral procedures will be provided for working with survivors and their families.
Course Objectives
This course provides students entering the helping professions with a broad-based understanding of the theory and best practice issues related to the onset and treatment of trauma. Included in the course materials will be a consideration of the abuse of power and authority that occur, including the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children, adults, and the elderly. Students will develop and practice the appropriate listening and support skills to provide clients with a non-judgmental, compassionate and accepting environment in which to begin to heal and rebuild their lives and their relationships.
Before the end of this course, students will demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of healthy developmental processes and the impact of the disruption of this task due to sexual, emotional/physical abuse
- Knowledge of the theoretical framework necessary to understand the underlying issues and impact of sexual abuse/assault
- Knowledge of the observable indicators/symptoms of the various forms of abuse and trauma
- Knowledge of the mental health issues related to trauma defined by the DSM-IV
- Knowledge of containment issues for processing painful material for clients, and vicarious traumatization concerns for counsellors
- Knowledge of disclosure and reporting requirements including child protection, legal and court proceedings
- Knowledge of factors facilitating the development of offending behaviour
- Knowledge of counselling and support skills, referral processes and community resources
Additional Information
Found in These Programs: Life Skills Counsellor Certificate, Life Coach Diploma, Addiction Counsellor Diploma, Wellness Counsellor Diploma, Professional Counsellor Diploma
Course Type: Daytime (FT)
Course Length: 2 weeks
Course Hours: 60
Prerequisites: COUN 100
Other Requirements: Enrollment in Life Skills Counsellor Certificate or any Diploma program.
